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<a href="/nkjv/esther/4.htm">New King James Version</a> When Mordecai learned all that had happened, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city. He cried out with a loud and bitter cry. <a href="/nasb_/esther/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> When Mordecai learned of everything that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city and wailed loudly and bitterly. <a href="/nasb/esther/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> When Mordecai learned all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city and wailed loudly and bitterly. <a href="/nasb77/esther/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> When Mordecai learned all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city and wailed loudly and bitterly. <a href="/lsb/esther/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now Mordecai came to know of all that had been done. And he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city and cried out loudly and bitterly. <a href="/amp/esther/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now when Mordecai learned of everything that had been done, he tore his clothes [in mourning], and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the center of the city and cried out loudly and bitterly. <a href="/csb/esther/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> When Mordecai learned all that had occurred, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, went into the middle of the city, and cried loudly and bitterly. <a href="/hcsb/esther/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> When Mordecai learned all that had occurred, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, went into the middle of the city, and cried loudly and bitterly. <a href="/asv/esther/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now when Mordecai knew all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; <a href="/cev/esther/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When Mordecai heard about the letter, he tore his clothes in sorrow and put on sackcloth. Then he covered his head with ashes and went through the city, crying and weeping. <a href="/erv/esther/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now when Mordecai knew all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry: <a href="/gwt/esther/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> When Mordecai found out about everything that had been done, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes. He went into the middle of the city and cried loudly and bitterly. <a href="/gnt/esther/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes in anguish. Then he dressed in sackcloth, covered his head with ashes, and walked through the city, wailing loudly and bitterly, <a href="/isv/esther/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> When Mordecai learned all that had been done, he tore his garments and clothed himself in sackcloth and ashes. He went into the middle of the city and cried out with a loud and bitter cry. <a href="/net/esther/4.htm">NET Bible</a> Now when Mordecai became aware of all that had been done, he tore his garments and put on sackcloth and ashes. He went out into the city, crying out in a loud and bitter voice. <a href="/nheb/esther/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now when Mordecai found out all that was done, Mordecai tore his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and wailed loudly and a bitterly. <a href="/wbt/esther/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;<div class="vheading2">Majority Text Translations</div><a href="/msb/esther/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly. <a href="/web/esther/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Now when Mordecai found out all that was done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, and wailed loudly and bitterly. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/esther/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And Mordecai has known all that has been done, and Mordecai tears his garments, and puts on sackcloth and ashes, and goes forth into the midst of the city and cries—a cry loud and bitter, <a href="/ylt/esther/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And Mordecai hath known all that hath been done, and Mordecai rendeth his garments, and putteth on sackcloth and ashes, and goeth forth into the midst of the city and crieth -- a cry loud and bitter, <a href="/slt/esther/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Mordecai knew all that was done, and Mordecai will rend his garments, and put on sackcloth and ashes, and he will go forth into the city, and he will cry out a great and bitter cry;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/esther/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Now when Mardochai had heard these things, he rent his garments, and put on sackcloth, strewing ashes on his head: and he cried with a loud voice in the street in the midst of the city, shewing the anguish of his mind. <a href="/cpdv/esther/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 7:1>When Mordecai had heard this, he tore his garments and put on sackcloth, strewing ashes on his head, and he cried out with a loud voice in the main street of the city, revealing the anguish of his soul. <a href="/nabre/esther/4.htm">New American Bible</a> When Mordecai learned all that was happening, he tore his garments, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went through the city crying out loudly and bitterly, <a href="/nrsvce/esther/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went through the city, wailing with a loud and bitter cry;<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/esther/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> WHEN Mordecai learned all that was done, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, howling with a loud and bitter lamentation; <a href="/hpbt/esther/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And Murdacai knew everything that was done, and Murdacai ripped his clothes and he put on sackcloth, and he sprinkled himself with ashes, and he went out and cried out within the city with a great and bitter wailing.