CINXE.COM
Esther 3:4 Day after day they warned him, but he would not comply. So they reported it to Haman to see whether Mordecai's behavior would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew.
<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Esther 3:4 Day after day they warned him, but he would not comply. So they reported it to Haman to see whether Mordecai's behavior would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/esther/3-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/17_Est_03_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Esther 3:4 - Haman Plots Against the Jews" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Day after day they warned him, but he would not comply. So they reported it to Haman to see whether Mordecai's behavior would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/esther/3-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/esther/3-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/esther/">Esther</a> > <a href="/esther/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/esther/3-3.htm" title="Esther 3:3">◄</a> Esther 3:4 <a href="/esther/3-5.htm" title="Esther 3:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/esther/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter"> (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/esther/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply. Therefore they told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, for he had told them he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/esther/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />They spoke to him day after day, but still he refused to comply with the order. So they spoke to Haman about this to see if he would tolerate Mordecai’s conduct, since Mordecai had told them he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/esther/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And when they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand, for he had told them that he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/esther/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Day after day they warned him, but he would not comply. So they reported it to Haman to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/esther/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he <i>was</i> a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/esther/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Now it happened, when they spoke to him daily and he would not listen to them, that they told <i>it</i> to Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand; for <i>Mordecai</i> had told them that he <i>was</i> a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/esther/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now it was when they had spoken daily to him and he would not listen to them, that they told Haman to see whether Mordecai’s reason would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/esther/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Now it was when they had spoken daily to him and he would not listen to them, that they told Haman to see whether Mordecai’s reason would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/esther/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Now it was when they had spoken daily to him and he would not listen to them, that they told Haman to see whether Mordecai’s reason would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/esther/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now it happened when they had spoken daily to him and he would not listen to them, that they told Haman to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/esther/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Now it happened when they had spoken to him day after day and he would not listen to them, that they told Haman to see whether Mordecai’s reason [for his behavior] would stand [as valid]; for he had told them that he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/esther/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When they had warned him day after day and he still would not listen to them, they told Haman in order to see if Mordecai’s actions would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/esther/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />When they had warned him day after day and he still would not listen to them, they told Haman to see if Mordecai’s actions would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/esther/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/esther/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />he said, "Because I am a Jew." They spoke to him for several days about kneeling down, but he still refused to obey. Finally, they reported this to Haman, to find out if he would let Mordecai get away with it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/esther/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/esther/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Although they asked him day after day, he paid no attention to them. So they informed Haman to see if Mordecai's actions would be tolerated, since Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/esther/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />day after day they urged him to give in, but he would not listen to them. "I am a Jew," he explained, "and I cannot bow to Haman." So they told Haman about this, wondering if he would tolerate Mordecai's conduct. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/esther/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />They asked him this day after day, and he would not listen to them, so they told Haman to see whether or not Mordecai would get away with his disobedience, since he also had told them that he was Jewish. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/esther/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Day after day they warned him, but he would not comply. So they reported it to Haman to see whether Mordecai?s behavior would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/esther/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />And after they had spoken to him day after day without his paying any attention to them, they informed Haman to see whether this attitude on Mordecai's part would be permitted. Furthermore, he had disclosed to them that he was a Jew. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/esther/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily to him, and he did not listen to them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's reason would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/esther/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily to him, and he hearkened not to them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/esther/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily to him, and he didn’t listen to them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s reason would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/esther/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And it comes to pass, in their speaking to him, day by day, and he has not listened to them, that they declare [it] to Haman, to see whether the words of Mordecai stand, for he has declared to them that he [is] a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/esther/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And it cometh to pass, in their speaking unto him, day by day, and he hath not hearkened unto them, that they declare it to Haman, to see whether the words of Mordecai do stand, for he hath declared to them that he is a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/esther/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And it will be in their saying to him day and day, and he will not hear to them, and they will announce to Haman to see whether the words of Mordecai will stand: for he announced to them that he was a Jew.