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And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/esther/8-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/1/17_Est_08_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Esther 8:17 - The Decree of Xerxes" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In every province and every city, wherever the king's edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. 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And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them. <a href="/nlt/esther/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> In every province and city, wherever the king’s decree arrived, the Jews rejoiced and had a great celebration and declared a public festival and holiday. And many of the people of the land became Jews themselves, for they feared what the Jews might do to them. <a href="/esv/esther/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> And in every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of the country declared themselves Jews, for fear of the Jews had fallen on them. <a href="/bsb/esther/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them. <a href="/kjv/esther/8.htm">King James Bible</a> And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them. <a href="/nkjv/esther/8.htm">New King James Version</a> And in every province and city, wherever the king’s command and decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a holiday. Then many of the people of the land became Jews, because fear of the Jews fell upon them. <a href="/nasb_/esther/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree arrived, there was joy and jubilation for the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, because the dread of the Jews had fallen on them. <a href="/nasb/esther/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king&#8217s commandment and his decree arrived, there was gladness and joy for the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the dread of the Jews had fallen on them. <a href="/nasb77/esther/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> And in each and every province, and in each and every city, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree arrived, there was gladness and joy for the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the dread of the Jews had fallen on them. <a href="/lsb/esther/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> And in each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king’s word and his law reached, there was gladness and joy for the Jews, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the dread of the Jews had fallen on them. <a href="/amp/esther/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king’s command and his decree arrived, the Jews celebrated with gladness and joy, a feast and a holiday. And many among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the fear of the Jews [and their God] had fallen on them. <a href="/csb/esther/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> In every province and every city where the king’s command and edict reached, gladness and joy took place among the Jews. There was a celebration and a holiday. And many of the ethnic groups of the land professed themselves to be Jews because fear of the Jews had overcome them. <a href="/hcsb/esther/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> In every province and every city, wherever the king&#8217s command and his law reached, joy and rejoicing took place among the Jews. There was a celebration and a holiday. And many of the ethnic groups of the land professed themselves to be Jews because fear of the Jews had overcome them. <a href="/asv/esther/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had gladness and joy, a feast and a good day. And many from among the peoples of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews was fallen upon them. <a href="/cev/esther/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> In every province and city where the law was sent, the Jews had parties and celebrated. Many of the people in the provinces accepted the Jewish religion, because they were now afraid of the Jews. <a href="/erv/esther/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had gladness and joy, a feast and a good day. And many from among the peoples of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews was fallen upon them. <a href="/gwt/esther/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> In every province and every city where the king's message and decree arrived, the Jews were happy and joyful, feasting and enjoying a holiday. Then many common people pretended to be Jews because they were terrified of the Jews. <a href="/gnt/esther/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> In every city and province, wherever the king's proclamation was read, the Jews held a joyful holiday with feasting and happiness. In fact, many other people became Jews, because they were afraid of them now. <a href="/isv/esther/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> In each and every province, and in each and every city, in the places where the king's order and edict reached, there was gladness and joy among the Jewish people, along with a festival and a holiday. Many of the people of the land became Jews, because they had come to fear the Jewish people. <a href="/msb/esther/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> In every province