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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 />Then the royal officials at the king&#8217s gate asked Mordecai, &#8220Why do you disobey the king&#8217s command?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/esther/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then the palace officials at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you disobeying the king’s command?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/esther/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress the king’s command?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/esther/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the royal servants at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the command of the king?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/esther/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then the king's servants, which <i>were</i> in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/esther/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then the king’s servants who <i>were</i> within the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress the king’s command?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/esther/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why are you violating the king’s command?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/esther/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the king&#8217s servants who were at the king&#8217s gate said to Mordecai, &#8220Why are you transgressing the king&#8217s command?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/esther/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why are you transgressing the king’s command?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/esther/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you trespass against the king’s command?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/esther/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why are you disregarding the king’s command?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/esther/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The members of the royal staff at the King’s Gate asked Mordecai, “Why are you disobeying the king’s command? ”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/esther/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />The members of the royal staff at the King&#8217s Gate asked Mordecai, &#8220Why are you disobeying the king&#8217s command?&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/esther/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/esther/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the other officials asked Mordecai why he disobeyed the king's command, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/esther/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/esther/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the king's advisers at the king's gate asked Mordecai, "Why do you ignore the king's command?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/esther/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />The other officials in the royal service asked him why he was disobeying the king's command; <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/esther/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The king's ministers who were in the king's gate asked Mordecai, "Why are you disobeying the king's command?" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/esther/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the royal servants at the king?s gate asked Mordecai, ?Why do you disobey the command of the king??<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/esther/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then the servants of the king who were at the king's gate asked Mordecai, "Why are you violating the king's commandment?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/esther/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then the king's servants, who were in the King's Gate, said to Mordecai, "Why do you disobey the king's commandment?"<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/esther/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then the king's servants who were in the king's gate, said to Mordecai, Why dost thou transgress the king's commandment?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/esther/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then the king’s servants who were in the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the king’s commandment?” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/esther/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the servants of the king, who [are] in the gate of the king, say to Mordecai, “Why [are] you transgressing the command of the king?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/esther/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the servants of the king, who are in the gate of the king, say to Mordecai, 'Wherefore art thou transgressing the command of the king?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/esther/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king's servants that were in the king's gate will say to Mordecai, Wherefore dost thou pass by the king's Command?<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/esther/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the king's servants that were chief at the doors of the palace, said to him: Why dost thou alone not observe the king's commandment? <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/esther/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 5:3>The king’s servants, who presided over the doors of the palace, said to him, “Why do you, more than the others, not observe the king’s command?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/esther/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />The king’s servants who were at the royal gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the king’s order?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/esther/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the king’s command?”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/esther/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then the king's servants who were at the king's gate said to Mordecai, Why do you transgress the king's commandment?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/esther/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the Servants of the King were saying in the gate of the King to Murdacai: “Why do you act against the commandment of the King?”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/esther/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai: 'Why transgressest thou the king's commandment?'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/esther/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they in the king's palace said to Mardochaeus, Mardochaeus, why dost thou transgress the commands of the king?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/esther/3-3.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=597" 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">2</span>All the royal servants at the king’s gate bowed down and paid homage to Haman, because the king had commanded that this be done for him. But Mordecai would not bow down or pay homage. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">Then the royal</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/5650.htm" title="5650: ‘aḇ·ḏê (N-mpc) -- Slave, servant. From abad; a servant.">servants</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">at the king’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/8179.htm" title="8179: bə·ša·‘ar (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- A gate. From sha'ar in its original sense; an opening, i.e. Door or gate.">gate</a> <a href="/hebrew/559.htm" title="559: way·yō·mə·rū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">asked</a> <a href="/hebrew/4782.htm" title="4782: lə·mā·rə·do·ḵāy (Prep-l:: N-proper-ms) -- A companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther. Of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite.">Mordecai,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4069.htm" title="4069: mad·dū·a‘ (Interrog) -- Why? for what reason?. Or madduaa; from mah and the passive participle of yada'; what known?; i.e. why?.">“Why</a> <a href="/hebrew/859.htm" title="859: ’at·tāh (Pro-2ms) -- You (masc. sing.). ">do you</a> <a href="/hebrew/5674.htm" title="5674: ‘ō·w·ḇêr (V-Qal-Prtcpl-ms) -- To pass over, through, or by, pass on. A primitive root; to cross over; used very widely of any transition; specifically, to cover.">disobey</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’êṯ (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/4687.htm" title="4687: miṣ·waṯ (N-fsc) -- Commandment. From tsavah; a command, whether human or divine.">the command</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">of the king?”</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>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.…<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/3-12.htm">Daniel 3:12</a></span><br />But there are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who have ignored you, O king, and have refused to serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-13.htm">Daniel 6:13</a></span><br />Then they told the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, shows no regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed. He still makes his petition three times a day.”<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="/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</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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Romans 13:1-2</a></span><br />Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">1 Peter 2:13-14</a></span><br />Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/22-21.htm">Matthew 22:21</a></span><br />“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”<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="/genesis/39-9.htm">Genesis 39:9</a></span><br />No one in this house is greater than I am. He has withheld nothing from me except you, because you are his wife. So how could I do such a great evil and sin against God?”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/5-40.htm">Acts 5:40-42</a></span><br />At this, they yielded to Gamaliel. They called the apostles in and had them flogged. Then they ordered them not to speak in the name of Jesus, and released them. / The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name. / Every day, in the temple courts and from house to house, they did not stop teaching and proclaiming the good news that Jesus is the Christ.<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="/colossians/3-22.htm">Colossians 3:22-24</a></span><br />Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord. / Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being, as for the Lord and not for men, / because you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as your reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/6-5.htm">Ephesians 6:5-7</a></span><br />Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear and sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. / And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. / Serve with good will, as to the Lord and not to men,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/7-23.htm">1 Corinthians 7:23</a></span><br />You were bought at a price; do not become slaves of men.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate, said to Mordecai, Why transgress you the king's commandment?</p><p class="hdg">Why.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/3-2.htm">Esther 3:2</a></b></br> And all the king's servants, that <i>were</i> in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did <i>him</i> reverence.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/1-17.htm">Exodus 1:17</a></b></br> But the midwives feared God, and did not as the king of Egypt commanded them, but saved the men children alive.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/15-2.htm">Matthew 15:2,3</a></b></br> Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? for they wash not their hands when they eat bread… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/2-8.htm">Command</a> <a href="/esther/2-20.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/24-20.htm">Disobey</a> <a href="/esther/3-2.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/esther/3-2.htm">House</a> <a href="/esther/3-2.htm">King's</a> <a href="/esther/3-2.htm">Mordecai</a> <a href="/esther/2-22.htm">Mor'decai</a> <a href="/esther/3-2.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/esther/3-2.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/esther/3-2.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-27.htm">Transgress</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-2.htm">Transgressing</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Wherefore</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Command</a> <a href="/esther/3-14.htm">Commandment</a> <a href="/psalms/17-3.htm">Disobey</a> <a href="/esther/4-2.htm">Gate</a> <a href="/esther/4-13.htm">House</a> <a href="/esther/3-8.htm">King's</a> <a href="/esther/3-5.htm">Mordecai</a> <a href="/esther/3-5.htm">Mor'decai</a> <a href="/esther/5-11.htm">Officials</a> <a href="/esther/3-9.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/esther/4-4.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/psalms/17-3.htm">Transgress</a> <a href="/proverbs/14-16.htm">Transgressing</a> <a href="/esther/3-6.htm">Wherefore</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 />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <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>Then the royal servants at the king’s gate</b><br>The setting at the king's gate indicates a place of official business and judgment in the Persian Empire, similar to city gates in ancient Israel where elders and leaders would gather. This location underscores the importance of the events, as it was a hub for political and social activity. The "royal servants" were likely officials or guards who maintained order and ensured the king's decrees were followed. This setting highlights the tension between Mordecai's Jewish identity and his role within the Persian administration.<p><b>asked Mordecai</b><br>Mordecai, a Jew living in exile, held a position of some authority, as indicated by his presence at the king's gate. His refusal to bow to Haman, a high-ranking official, was a significant act of defiance. Mordecai's actions can be seen as a stand for his faith and heritage, reminiscent of Daniel's refusal to worship the Babylonian king's image. This moment foreshadows the larger conflict between Haman and the Jewish people, emphasizing themes of faithfulness and identity.<p><b>“Why do you disobey the command of the king?”</b><br>The question posed to Mordecai highlights the tension between obeying earthly authority and remaining faithful to God's commandments. In the Persian Empire, the king's command was law, and disobedience could result in severe punishment. Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman can be seen as an act of civil disobedience rooted in his commitment to God, similar to the actions of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the book of Daniel. This phrase also sets the stage for the unfolding drama of Esther, where God's providence and protection of His people are central themes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/m/mordecai.htm">Mordecai</a></b><br>A Jew living in Persia, Mordecai is a key figure in the Book of Esther. He is known for his steadfast faith and refusal to bow to Haman, which sets the stage for the events in <a href="/esther/3-3.htm">Esther 3:3</a>.