Esther 9:23
Esther 9:23 in Multiple Translations
So the Jews agreed to continue the custom they had started, as Mordecai had written to them.
And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;
And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;
And the Jews gave their word to go on as they had been doing and as Mordecai had given them orders in writing;
The Jews agreed to continue what they had already started doing, following what Mordecai had written to them.
And the Iewes promised to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written vnto them,
And the Jews have received that which they had begun to do, and that which Mordecai hath written unto them,
The Jews accepted the custom that they had begun, as Mordecai had written to them,
And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written to them;
And the Jews undertook to observe with solemnity all they had begun to do at that time, which Mardochai by letters had commanded to be done.
So the Jews agreed to do what Mordecai wrote. They agreed to celebrate on those days every year.
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 9:23
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 9:23 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וְ/קִבֵּל֙
הַ/יְּהוּדִ֔ים
אֵ֥ת
אֲשֶׁר
הֵחֵ֖לּוּ
לַ/עֲשׂ֑וֹת
וְ/אֵ֛ת
אֲשֶׁר
כָּתַ֥ב
מָרְדֳּכַ֖י
אֲלֵי/הֶֽם
וְ/קִבֵּל֙
qâbal
H6901
to receive
Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3ms
הַ/יְּהוּדִ֔ים
Yᵉhûwdîy
H3064
of Judah
Art | Ngmpa
אֵ֥ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
DirObjM
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הֵחֵ֖לּוּ
châlal
H2490
to bore
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
לַ/עֲשׂ֑וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
וְ/אֵ֛ת
ʼêth
H853
Obj.
Conj | DirObjM
אֲשֶׁר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
כָּתַ֥ב
kâthab
H3789
to write
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
מָרְדֳּכַ֖י
Mordᵉkay
H4782
Mordecai
N-proper
אֲלֵי/הֶֽם
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 9:23
וְ/קִבֵּל֙
qâbal
H6901
"to receive"
Conj | V-Piel-Perf-3ms
This Hebrew verb means to receive or take something, often used to describe accepting a gift or responsibility. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament, including in the books of Genesis and Exodus. The word can also mean to choose or accept something.
Definition: 1) to take, receive, be before 1a) (Piel) 1a1) to take, choose, receive 1a2) to accept 1a3) to accept, assume 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to show oppositeness 1b2) to correspond, receive one to the other Aramaic equivalent: qe.val (קַבֵּל "to receive" H6902)
Usage: Occurs in 12 OT verses. KJV: choose, (take) hold, receive, (under-) take. See also: Exodus 26:5; Ezra 8:30; Proverbs 19:20.
הַ/יְּהוּדִ֔ים
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.
אֵ֥ת
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.
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.
הֵחֵ֖לּוּ
châlal
H2490
"to bore"
V-Hiphil-Perf-3cp
This Hebrew word means to profane or begin, like starting something new or breaking a rule. It appears in the Bible when someone disrespects God or a person, like in Ezekiel 22:26. It can also mean to play music or start a project.
Definition: 1) to wound (fatally), bore through, pierce, bore 1a) (Qal) to pierce 1b) (Pual) to be slain 1c) (Poel) to wound, pierce 1d) (Poal) to be wounded
Usage: Occurs in 132 OT verses. KJV: begin ([idiom] men began), defile, [idiom] break, defile, [idiom] eat (as common things), [idiom] first, [idiom] gather the grape thereof, [idiom] take inheritance, pipe, player on instruments, pollute, (cast as) profane (self), prostitute, slay (slain), sorrow, stain, wound. See also: Genesis 4:26; Ezra 3:8; Psalms 55:21.
לַ/עֲשׂ֑וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
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.
וְ/אֵ֛ת
ʼêth
H853
"Obj."
Conj | 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.
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.
כָּתַ֥ב
kâthab
H3789
"to write"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
To write or record something, including inscribing or engraving. It is used in various contexts, such as writing down a decree or subscribing to an agreement. This word is about putting thoughts or ideas into written form.
Definition: 1) to write, record, enrol 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to write, inscribe, engrave, write in, write on 1a2) to write down, describe in writing 1a3) to register, enrol, record 1a4) to decree 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be written 1b2) to be written down, be recorded, be enrolled 1c) (Piel) to continue writing Aramaic equivalent: ke.tav (כְּתַב "to write" H3790)
Usage: Occurs in 212 OT verses. KJV: describe, record, prescribe, subscribe, write(-ing, -ten). See also: Exodus 17:14; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Psalms 40:8.
מָרְדֳּכַ֖י
Mordᵉkay
H4782
"Mordecai"
N-proper
Mordecai was a brave Israelite who lived during the Exile and Return, and is known for saving the Jews from Haman's plot with Queen Esther's help. He's also the cousin and adoptive father of Esther.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.2.5; son of: Jair (H2971J) § Mordecai = "little man" or "worshipper of Mars" 1) cousin and adoptive father of queen Esther; son of Jair of the tribe of Benjamin; deliverer under Divine providence of the children of Israel from the destruction plotted by Haman the chief minister of Ahasuerus; institutor of the feast of Purim 2) a Jew who returned from exile with Zerubbabel
Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Mordecai. See also: Ezra 2:2; Esther 4:17; Esther 10:3.