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/esther/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Now when Mordecai knew all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; <a href="/sep/esther/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> But Mardochaeus having perceived what was done, rent his garments, and put on sackcloth, and sprinkled dust upon himself; and having rushed forth through the open street of the city, he cried with a loud voice, A nation that has done no wrong is going to be destroyed. <a href="/parallel/esther/4-1.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=783" 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/4.htm">Mordecai Appeals to Esther</a> 1<a href="/hebrew/4782.htm" title="4782: ū·mā·rə·do·ḵay (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- A companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther. Of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite.">When Mordecai</a> <a href="/hebrew/3045.htm" title="3045: yā·ḏa‘ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to know; used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially.">learned of</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: kāl- (N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">all</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.">that</a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: na·‘ă·śāh (V-Nifal-Perf-3ms) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">had happened,</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.">he</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7167.htm" title="7167: way·yiq·ra‘ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To tear. A primitive root; to rend, literally or figuratively.">tore</a> <a href="/hebrew/899.htm" title="899: bə·ḡā·ḏāw (N-mpc:: 3ms) -- A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage. From bagad; a covering, i.e. Clothing; also treachery or pillage.">his clothes,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3847.htm" title="3847: way·yil·baš (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- Or labesh; a primitive root; properly, wrap around, i.e. to put on a garment or clothe, literally or figuratively.">put on</a> <a href="/hebrew/8242.htm" title="8242: śaq (N-ms) -- Sack, sackcloth. From shaqaq; properly, a mesh, i.e. Coarse loose cloth or sacking; hence, a bag.">sackcloth</a> <a href="/hebrew/665.htm" title="665: wā·’ê·p̄er (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Ashes. From an unused root meaning to bestrew; ashes.">and ashes,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3318.htm" title="3318: way·yê·ṣê (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- A primitive root; to go out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim.">and went out</a> <a href="/hebrew/8432.htm" title="8432: bə·ṯō·wḵ (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- Midst. From an unused root meaning to sever; a bisection, i.e. the centre.">into the middle</a> <a href="/hebrew/5892.htm" title="5892: hā·‘îr (Art:: N-fs) -- Excitement. Or par; or ayar; from uwr a city in the widest sense.">of the city,</a> <a href="/hebrew/2199.htm" title="2199: way·yiz·‘aq (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To cry, cry out, call. A primitive root; to shriek; by analogy, to announce or convene publicly.">wailing</a> <a href="/hebrew/2201.htm" title="2201: zə·‘ā·qāh (N-fs) -- A cry, outcry. And zoaqah; from za'aq; a shriek or outcry."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1419.htm" title="1419: ḡə·ḏō·lāh (Adj-fs) -- Great. Or gadol; from gadal; great; hence, older; also insolent.">loudly</a> <a href="/hebrew/4751.htm" title="4751: ū·mā·rāh (Conj-w:: Adj-fs) -- Bitter, bitterness. Or marah; from marar; bitter; also bitterness, or bitterly.">and bitterly.</a> 2But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate.…<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="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4</a> When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. <a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3</a> So I turned my attention to the Lord God to seek Him by prayer and petition, with fasting, sackcloth, and ashes. <a href="/joel/1-13.htm">Joel 1:13-14</a> Put on sackcloth and lament, O priests; wail, O ministers of the altar. Come, spend the night in sackcloth, O ministers of my God, because the grain and drink offerings are withheld from the house of your God. / Consecrate a fast; proclaim a solemn assembly! Gather the elders and all the residents of the land to the house of the LORD your God, and cry out to the LORD. <a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5-6</a> And the Ninevites believed God. They proclaimed a fast and dressed in sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least. / When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. <a href="/2_samuel/1-11.htm">2 Samuel 1:11-12</a> Then David took hold of his own clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did the same. / They mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and his son Jonathan, and for the people of the LORD and the house of Israel, because they had fallen by the sword. <a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Genesis 37:34</a> Then Jacob tore his clothes, put sackcloth around his waist, and mourned for his son many days. <a href="/isaiah/22-12.htm">Isaiah 22:12</a> On that day the Lord GOD