Esther 9:19

Esther 9:19 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

This is why the rural Jews, who live in the villages, observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting. It is a holiday for sending gifts to one another.

King James Version KJV

Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

American Standard Version ASV

Therefore do the Jews of the villages, that dwell in the unwalled towns, make the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

Bible in Basic English BBE

So the Jews of the country places living in unwalled towns make the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of feasting and joy and a good day, a day for sending offerings one to another.

Free Bible Version FBV

To this day rural Jews, living in the villages, observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of celebration and feasting, a holiday when they send gifts to one another.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Therefore the Iewes of the villages that dwelt in the vnwalled townes, kept the foureteenth day of the moneth Adar with ioy and feasting, euen a ioyfull day, and euery one sent presents vnto his neighbour.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Therefore the Jews of the villages, who are dwelling in cities of the villages, are making the fourteenth day of the month of Adar — joy and banquet, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

World English Bible WEB

Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the unwalled towns, make the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, a holiday, and a day of sending presents of food to one another.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

But those Jews that dwelt in towns not walled and in villages, appointed the fourteenth day of the month Adar for banquets and gladness, so as to rejoice on that day, and send one another portions of their banquets and meats.

Translation for Translators T4T

That is why every year, on March 8th, the Jews who live in villages now celebrate defeating their enemies. They have feasts and give gifts of food to each other.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 9:19

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 9:19 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB עַל כֵּ֞ן הַ/יְּהוּדִ֣ים ה/פרוזים הַ/פְּרָזִ֗ים הַ/יֹּשְׁבִים֮ בְּ/עָרֵ֣י הַ/פְּרָזוֹת֒ עֹשִׂ֗ים אֵ֠ת י֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ לְ/חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֔ר שִׂמְחָ֥ה וּ/מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה וְ/י֣וֹם ט֑וֹב וּ/מִשְׁל֥וֹחַ מָנ֖וֹת אִ֥ישׁ לְ/רֵעֵֽ/הוּ

עַל ʻal H5921 upon Prep

כֵּ֞ן kên H3651 right Part

הַ/יְּהוּדִ֣ים Yᵉhûwdîy H3064 of Judah Art | Ngmpa

ה/פרוזים pᵉrâzîy H6521 villager Art | N-mp

הַ/פְּרָזִ֗ים pᵉrâzîy H6521 villager Art | N-mp

הַ/יֹּשְׁבִים֮ yâshab H3427 to dwell Art | V-Qal

בְּ/עָרֵ֣י ʻîyr H5892 excitement Prep | N-fp

הַ/פְּרָזוֹת֒ pᵉrâzâh H6519 village Art | N-fp

עֹשִׂ֗ים ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal

אֵ֠ת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day N-ms

אַרְבָּעָ֤ה ʼarbaʻ H702 four Adj

עָשָׂר֙ ʻâsâr H6240 ten Adj

לְ/חֹ֣דֶשׁ chôdesh H2320 month Prep | N-ms

אֲדָ֔ר ʼĂdâr H143 Adar N-proper

שִׂמְחָ֥ה simchâh H8057 joy N-fs

וּ/מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה mishteh H4960 feast Conj | N-ms

וְ/י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 day Conj | N-ms

ט֑וֹב ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj

וּ/מִשְׁל֥וֹחַ mishlôwach H4916 sending Conj | N-ms

מָנ֖וֹת mânâh H4490 portion N-fp

אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man N-ms

לְ/רֵעֵֽ/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 neighbor Prep | N-ms | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 9:19

עַל ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

כֵּ֞ן kên H3651 "right" Part

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable

Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.

הַ/יְּהוּדִ֣ים Yᵉhûwdîy H3064 "of Judah" Art | Ngmpa

This term refers to people from the tribe of Judah, including Judah himself, who was the son of Israel and Leah. It is used to describe the descendants of Judah, who are also known as Jews.

Definition: People descended from Judah, living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.35; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); married to Bath-shua (H1323I) and Tamar (H8559); father of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209), Shelah (H7956), Perez (H6557) and Zerah (H2226I) Group of ye.hu.dah (יְהוּדָה "Judah" H3063) § Jew

Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: Jew. See also: 2 Kings 16:6; Esther 8:17; Jeremiah 32:12.

