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Esther 9:4

Esther 9:4 in Multiple Translations

For Mordecai exercised great power in the palace, and his fame spread throughout the provinces as he became more and more powerful.

For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.

For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went forth throughout all the provinces; for the man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.

For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and word of him went out through every part of the kingdom: for the man Mordecai became greater and greater.

Mordecai had a great deal of power in the royal palace, and his reputation spread throughout the provinces as his power increased.

For Mordecai was great in the kings house, and the report of him went through all the prouinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater.

for great [is] Mordecai in the house of the king, and his fame is going into all the provinces, for the man Mordecai is going on and becoming great.

For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces, for the man Mordecai grew greater and greater.

For Mordecai was great in the king's house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai became greater and greater.

For they knew him to be prince of the palace, and to have great power: and the fame of his name increased daily, and was spread abroad through all men’s mouths.

They were afraid of him because in all the provinces they knew that Mordecai was now the king’s most important official, with the authority that Haman previously had. Mordecai was becoming more famous because the king was giving him more and more power.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 9:4

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 9:4 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB כִּֽי גָ֤דוֹל מָרְדֳּכַי֙ בְּ/בֵ֣ית הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ וְ/שָׁמְע֖/וֹ הוֹלֵ֣ךְ בְּ/כָל הַ/מְּדִינ֑וֹת כִּֽי הָ/אִ֥ישׁ מָרְדֳּכַ֖י הוֹלֵ֥ךְ וְ/גָדֽוֹל
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
גָ֤דוֹל gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Adj
מָרְדֳּכַי֙ Mordᵉkay H4782 Mordecai N-proper
בְּ/בֵ֣ית bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
וְ/שָׁמְע֖/וֹ shômaʻ H8089 report Conj | N-ms | Suff
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal
בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms
הַ/מְּדִינ֑וֹת mᵉdîynâh H4082 province Art | N-fp
כִּֽי kîy H3588 for Conj
הָ/אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 man Art | N-ms
מָרְדֳּכַ֖י Mordᵉkay H4782 Mordecai N-proper
הוֹלֵ֥ךְ hâlak H1980 to go V-Qal
וְ/גָדֽוֹל gâdôwl H1419 Great (Sea) Conj | Adj
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 9:4

כִּֽי 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.
גָ֤דוֹל gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.
מָרְדֳּכַי֙ 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.
בְּ/בֵ֣ית bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.
Definition: nm place, origin, between
Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.
הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
וְ/שָׁמְע֖/וֹ shômaʻ H8089 "report" Conj | N-ms | Suff
This Hebrew word refers to a report or news, and is first used in Exodus to describe the fame of the Israelites. It is also used in Psalm 78:11 to recall the great deeds of God. The word is about sharing information or news.
Definition: report, rumour, news, fame Another spelling of she.ma (שֵׁ֫מַע "report" H8088B)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: fame. See also: Joshua 6:27; Esther 9:4; Jeremiah 6:24.
הוֹלֵ֣ךְ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
הַ/מְּדִינ֑וֹת mᵉdîynâh H4082 "province" Art | N-fp
Means a province or district, referring to a region or jurisdiction, like a judgeship or area ruled by a judge.
Definition: 1) province, district 1a) district 1b) province Aramaic equivalent: me.di.nah (מְדִינָה "province" H4083)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] every) province. See also: 1 Kings 20:14; Esther 8:5; Daniel 11:24.
כִּֽי 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.
הָ/אִ֥ישׁ ʼîysh H376 "man" Art | 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.
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.
הוֹלֵ֥ךְ hâlak H1980 "to go" V-Qal
Means to walk or go, used in many different contexts in the Bible. It can describe physical movement, but also spiritual or emotional journeys. Appears in various forms, such as 'to go' or 'to walk'.
Definition: : walk/move 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to walk 1b2) to walk (fig.) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to traverse 1c2) to walk about 1d) (Niphal) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 473 OT verses. KJV: (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl. See also: Genesis 2:14; Judges 4:9; 1 Kings 13:12.
וְ/גָדֽוֹל gâdôwl H1419 "Great (Sea)" Conj | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means something or someone great, whether in size, age, or importance. It appears in descriptions of the Great Sea and the Philistines. The word is used to convey a sense of magnitude or grandeur.
Definition: adj great Also named: pe.lish.ti (פְּלִשְׁתִּי "(Sea of the )Philistines" H6430I)
Usage: Occurs in 499 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] aloud, elder(-est), [phrase] exceeding(-ly), [phrase] far, (man of) great (man, matter, thing,-er,-ness), high, long, loud, mighty, more, much, noble, proud thing, [idiom] sore, ([idiom]) very. See also: Genesis 1:16; Joshua 7:26; 1 Kings 20:13.