of Hosts called for weeping and wailing, for shaven heads and the wearing of sackcloth. <a href="/jeremiah/6-26.htm">Jeremiah 6:26</a> O daughter of my people, dress yourselves in sackcloth and roll in ashes. Mourn with bitter wailing, as you would for an only son, for suddenly the destroyer will come upon us. <a href="/ezekiel/27-31.htm">Ezekiel 27:31</a> They will shave their heads for you and wrap themselves in sackcloth. They will weep over you with anguish of soul and bitter mourning. <a href="/lamentations/2-10.htm">Lamentations 2:10</a> The elders of the Daughter of Zion sit on the ground in silence. They have thrown dust on their heads and put on sackcloth. The young women of Jerusalem have bowed their heads to the ground. <a href="/matthew/5-4.htm">Matthew 5:4</a> Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. <a href="/luke/19-41.htm">Luke 19:41</a> As Jesus approached Jerusalem and saw the city, He wept over it <a href="/romans/12-15.htm">Romans 12:15</a> Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. <a href="/james/4-9.htm">James 4:9</a> Grieve, mourn, and weep. Turn your laughter to mourning, and your joy to gloom. <a href="/revelation/11-3.htm">Revelation 11:3</a> And I will empower my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry;all that.<a href="/esther/3-8.htm">Esther 3:8-13</a> And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them… rent.<a href="/2_samuel/1-11.htm">2 Samuel 1:11</a> Then David took hold on his clothes, and rent them; and likewise all the men that were with him:<a href="/job/1-20.htm">Job 1:20</a> Then Job arose, and rent his mantle, and shaved his head, and fell down upon the ground, and worshipped,<a href="/jonah/3-4.htm">Jonah 3:4-9</a> And Jonah began to enter into the city a day's journey, and he cried, and said, Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown… with ashes.<a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Esther 4:3</a> And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.<a href="/joshua/7-6.htm">Joshua 7:6</a> And Joshua rent his clothes, and fell to the earth upon his face before the ark of the LORD until the eventide, he and the elders of Israel, and put dust upon their heads.<a href="/2_samuel/13-19.htm">2 Samuel 13:19</a> And Tamar put ashes on her head, and rent her garment of divers colours that was on her, and laid her hand on her head, and went on crying.and cried.<a href="/genesis/27-34.htm">Genesis 27:34</a> And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceeding bitter cry, and said unto his father, Bless me, even me also, O my father.<a href="/isaiah/15-4.htm">Isaiah 15:4</a> And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh: their voice shall be heard even unto Jahaz: therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out; his life shall be grievous unto him.<a href="/isaiah/22-4.htm">Isaiah 22:4</a> Therefore said I, Look away from me; I will weep bitterly, labour not to comfort me, because of the spoiling of the daughter of my people.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/23-4.htm">Ashes</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-3.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-3.htm">Bitterly</a> <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">City</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-21.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-28.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-9.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/33-12.htm">Crying</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-1.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/esther/2-23.htm">Found</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-21.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-1.htm">Haircloth</a> <a href="/esther/2-17.htm">Head</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-42.htm">Loudly</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/7-7.htm">Middle</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-11.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/esther/3-6.htm">Mordecai</a> <a href="/esther/3-5.htm">Mor'decai</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-10.htm">Perceived</a> <a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Pulling</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/34-19.htm">Rendeth</a> <a href="/ezra/9-5.htm">Rent</a> <a href="/ezra/9-5.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-1.htm">Sackcloth</a> <a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Tore</a> <a href="/2_samuel/1-12.htm">Wailed</a> <a href="/2_samuel/13-36.htm">Wailing</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Ashes</a> <a href="/job/2-12.htm">Bitter</a> <a href="/job/27-2.htm">Bitterly</a> <a href="/esther/4-6.htm">City</a> <a href="/esther/4-4.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/job/29-12.htm">Cried</a> <a href="/esther/9-31.htm">Cry</a> <a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Crying</a> <a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Dust</a> <a href="/esther/5-2.htm">Found</a> <a href="/esther/4-4.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Haircloth</a> <a href="/esther/6-8.htm">Head</a> <a href="/micah/4-9.htm">Loudly</a> <a href="/job/24-17.htm">Middle</a> <a href="/job/1-6.htm">Midst</a> <a href="/esther/4-4.htm">Mordecai</a> <a href="/esther/4-5.htm">Mor'decai</a> <a href="/job/38-18.htm">Perceived</a> <a href="/job/20-25.htm">Pulling</a> <a href="/isaiah/37-1.htm">Rendeth</a> <a href="/job/1-20.htm">Rent</a> <a href="/esther/6-8.htm">Robe</a> <a href="/esther/4-2.htm">Sackcloth</a> <a href="/job/1-20.htm">Tore</a> <a href="/jeremiah/48-39.htm">Wailed</a> <a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Wailing</a><div class="vheading2">Esther 4</div>1. <a href="/esther/4-1.htm">The great mourning of Mordecai and the Jews.