Esther 8:6
Esther 8:6 in Multiple Translations
For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?”
For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?
for how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?
For how is it possible for me to see the evil which is to overtake my nation? how may I see the destruction of my people?
For how can I bear to see the disaster about to fall on my people? How can I bear to see the destruction of my family?”
For how can I suffer and see the euil, that shall come vnto my people? Or howe can I suffer and see the destruction of my kinred?
for how do I endure when I have looked on the evil that doth find my people? and how do I endure when I have looked on the destruction of my kindred?'
For how can I endure to see the evil that would come to my people? How can I endure to see the destruction of my relatives?”
For how can I endure to see the evil that will come to my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?
For how call I endure the murdering and slaughter of my people?
I cannot bear seeing all my family and all the rest of my people killed.”
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 8:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Esther 8:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
כִּ֠י
אֵיכָכָ֤ה
אוּכַל֙
וְֽ/רָאִ֔יתִי
בָּ/רָעָ֖ה
אֲשֶׁר
יִמְצָ֣א
אֶת
עַמִּ֑/י
וְ/אֵֽיכָכָ֤ה
אוּכַל֙
וְֽ/רָאִ֔יתִי
בְּ/אָבְדַ֖ן
מוֹלַדְתִּֽ/י
כִּ֠י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵיכָכָ֤ה
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Part
אוּכַל֙
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְֽ/רָאִ֔יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
בָּ/רָעָ֖ה
raʻ
H7451
bad
Prep | N-fs
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
יִמְצָ֣א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
to find
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
עַמִּ֑/י
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
N-ms | Suff
וְ/אֵֽיכָכָ֤ה
ʼêyk
H349
how?
Conj | Part
אוּכַל֙
yâkôl
H3201
be able
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
וְֽ/רָאִ֔יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
Provider
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
בְּ/אָבְדַ֖ן
ʼobdan
H13
destruction
Prep | N-ms
מוֹלַדְתִּֽ/י
môwledeth
H4138
relatives
N-fs | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 8:6
כִּ֠י
kîy
H3588
"for"
Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
אֵיכָכָ֤ה
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
אוּכַל֙
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
וְֽ/רָאִ֔יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
בָּ/רָעָ֖ה
raʻ
H7451
"bad"
Prep | N-fs
Ra means bad or evil, referring to moral or natural harm. It describes adversity, affliction, or distress, and is often used to convey a sense of misery or injury.
Definition: : harmful adj 1) bad, evil 1a) bad, disagreeable, malignant 1b) bad, unpleasant, evil (giving pain, unhappiness, misery) 1c) evil, displeasing 1d) bad (of its kind-land, water, etc) 1e) bad (of value) 1f) worse than, worst (comparison) 1g) sad, unhappy 1h) evil (hurtful) 1i) bad, unkind (vicious in disposition) 1j) bad, evil, wicked (ethically) 1j1) in general, of persons, of thoughts 1j2) deeds, actions
Usage: Occurs in 623 OT verses. KJV: adversity, affliction, bad, calamity, [phrase] displease(-ure), distress, evil((-favouredness), man, thing), [phrase] exceedingly, [idiom] great, grief(-vous), harm, heavy, hurt(-ful), ill (favoured), [phrase] mark, mischief(-vous), misery, naught(-ty), noisome, [phrase] not please, sad(-ly), sore, sorrow, trouble, vex, wicked(-ly, -ness, one), worse(-st), wretchedness, wrong. (Incl. feminine raaah; as adjective or noun.). See also: Genesis 2:9; Judges 9:57; 2 Kings 21:6.
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
יִמְצָ֣א
mâtsâʼ
H4672
"to find"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
Matsa means to find or attain something, whether it is a physical object, a person, or a condition, as seen in various KJV translations.
Definition: 1) to find, attain to 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to find 1a1a) to find, secure, acquire, get (thing sought) 1a1b) to find (what is lost) 1a1c) to meet, encounter 1a1d) to find (a condition) 1a1e) to learn, devise 1a2) to find out 1a2a) to find out 1a2b) to detect 1a2c) to guess 1a3) to come upon, light upon 1a3a) to happen upon, meet, fall in with 1a3b) to hit 1a3c) to befall 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be found 1b1a) to be encountered, be lighted upon, be discovered 1b1b) to appear, be recognised 1b1c) to be discovered, be detected 1b1d) to be gained, be secured 1b2) to be, be found 1b2a) to be found in 1b2b) to be in the possession of 1b2c) to be found in (a place), happen to be 1b2d) to be left (after war) 1b2e) to be present 1b2f) to prove to be 1b2g) to be found sufficient, be enough 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to cause to find, attain 1c2) to cause to light upon, come upon, come 1c3) to cause to encounter 1c4) to present (offering)
Usage: Occurs in 425 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] be able, befall, being, catch, [idiom] certainly, (cause to) come (on, to, to hand), deliver, be enough (cause to) find(-ing, occasion, out), get (hold upon), [idiom] have (here), be here, hit, be left, light (up-) on, meet (with), [idiom] occasion serve, (be) present, ready, speed, suffice, take hold on. See also: Genesis 2:20; Deuteronomy 22:3; 2 Kings 9:35.