ה/פרוזים pᵉrâzîy H6521 "villager" Art | N-mp

This word means a person who lives in a village or rural area, often in a small settlement without walls. In the book of Judges, it describes the people living in the countryside. The term is often translated as 'villager' in the KJV.

Definition: 1) villager, rural dweller, hamlet-dweller 2) (TWOT) open region

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: village. See also: Deuteronomy 3:5; 1 Samuel 6:18; Esther 9:19.

הַ/פְּרָזִ֗ים pᵉrâzîy H6521 "villager" Art | N-mp

Definition: 1) villager, rural dweller, hamlet-dweller 2) (TWOT) open region

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: village. See also: Deuteronomy 3:5; 1 Samuel 6:18; Esther 9:19.

הַ/יֹּשְׁבִים֮ yâshab H3427 "to dwell" Art | V-Qal

This verb means to sit or dwell, and can also mean to remain or abide. It's used in the Bible to describe people living in a place or staying with someone, like in the book of Genesis.

Definition: 1) to dwell, remain, sit, abide 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to sit, sit down 1a2) to be set 1a3) to remain, stay 1a4) to dwell, have one's abode 1b) (Niphal) to be inhabited 1c) (Piel) to set, place 1d) (Hiphil) 1d1) to cause to sit 1d2) to cause to abide, set 1d3) to cause to dwell 1d4) to cause (cities) to be inhabited 1d5) to marry (give an dwelling to) 1e) (Hophal) 1e1) to be inhabited 1e2) to make to dwell Aramaic equivalent: ye.tiv (יְתִב "to dwell" H3488)

Usage: Occurs in 977 OT verses. KJV: (make to) abide(-ing), continue, (cause to, make to) dwell(-ing), ease self, endure, establish, [idiom] fail, habitation, haunt, (make to) inhabit(-ant), make to keep (house), lurking, [idiom] marry(-ing), (bring again to) place, remain, return, seat, set(-tle), (down-) sit(-down, still, -ting down, -ting (place) -uate), take, tarry. See also: Genesis 4:16; Leviticus 25:18; Joshua 13:6.

בְּ/עָרֵ֣י ʻîyr H5892 "excitement" Prep | N-fp

In the Bible, this word refers to a city or town, often a place with a wall or a watchman. It is used to describe a settlement or encampment, like the city of Ai, which is mentioned in the book of Joshua. The word is used to identify specific locations in the Bible.

Definition: 1) excitement, anguish 1a) of terror

Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: Ai (from margin), city, court (from margin), town. See also: Genesis 4:17; Deuteronomy 3:6; Joshua 14:12.

הַ/פְּרָזוֹת֒ pᵉrâzâh H6519 "village" Art | N-fp

This Hebrew word means a small village or open area without walls for protection. In the book of Ezekiel, it describes a type of settlement that is vulnerable to attack. The term is often translated as 'unwalled village' in the KJV.

Definition: open region, hamlet, unwalled village, open country

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: (unwalled) town (without walls), unwalled village. See also: Esther 9:19; Ezekiel 38:11; Zechariah 2:8.

עֹשִׂ֗ים ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

אֵ֠ת 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.

י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" N-ms

The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow

Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.

אַרְבָּעָ֤ה ʼarbaʻ H702 "four" Adj

The number four is a simple counting number in Hebrew, used to describe quantities of things, such as people, objects, or groups.

Definition: four

Usage: Occurs in 277 OT verses. KJV: four. See also: Genesis 2:10; Judges 20:47; Esther 9:21.

עָשָׂר֙ ʻâsâr H6240 "ten" Adj

In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.

Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19

Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.

לְ/חֹ֣דֶשׁ chôdesh H2320 "month" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.

Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month

Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.

אֲדָ֔ר ʼĂdâr H143 "Adar" N-proper

Adar is the 12th month of the Hebrew calendar, which falls in March or April. It means 'glorious' and is mentioned in the Bible as a time for certain events. The KJV translates it as 'Adar'.

Definition: Adar = "glorious" twelfth month, corresponding to modern March-April Also named: a.dar (אֲדָר "Adar" H0144)

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Adar. See also: Esther 3:7; Esther 9:15; Esther 9:21.

שִׂמְחָ֥ה simchâh H8057 "joy" N-fs

This Hebrew word means joy or gladness, often used to describe a happy occasion or celebration, like a festival. It's used in the Bible to express God's joy and pleasure. In the KJV, it's translated as joy, gladness, or mirth.