Study Notes — Esther 9:4

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 2 Samuel 3:1 Now the war between the house of Saul and the house of David was protracted. And David grew stronger and stronger, while the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker.
2 1 Chronicles 11:9 And David became greater and greater, for the LORD of Hosts was with him.
3 1 Samuel 2:30 Therefore, the LORD, the God of Israel, declares: ‘I did indeed say that your house and the house of your father would walk before Me forever. But now the LORD declares: Far be it from Me! For I will honor those who honor Me, but those who despise Me will be disdained.
4 Zephaniah 3:19 Behold, at that time, I will deal with all who afflict you. I will save the lame and gather the scattered; and I will appoint praise and fame for the disgraced throughout the earth.
5 Psalms 1:3 He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.
6 Proverbs 4:18 The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.
7 1 Chronicles 14:17 And David’s fame went out into every land, and the LORD caused all nations to fear him.
8 Joshua 6:27 So the LORD was with Joshua, and his fame spread throughout the land.
9 Psalms 18:43 You have delivered me from the strife of the people; You have made me the head of nations; a people I had not known shall serve me.
10 Matthew 4:24 News about Him spread all over Syria, and people brought to Him all who were ill with various diseases, those suffering acute pain, the demon-possessed, those having seizures, and the paralyzed—and He healed them.

Esther 9:4 Summary

[Esther 9:4 tells us that Mordecai became very powerful and famous, and this was because he was faithful and diligent in his position in the palace. As he became more powerful, his reputation and influence expanded, and he was able to use his position to help the Jews. This is similar to what happens when we are faithful to God and use our talents and abilities to serve Him, as seen in Matthew 25:23. We can learn from Mordecai's example to be faithful in our own spheres of influence and to use our positions to bring glory to God.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Mordecai 'exercised great power in the palace' in Esther 9:4?

This means that Mordecai had significant influence and authority in the royal court, similar to Joseph in Genesis 41:39-40, and this power was recognized throughout the provinces, leading to his increased fame and respect.

How did Mordecai's fame spread throughout the provinces?

As Mordecai became more powerful, his reputation and influence expanded, much like the spread of the Gospel in Acts 2:47, where the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved, and his name became known and respected throughout the land.

What role did the fear of Mordecai play in the help the Jews received from the officials?

The fear of Mordecai, as mentioned in Esther 9:3, played a significant role in the help the Jews received from the officials, as it motivated them to support the Jews, much like the fear of the Lord motivates people to obey Him, as seen in Psalm 111:10.

Is Mordecai's power and influence in the palace an example for Christians today?

While Mordecai's specific situation is unique, his example of faithfulness and diligence in a position of influence can be an encouragement to Christians to be faithful in their own spheres of influence, as seen in Colossians 3:23-24, where we are called to work heartily as for the Lord.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I can exercise influence and power in my own 'palace', whether that be my home, workplace, or community, to bring glory to God?
  2. How can I, like Mordecai, use my position and influence to help others and bring about justice and righteousness?
  3. What are some ways I can cultivate a reputation of integrity and faithfulness, like Mordecai, so that my 'fame' spreads and brings glory to God?
  4. In what ways can I, like the officials in Esther 9:3, show respect and support to those who are in positions of authority and influence, even if they are not believers?

Gill's Exposition on Esther 9:4

For Mordecai was great in the king's house,.... Not only over Esther's affairs, but was one of the king's counsellors, and was the chief minister of state: and his fame went out throughout all the

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 9:4

And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 9:4

Mordecai was great, i.e. the greatest in place, and power, and favour with the king, both for his near relation to his beloved queen, and for his good service done to him in preserving his life and managing his affairs, and for those excellent abilities and virtues which he discovered in him, and especially by the disposition of the heart-ruling God.

