Esther 5:3 — Word Study
WLCוַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהּ֙ הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ מַה־ לָּ֖ךְ אֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַמַּלְכָּ֑ה וּמַה־ בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ עַד־ חֲצִ֥י הַמַּלְכ֖וּת וְיִנָּ֥תֵֽן לָֽךְ׃
BSAWhatmâh Queenmalkâh [royal ruler, monarch] EstherʼEçtêr [a brave Jewish woman, adopted by her cousin] the kingmelek [a male ruler, monarch] inquiredʼâmar▸ [asked, questioned] What [is]mâh your requestbaqqâshâh [petition, desire] Even up toʻad halfchêtsîy [the middle, a division] the kingdommalkûwth [royal power, dominion] it will be givennâthan▸ [granted, provided]
| Greek | English | Parsing |
|---|---|---|
| וַיֹּ֤אמֶר | and he said | Verb, Qal, sequential imperfect third person masculine singular |
| לָהּ֙ | to her | Preposition, suffix |
| הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ | the king | Particle, noun common masculine singular absolute |
| מַה־ | what? | Pronoun |
| לָּ֖ךְ | [is] to you | Preposition, suffix |
| אֶסְתֵּ֣ר | O Esther | Noun proper feminine |
| הַמַּלְכָּ֑ה | the queen | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| וּמַה־ | and what? | Conjunction, pronoun |
| בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ | [is] request your | Noun common feminine singular construct, suffix |
| עַד־ | up to | Preposition |
| חֲצִ֥י | half of | Noun common, masculine singular construct |
| הַמַּלְכ֖וּת | the kingdom | Particle, noun common feminine singular absolute |
| וְיִנָּ֥תֵֽן | so it may be given | Conjunction, verb niphal third person masculine singular |
| לָֽךְ׃ | to you | Preposition, suffix |
Every word in the verse. Click a row to open it in the panel on the left.
| BSB | “What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.” |
| KJV | Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. |
| ASV | Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom. |
| YLT | And the king saith to her, 'What — to thee Esther, O queen? and what thy request? unto the half of the kingdom — and it is given to thee.' |
| WEB | Then the king asked her, “What would you like, queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom.” |
| BBE | Then the king said, What is your desire, Queen Esther, and what is your request? I will give it to you, even to the half of my kingdom. |
Translations agree on the meaning of בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ as request.
The sentence features a main clause followed by several interrogative phrases and a final clause, illustrating the king's inquiry and the structure of his offer.
7 commentators on this verse
Gill, Jamieson, Trapp, Ellicott & more — read them ›
clause
verbאָמַר
The sentence as the grammar sees it Open the tree ›
Every word here is used elsewhere in the Old Testament.
Bars are logarithmic — אֵת, the commonest word in the Hebrew Bible, stands about 11,000 times, so a linear scale would leave everything else invisible. Click a row to open that word.
Deep Study — Esther 5:3
Sections marked generated are written from the data on this page rather than by a named author. Everything else — the lexicon entries, the cross references, the manuscript readings, the counts — is quoted from its source unchanged.
Context — The King's Inquiry to Esthergenerated
Esther 5:3 captures a moment of royal favor as the king addresses Queen Esther, inquiring about her needs. This interaction occurs after Esther has approached the king uninvited, a bold act that could have put her life at risk, yet she finds grace in his sight. The king's offer of half the kingdom illustrates the depth of his favor and the importance of Esther's request, which sets the stage for the unfolding drama of her courageous plan to save her people.
Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esther 7:2 | and as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.” |
| 2 | Esther 9:12 | who said to Queen Esther, “In the citadel of Susa the Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men, including Haman’s ten sons. What have they done in the rest of the royal provinces? Now what is your petition? It will be given to you. And what further do you request? It will be fulfilled.” |
| 3 | 1 Kings 2:20 | “I have just one small request of you,” she said. “Do not deny me.” “Make your request, my mother,” the king replied, “for I will not deny you.” |
| 4 | 1 Kings 3:5 | One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!” |
| 5 | Matthew 20:20–22 | Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him. |
The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge — 8 references, hung on the phrase they belong to
The Key Word — בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ, ba.ka.sha.Tekhgenerated
The word בַּקָּשָׁה (baqqashah) means a request or petition. It is derived from the root בָּקַשׁ (baqash), which relates to seeking or asking for something. This particular form emphasizes the act of making a request or entreaty, highlighting the significance of Esther's plea to the king.