אֶת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
DirObjM
In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.
Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)
Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.
עַמִּ֑/י
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
N-ms | Suff
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
וְ/אֵֽיכָכָ֤ה
ʼêyk
H349
"how?"
Conj | Part
In the Bible, this word means 'how' or 'where', like in Genesis when God asks Adam 'where are you'. It's also used to express surprise or excitement.
Definition: interrog adv how?
Usage: Occurs in 74 OT verses. KJV: how, what. See also: Genesis 26:9; Ecclesiastes 2:16; Psalms 11:1.
אוּכַל֙
yâkôl
H3201
"be able"
V-Qal-Imperf-1cs
This Hebrew word means to be able or have power, used in various contexts, such as overcoming or enduring, and is translated as 'be able' or 'have power' in the KJV.
Definition: 1) to prevail, overcome, endure, have power, be able 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be able, be able to gain or accomplish, be able to endure, be able to reach 1a2) to prevail, prevail over or against, overcome, be victor 1a3) to have ability, have strength Aramaic equivalent: ye.khel (יְכִל "be able" H3202)
Usage: Occurs in 182 OT verses. KJV: be able, any at all (ways), attain, can (away with, (-not)), could, endure, might, overcome, have power, prevail, still, suffer. See also: Genesis 13:6; 1 Kings 14:4; Psalms 13:5.
וְֽ/רָאִ֔יתִי
râʼâh
H7200
"Provider"
Conj | V-Qal-1cs
The Hebrew word for provider means to see or look after, and is used to describe God's care for his people. It appears in various forms throughout the Bible, including in Genesis and other books.
Definition: (Lord will) Provide, cause to be seen. This name means to see, look at, inspect, look after
Usage: Occurs in 1206 OT verses. KJV: advise self, appear, approve, behold, [idiom] certainly, consider, discern, (make to) enjoy, have experience, gaze, take heed, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] joyfully, lo, look (on, one another, one on another, one upon another, out, up, upon), mark, meet, [idiom] be near, perceive, present, provide, regard, (have) respect, (fore-, cause to, let) see(-r, -m, one another), shew (self), [idiom] sight of others, (e-) spy, stare, [idiom] surely, [idiom] think, view, visions. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 41:41; Exodus 33:13.
בְּ/אָבְדַ֖ן
ʼobdan
H13
"destruction"
Prep | N-ms
This word means destruction or perishing, referring to something that is completely ruined or wiped out. It is used in the Bible to describe the consequences of sin.
Definition: destruction
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: destruction. See also: Esther 8:6.
מוֹלַדְתִּֽ/י
môwledeth
H4138
"relatives"
N-fs | Suff
Relatives or birthplace is the meaning of this word. It refers to family, native country, or circumstances of birth, and is used to describe heritage. It appears in various forms in the Bible.
Definition: 1) kindred, birth, offspring, relatives 1a) kindred 1b) birth, circumstances of birth 1c) one born, begotten, issue, offspring, female offspring
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begotten, born, issue, kindred, native(-ity). See also: Genesis 11:28; Leviticus 18:11; Jeremiah 22:10.
Study Notes — Esther 8:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — Esther Appeals for the Jews
4The king extended the gold scepter toward Esther, and she arose and stood before the king.
5“If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces.
6For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?”
7So King Xerxes said to Esther the Queen and Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Haman’s estate to Esther, and he was hanged on the gallows because he attacked the Jews. 8Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.”Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esther 7:4 | For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.” |
| 2 | Romans 10:1 | Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation. |
| 3 | Romans 9:2–3 | I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood, |
| 4 | Nehemiah 2:3 | and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” |
| 5 | Jeremiah 9:1 | Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people. |
| 6 | Luke 19:41–42 | As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it and said, “If only you had known on this day what would bring you peace! But now it is hidden from your eyes. |
| 7 | Jeremiah 4:19 | My anguish, my anguish! I writhe in pain! Oh, the pain in my chest! My heart pounds within me; I cannot be silent. For I have heard the sound of the horn, the alarm of battle. |
| 8 | Genesis 44:34 | For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the misery that would overwhelm him.” |
| 9 | Esther 9:1 | On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the king’s command and edict were to be executed. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but their plan was overturned and the Jews overpowered those who hated them. |
Esther 8:6 Summary
[Esther 8:6 shows us that Esther is deeply concerned about the welfare of her people and is willing to risk her own position to plead for their lives. This is similar to the way Jesus loves and cares for us, as seen in John 3:16. Esther's love and concern for her people are an example to us of how we should love and care for one another, as commanded in Leviticus 19:18 and Matthew 22:39.]
Frequently Asked Questions
What motivates Esther to make this plea to the king?
Esther is motivated by her love and concern for her people, as seen in Esther 8:6, where she expresses her inability to bear the thought of their destruction, similar to the concern shown by Moses in Exodus 32:32 for his people.