and every city, wherever the king?s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them. <a href="/net/esther/8.htm">NET Bible</a> Throughout every province and throughout every city where the king's edict and his law arrived, the Jews experienced happiness and joy, banquets and holidays. Many of the resident peoples pretended to be Jews, because the fear of the Jews had overcome them. <a href="/nheb/esther/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> In every province, and in every city, wherever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had gladness, joy, a feast, and a good day. Many from among the peoples of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews was fallen on them. <a href="/wbt/esther/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them. <a href="/web/esther/8.htm">World English Bible</a> In every province and in every city, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had gladness, joy, a feast and a holiday. Many from among the peoples of the land became Jews, for the fear of the Jews had fallen on them. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/esther/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and in each and every province, and in each and every city, the place where the word of the king, even his law, is coming, gladness and joy [are] to the Jews, a banquet, and a good day; and many of the peoples of the land are becoming Jews, for a fear of the Jews has fallen on them. <a href="/ylt/esther/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and in every province and province, and in every city and city, the place where the word of the king, even his law, is coming, gladness and joy are to the Jews, a banquet, and a good day; and many of the peoples of the land are becoming Jews, for a fear of the Jews hath fallen upon them. <a href="/slt/esther/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And in every province and province, and in every city and city, the place where the word of the king and his edict coming, gladness and joy to the Jews, a drinking and a good day. And many peoples of the land becoming Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/esther/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And in all peoples, cities, and provinces, whithersoever the king's commandments came, there was wonderful rejoicing, feasts and banquets, and keeping holy day: insomuch that many of other nations and religion, joined themselves to their worship and ceremonies. For a great dread of the name of the Jews had fallen upon all. <a href="/cpdv/esther/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 13:29>With all the peoples, cities, and provinces, wherever the king’s orders arrived, there was wonderful rejoicing, banquets and feasts, and a solemn holy day, so much so that many of the other nations joined themselves to their religious practices and ceremonies. For a great fear of the name of the Jews had overcome them all. <a href="/nabre/esther/8.htm">New American Bible</a> In each and every province and in each and every city, wherever the king’s order arrived, there was merriment and joy, banqueting and feasting for the Jews. And many of the peoples of the land identified themselves as Jews, for fear of the Jews fell upon them. <a href="/nrsvce/esther/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> In every province and in every city, wherever the king’s command and his edict came, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a festival and a holiday. Furthermore, many of the peoples of the country professed to be Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/esther/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And in every province and in every city whithersoever the king's decree and his commandment came the Jews had a great joy, a feast, and a good day. And many of the people of the land were alarmed; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them. <a href="/hpbt/esther/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> In all the city and in all the villages wherever the message of the King and his commandment arrived the Jews had great joy and drinking and a fine day, and many of the peoples of the Earth were moved to regret, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them. <div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/esther/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had gladness and joy, a feast and a good day. And many from among the peoples of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews was fallen upon them. <a href="/sep/esther/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> in every city and province wherever the ordinance was published: wherever the proclamation took place, the Jews had joy and gladness, feasting and mirth: and many of the Gentiles were circumcised, and became Jews, for fear of the Jews. <a href="/parallel/esther/8-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TRosJDhNG-8?start=1697" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/esther/8.htm">The Decree of Xerxes</a> …16For the Jews it was a time of light and gladness, of joy and honor. 17<a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ū·ḇə·ḵāl (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">In every</a> <a href="/hebrew/4082.htm" title="4082: mə·ḏî·nāh (N-fs) -- A province. From diyn; properly, a judgeship, i.e. Jurisdiction; by implication, a district; generally, a region.">province</a> <a href="/hebrew/4082.htm" title="4082: ū·mə·ḏî·nāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- A province. From diyn; properly, a judgeship, i.e. Jurisdiction; by implication, a district; generally, a region."