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/r/royal_servants.htm">Royal Servants</a></b><br>These are the king's officials stationed at the gate. They question Mordecai's actions, highlighting the tension between cultural obedience and personal conviction.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/king's_gate.htm">King’s Gate</a></b><br>A significant location in the Persian Empire, the king's gate is where official business and legal matters are conducted. It is a place of authority and decision-making.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_king.htm">The King</a></b><br>Referring to King Xerxes (Ahasuerus), the ruler of the Persian Empire, whose decree is being disobeyed by Mordecai.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/h/haman.htm">Haman</a></b><br>Though not directly mentioned in this verse, Haman's decree is the reason for the royal servants' question. He is an antagonist in the account, seeking to destroy the Jews.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/f/faithfulness_over_conformity.htm">Faithfulness Over Conformity</a></b><br>Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman is a powerful example of prioritizing faithfulness to God over societal pressures. Believers are called to stand firm in their convictions, even when it is unpopular or risky.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_opposition.htm">Courage in the Face of Opposition</a></b><br>The courage displayed by Mordecai serves as an inspiration for Christians to remain steadfast in their beliefs, trusting that God is sovereign over all circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_cost_of_disobedience.htm">The Cost of Disobedience</a></b><br>Mordecai's actions remind us that there can be significant consequences for choosing to obey God over man. It is essential to weigh these costs and be prepared to face them with faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_community.htm">The Role of Community</a></b><br>The questioning by the royal servants highlights the importance of community in holding individuals accountable. Believers should surround themselves with a community that encourages faithfulness to God.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_providence.htm">Divine Providence</a></b><br>The unfolding events in Esther demonstrate God's providence. Even when His name is not mentioned, His hand is at work, orchestrating events for His purposes.<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/evidence_for_mordecai's_rise_in_esther_8_2.htm">What evidence exists that supports Mordecai's elevation to high authority in Esther 8:2, considering Persian records rarely reference Jewish officials?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_esther_save_her_people.htm">How did Esther save her people from Xerxes' decree?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 3, 4.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The king's servants, which were in the gate</span> with Mordecai, were the first to observe his disrespect, and at once took up the matter. Why were they to bow down, and Mordecai not? Was he any better or any grander than they? What right had he to <span class="cmt_word">transgress the king's commandment?</span> When they urged him on the point day after day, Mordecai seems at last to have explained to them what his objection was, and to have said that, <span class="accented">as a Jew</span>, he was precluded from prostrating himself before a man. Having heard this, <span class="cmt_word">they told Haman</span>, being curious to <span class="cmt_word">see whether Mordecai's matters</span> (or, rather, "<span class="accented">words"</span>) <span class="cmt_word">would stand</span>, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> whether his excuse would be allowed, as was that of the Spartan ambassadors who declined to bow down before Artaxerxes Longimanus (Herod., 1. s. c.). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/esther/3-3.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">Then the royal</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">servants</span><br /><span class="heb">עַבְדֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḇ·ḏê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5650.htm">Strong's 5650: </a> </span><span class="str2">Slave, servant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at the King’s</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Gate</span><br /><span class="heb">בְּשַׁ֥עַר</span> <span class="translit">(bə·ša·‘ar)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8179.htm">Strong's 8179: </a> </span><span class="str2">An opening, door, gate</span><br /><br /><span class="word">asked</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mə·rū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - 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">Mordecai,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְמָרְדֳּכָ֑י</span> <span class="translit">(lə·mā·rə·do·ḵāy)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | 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">“Why</span><br /><span class="heb">מַדּ֙וּעַ֙</span> <span class="translit">(mad·dū·a‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4069.htm">Strong's 4069: </a> </span><span class="str2">Why? for what reason?</span><br /><br /><span class="word">do you</span><br /><span class="heb">אַתָּ֣ה</span> <span class="translit">(’at·tāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Pronoun - second person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_859.htm">Strong's 859: </a> </span><span class="str2">Thou and thee, ye and you</span><br /><br /><span class="word">disobey</span><br /><span class="heb">עוֹבֵ֔ר</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·w·ḇêr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5674.htm">Strong's 5674: </a> </span><span class="str2">To pass over, through, or by, pass on</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the command</span><br /><span class="heb">מִצְוַ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(miṣ·waṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4687.htm">Strong's 4687: </a> </span><span class="str2">Commandment</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the king?”</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/3-3.htm">Esther 3:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/esther/3-3.htm">Esther 3:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/esther/3-3.htm">Esther 3:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/esther/3-3.htm">Esther 3:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/esther/3-3.htm">Esther 3:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/3-3.htm">Esther 3:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/3-3.htm">Esther 3:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/3-3.htm">Esther 3:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/esther/3-3.htm">Esther 3:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/esther/3-3.htm">Esther 3:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/esther/3-3.htm">OT History: Esther 3:3 Then the king's servants who were (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/3-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 3:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 3:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/3-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 3:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 3:4" /></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>