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/esther/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And when they were saying this often, and he would not hearken to them; they told Aman, desirous to know whether he would continue in his resolution: for he had told them that he was a Jew. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/esther/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 5:4>And when they were saying this frequently, and he would not listen to them, they reported it to Haman, desiring to know whether he would continue in his resolution, for he had told them that he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/esther/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When they had reminded him day after day and he would not listen to them, they informed Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s explanation would prevail, since he had told them that he was a Jew. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/esther/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai’s words would avail; for he had told them that he was a Jew.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/esther/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Now it came to pass when they spoke daily to him and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, to know whether Mordecai's words were the truth; for he had told them that he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/esther/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And as they were speaking every day and he was not listening to them, they told Haman that they would know if the words of Murdacai were true, because he had told them that he was a Jew.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/esther/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's words would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/esther/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br /><i>Thus</i> they spoke daily to him, but he hearkened not unto them; so they represented to Aman that Mardochaeus resisted the commands of the king: and Mardochaeus had shewn to them that he was a Jew.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/esther/3-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TRosJDhNG-8?start=605" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/esther/3.htm">Haman Plots Against the Jews</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">3</span>Then the royal servants at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the command of the king?” <span class="reftext">4</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: way·hî (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yō·wm (N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">Day</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: wā·yō·wm (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">after day</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: bə·ʾå̄·mə·rå̄m (Prep-k:: V-Qal-Inf:: 3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">they warned</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">him,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">but he would not</a> <a href="/hebrew/8085.htm" title="8085: šā·ma‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To hear. A primitive root; to hear intelligently.">comply.</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- To, into, towards. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: way·yag·gî·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To be conspicuous. ">So they reported it</a> <a href="/hebrew/2001.htm" title="2001: lə·hā·mān (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- Haman -- to rage, be turbulent. Of foreign derivation; Haman, a Persian vizier.">to Haman</a> <a href="/hebrew/7200.htm" title="7200: lir·’ō·wṯ (Prep-l:: V-Qal-Inf) -- To see. A primitive root; to see, literally or figuratively.">to see</a> <a href="/hebrew/4782.htm" title="4782: mā·rə·do·ḵay (N-proper-ms) -- A companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther. Of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite.">whether Mordecai’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: diḇ·rê (N-mpc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">behavior</a> <a href="/hebrew/5975.htm" title="5975: hă·ya·‘am·ḏū (V-Qal-Imperf-3mp) -- To take one's stand, stand. A primitive root; to stand, in various relations.">would be tolerated,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">since</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: hig·gîḏ (V-Hifil-Perf-3ms) -- To be conspicuous. ">he had told</a> <a href="/hebrew/lā·hem (Prep-l:: Pro-3mp) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer- (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">them</a> <a href="/hebrew/1931.htm" title="1931: hū (Pro-3ms) -- He, she, it. ">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/3064.htm" title="3064: yə·hū·ḏî (N-proper-ms) -- Jewish. Patronymically from Yhuwdah; a Jehudite, or descendant of Jehudah.">was a Jew.</a> </span><span class="reftext">5</span>When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16-18</a></span><br />Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. / If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. / But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-10.htm">Daniel 6:10-13</a></span><br />Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before. / Then these men went as a group and found Daniel petitioning and imploring his God. / So they approached the king and asked about his royal decree: “Did you not sign a decree that for thirty days any man who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions?” The king replied, “According to the law of the Medes and Persians the order stands, and it cannot be repealed.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-29.htm">Acts 5:29</a></span><br />But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19-20</a></span><br />But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17</a></span><br />The midwives, however, feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt had instructed; they let the boys live.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2</a></span><br />But Pharaoh replied, “Who is the LORD that I should obey His voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and I will not let Israel go.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/15-24.htm">1 Samuel 15:24</a></span><br />Then Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned; I have transgressed the LORD’s commandment and your instructions, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/17-26.htm">1 Samuel 17:26</a></span><br />David asked the men who were standing with him, “What will be done for the man who kills this Philistine and removes this disgrace from Israel? Just who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/21-25.htm">1 Kings 21:25</a></span><br />(Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/6-11.htm">Nehemiah 6:11</a></span><br />But I replied, “Should a man like me run away? Should one like me go into the temple to save his own life? I will not go!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a></span><br />Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/10-32.htm">Matthew 10:32-33</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father in heaven. / But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a></span><br />Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Galatians 1:10</a></span><br />Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/1-28.htm">Philippians 1:28</a></span><br />without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you. This is a clear sign of their destruction but of your salvation, and it is from God.