</a> 4. <a href="/esther/4-4.htm">Esther, understanding it, sends to Mordecai, </a> 7. <a href="/esther/4-7.htm">who shows the cause, and advises her to undertake the suit.</a> 10. <a href="/esther/4-10.htm">She, excusing herself, is threatened by Mordecai.</a> 15. <a href="/esther/4-15.htm">She, appointing a fast, undertakes the suit.</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/4.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/4.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>When Mordecai learned of all that had happened Mordecai, a Jew living in the Persian Empire, becomes aware of Haman's plot to annihilate the Jewish people. This event occurs during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus), around 486-465 BC. The decree against the Jews is a result of Haman's hatred for Mordecai, who refused to bow to him. This reflects the ongoing tension between the descendants of King Saul (Mordecai) and the Amalekites (Haman), as seen in <a href="/1_samuel/15.htm">1 Samuel 15</a>.he tore his clothes Tearing one's clothes is a traditional Jewish expression of grief and mourning, seen throughout the Old Testament (e.g., <a href="/genesis/37-34.htm">Genesis 37:34</a>, <a href="/2_samuel/1-11.htm">2 Samuel 1:11</a>). It signifies deep sorrow and distress, often in response to death or calamity. Mordecai's actions indicate the severity of the threat against the Jewish people.put on sackcloth and ashes Sackcloth, a coarse material, and ashes are symbols of mourning and repentance. This practice is common in the ancient Near East and is used by individuals seeking God's mercy (e.g., <a href="/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6</a>, <a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3</a>). Mordecai's donning of sackcloth and ashes underscores his desperation and the need for divine intervention.and went out into the middle of the city Mordecai's public display of mourning in the city center is significant. It draws attention to the plight of the Jews and serves as a call to action. The city, likely Susa, the Persian capital, is a place of political and social activity, making Mordecai's actions more visible and impactful.wailing loudly and bitterly The loud and bitter wailing is a profound expression of grief and urgency. This public lamentation is not only a personal response but also a communal call for the Jewish people to recognize the impending danger. It echoes the cries of other biblical figures in times of distress (e.g., <a href="/jeremiah/4-8.htm">Jeremiah 4:8</a>, <a href="/joel/1-13.htm">Joel 1:13</a>). Mordecai's actions foreshadow the intercessory role of Christ, who also mourns over Jerusalem (<a href="/luke/19-41.htm">Luke 19:41</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/mordecai.htm">Mordecai</a> A Jew living in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire. He is Esther's cousin and guardian, and a key figure in the Jewish community. 2. <a href="/topical/s/susa.htm">Susa</a> The capital city of the Persian Empire, where King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) reigns and where the events of the Book of Esther take place. 3. <a href="/topical/s/sackcloth_and_ashes.htm">Sackcloth and Ashes</a> Traditional symbols of mourning, repentance, and humility in ancient Jewish culture. Mordecai's actions signify deep distress and a call for divine intervention. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_decree.htm">The Decree</a> The edict issued by King Xerxes, influenced by Haman, to annihilate all Jews in the empire. This decree is the catalyst for Mordecai's mourning. 5. <a href="/topical/p/public_mourning.htm">Public Mourning</a> Mordecai's public display of grief is a bold act, as it draws attention to the plight of the Jews and sets the stage for Esther's intervention.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_public_witness.htm">The Power of Public Witness</a> Mordecai's public mourning serves as a powerful witness to the community. It reminds us that our actions, especially in times of crisis, can draw attention to injustice and mobilize others to act. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_lament_in_faith.htm">The Role of Lament in Faith</a> Lament is a vital part of the Christian faith, allowing believers to express grief and seek God's intervention. Mordecai's lamentation is a model for how we can bring our deepest sorrows before God. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_adversity.htm">Courage in the Face of Adversity</a> Mordecai's willingness to mourn publicly, despite potential repercussions, demonstrates courage. As Christians, we are called to stand firm in our faith, even when it is unpopular or risky. <a href="/topical/i/intercession_and_advocacy.htm">Intercession and Advocacy</a> Mordecai's actions set the stage for Esther's intercession with the king. This highlights the importance of advocacy and standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves. <a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting God's Sovereignty</a> Despite the dire circumstances, Mordecai's actions reflect a trust in God's sovereignty and a belief that God can bring deliverance. This encourages us to trust in God's plan, even when we cannot see the outcome.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_esther_4.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Esther 4</a> <a href="/q/what_do_sackcloth_and_ashes_symbolize.htm">What do sackcloth and ashes symbolize?</a> <a href="/q/who_is_steven_furtick.htm">What did Esther mean by 'If I perish, I perish'?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'garment_of_praise'_mean.htm">What is the meaning of "Garment of Praise"?</a> <a href="/q/meaning_of_'ashes_to_ashes,_dust_to_dust'.htm">What does "Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust" mean?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/esther/4.