Trapp's Commentary on Esther 9:4

Esther 9:4 For Mordecai [was] great in the king’ s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces: for this man Mordecai waxed greater and greater. Ver. 4. For Mordecai was great in the king’ s house] So great a favourite, as that it was dangerous to displease him; and most men coveted his favour. It was now in the court and kingdom of Persia, as it was once at Rome when Sejanus ruled the roast under Tiberius. Ut quisque Seiano intimus, ita ad Caesaris amicitiam validus. Contra quibus infensus esset, metu et sordibus conflictabantur (Tacit.). His friends were Caesar’ s friends, and his enemies were in a very low and lamentable condition. And his fame went throughout all the provinces] Auditio eius, the report of him went far and near. Per ora hominum volitabat, so the Vulgate Latin. He was Claros inter habens nomina clara vires. Famous among famous man who have a reputation. It was everywhere discoursed that Mordecai was the king’ s darling, kinsman, counsellor, that he had saved the king’ s life, and was therefore promoted to the highest dignity; that it were good getting in with him, who both could and would reciprocate aud remunerate any that should well deserve him and his people. How thankful the Lord Cromwell was to those that had done him any courtesy. See Acts and Mon. fol. 1083. How ungrateful Bishop Banner was to the same Lord Cromwell, who had been his great patron, railing at him as the rankest heretic that had ever lived, &c.; see in fol. 1087; but this was after his death; Leoni mortuo vel mus insultat. A dead lion or a leaping mouse. For this man Mordecai] Vir ille insignis, that distinguished man, though he were but novus homo et peregrinus, a newly raised man, a stranger, and one that had brought in a strange alteration of things in the court and commonwealth; and therefore could not but be much envied and maligned, as far as men dared show themselves against him; yet He waxed greater and greater] Heb. he was going (that is, growing) and greatening. See the like Hebraism, Proverbs 4:18 Genesis 8:5. For why? he did gloria invidiam vincere, conquor, envy, and dazzle her eyes with his lustre; which, saith Sallust, is the hardest thing that can be, Difficillimum inter mortales. For as the tallest trees are weakest at the tops; so doth envy always aim at the highest. But maugre malice itself, Mordecai was in the number of those few that lived and died with glory, gotten by his piety, zeal, and other virtues; neither had his adversaries anything to complain of him more than his greatness, as Camden saith of the old earl of Essex (Camd Eliz. fol. 532).

Cambridge Bible on Esther 9:4

Chap. Esther 9:1-10. Overthrow of the Jews’ enemies The story, omitting the intermediate months of preparation, now passes to the date fixed by the decree for the Jews’ overthrow.

Whedon's Commentary on Esther 9:4

4. Mordecai waxed greater and greater — This fact all the more commanded for him the respect and reverence of the various rulers of the empire.

Sermons on Esther 9:4

SermonDescription
F.B. Meyer Our Daily Homily - 2 Samuel by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer reflects on the life of David in 2 Samuel, emphasizing the beauty of love and forgiveness as demonstrated by David's tribute to Saul and Jonathan. He highlights the impo
F.B. Meyer David Wared Stronger and Stronger, by F.B. Meyer F.B. Meyer emphasizes the ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit, illustrating that while the struggle is long and arduous, the Spirit must ultimately prevail. He encourag
Theodore Epp Now Then Do It by Theodore Epp Theodore Epp emphasizes the importance of making Christ the king of our lives, drawing parallels between David's anointing and Christ's role as the anointed one. He highlights how
David Wilkerson The Power of God's Presence by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of seeking God's presence and experiencing His glory. He leads the congregation in a prayer of surrender and asks the Holy Sp
Leonard Ravenhill The Man God Tore Apart by Leonard Ravenhill In this sermon, the preacher expresses deep sorrow and concern for the state of the nation. He emphasizes that God's mercy and patience are running out, as they have crucified Jesu
Zac Poonen Grace to the Humble (Kannada) by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of humility before God, highlighting that God gives grace to the humble and exalts those who submit to His mighty hand. It contrasts Old Testa
Zac Poonen God Honours Those Who Honour Him by Zac Poonen In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a life that reflects the character of God. He encourages the audience to look at Jesus as an example in various area

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