In this verse, the king is specifically asking about Esther's request, which is a critical moment in the narrative. The use of this word underscores the gravity of her situation and the king's willingness to listen and respond favorably.
How Translations Differ — measured against the Berean Standard Biblegenerated
Translations generally agree on the meaning of בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ, translating it as request or petition.
Sentence Structuregenerated
The main verb is יֹּ֤אמֶר, he said, which governs the inquiry made by the king. The structure of the sentence flows from the king's question to Esther's request, showing a clear hierarchy in the dialogue.
The sentence is composed of several clauses, including a noun phrase for the subject (the king) and prepositional phrases that detail the action and the recipient of the request. This structure highlights the directness of the king's inquiry and the immediacy of his offer.
Septuagint Backgroundgenerated
The Septuagint translates יֹּ֤אמֶר as εἶπεν, which means 'he said.' This choice aligns closely with the Hebrew, maintaining the straightforward nature of the dialogue.
The translation of בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ into the Greek reflects a similar concept of request, though the Greek wording may carry slightly different connotations in terms of formality and context.
In plain words — the whole versegenerated
Esther 5:3 shows the king asking Queen Esther what she wants. He promises to give her anything she requests, even half of his kingdom. This moment highlights the favor Esther has found with the king and sets the stage for her important request.
Frequently Asked Questionsgenerated
The king's offer indicates his deep favor towards Esther and the seriousness with which he regards her request.
Esther's approach is significant because it was risky; approaching the king without being summoned could have resulted in her death.
Esther's request implies that she is in a position of urgency and need, as she seeks the king's help to save her people.
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the story by highlighting the pivotal moment when Esther reveals her request, leading to the unfolding of her plan to confront Haman.
Reflection Questionsgenerated
- What can we learn from Esther's courage in approaching the king?
- How do we respond when we feel favored or blessed in our own lives?
- In what ways can we seek help or make requests from those in authority?
- What does this interaction teach us about the importance of communication in relationships?
Commentators on this verse — 7 expositors, verse by verse
Each of these wrote on Esther 5:3 itself, not merely on the chapter around it.
John Gill1697–1771Gill's Exposition of the Entire BibleThen said the king unto her, what wilt thou, Queen Esther?.... He supposed she had some business with him, some suit to make to him, by her coming in this manner: and what is thy request?
Read John Gill on Esther 5 →Robert Jamieson1802–1880Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown's CommentaryThen said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. It shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.
Read Robert Jamieson on Esther 5 →John Trapp1601–1669Trapp's Complete Commentary on the Old and New TestamentsEsther 5:3 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what [is] thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.Ver. 3. Then said the king unto her] He perceived both by this her bold adventure, and also by her countenance and habit, that she had some very great suit to him. He therefore accosteth her (as the Lord did the angel, Zechariah 1:13) with good words and comfortable words. And this way one man may be an angel, nay, a god, to another, Genesis 33:10. Indeed, it is God that comforteth by the creature, as by a conduit-pipe. The air yieldeth light as an instrument; the water may heat, but not of itself. The Lord put it into the heart of Ahasuerus…
Read John Trapp on Esther 5 →Charles John Ellicott1819–1905Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(3) To the half of the kingdom.—This tremendous offer occurs in further promises of Ahasuerus (Esther 5:6; Esther 7:2). The same reckless promise is made by Herod Antipas to the daughter of Herodias (Mark 6:23).
Read Charles John Ellicott on Esther 5 →CambridgeThe Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges3. it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom] The order of the words in the Heb. indicates the eagerness belonging to a rapid and authoritative declaration: to the half of the kingdom, yea, it shall be given thee. Cp. Herod’s promise to the daughter of Herodias (Mark 6:23). In Herod. ix. 109 we find Xerxes undertaking beforehand to grant whatever should be asked by his consort Amestris in return for a beautifully worked mantle which she had presented to him. He further tells us (Herod. ix. 110, 111) that on a certain day in the year a guest at the king’s table might make any request and that the king was bound to grant it.
Read Cambridge on Esther 5 →Albert Barnes1798–1870Barnes' Notes on the BibleIt shall be even given thee ... - Xerxes, on another occasion, when pleased with one of his wives, offered to grant her any request whatever, without limitation. Compare the margin reference.