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily to him, and he listened not to them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew.</p><p class="hdg">when they spake.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/39-10.htm">Genesis 39:10</a></b></br> And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, <i>or</i> to be with her.</p><p class="hdg">that they told.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/3-8.htm">Daniel 3:8,9</a></b></br> Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/6-13.htm">Daniel 6:13</a></b></br> Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which <i>is</i> of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day.</p><p class="hdg">he had told.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezra/1-3.htm">Ezra 1:3</a></b></br> Who <i>is there</i> among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which <i>is</i> in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he <i>is</i> the God,) which <i>is</i> in Jerusalem.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/3-12.htm">Daniel 3:12,16-18,23-30</a></b></br> There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/daniel/6-20.htm">Daniel 6:20-28</a></b></br> And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: <i>and</i> the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? … </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/9-34.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-17.htm">Avail</a> <a href="/esther/1-18.htm">Behavior</a> <a href="/leviticus/21-14.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/acts/23-21.htm">Comply</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-47.htm">Daily</a> <a href="/esther/3-2.htm">Haman</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-34.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/esther/2-22.htm">Informed</a> <a href="/esther/2-5.htm">Jew</a> <a href="/esther/1-13.htm">Matters</a> <a href="/esther/2-22.htm">Mordecai's</a> <a href="/esther/2-22.htm">News</a> <a href="/esther/3-1.htm">Order</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-27.htm">Overlooked</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-13.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/esther/1-12.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/esther/1-22.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-40.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-61.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-8.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/9-25.htm">Attention</a> <a href="/esther/5-13.htm">Avail</a> <a href="/psalms/33-22.htm">Behavior</a> <a href="/psalms/7-16.htm">Behaviour</a> <a href="/acts/23-21.htm">Comply</a> <a href="/job/23-12.htm">Daily</a> <a href="/esther/3-5.htm">Haman</a> <a href="/job/9-16.htm">Hearkened</a> <a href="/esther/6-2.htm">Informed</a> <a href="/esther/5-13.htm">Jew</a> <a href="/esther/9-31.htm">Matters</a> <a href="/esther/3-6.htm">Mordecai's</a> <a href="/job/1-15.htm">News</a> <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Order</a> <a href="/job/14-16.htm">Overlooked</a> <a href="/job/6-16.htm">Reason</a> <a href="/job/6-7.htm">Refused</a> <a href="/esther/10-3.htm">Speaking</a> <a href="/esther/5-9.htm">Stand</a> <a href="/esther/4-11.htm">Whether</a> <a href="/esther/4-9.htm">Words</a><div class="vheading2">Esther 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/3-1.htm">Haman, advanced by the king, and despised by Mordecai, seeks revenge upon the Jews.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/3-7.htm">He casts lots.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/3-8.htm">He obtains by false accusations a decree of the king to put the Jews to death.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/esther/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Day after day they warned him</b><br>This phrase indicates persistence and ongoing pressure from Mordecai's colleagues at the king's gate. The repetition of warnings suggests a significant cultural or social expectation that Mordecai was defying. In the Persian Empire, where this story is set, adherence to royal decrees and customs was expected, and deviation could lead to severe consequences. This persistence also highlights the tension between Mordecai's faith and the surrounding culture, a common theme in the lives of biblical figures who remain faithful to God amidst pagan societies.<p><b>but he would not comply</b><br>Mordecai's refusal to comply demonstrates his steadfastness and commitment to his beliefs. This act of defiance can be seen as an expression of his faith and identity as a Jew, which often required standing against practices that conflicted with the worship of Yahweh. This mirrors the actions of other biblical figures like Daniel, who also refused to compromise his faith in a foreign land. Mordecai's noncompliance is a testament to his courage and conviction, qualities that are celebrated throughout Scripture.<p><b>So they reported it to Haman</b><br>The act of reporting Mordecai's behavior to Haman introduces the antagonist of the story. Haman, an Agagite, is a descendant of the Amalekites, traditional enemies of Israel (<a href="/exodus/17-8.htm">Exodus 17:8-16</a>). This historical enmity adds depth to the conflict, as Haman's position of power in the Persian Empire poses a direct threat to the Jewish people. The reporting of Mordecai's actions can be seen as a catalyst for the unfolding drama, setting the stage for the larger narrative of deliverance and divine providence.<p><b>to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated</b><br>This phrase suggests uncertainty about the consequences of Mordecai's actions. It reflects the precarious position of Jews in the Persian Empire, where their customs and laws were often at odds with those of the ruling powers. The question of tolerance is central to the story, as it underscores the vulnerability of the Jewish people and the potential for persecution. This theme resonates with the broader biblical narrative of God's protection and deliverance of His people in times of trial.<p><b>since he had told them he was a Jew</b><br>Mordecai's identification as a Jew is crucial to understanding his motivations and the subsequent events. By revealing his Jewish identity, Mordecai aligns himself with the covenant people of God, who are called to live according to His laws. This declaration sets the stage for the conflict with Haman, who harbors animosity towards the Jews. Mordecai's openness about his faith is a powerful statement of identity and loyalty to God, reminiscent of other biblical figures who boldly proclaimed their faith in hostile environments.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/mordecai.htm">Mordecai</a></b><br>A Jew living in the Persian Empire, specifically in the citadel of Susa. He is a key figure in the Book of Esther, known for his refusal to bow to Haman, which sets off a chain of events leading to the deliverance of the Jewish people.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/h/haman.htm">Haman</a></b><br>An Agagite and high-ranking official in the Persian Empire under King Xerxes. He becomes enraged by Mordecai's refusal to bow to him and plots to destroy all the Jews in the empire.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/s/susa.htm">Susa</a></b><br>The capital of the Persian Empire where the events of the Book of Esther take place. It is a significant location as the center of political power and intrigue.