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: ū·ḇə·ḵāl (Conj-w, Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">and every</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: ‘îr (N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">city,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: wā·‘îr (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4725.htm" title="4725: mə·qō·wm (N-msc) -- Or maqom; also mqowmah; or mqomah; from quwm; properly, a standing, i.e. A spot; but used widely of a locality; also of a condition.">wherever</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: də·ḇar- (N-msc) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">edict</a> <a href="/hebrew/1881.htm" title="1881: wə·ḏā·ṯōw (Conj-w:: N-fsc:: 3ms) -- Decree, law. Of uncertain derivation: a royal edict or statute.">and decree</a> <a href="/hebrew/5060.htm" title="5060: mag·gî·a‘ (V-Hifil-Prtcpl-ms) -- A primitive root; properly, to touch, i.e. Lay the hand upon; by implication, to reach; violently, to strike.">reached,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8057.htm" title="8057: śim·ḥāh (N-fs) -- Joy, gladness, mirth. From sameach; blithesomeness or glee.">there was joy</a> <a href="/hebrew/8342.htm" title="8342: wə·śā·śō·wn (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Exultation, rejoicing. Or sason; from suws; cheerfulness; specifically, welcome.">and gladness</a> <a href="/hebrew/3064.htm" title="3064: lay·yə·hū·ḏîm (Prep-l, Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Jewish. Patronymically from Yhuwdah; a Jehudite, or descendant of Jehudah.">among the Jews,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4960.htm" title="4960: miš·teh (N-ms) -- A feast, drink. From shathah; drink, by implication, drinking; also a banquet or feast.">with feasting</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: wə·yō·wm (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">and celebrating.</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7227.htm" title="7227: wə·rab·bîm (Conj-w:: Adj-mp) -- Much, many, great. By contracted from rabab; abundant.">And many</a> <a href="/hebrew/5971.htm" title="5971: mê·‘am·mê (Prep-m:: N-mpc) -- From amam; a people; specifically, a tribe; hence troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock.">of the people</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: hā·’ā·reṣ (Art:: N-fs) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">of the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/3054.htm" title="3054: miṯ·ya·hă·ḏîm (V-Hitpael-Prtcpl-mp) -- To become a Jew. Denominative from a form corresponding to Yhuwd; to Judaize, i.e. Become Jewish.">themselves became Jews,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3588.htm" title="3588: kî- (Conj) -- That, for, when. ">because</a> <a href="/hebrew/6343.htm" title="6343: pa·ḥaḏ- (N-msc) -- Dread. From pachad; a alarm.">the fear</a> <a href="/hebrew/3064.htm" title="3064: hay·yə·hū·ḏîm (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Jewish. Patronymically from Yhuwdah; a Jehudite, or descendant of Jehudah.">of the Jews</a> <a href="/hebrew/5307.htm" title="5307: nā·p̄al (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall, lie. A primitive root; to fall, in a great variety of applications.">had fallen</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ă·lê·hem (Prep:: 3mp) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">upon them.</a> <div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/exodus/12-48.htm">Exodus 12:48</a> If a foreigner resides with you and wants to celebrate the LORD’s Passover, all the males in the household must be circumcised; then he may come near to celebrate it, and he shall be like a native of the land. But no uncircumcised man may eat of it. <a href="/isaiah/56-6.htm">Isaiah 56:6-7</a> And the foreigners who join themselves to the LORD to minister to Him, to love the name of the LORD, and to be His servants—all who keep the Sabbath without profaning it and who hold fast to My covenant— / I will bring them to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on My altar, for My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.” <a href="/zechariah/8-23.htm">Zechariah 8:23</a> This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’” <a href="/acts/2-47.htm">Acts 2:47</a> praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. <a href="/acts/6-7.htm">Acts 6:7</a> So the word of God continued to spread. The number of disciples in Jerusalem grew rapidly, and a great number of priests became obedient to the faith. <a href="/acts/13-43.htm">Acts 13:43</a> After the synagogue was dismissed, many of the Jews and devout converts to Judaism followed Paul and Barnabas, who spoke to them and urged them to continue in the grace of God. <a href="/acts/17-12.htm">Acts 17:12</a> As a result, many of them believed, along with quite a few prominent Greek women and men. <a href="/romans/11-17.htm">Romans 11:17-24</a> Now if some branches have been broken off, and you, a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others to share in the nourishment of the olive root, / do not boast over those branches. If you do, remember this: You do not support the root, but the root supports you. / You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I