Read Albert Barnes on Esther 5 →Daniel Denison Whedon1808–1885Whedon's Commentary on the Bible3. The half of the kingdom — Compare Mark 6:23. Herodotus (ix, 109) relates that Xerxes, having fallen in love with a woman named Artayute, promised and swore to give her whatsoever she might ask of him.
Read Daniel Denison Whedon on Esther 5 →The verse in English, compared — 17 translations, and where they part company
Every translation on this page is a decision someone had to make and commit to. Read down a column and you see one translator's judgement; read across a row and you see the range the Greek actually allows. The BSB is the wording the rest of this page is measured against, so it is listed first.
Modern formal
“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.”
Then the king asked her, “What would you like, queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom.”
“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.”
The king said to her, “What is on your mind, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even as much as half the kingdom will be given to you!”
Tyndale line
Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.
Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom.
Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom.
Then said the king to her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.
Then saide the King vnto her, What wilt thou, Queene Ester? and what is thy request? it shall be euen giuen thee to the halfe of ye kingdome.
Strictly literal
And the king said to her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom.
And the king saith to her, 'What — to thee Esther, O queen? and what thy request? unto the half of the kingdom — and it is given to thee.'
And the king says to her, “What do you [want], Esther, O queen? And what [is] your request? To the half of the kingdom—and it is given to you.”
Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? if it be equal to half of the kingdom it shall still be given thee.
Then the king said to her, “What do you want, Queen Esther? What is your request? Up to half of my kingdom, it will be given to you.”
From the Latin
And the king said to her: What wilt then, queen Esther? what is thy request? if thou shouldst even ask one half of the kingdom, it shall be given to thee.
Simplified
The king asked her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What do you want? I'll give it to you, as much as half my empire!”
Then the king said, What is your desire, Queen Esther, and what is your request? I will give it to you, even to the half of my kingdom.
Counted from the translations carried on this site, not from a survey of every English Bible. A rendering shared by many versions is usually inherited rather than independently arrived at — the Tyndale line in particular runs through most of them.
The sentence as the grammar sees it — from the MACULA Hebrew treebank
This is not our own analysis: it is the scholarly syntax tree for the verse, showing how the clause actually holds together.
Boxes are the grammarian's groupings — clause, noun phrase, prepositional phrase.
The four witnesses to this verse — Masoretic, Septuagint, Samaritan, Qumran
The Masoretic Text and the Septuagint largely agree in their wording for this verse, with 12 of the 14 words matching. This consistency suggests a stable transmission of the text, although the Septuagint's word order differs from the Hebrew.
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לָהּ֙ הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ מַה־ לָּ֖ךְ אֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַמַּלְכָּ֑ה וּמַה־ בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ עַד־ חֲצִ֥י הַמַּלְכ֖וּת וְיִנָּ֥תֵֽן לָֽךְ׃
12 of the 14 words are matched. This is the word-by-word correspondence, not the Septuagint's own sentence — its word order and its articles are its own.
Four traditions, not one. “On the leather” means the letters physically survive on the scroll, as against letters an editor has supplied to fill a hole in it — a restoration is a scholar’s reading, not a reading of the manuscript. Words in [square brackets] are supplied; the notes count them apart from what survives.
The map of this verse — what each word keeps company with
This is a map of two things, both counted rather than judged. Company kept: which words stand within three words of each of these, anywhere in the Hebrew Bible — the thicker the line, the more often the pair meet compared with chance. Built from: the words a word is made out of, taken from its own Strong’s entry. It is not a map of meaning: nothing here claims two words mean the same thing. Click any circle to see the numbers behind it.
Lexicons — every word in Esther 5:3
One dossier per word, with every reference work grouped by kind — Hebrew lexicons, morphology, Bible dictionaries, topical chains and the English of the translators themselves. The verse sits at the head of each block with the word under study lit, so you never lose your place. The panel above gives the short answer; this is the long one, and it is the part of the page worth indexing.
Every entry below is the lexicographer's own text. On the Hebrew: Brown-Driver-Briggs entire and its gloss set, Strong's Hebrew Dictionary, and Tyndale House's Translators Brief lexicon. Where a cell says a work has no entry, that work genuinely has none for this word.