How does this verse relate to the concept of intercession in the Bible?
This verse illustrates the concept of intercession, where Esther stands in the gap for her people, pleading for their deliverance, much like Abraham interceded for Sodom in Genesis 18:23-33 and Moses interceded for the Israelites in Numbers 14:13-20.
What does this verse reveal about Esther's character?
This verse reveals Esther's compassionate, empathetic, and courageous character, as she risks her own position to plead for the lives of her people, demonstrating a selfless love similar to that shown by Jesus in John 15:13.
How does Esther's concern for her people reflect God's heart for His people?
Esther's concern for her people reflects God's heart of love and compassion for His people, as seen in Deuteronomy 7:6-8, where God chooses Israel as His special people, and in Jeremiah 31:3, where God expresses His eternal love for them.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can demonstrate my love and concern for my family, friends, and community, just like Esther did for her people?
- How can I, like Esther, stand in the gap for those who are persecuted or marginalized, and intercede for them in prayer?
- What are some areas in my life where I need to show courage and take a stand, just like Esther did before the king?
- How does Esther's selfless love for her people inspire me to love and serve others, and what are some practical ways I can put this into practice?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 8:6
For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people?.... I cannot bear it; it will break my heart; I shall die to see all my people massacred throughout the realm; the thought of it
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 8:6
For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred? No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 8:6
My heart will sink under it, and I shall never be able to survive it.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 8:6
Esther 8:6 For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?Ver. 6. For how can I endure to see the evil, &c.] She had her life already given her at her petition; but unless she might have her people at her request, who were sold as well as herself, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish, Esther 7:3-4, her life would be unto her a joyless, that is, a lifeless life, Mortis enim habet vices quae trahitur vita gemitibus. It is rather a death than a life that is spent in heaviness and horror. And this would be Esther’ s case if her people should be massacred, as was designed and decreed; such was her holy sympathy and endeared affection to her countrymen and fellow citizens of heaven, that she could not live to behold such a sad and bloody spectacle: Absit ut excisa possim super vivere Troia, said Anchises to his son Æneas, that would have saved his life in that common destruction of his country: Far be it from me to outlive Troy. Curtius telleth us, that Alexander the Great, when he was extremely thirsty, and had water offered to him, he would not receive it, but put it by with this brave speech, Nec solus bibere sustineo, nec tam exiguum dividere omnibus possum, There is not enough for all my soldiers to share with me, and to drink it alone I cannot find in my heart, I will never do it. Compare herewith this speech of Esther, and you will find it far the better, as being full of those precious graces (whereunto Alexander was a perfect stranger), humility, prudence, faith, zeal toward God, and ardent love toward his people. Oh how great is the number of those today (saith Lavater here), qui ne micam Spiritus Estherae habent, who have not the least parcel of Esther’ s spirit, but are all for themselves, and for their own interests! Or how can I endure to see] Heb. Quomodo potero et videbo? How can I? and shall I see? how should I do otherwise than sink at the sight (as she did in the Roman History, when her son was butchered; and as the Virgin Mary felt a sword at her heart when she beheld Christ crucified, Luke 2:35).
Melancthon said, that good Oecolampadius died of grief for the Church’ s calamities. Nehemiah was heart sick for the breaches of Joseph, Nehemiah 2:3 Amos 6:6. Moses wished himself expunged, and Paul accursed, rather than it should go ill with God’ s people.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 8:6
Verse 6. To see the destruction of my kindred?] She had now informed the king that she was cousin to Mordecai, and consequently a Jewess; and though her own life and that of Mordecai were no longer in danger, Haman being dead, yet the decree that had gone forth was in full force against the Jews; and if not repealed, their destruction would be inevitable.
Sermons on Esther 8:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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A Grain of Wheat by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's life to Jesus Christ. He tells a story about an artist who becomes so engrossed in his work that he is |
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Enjoying God's Grace - Part 1 by Derek Prince | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of grace and its opposite, which is law. He emphasizes that when talking about law, it is not referring to secular law, but rathe |
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Art's Testimony - Part 5 by Art Katz | This sermon shares a powerful testimony of a transformational encounter with God, leading to salvation and a life dedicated to serving Him. It highlights the impact of fervent pray |
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The Poor Blind Beggarly Believer by Major Ian Thomas | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the parable of the unfaithful servant who deceived his king and gained entry into a wedding feast without a wedding garment. The preacher emp |
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The Mental Agonies of Hell (Reading) by Robert Murray M'Cheyne | The video is a sermon by Robert Murray McChain on the topic of soul winning. McChain emphasizes the importance of instructing individuals in the truth of God as a key process in le |
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Repairing the Breach by Alan Redpath | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes that the convention is not a time for religious entertainment, but rather a time for serious reflection on one's spiritual journey. The messa |
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Barriers Broken Down by C.H. Spurgeon | The sermon transcript discusses the blessedness of Jesus Christ, who is described as God's only begotten Son, the Word made flesh. It emphasizes Jesus' sacrifice and salvation for |