Definition: 1) joy, mirth, gladness 1a) mirth, gladness, joy, gaiety, pleasure 1b) joy (of God) 1c) glad result, happy issue

Usage: Occurs in 89 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] exceeding(-ly), gladness, joy(-fulness), mirth, pleasure, rejoice(-ing). See also: Genesis 31:27; Psalms 106:5; Psalms 4:8.

וּ/מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה mishteh H4960 "feast" Conj | N-ms

A mishteh is a feast or banquet, often involving drinking and celebration, like the ones described in Esther and other biblical stories.

Definition: 1) feast, drink, banquet 1a) feast, banquet 1b) drink Aramaic equivalent: mish.teh (מִשְׁתֶּה "feast" H4961)

Usage: Occurs in 43 OT verses. KJV: banquet, drank, drink, feast((-ed), -ing). See also: Genesis 19:3; Esther 5:14; Proverbs 15:15.

וְ/י֣וֹם yôwm H3117 "day" Conj | N-ms

ט֑וֹב ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.

Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)

Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.

וּ/מִשְׁל֥וֹחַ mishlôwach H4916 "sending" Conj | N-ms

This Hebrew word means sending or presenting something, like an offering to God or a message to someone. It is used in various contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. The word can also mean a place of dismissal or a task to be done.

Definition: outstretching Also means: mish.lo.ach (מִשְׁלוֹחַ "sending" H4916B)

Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: to lay, to put, sending (forth), to set. See also: Deuteronomy 12:7; Deuteronomy 28:20; Isaiah 7:25.

מָנ֖וֹת mânâh H4490 "portion" N-fp

This Hebrew word means a portion or division of something, like food or land. It refers to a part or share of something, as seen in various Bible translations. The concept of portion is important in biblical times.

Definition: part, portion

Usage: Occurs in 14 OT verses. KJV: such things as belonged, part, portion. See also: Exodus 29:26; Nehemiah 8:10; Psalms 16:5.

אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" N-ms

The Hebrew word for man, referring to a male person or individual, is used in the Bible to describe humans in contrast to God or animals, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. It can also mean husband or servant. In the KJV, it is translated as man or male.

Definition: : man 1) man 1a) man, male (in contrast to woman, female) 1b) husband 1c) human being, person (in contrast to God) 1d) servant 1e) mankind 1f) champion 1g) great man 2) whosoever 3) each (adjective)

Usage: Occurs in 1851 OT verses. KJV: also, another, any (man), a certain, [phrase] champion, consent, each, every (one), fellow, (foot-, husband-) man, (good-, great, mighty) man, he, high (degree), him (that is), husband, man(-kind), [phrase] none, one, people, person, [phrase] steward, what (man) soever, whoso(-ever), worthy. Compare H802 (אִשָּׁה). See also: Genesis 2:23; Genesis 42:25; Exodus 32:23.

לְ/רֵעֵֽ/הוּ rêaʻ H7453 "neighbor" Prep | N-ms | Suff

A neighbor or friend is what this word means, describing someone close to you. It can also refer to a companion, fellow citizen, or another person, and is often translated as brother or friend.

Definition: 1) friend, companion, fellow, another person 1a) friend, intimate 1b) fellow, fellow-citizen, another person (weaker sense) 1c) other, another (reciprocal phrase)

Usage: Occurs in 173 OT verses. KJV: brother, companion, fellow, friend, husband, lover, neighbour, [idiom] (an-) other. See also: Genesis 11:3; Job 42:7; Psalms 12:3.

Study Notes — Esther 9:19

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Context — The Feast of Purim Instituted

17This was done on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth day they rested, making it a day of feasting and joy. 18The Jews in Susa, however, had assembled on the thirteenth and the fourteenth days of the month. So they rested on the fifteenth day, making it a day of feasting and joy.

19This is why the rural Jews, who live in the villages, observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting. It is a holiday for sending gifts to one another.

20Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Xerxes, both near and far, 21to establish among them an annual celebration on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Esther 8:17	In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.
2	Revelation 11:10	And those who dwell on the earth will gloat over them, and will celebrate and send one another gifts, because these two prophets had tormented them.
3	Nehemiah 8:10–12	Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” And the Levites calmed all the people, saying, “Be still, since today is holy. Do not grieve.” Then all the people began to eat and drink, to send out portions, and to rejoice greatly, because they understood the words that had been made known to them.
4	Esther 9:22	as the days on which the Jews gained rest from their enemies and the month in which their sorrow turned to joy and their mourning into a holiday. He wrote that these were to be days of feasting and joy, of sending gifts to one another and to the poor.
5	Deuteronomy 16:14	And you shall rejoice in your feast—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you.
6	Deuteronomy 16:11	and you shall rejoice before the LORD your God in the place He will choose as a dwelling for His Name—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite within your gates, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you.
7	Psalms 118:11–16	They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off. I was pushed so hard I was falling, but the LORD helped me. The LORD is my strength and my song, and He has become my salvation. Shouts of joy and salvation resound in the tents of the righteous: “The right hand of the LORD performs with valor! The right hand of the LORD is exalted! The right hand of the LORD performs with valor!”
8	Zechariah 2:4	and said to him, “Run and tell that young man: ‘Jerusalem will be a city without walls because of the multitude of men and livestock within it.
9	Luke 11:41	But give as alms the things that are within you, and you will see that everything is clean for you.
10	Deuteronomy 3:5	All these cities were fortified with high walls and gates and bars, and there were many more unwalled villages.

Esther 9:19 Summary

The rural Jews in the book of Esther celebrated the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting because it marked the day when they were saved from their enemies. This holiday was a time for them to come together and give thanks to God for His deliverance, similar to the celebrations seen in Deuteronomy 16:11 and Psalms 100:4-5. They also showed their love and appreciation for one another by sending gifts, as seen in Esther 9:19, and this is something that we can apply to our own lives by coming together with our communities to give thanks and praise to God for His blessings, as seen in Psalms 107:1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18. By celebrating and giving thanks, we can remember God's faithfulness and provision in our lives, just like the Jews did in the book of Esther.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do the rural Jews observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting?

The rural Jews observe the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day of joy and feasting because it marks the day when they were saved from their enemies, as seen in Esther 9:17, and it is a time for them to come together and celebrate God's deliverance, similar to the celebrations seen in Deuteronomy 16:11 and Psalms 100:4-5.

What is the significance of sending gifts to one another on this holiday?

Sending gifts to one another on this holiday is a way for the Jews to show their love and appreciation for one another, and to demonstrate their gratitude for God's deliverance, as seen in Esther 9:19, and it is also a way to follow God's command to love one another, as seen in Leviticus 19:18 and John 13:34-35.

How does this verse relate to the rest of the book of Esther?

This verse is a culmination of the events that took place in the book of Esther, where the Jews were saved from destruction, and it marks the beginning of a new tradition for the Jews to celebrate their deliverance, as seen in Esther 9:20-21, and it also highlights God's sovereignty and providence, as seen in Esther 4:14 and Romans 8:28.

What can we learn from the rural Jews' celebration in this verse?

We can learn the importance of gratitude, community, and celebration from the rural Jews' observance of the fourteenth day of the month of Adar, and we can apply this to our own lives by coming together with our communities to give thanks and praise to God for His deliverance and blessings, as seen in Psalms 107:1 and 1 Thessalonians 5:18.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can show gratitude and appreciation to God and to others for the blessings in my life, as seen in Esther 9:19 and Psalms 100:4-5?
How can I use my own experiences of deliverance and salvation to encourage and uplift others, as seen in Esther 9:20-21 and 2 Corinthians 1:3-4?
What are some traditions or practices that I can establish in my own life to commemorate God's work in my life, as seen in Esther 9:21 and Deuteronomy 16:1-8?
How can I balance the desire to celebrate and have joy with the need to remain humble and dependent on God, as seen in Esther 9:19 and 1 Corinthians 10:12-13?
What are some ways that I can use the story of Esther to share the gospel and point others to God's sovereignty and providence, as seen in Esther 4:14 and Romans 8:28?

Gill's Exposition on Esther 9:19

Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting,.... Jarchi observes that those in the villages, who are

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 9:19

Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 9:19

Therefore, to wit, because they did their whole work upon the thirteenth day, as was noted , to which this manifestly relates, the 18th verse coming in as it were by way of parenthesis. In the unwalled towns, Heb. in the cities of the villages, i.e. in the lesser cities and villages, which are here opposed to the great city Shushan, and those who dwelt in it.