אָמַר (amar) is a Hebrew verb meaning 'to say' or 'to utter,' with a broad range of uses including to promise, command, or even boast. It appears in various forms, such as in the Qal (to say), Niphal (to be told), and Hiphil (to avow). The entries highlight its versatility in both spoken and internal contexts, though no specific verse is noted.
אָמַר 5287 vb. utter, say
Qal
Say
Say in the heart (= think)
Promise
Command (esp. late)
Niph. be said, told
Hiph. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
Hithp. act proudly, boast
base
H559 אָמַר utter, say .. Say
. Say in the heart (= think)
. Promise
. Command (esp. late)
. be said, told
. avow, avouch (lit. cause to declare)
. act proudly, boast
559 'amar aw-mar'
a primitive root; to say (used with great
latitude):--answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call,
certify, challenge, charge, + (at the, give) command(-ment),
commune, consider, declare, demand, X desire, determine, X
expressly, X indeed, X intend, name, X plainly, promise,
publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), X still, X
suppose, talk, tell, term, X that is, X think, use (speech),
utter, X verily, X yet.
אָמַר (a.mar) — to say.
1) to say, speak, utter
1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend
1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called
1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly
1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch
Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms — Verb · Qal · sequential imperfect third person masculine singularHc/Vqw3ms
הָ (ha) — her.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 3rd person feminine singular
HR/Sp3fs — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp3fs
The Hebrew word מֶ֫לֶךְ (*melek*) means 'king.' It is derived from a root that suggests royalty. The term appears in various contexts, including references to specific kings and locations, such as the 'King's Highway' in Numbers 20:17 and the 'King's Valley' in Genesis 14:17. The lexicons note its Aramaic equivalent and mention its use in the context of individuals like Hammelech in Jeremiah.
מֶ֫לֶךְ 2513 n.m. king
base
H4428 מֶ֫לֶךְ king
4428 melek meh'-lek
from 4427; a king:--king, royal.
see HEBREW for 04427
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — king.
1) king
Aramaic equivalent: me.lekh (מֶ֫לֶךְ "king" H4430)
הַמֶּלֶךְ (me.lekh) — `the king`.
'the king' or a name, Hammelech in KJV of Jer.36.26; 38.6- a man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.36.26;
father of: Jerahmeel (H3396I) and Malchijah (H4441H); also translated "the king";
§ A man living at the time of Divided Monarchy, first mentioned at Jer.36.26;
father of: Jerahmeel (H3396I) and Malchijah (H4441H); also translated "the king";
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.
King's (Highway) (Num.20.17)
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.
Another name of she.lach (שֶׁ֫לַח "Shelah" H7975A)
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — Milcom.
Another name of mo.lekh (מֹ֫לֶךְ "Molech" H4432)
מֶ֫לֶךְ (me.lekh) — King's.
King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Art | N-ms — Particle · noun common masculine singular absoluteHTd/Ncmsa
King
Is in Scripture very generally used to denote one invested with authority, whether extensive or limited. There were thirty-one kings in Canaan (Josh. 12:9, 24), whom Joshua subdued. Adonibezek subdued seventy kings (Judg. 1:7). In the New Testament the Roman emperor is spoken of as a king (1 Pet. 2:13, 17); and Herod Antipas, who was only a tetrarch, is also called a king (Matt. 14:9; Mark 6:22).
This title is applied to God (1 Tim. 1:17), and to Christ, the Son of God (1 Tim. 6:15, 16;
"a chief ruler, one invested with supreme authority over a nation, tribe or country." --Webster. In the Bible the word does not necessarily imply great power or great extent of country. Many persons are called kings whom we should rather call chiefs or leaders. The word is applied in the Bible to God as the sovereign and ruler of the universe, and to Christ the Son of God as the head and governor of the Church. The Hebrews were ruled by a king during a period of about 500 years previous to the destruction of Jerusalem, B.C. 586. The immediate occasion of the substitution of a regal form of government for that of judges seems to have been the siege of Jabesh-gilead by Nahash king of the Ammonites. (1 Samuel 11:1; 12:12) The conviction seems to have forced itself on the Israelites that they could not resist their formidable neighbor…
מָה (mah) is a Hebrew word primarily used as an interrogative particle meaning 'what?' or 'how?'. It can also function as an indefinite pronoun, encompassing meanings like 'anything' or 'whatever'. The word is versatile, appearing in various adverbial forms and often used with prefixes to express different nuances, such as reason or manner.
מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַהּ, מֶה, מַּ, מָ—pron.interrog. and indef. what? how? aught
interrog. what?
Used adverbially
Indef. pron.
With preps.
base
H4100 מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַהּ, מֶה, מַּ, מָ—pron. interrog. and indef. what? how? aught . interrog. what?
. Used adverbially
. Indef. pron.
. With preps.
4100 mah maw
or mah {mah}; or ma {maw}; or ma {mah}; also meh {meh}; a
primitive particle; properly, interrogative what? (including
how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including
how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and even
relatively, that which); often used with prefixes in various
adverbial or conjunctive senses:--how (long, oft, (-
soever)), (no-)thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing),
whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why.
מָה (mah) — what?.
interr pron
1) what, how, of what kind
1a) (interrogative)
1a1) what?
1a2) of what kind
1a3) what? (rhetorical)
1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what
1b) (adverb)
1b1) how, how now
1b2) why
1b3) how! (exclamation)
1c) (with prep)
1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means?
1c2) because of what?
1c3) the like of what?
1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often?
1c3b) for how long?
1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose?
1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore?
indef pron
2) anything, aught, what may
Part — PronounHPi
ךְ (kh) — you.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person feminine singular
HR/Sp2fs — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp2fs
אֶסְתֵּר (es-ter) refers to Esther, a Jewish heroine and queen of Persia, known for her pivotal role in the Book of Esther. She is described as the daughter of Abihail and the cousin and adopted daughter of Mordecai. The name is of Persian origin and means 'star.' Esther is first mentioned in Est. 2.7.
אֶסְתֵּר n.pr.f. Esther—daughter of Abihail, cousin and adopted daughter of Mordecai, of tribe of Benjamin; made queen in Vashti’s place by Ahasuerus
base
H635 אֶסְתֵּר
635 'Ecter es-tare'
of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine:--Esther.
אֶסְתֵּר (es.ter) — Esther.
A woman living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.2.7;
daughter of: Abihail (H0032K); also called Hadassah at Est.2.7;
Also named: ha.das.sah (הֲדַסָּה "Hadassah" H1919)
§ Esther = "star"
the queen of Persia, heroine of the book of Esther-daughter of Abihail, cousin and adopted daughter of Mordecai, of the tribe of Benjamin, made queen by king Ahasuerus to replace divorced queen, Vashti.
N-proper — Noun proper feminineHNpf
es'-ter ('ecter, akin to the Zend tstara, the Sanskrit stri, the Greek aster, "a star," Esther):
Esther was a Jewish orphan, who became the queen of Xerxes, in some respects the greatest of the Persian kings. She was brought up at Susa by her cousin Mordecai, who seems to have held a position among the lower officials of the royal palace. Vashti, Xerxes' former queen, was divorced; and the most beautiful virgins from all the provinces of the empire were brought to the palace of Susa that the king might select her successor. The choice fell upon the Jewish maiden. Soon after her accession a great crisis occurred in the history of the Jews. The entire people was threatened with destruction. The name of Esther is forever bound up with the record of their deliverance. By a course of action which gives her a distinguished place among the women of the Bible, the great enemy of the Jews was…
Esther
The queen of Ahasuerus, and heroine of the book that bears her name. She was a Jewess named Hadas’sah (the myrtle), but when she entered the royal harem she received the name by which she henceforth became known (Esther 2:7). It is a Syro-Arabian modification of the Persian word satarah, which means a star. She was the daughter of Abihail, a Benjamite. Her family did not avail themselves of the permission granted by Cyrus to the exiles to return to Jerusalem; and she resided with her cousin Mordecai, who held some office in the household of the Persian king at “Shushan in the palace.” Ahasuerus having divorced Vashti, chose Esther to be his wife. Soon after this he gave Haman the Agagite, his prime minister, power and authority to kill and extirpate all the Jews throughout the Persian empire. By the interposition of Esther this…