could be grafted in.” ... <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a> There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. <a href="/ephesians/2-11.htm">Ephesians 2:11-13</a> Therefore remember that formerly you who are Gentiles in the flesh and called uncircumcised by the so-called circumcision (that done in the body by human hands)— / remember that at that time you were separate from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers to the covenants of the promise, without hope and without God in the world. / But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ. <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9-10</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. / Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. <a href="/genesis/17-12.htm">Genesis 17:12-13</a> Generation after generation, every male must be circumcised when he is eight days old, including those born in your household and those purchased from a foreigner—even those who are not your offspring. / Whether they are born in your household or purchased, they must be circumcised. My covenant in your flesh will be an everlasting covenant. <a href="/2_chronicles/30-25.htm">2 Chronicles 30:25</a> Then the whole assembly of Judah rejoiced along with the priests and Levites and the whole assembly that had come from Israel, including the foreigners who had come from Israel and those who lived in Judah. <a href="/psalms/18-43.htm">Psalm 18:43</a> 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. <a href="/psalms/47-9.htm">Psalm 47:9</a> The nobles of the nations have assembled as the people of the God of Abraham; for the shields of the earth belong to God; He is highly exalted.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And in every province, and in every city, wherever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell on them.a feast.<a href="/esther/9-17.htm">Esther 9:17,19,22</a> On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness… <a href="/1_samuel/25-8.htm">1 Samuel 25:8</a> Ask thy young men, and they will shew thee. Wherefore let the young men find favour in thine eyes: for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thine hand unto thy servants, and to thy son David.<a href="/nehemiah/8-10.htm">Nehemiah 8:10</a> Then he said unto them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions unto them for whom nothing is prepared: for this day is holy unto our Lord: neither be ye sorry; for the joy of the LORD is your strength.many of the people.<a href="/psalms/18-43.htm">Psalm 18:43</a> Thou hast delivered me from the strivings of the people; and thou hast made me the head of the heathen: a people whom I have not known shall serve me.<a href="/zechariah/8-20.htm">Zechariah 8:20-23</a> Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: … for the fear.<a href="/esther/9-2.htm">Esther 9:2</a> The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.<a href="/genesis/35-5.htm">Genesis 35:5</a> And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.<a href="/exodus/15-16.htm">Exodus 15:16</a> Fear and dread shall fall upon them; by the greatness of thine arm they shall be as still as a stone; till thy people pass over, O LORD, till the people pass over, which thou hast purchased.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/8-15.htm">City</a> <a href="/esther/8-14.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/esther/8-14.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/esther/7-8.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/nehemiah/6-19.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/esther/7-1.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/esther/8-3.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/esther/8-16.htm">Gladness</a> <a href="/esther/8-8.htm">Good</a> <a href="/esther/8-16.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/esther/8-16.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/esther/8-15.htm">King's</a> <a href="/esther/8-13.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/esther/8-13.htm">Province</a> <a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Whithersoever</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/9-28.htm">City</a> <a href="/esther/9-1.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/esther/9-1.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/esther/9-2.htm">Fallen</a> <a href="/esther/9-2.htm">Fear</a> <a href="/job/1-4.htm">Feast</a> <a href="/esther/9-2.htm">Fell</a> <a href="/esther/9-17.htm">Gladness</a> <a href="/esther/9-19.htm">Good</a> <a href="/esther/9-1.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/esther/9-17.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/esther/9-1.htm">King's</a> <a href="/esther/9-2.htm">Peoples</a> <a href="/esther/9-28.htm">Province</a> <a href="/psalms/91-11.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/proverbs/17-8.htm">Whithersoever</a><div class="vheading2">Esther 8</div>1. <a href="/esther/8-1.htm">Mordecai is advanced.</a> 3. <a href="/esther/8-3.htm">Esther makes suit to reverse Haman's letters.</a> 7. <a href="/esther/8-7.htm">Xerxes grants to the Jews to defend themselves.</a> 15. <a href="/esther/8-15.htm">Mordecai's honor, and the Jews' joy.</a> </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>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <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> </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/8.