Trapp's Commentary on Esther 9:19

Esther 9:19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar [a day of] gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.Ver. 19. Therefore the Jews of the villages, &c.] Pagani. This is expounded in the next words. That dwelt in the unwalled towns] Such as is the Hague in Holland, that hath two thousand households in it; and chooseth rather to be counted the principal village of Europe than a lesser city. Made the fourteenth day, &c.] See Esther 9:17, while the Jews in Shushan were destroying the remainder of their enemies. This day was afterwards called Mordecai’ s holiday, H Mαρδοχαικηημερα, 2Ma 15:36. And of sending portions one to another] See Nehemiah 8:10. To the rich they sent in courtesy, to the poor in charity, and both these to testify their thankfulness to God for their lives, liberties, and estates, so lately and graciously restored unto them.

Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 9:19

(19) The Jews of the villages . . . the unwalled towns.—Virtually the same Hebrew word is used in both these cases (perazim, perazoth). The meaning is that of country towns, undefended by bulwarks, or, at any rate, not in the sense in which the capital would be. We find the word used in contrast with “fenced cities” in Deuteronomy 3:5.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 9:19

Verse 19. The Jews of the villages] They joined that to the preceding day, and made it a day of festivity, and of sending portions to each other; that is, the rich sent portions of the sacrifices slain on this occasion to the poor, that they also might be enabled to make the day a day of festivity; that as the sorrow was general, so also might the joy be. It is worthy of remark that the ancient Itala or Ante-hieronymian version of this book omits the whole of these nineteen verses. Query, Were they originally in this book?

Cambridge Bible on Esther 9:19

19. the Jews of the villages, that dwell in the unwalled towns, make etc.] not ‘dwelt’ and ‘made’ as in the A.V. The writer is describing the custom of his own day as arising out of the circumstances here recounted. He implies that in his time the Jews who did not come under the above description followed the date at which those in Shushan celebrated their deliverance. The LXX., however, inserts a clause to this effect, viz. ‘But those who dwell in the chief cities keep the fifteenth day of Adar as a day of glad feasting, and of sending portions likewise to their neighbours.’ and of sending portions one to another] i.e. that the poor might share in the happiness of the occasion. The same procedure was enjoined by Nehemiah (Nehemiah 8:10; Nehemiah 8:12) at the proclamation of the Law in his time. It was in accordance with the ordinance (Deuteronomy 16:11; Deuteronomy 16:14) that the enjoyment of the Feast of Weeks should be extended to ‘the stranger, the fatherless, and the widow.’ The custom of sending gifts (usually sweetmeats) is still preserved at Purim.

Barnes' Notes on Esther 9:19

The Jews of the villages ... - Rather, “the Jews of the country districts, that dwelt in the country towns,” as distinguished from those who dwelt in the metropolis.

Whedon's Commentary on Esther 9:19

19. Therefore… the fourteenth day — Because the Jews outside of Shushan did all their fighting on the thirteenth, and rested on the fourteenth, as stated in Esther 9:17, therefore they made the

Sermons on Esther 9:19

	Sermon	Description
	Don't Slander Your Heavenly Father by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher reflects on his lifelong commitment to serving God since the age of 8. He emphasizes that God's promises have never failed him and encourages the congr
	Guarding the Sheep by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker identifies himself as a watchman called by God to warn the Church of Jesus Christ. He expresses his concern about the prosperity gospel and the false te
	(God Can Solve Every Problem - 3) Lame Man Healed by Zac Poonen	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and studying God's word. He explains that the word of God is like food for our spirit and that it is necessary for
	Whatever Happened to Joy by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the various forms of sadness and tragedy that people experience in life, such as illness, death, and uncertainty. However, the speaker emphasi
	Live Expressed by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker discusses the importance of understanding and demonstrating true love, as exemplified by Jesus in his interaction with the rich young ruler in Mark chap
	The Danger of Doubting by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the doubts and fears that can arise in times of trouble. He encourages the audience to trust in God's purposes and not to doubt His faithfulne
	Hope and Help for Single Mothers by Ann Brubaker	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of finding purpose and hope in life. They encourage listeners to break the cycle of broken homes and pain, and to set a vision