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>IV.(1) Mordecai rent his clothes.--This was a common sign of sorrow among Eastern nations generally. It will be noticed that the sorrow both of Mordecai and of the Jews generally (<a href="/esther/4-3.htm" title="And in every province, wherever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.">Esther 4:3</a>) is described by external manifestations solely. There is rending of garments, putting on of sackcloth and ashes, fasting and weeping and wailing: there is nothing said of prayer and entreaty to the God of Israel, and strong crying to Him who is able to save. Daniel and Ezra and Nehemiah are all Jews, who, like Mordecai and Esther, have to submit to the rule of the alien, though, unlike them, they, when the danger threatened, besought, and not in vain, the help of their God. (See <a href="/daniel/6-10.htm" title="Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled on his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.">Daniel 6:10</a>; <a href="/ezra/8-23.htm" title="So we fasted and sought our God for this: and he was entreated of us.">Ezra 8:23</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm" title="And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,">Nehemiah 1:4</a>, &c.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 1. - Mordecai rent his clothes. Compare <a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Ezra 9:3, 5</a> with the comment. The meaning of the act was well understood by the Persians. Put on sackcloth with ashes. So Daniel (<a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3</a>), and the king of Nineveh (<a href="/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6</a>). Either act by itself was a sign of deep grief; both combined betokened the deepest grief possible. And went out into the midst of the city. The palace was not to be saddened by private griefs (see the next verse). Mordecai, therefore, having assumed the outward signs of extreme sorrow, quitted the palace, and entered the streets of the town. There, overcome by his feelings, he vented them, as Asiatics are wont to do, in loud and piercing cries (comp. <a href="/nehemiah/5-1.htm">Nehemiah 5:1</a>). <a href="/commentaries/esther/4-1.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When Mordecai וּמָרְדֳּכַ֗י (ū·mā·rə·do·ḵay) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4782.htm">Strong's 4782: </a> Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther learned of יָדַע֙ (yā·ḏa‘) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3045.htm">Strong's 3045: </a> To know all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every that אֲשֶׁ֣ר (’ă·šer) Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that had happened, נַעֲשָׂ֔ה (na·‘ă·śāh) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> To do, make he מָרְדֳּכַי֙ (mā·rə·do·ḵay) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4782.htm">Strong's 4782: </a> Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther tore וַיִּקְרַ֤ע (way·yiq·ra‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7167.htm">Strong's 7167: </a> To rend his clothes, בְּגָדָ֔יו (bə·ḡā·ḏāw) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_899.htm">Strong's 899: </a> A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage put on וַיִּלְבַּ֥שׁ (way·yil·baš) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3847.htm">Strong's 3847: </a> Wrap around, to put on a, garment, clothe sackcloth שַׂ֖ק (śaq) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8242.htm">Strong's 8242: </a> A mesh, coarse loose cloth, sacking, a bag and ashes, וָאֵ֑פֶר (wā·’ê·p̄er) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_665.htm">Strong's 665: </a> Ashes and went out וַיֵּצֵא֙ (way·yê·ṣê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3318.htm">Strong's 3318: </a> To go, bring, out, direct and proxim into the middle בְּת֣וֹךְ (bə·ṯō·wḵ) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8432.htm">Strong's 8432: </a> A bisection, the centre of the city, הָעִ֔יר (hā·‘îr) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5892.htm">Strong's 5892: </a> Excitement wailing וַיִּזְעַ֛ק (way·yiz·‘aq) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2199.htm">Strong's 2199: </a> To shriek, to announce, convene publicly loudly גְדֹלָ֖ה (ḡə·ḏō·lāh) Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1419.htm">Strong's 1419: </a> Great, older, insolent and bitterly. וּמָרָֽה׃ (ū·mā·rāh) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4751.htm">Strong's 4751: </a> Bitter, bitterness, bitterly <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/4-1.htm">Esther 4:1 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/esther/4-1.htm">Esther 4:1 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/esther/4-1.htm">Esther 4:1 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/esther/4-1.htm">Esther 4:1 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/esther/4-1.htm">Esther 4:1 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/4-1.htm">Esther 4:1 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/4-1.htm">Esther 4:1 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/4-1.htm">Esther 4:1 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/esther/4-1.htm">Esther 4:1 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/esther/4-1.htm">Esther 4:1 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/esther/4-1.htm">OT History: Esther 4:1 Now when Mordecai found out all that (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/3-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 3:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 3:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/4-2.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 4:2"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 4:2" /></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>