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/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>In every province and every city The Persian Empire was vast, stretching from India to Ethiopia, encompassing 127 provinces. This phrase highlights the extensive reach of King Ahasuerus's edict. The administrative efficiency of the Persian Empire allowed for rapid dissemination of royal decrees, reflecting the historical context of a well-organized empire. This widespread reach underscores the significance of the Jews' deliverance and the impact of the decree across diverse regions and cultures.wherever the king’s edict and decree reached The king's edict, reversing the previous decree that allowed for the destruction of the Jews, was a pivotal moment in the narrative. The legal system of Persia, where a king's decree was irrevocable, adds depth to the story, as it required a new decree to counteract the first. This reflects the providential hand of God in using human authority to protect His people, a theme consistent with God's sovereignty throughout Scripture.there was joy and gladness among the Jews The emotional response of the Jews highlights the dramatic reversal of their fortunes. This joy and gladness are reminiscent of other biblical instances where God delivers His people, such as the Exodus from Egypt. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises to protect and preserve His chosen people.with feasting and celebrating Feasting and celebrating are common responses to divine deliverance in the Bible, seen in festivals like Passover. These acts of communal joy and thanksgiving are expressions of gratitude towards God. The cultural practice of feasting underscores the importance of community and shared experiences in Jewish tradition, reflecting a deep sense of relief and gratitude.And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews This phrase indicates a significant shift in the perception of the Jewish people. The conversion of many to Judaism suggests a recognition of the power and protection of the God of Israel. It echoes the theme of God's name being glorified among the nations, as seen in other biblical narratives where God's intervention leads to the acknowledgment of His sovereignty by non-Israelites.because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them The fear mentioned here is not merely terror but a reverential awe of the God who protects His people. This fear led to conversions, similar to the fear of the Lord that is the beginning of wisdom (<a href="/proverbs/9-10.htm">Proverbs 9:10</a>). It reflects the biblical principle that God's mighty acts can lead to the recognition of His power and authority, influencing others to seek Him.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/esther.htm">Esther</a> A Jewish queen of Persia who played a crucial role in saving her people from destruction. 2. <a href="/topical/m/mordecai.htm">Mordecai</a> Esther's cousin and guardian, who became a prominent figure in the Persian court and was instrumental in the Jews' deliverance. 3. <a href="/topical/k/king_ahasuerus.htm">King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)</a> The Persian king who issued the decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_jews.htm">The Jews</a> The people of God living in exile in Persia, who were threatened with annihilation but found deliverance through Esther and Mordecai. 5. <a href="/topical/p/persian_empire.htm">Persian Empire</a> The vast empire where these events took place, encompassing many provinces and diverse peoples.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_providence.htm">God's Sovereignty and Providence</a> God orchestrates events for the deliverance and blessing of His people, even in foreign lands and under pagan rulers. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_influence.htm">The Power of Influence</a> The Jews' faithfulness and God's evident favor upon them led many to convert, showing the impact of a godly witness. <a href="/topical/j/joy_in_deliverance.htm">Joy in Deliverance</a> The joy and celebration of the Jews remind us to rejoice in God's salvation and deliverance in our own lives. <a href="/topical/f/fear_of_the_lord.htm">Fear of the Lord</a> The fear of the Jews that fell upon the people signifies a recognition of God's power and presence, prompting reverence and conversion. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_celebration.htm">Community and Celebration</a> The communal aspect of the Jews' celebration highlights the importance of shared joy and fellowship in the faith community.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_esther_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Esther 8</a> <a href="/q/why_isn't_there_more_evidence_of_global_worship.htm">If Malachi 1:11 insists God’s name is revered among all nations, why isn’t there more historical evidence of widespread worship of Israel’s God at that time? </a> <a href="/q/how_does_esther_8_11_fit_ot_justice.htm">How does the violent response sanctioned in Esther 8:11 align with broader Old Testament teachings on justice and mercy?</a> <a href="/q/is_esther_7_4's_decree_reversal_credible.htm">Esther 7:4 - How credible is it that a royal decree ordering genocide could be issued and then so quickly reversed without any historical records corroborating it?</a> <a href="/q/how_does_esther_8_8_override_persian_law.htm">How does Esther 8:8 reconcile with the supposed irrevocability of Persian law if a second decree effectively overrules the first?