(a star), the Persian name of HADASSAH (myrtle), daughter of Abihail, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite. Esther was a beautiful Jewish maiden. She was an orphan, and had been brought up by her cousin Mordecai, who had an office in the household of Ahasuerus king of Persia --supposed to be the Xerxes of history-- and dwelt at "Shushan the palace." When Vashti was dismissed from being queen, the king chose Esther to the place on account of her beauty, not knowing her race or parentage; and on the representation of Haman the Agagite that the Jews scattered through his empire were pernicious race, he gave him full power and authority to kill them all. The means taken by Esther to avert this great calamity from her people and her kindred are fully related in the book of Esther. The Jews still commemorate this deliverance in the yearly festival Purim, on the 14th and 15th of…
A Persian name given to Hadassah, a daughter of Abihail, of the tribe of Benjamin. The family had not returned to Judea after the permission given by Cyrus, and she was born probably beyond the Tigris, and nearly five hundred years before Christ. Her parents being dead, Mordecai, her father’s brother, took care of her education. After Ahasuerus had discovered Vashti, search was made throughout Persia for the most beautiful women, and Esther was one selected. She found favor in the eyes of the king, and he married her with royal magnificence, bestowing largesses and remissions of tribute on his people. She was thus in a position which enabled her to do a signal favor to her people, then very numerous in Persia. Their deliverance is still celebrated by the Jews in the yearly festival called Purim, which was instituted at that time. The husband of Esther is supposed to have been the Xerxes…
מַלְכָּה (malkah) means 'queen' and is a feminine form of the word for king. It specifically refers to a queen, such as the Queen of Sheba mentioned in 1 Kings 10:1. The term is also noted to have an Aramaic equivalent.
מַלְכָּה 35 n.f. queen
base
H4436 מַלְכָּה
4436 malkah mal-kaw'
feminine of 4428; a queen:--queen.
see HEBREW for 04428
מַלְכָּה (mal.kah) — Queen (of Sheba).
A queen of the country Sheba (H7614J) living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 1Ki.10.1
Combined with she.va (שְׁבָא " of Sheba" H7614J)
§ queen
מַלְכָּה (mal.kah) — queen.
queen
Aramaic equivalent: mal.kah (מַלְכָּה "queen" H4433)
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
kwen: The Bible applies this term:
(1) To the wife of a king ("queen consort") (malkah). In the Book of Esther it is the title given to Vashti (1:9) and Esther (2:22); compare So 6:8 f. Another Hebrew word for queen consort is gebhirah, literally "mistress" (compare 1Ki 11:19, the wife of Pharaoh; 2Ki 10:13, "the children of the king and the children of the queen"). In Ne 2:6 and Ps 45:9 we find the expression sheghal, which some trace back to shaghal, "to ravish," a rather doubtful derivation. Still another term is sarah, literally, "princess" (Isa 49:23). The…
Queen
No explicit mention of queens is made till we read of the “queen of Sheba.” The wives of the kings of Israel are not so designated. In Ps. 45:9, the Hebrew for “queen” is not malkah, one actually ruling like the Queen of Sheba, but shegal, which simply means the king’s wife. In 1 Kings 11:19, Pharaoh’s wife is called “the queen,” but the Hebrew word so rendered (g’birah) is simply a title of honour, denoting a royal lady, used sometimes for “queen-mother” (1 Kings 15:13; 2 Chron. 15:16). In Cant. 6:8, 9, the king’s wives are styled “queens” (Heb. melakhoth).
This title is properly applied to the queen-mother, since in an Oriental household it is not the wife but the mother of the master who exercises the highest authority. Strange as such an arrangement at sight appears, it is one of the inevitable results of polygamy. An illustration of the queen-mother’s influence is given in (1 Kings 2:19) ff. The term is applied to Maachah, (1 Kings 15:13; 2 Chronicles 16:16) and to Jezetiel, (2 Kings 10:13) and to the mother of Jehoiachin or Jeconiah, (Jeremiah 13:18) compare 2Kin 24:12; Jere 29:2
→ The wife of a king 1Ki 11:19
→ Crowned Es 1:11; 2:17
→ Divorced Es 1:10-22
→ Sits on the throne with the king Ne 2:6
→ Makes feasts for the women of the royal household Es 1:9
→ Exerts an evil influence in public affairs
See JEZEBEL
→ Counsels the king Da 5:10-12
→ Of Sheba, visits Solomon 1Ki 10:1-13
→ Candace, of Ethiopia Ac 8:27
→ The reigning sovereign, Athaliah
→ See ATHALIAH
מָה (mah) is a Hebrew word primarily used as an interrogative particle meaning 'what?' or 'how?'. It can also function as an indefinite pronoun, encompassing meanings like 'anything' or 'whatever'. The word is versatile, appearing in various adverbial forms and often used with prefixes to express different nuances, such as reason or manner.
מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַהּ, מֶה, מַּ, מָ—pron.interrog. and indef. what? how? aught
interrog. what?
Used adverbially
Indef. pron.
With preps.
base
H4100 מָה, rarely מָה־, מַה־, מַהּ, מֶה, מַּ, מָ—pron. interrog. and indef. what? how? aught . interrog. what?
. Used adverbially
. Indef. pron.
. With preps.
4100 mah maw
or mah {mah}; or ma {maw}; or ma {mah}; also meh {meh}; a
primitive particle; properly, interrogative what? (including
how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including
how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and even
relatively, that which); often used with prefixes in various
adverbial or conjunctive senses:--how (long, oft, (-
soever)), (no-)thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing),
whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why.
מָה (mah) — what?.
interr pron
1) what, how, of what kind
1a) (interrogative)
1a1) what?
1a2) of what kind
1a3) what? (rhetorical)
1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what
1b) (adverb)
1b1) how, how now
1b2) why
1b3) how! (exclamation)
1c) (with prep)
1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means?
1c2) because of what?
1c3) the like of what?
1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often?
1c3b) for how long?
1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose?
1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore?
indef pron
2) anything, aught, what may
Conj | Part — Conjunction · pronounHC/Pi
בַּקָּשָׁה (baqqashah) means a request or petition. It is derived from the root word בָּקַשׁ (baqash), which relates to seeking or asking for something. The term emphasizes the act of making a request or entreaty.
[בַּקָּשָׁה] n.m. request, entreaty
base
H1246 בַּקָּשָׁה
1246 baqqashah bak-kaw-shaw'
from 1245; a petition:--request.
see HEBREW for 01245
בַּקָּשָׁה (baq.qa.shah) — request.
request, entreaty, petition
N-fs | Suff — Noun common feminine singular construct · suffixHNcfsc/Sp2fs
עַד (ad) primarily functions as a preposition, adverb, or conjunction meaning 'until,' 'up to,' or 'as far as.' It can denote spatial, temporal, or degree-related contexts, such as 'even to' or 'while.' The entries indicate its use in poetry and in various combinations, but there is no significant disagreement among the lexicons regarding its meanings.
עַד, in poetry עֲדֵי prep. as far as, even to, up to, until, while
prep.
of space
Of time
Of degree
conj.
until
While
Of degree, to the point that, so that even (rare)
עַד לְ, a strengthened form for עַד. Thus
of space
Of time
Of degree
base
H5704 עַד, in poetry עֲדֵי as far as, even to, up to, until, while . prep. . of space
. Of time
. Of degree
. conj. . until
. While
. Of degree, to the point that, so that even (rare)
. עַד לְ, a strengthened form for עַד. Thus . of space
. Of time
. Of degree
5704 `ad ad
properly, the same as 5703 (used as a preposition, adverb or
conjunction; especially with a preposition); as far (or long,
or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during,
while, until) or degree (equally with):--against, and, as,
at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as),
(hither-)to, + how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that,
till, toward, until, when, while, (+ as) yet.
see HEBREW for 05703
עַד (ad) — till.
prep
1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as
1a) of space
1a1) as far as, up to, even to
1b) in combination
1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from)
1c) of time
1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end
1d) of degree
1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like
conj
2) until, while, to the point that, so that even
Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Prep — PrepositionHR
חֲצִי (chetsiy) means 'half' or 'middle,' referring to a division of something into two parts. It can denote the concept of 'midnight' as well. The word is derived from a root that also relates to 'midst' or 'part.'
חֲצִי 123 n.m. half
half of anything
middle … midnight
base
H2677 חֲצִי half . half of anything
. middle … midnight
2677 chetsiy khay-tsee'
from 2673; the half or middle:--half, middle, mid(-night),
midst, part, two parts.
see HEBREW for 02673
חֲצִי (che.tsi) — half.