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_king's_servants.htm">The King's Servants</a></b><br>These are the officials at the king's gate who question Mordecai about his refusal to bow to Haman. Their role is pivotal as they report Mordecai's behavior to Haman.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_jewish_people.htm">The Jewish People</a></b><br>The ethnic and religious group to which Mordecai belongs. They are under threat due to Haman's plot, which is a central conflict in the account.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_to_god_over_human_authority.htm">Faithfulness to God Over Human Authority</a></b><br>Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman is a powerful example of prioritizing obedience to God over compliance with human demands that contradict God's commandments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_persecution.htm">Courage in the Face of Persecution</a></b><br>Mordecai's actions remind believers that standing firm in faith may lead to persecution, but God is sovereign and can use such situations for His purposes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_influence.htm">The Power of Influence</a></b><br>The king's servants play a crucial role in escalating the situation. This highlights the impact of seemingly minor actions and words in influencing larger events.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/identity_and_conviction.htm">Identity and Conviction</a></b><br>Mordecai's steadfastness is rooted in his identity as a Jew and his commitment to God's laws. Believers are encouraged to ground their actions in their identity in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_adversity.htm">God's Sovereignty in Adversity</a></b><br>The unfolding events in Esther demonstrate God's control and providence, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned, encouraging trust in His unseen hand.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_esther_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Esther 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_is_steven_furtick.htm">What did Esther mean by 'If I perish, I perish'?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_esther_save_the_jews.htm">How did Esther save the Jews from Haman's plot?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_mordecai_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Mordecai in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_no_persian_rulers_in_esther.htm">Why does the Book of Esther lack references to known historical Persian rulers?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/esther/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) <span class= "bld">Whether Mordecai's matters would stand.</span>--This should be, his <span class= "ital">words:</span> whether his statement that he belonged to a nation who might only pay such reverence to God, would hold good.<p><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/esther/3-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Day</span><br /><span class="heb">י֣וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">after day</span><br /><span class="heb">וָי֔וֹם</span> <span class="translit">(wā·yō·wm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> </span><span class="str2">A day</span><br /><br /><span class="word">they warned him,</span><br /><span class="heb">כְּאָמְרָ֤ם</span> <span class="translit">(kə·’ā·mə·rām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but he would not</span><br /><span class="heb">וְלֹ֥א</span> <span class="translit">(wə·lō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, no</span><br /><br /><span class="word">comply.</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁמַ֖ע</span> <span class="translit">(šā·ma‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8085.htm">Strong's 8085: </a> </span><span class="str2">To hear intelligently</span><br /><br /><span class="word">So they reported it</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּגִּ֣ידוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yag·gî·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to Haman</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהָמָ֗ן</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hā·mān)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2001.htm">Strong's 2001: </a> </span><span class="str2">Haman -- to rage, be turbulent</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to see</span><br /><span class="heb">לִרְאוֹת֙</span> <span class="translit">(lir·’ō·wṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7200.htm">Strong's 7200: </a> </span><span class="str2">To see</span><br /><br /><span class="word">whether Mordecai's</span><br /><span class="heb">מָרְדֳּכַ֔י</span> <span class="translit">(mā·rə·do·ḵay)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4782.htm">Strong's 4782: </a> </span><span class="str2">Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther</span><br /><br /><span class="word">behavior</span><br /><span class="heb">דִּבְרֵ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(diḇ·rê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> </span><span class="str2">A word, a matter, thing, a cause</span><br /><br /><span class="word">would be tolerated,</span><br /><span class="heb">הֲיַֽעַמְדוּ֙</span> <span class="translit">(hă·ya·‘am·ḏū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5975.htm">Strong's 5975: </a> </span><span class="str2">To stand, in various relations</span><br /><br /><span class="word">since</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּֽי־</span> <span class="translit">(kî-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">A relative conjunction</span><br /><br /><span class="word">he had told</span><br /><span class="heb">הִגִּ֥יד</span> <span class="translit">(hig·gîḏ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be conspicuous</span><br /><br /><span class="word">them he</span><br /><span class="heb">ה֥וּא</span> <span class="translit">(hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1931.htm">Strong's 1931: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, self, the same, this, that, as, are</span><br /><br /><span class="word">was a Jew.</span><br /><span class="heb">יְהוּדִֽי׃</span> <span class="translit">(yə·hū·ḏî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3064.htm">Strong's 3064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jews -- Jewish</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/3-4.htm">Esther 3:4 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/esther/3-4.htm">Esther 3:4 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/esther/3-4.htm">Esther 3:4 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/esther/3-4.htm">Esther 3:4 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/esther/3-4.htm">Esther 3:4 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/3-4.htm">Esther 3:4 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/3-4.htm">Esther 3:4 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/3-4.htm">Esther 3:4 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/esther/3-4.htm">Esther 3:4 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/esther/3-4.htm">Esther 3:4 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/esther/3-4.htm">OT History: Esther 3:4 Now it came to pass when they (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/3-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 3:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 3:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/3-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 3:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 3:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>