אֲלֵי/הֶֽם
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep | Suff
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
Study Notes — Esther 9:23
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Esther 9:23 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 9:23
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 9:23
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 9:23
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 9:23
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 9:23
- Cambridge Bible on Esther 9:23
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 9:23
Context — The Feast of Purim Instituted
21to establish among them an annual celebration on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar
22as 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.
23So the Jews agreed to continue the custom they had started, as Mordecai had written to them.
24For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the Pur (that is, the lot) to crush and destroy them. 25But when it came before the king, he commanded by letter that the wicked scheme which Haman had devised against the Jews should come back upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.Esther 9:23 Summary
This verse, Esther 9:23, tells us that the Jews agreed to continue celebrating the custom that Mordecai had started, which was to remember and celebrate their deliverance from their enemies. This custom was important because it helped the Jews to remember God's providence and deliverance in their lives, just like the Israelites were commanded to remember their deliverance from slavery in Exodus 12:14. By continuing this custom, the Jews were able to pass down their story and traditions to future generations, and we can learn from their example by establishing our own customs and traditions to remember and celebrate God's deliverance in our lives, as seen in Deuteronomy 4:9. This helps us to stay grateful and mindful of God's love and care for us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did the Jews agree to continue the custom started by Mordecai?
The Jews agreed to continue the custom because Mordecai had written to them, and they wanted to remember and celebrate their deliverance from their enemies, as seen in Esther 9:22, where it is written that these days were to be days of feasting and joy.
What was the significance of Mordecai's writings to the Jews?
Mordecai's writings were significant because they instructed the Jews on how to celebrate their deliverance and reminded them of God's providence in their lives, similar to how the Israelites were instructed to remember their deliverance from slavery in Deuteronomy 16:3.
How does this verse relate to the overall story of Esther?
This verse is a culmination of the story of Esther, where the Jews are finally able to celebrate their deliverance from Haman's plot, and it sets the stage for the annual celebration of Purim, as mentioned in Esther 9:24-25.
What can we learn from the Jews' decision to continue this custom?
We can learn the importance of remembering and celebrating God's deliverance and providence in our lives, just as the Israelites were commanded to remember their deliverance from slavery in Exodus 12:14 and the Jews were commanded to remember their deliverance from Haman's plot in Esther 9:28.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can remember and celebrate God's deliverance in my own life?
- How can I, like Mordecai, use my influence to instruct and encourage others in their faith?
- What are some customs or traditions that I can establish in my own life to help me remember and celebrate God's providence?
- How can I, like the Jews in Esther 9:23, agree to continue the customs and traditions that have been established by those who have come before me?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 9:23
And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 9:23
And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them; No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 9:23
Having by this means opportunity to gather themselves together upon any occasion, the chief of them assembled together, and freely and unanimously consented to Mordecai’ s desire in this matter, and bound it upon themselves and posterity.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 9:23
Esther 9:23 And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written unto them;Ver. 28. And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun] Which yet they could not do unless God gave them a heart to do it. Holy David understood this, and therefore when he found that heat and height of good affections in his people, he prayed, "O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this for ever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee," 1 Chronicles 29:18. And when he had at another time undertook for himself, that if God would deliver him from blood guiltiness his tongue should sing aloud of God’ s righteousness, he subjoins (by way of correction, as if he were sensible that he had promised more than was in his power to perform), "O Lord, open thou my lips, and my mouth shall show forth thy praise," Psalms 51:14-15. The Hebrew, or rather Chaldee, word here rendered undertook is of the singular number, to show that every particular Jew undertook for himself and for his posterity to all perpetuity. And indeed they keep this feast annually to this day, and exceedingly please themselves in the reading of this history, counting and calling all such princes and states as cross them Hamans, and wishing that they may be able one day to be avenged of them, as their fathers were of these Persians.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 9:23
Verse 23. The Jews undertook to do as they had begun] They had already kept the fifteenth day, and some of them in the country the fourteenth also, as a day of rejoicing: Mordecai wrote to them to bind themselves and their successors, and all their proselytes, to celebrate this as an annual feast throughout all their generations; and this they undertook to do. And it has been observed among them, in all places of their dispersion, from that day to the present time, without any interruption.
Cambridge Bible on Esther 9:23
23. undertook] assumed the obligation. to do as they had begun] to continue to keep the celebration on the fourteenth day of Adar. and as Mordecai had written unto them] i.e. to keep the celebration on the following day as well.
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 9:23
23. Undertook to do as they had begun — They heartily accepted and adopted Mordecai’s proposal, and resolved to perpetuate what they had in fact already begun, namely, resting, feasting, and