1) half
1a) half
1b) middle
N-ms — Noun common · masculine singular constructHNcmsc
ov:
(1) In Anglo-Saxon, had the meaning "from," "away from" (as the strengthened form "off" has still), and was not used for genitive or possessive relations, these being expressed by special case-forms. In the Norman period, however, "of" was taken to represent the French de (a use well developed by the time of Chaucer), and in the Elizabethan period both senses of "of" were in common use. But after about 1600 the later force of the word became predominant, and in the earlier sense (which is now practically obsolete) it was replaced by other prepositions. In consequence the King James Version (and in some cases the Revised Version (British and American)) contains many uses of "of" that are no longer familiar--most of them, to be sure, causing no difficulty, but there still being a few responsible for real obscurities.
OF, preposition ov. [Gr.]
1. From or out of; proceeding from, as the cause, source, means, author or agent bestowing.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered to you. 1 Corinthians 11:1.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts. Joshua 11:1.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
Lamentations 3:1.
The whole disposing thereof is of the Lord. Proverbs 16:1.
Go, inquire of the Lord for me. 2 Chronicles 34:2.
That holy thing that shall be born of thee. Luke 1:1.
Hence of is the sign of the genitive case, the case that denotes production; as the son of man, the son proceeding from man, produced from man. This is the primary sense, although we now say, produced by man. 'Part of these were slain; ' that is, a number separate, for part denotes a division; the sense then is, a number from or out of the whole were slain. So also, 'some of these were slain; ' that is…
מַלְכוּת (malkuwth) refers to concepts of royalty, royal power, reign, and kingdom. It is derived from the root meaning 'to rule' and encompasses ideas of dominion and sovereignty. The term appears in various contexts within the Old Testament, emphasizing authority and governance.
מַלְכוּת n.f. royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom
royal power, dominion
reign
kingdom, realm
base
H4438 מַלְכוּת royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom
4438 malkuwth mal-kooth'
or malkuth {mal-kooth'}; or (in plural) malkuyah
{mal-koo-yah'}; from 4427; a rule; concretely, a
dominion:--empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal.
see HEBREW for 04427
מַלְכוּת (mal.khut) — royalty.
1) royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom, sovereign power
1a) royal power, dominion
1b) reign
1c) kingdom, realm
Aramaic equivalent: mal.khu (מַלְכוּ "kingdom" H4437)
Art | N-fs — Particle · noun common feminine singular absoluteHTd/Ncfsa
The Hebrew word נָתַן (natan) means 'to give' and encompasses a wide range of applications such as putting, setting, and making. It can also indicate actions like bestowing, delivering, and assigning. The entries describe its use in various forms, including Qal, Niphal, and Hophal, but do not present any significant disagreements among lexicons.
נָתַן 2007 vb. give, put, set
Qal 1917
give
Put, set
Make, constitute
Niph.
82be given
Be put, set
Hoph.
be given, bestowed
= be given to one for wife
be put upon
base
H5414 נָתַן give, put, set .. give
. Put, set
. Make, constitute
. . be given
. Be put, set
. . . be given, bestowed
. = be given to one for wife
. be put upon
5414 nathan naw-than'
a primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of
application (put, make, etc.):--add, apply, appoint, ascribe,
assign, X avenge, X be ((healed)), bestow, bring (forth,
hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, +
cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, X doubtless, X
without fail, fasten, frame, X get, give (forth, over, up),
grant, hang (up), X have, X indeed, lay (unto charge, up),
(give) leave, lend, let (out), + lie, lift up, make, + O that,
occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, X
pull , put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send
(out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), + sing, + slander,
strike, (sub-)mit, suffer, X surely, X take, thrust, trade,
turn, utter, + weep, + willingly, + withdraw, + would (to)
God, yield.
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: give.
: give/deliver/send/produce
1) to give, put, set
1a) (Qal)
1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend
1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate
1a3) to make, constitute
1b) (Niphal)
1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned
1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted
1c) (Hophal)
1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up
1c2) to be put upon
נָתַן (na.tan) — to give: put.
: put/set/apppoint
1) to give, put, set
1a) (Qal)
Conj | V-Niphal-Juss-3ms — Conjunction · verb niphal third person masculine singularHC/VNu3ms
ךְ (kh) — you.
Personal object pronoun - suffix for propositions and verbs without an object: 2nd person feminine singular
HR/Sp2fs — Preposition · suffixHR/Sp2fs