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/esther/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) Became Jews.--That is, embraced their religion as proselytes.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - A feast and a good day. The provincial Jews made the whole day on which they heard the news into a holiday, and not only rejoiced, but feasted. Many of the people of the land became Jews. Applied for and obtained admission into the Jewish nation as full proselytes (comp. <a href="/ezra/6-21.htm">Ezra 6:21</a>, with the comment). The fear of the Jews fell upon them. There was about to be in each great city where there were Jews a day of straggle and bloodshed. The Jews would have authority on their side (<a href="/esther/9-3.htm">Esther 9:3</a>), and might be expected to be victorious. Persons feared lest, when victorious, they might revenge themselves on all who had not taken their part, and thought it safer to become Jews than remain neutral. But it can only have been a small minority of the population in each city that took this view. There was no sudden great increase in the numbers of the Jewish nation. <a href="/commentaries/esther/8-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>In every וּבְכָל־ (ū·ḇə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every province מְדִינָ֨ה (mə·ḏî·nāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4082.htm">Strong's 4082: </a> A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region and every וּבְכָל־ (ū·ḇə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every city, עִ֣יר (‘îr) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement wherever מְקוֹם֙ (mə·qō·wm) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4725.htm">Strong's 4725: </a> A standing, a spot, a condition the king’s הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king edict דְּבַר־ (də·ḇar-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause and decree וְדָתוֹ֙ (wə·ḏā·ṯōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1881.htm">Strong's 1881: </a> A royal edict, statute reached, מַגִּ֔יעַ (mag·gî·a‘) Verb - Hifil - Participle - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5060.htm">Strong's 5060: </a> To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike there was joy שִׂמְחָ֤ה (śim·ḥāh) Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8057.htm">Strong's 8057: </a> Blithesomeness, glee and gladness וְשָׂשׂוֹן֙ (wə·śā·śō·wn) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8342.htm">Strong's 8342: </a> Cheerfulness, welcome among the Jews, לַיְּהוּדִ֔ים (lay·yə·hū·ḏîm) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3064.htm">Strong's 3064: </a> Jews -- Jewish with feasting מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה (miš·teh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4960.htm">Strong's 4960: </a> Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast and celebrating. וְי֣וֹם (wə·yō·wm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day And many וְרַבִּ֞ים (wə·rab·bîm) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7227.htm">Strong's 7227: </a> Much, many, great of the people מֵֽעַמֵּ֤י (mê·‘am·mê) Preposition-m | Noun - masculine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5971.htm">Strong's 5971: </a> A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock of the land הָאָ֙רֶץ֙ (hā·’ā·reṣ) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> Earth, land themselves became Jews, מִֽתְיַהֲדִ֔ים (miṯ·ya·hă·ḏîm) Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3054.htm">Strong's 3054: </a> To Judaize, become Jewish because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> A relative conjunction the fear פַּֽחַד־ (pa·ḥaḏ-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6343.htm">Strong's 6343: </a> A, alarm of the Jews הַיְּהוּדִ֖ים (hay·yə·hū·ḏîm) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3064.htm">Strong's 3064: </a> Jews -- Jewish had fallen נָפַ֥ל (nā·p̄al) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5307.htm">Strong's 5307: </a> To fall, lie upon them. עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃ (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/8-17.htm">Esther 8:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/esther/8-17.htm">Esther 8:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/esther/8-17.htm">Esther 8:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/esther/8-17.htm">Esther 8:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/esther/8-17.htm">Esther 8:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/8-17.htm">Esther 8:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/8-17.htm">Esther 8:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/8-17.htm">Esther 8:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/esther/8-17.htm">Esther 8:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/esther/8-17.htm">Esther 8:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/esther/8-17.htm">OT History: Esther 8:17 In every province and in every city (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/8-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 8:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 8:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/9-1.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 9:1"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 9:1" /></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>