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She sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. <a href="/nlt/esther/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> When Queen Esther’s maids and eunuchs came and told her about Mordecai, she was deeply distressed. She sent clothing to him to replace the burlap, but he refused it. <a href="/esv/esther/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> When Esther’s young women and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. <a href="/bsb/esther/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> When Esther’s maidens and eunuchs came and told her about Mordecai, the queen was overcome with distress. She sent clothes for Mordecai to wear instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. <a href="/kjv/esther/4.htm">King James Bible</a> So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not. <a href="/nkjv/esther/4.htm">New King James Version</a> So Esther’s maids and eunuchs came and told her, and the queen was deeply distressed. Then she sent garments to clothe Mordecai and take his sackcloth away from him, but he would not accept them. <a href="/nasb_/esther/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then Esther’s attendants and her eunuchs came and informed her, and the queen was seized by great fear. And she sent garments to clothe Mordecai so that he would remove his sackcloth from him, but he did not accept them. <a href="/nasb/esther/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then Esther&#8217s maidens and her eunuchs came and told her, and the queen writhed in great anguish. And she sent garments to clothe Mordecai that he might remove his sackcloth from him, but he did not accept them. <a href="/nasb77/esther/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then Esther’s maidens and her eunuchs came and told her, and the queen writhed in great anguish. And she sent garments to clothe Mordecai that he might remove his sackcloth from him, but he did not accept them. <a href="/lsb/esther/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then Esther’s young women and her eunuchs came and told her, and the queen writhed in great anguish. And she sent garments to clothe Mordecai and to remove his sackcloth from upon him, but he did not accept them. <a href="/amp/esther/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> When Esther’s maids and her eunuchs came and told her [what had happened], the queen was seized by great fear. She sent garments to clothe Mordecai so that he would remove his sackcloth, but he did not accept them. <a href="/csb/esther/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Esther’s female servants and her eunuchs came and reported the news to her, and the queen was overcome with fear. She sent clothes for Mordecai to wear so that he would take off his sackcloth, but he did not accept them. <a href="/hcsb/esther/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Esther&#8217s female servants and her eunuchs came and reported the news to her, and the queen was overcome with fear. She sent clothes for Mordecai to wear so he could take off his sackcloth, but he did not accept them. <a href="/asv/esther/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> And Esther's maidens and her chamberlains came and told it her; and the queen was exceedingly grieved: and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take his sackcloth from off him; but he received it not. <a href="/cev/esther/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> When Esther's servant girls and her other servants told her what Mordecai was doing, she became very upset and sent Mordecai some clothes to wear in place of the sackcloth. But he refused to take them. <a href="/erv/esther/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> And Esther's maidens and her chamberlains came and told it her; and the queen was exceedingly grieved: and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take his sackcloth from off him: but he received it not. <a href="/gwt/esther/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Esther's servants and eunuchs came and informed her [about Mordecai]. The queen was stunned. She sent clothing for Mordecai to put on in place of his sackcloth, but he refused to accept it. <a href="/gnt/esther/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> When Esther's servant women and eunuchs told her what Mordecai was doing, she was deeply disturbed. She sent Mordecai some clothes to put on instead of the sackcloth, but he would not accept them. <a href="/isv/esther/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> When Esther's young women and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was greatly distressed. She sent clothes for Mordecai to put on so he could take off the sackcloth that he had on, but he would not take them. <a href="/msb/esther/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When Esther?s maidens and eunuchs came and told her about Mordecai, the queen was overcome with distress. She sent clothes for Mordecai to wear instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them. <a href="/net/esther/4.htm">NET Bible</a> When Esther's female attendants and her eunuchs came and informed her about Mordecai's behavior, the queen was overcome with anguish. Although she sent garments for Mordecai to put on so that he could remove his sackcloth, he would not accept them. <a href="/nheb/esther/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Esther's maidens and her eunuchs came and told her this, and the queen was exceedingly grieved. She sent clothing to Mordecai, to replace his sackcloth; but he did not receive it. <a href="/wbt/esther/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it to her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not. <a href="/web/esther/4.htm">World English Bible</a> Esther’s maidens and her eunuchs came and told her this, and the queen was exceedingly grieved. She sent clothing to Mordecai, to replace his sackcloth, but he didn’t receive it. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/esther/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And young women of Esther come in and her eunuchs, and declare [it] to her, and the queen is exceedingly pained, and sends garments to clothe Mordecai, and to turn aside his sackcloth from off him, and he has not received [them]. <a href="/ylt/esther/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And young women of Esther come in and her eunuchs, and declare it to her, and the queen is exceedingly pained, and sendeth garments to clothe Mordecai, and to turn aside his sackcloth from off him, and he hath not received them. <a href="/slt/esther/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And Esther's maidens will go in, and her eunuchs, and they will announce to her: and the queen will be greatly grieved; and she will send garments to clothe Mordecai and to put away his sackcloth from off him: and he received not.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/esther/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Then Esther's maids and her eunuchs went in, and told her. And when she heard it she was in a consternation: and she sent a garment, to clothe him, and to take away the sackcloth: but he would not receive it. <a href="/cpdv/esther/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 7:4>Then Esther’s maids and eunuchs went in and informed her. When she heard it, she was shocked, and she sent a garment to clothe him and to take away the sackcloth, but he would not accept it. <a href="/nabre/esther/4.htm">New American Bible</a> Esther’s maids and eunuchs came and told her. Overwhelmed with anguish, the queen sent garments for Mordecai to put on, so that he might take off his sackcloth; but he refused. <a href="/nrsvce/esther/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> When Esther’s maids and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed; she sent garments to clothe Mordecai, so that he might take off his sackcloth; but he would not accept them.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/esther/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> So when Esther's eunuchs and her maidens came in and told her, the queen was exceedingly disturbed; and she sent garments to clothe Mordecai and to take away his sackcloth from him; but he did not accept them. <a href="/hpbt/esther/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And the Eunuchs of Esthir came to her and they told her, and the Queen trembled greatly and she sent garments to clothe Murdacai and to take off the sackcloth from him, and he did not accept.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/esther/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And Esther's maidens and her chamberlains came and told it her; and the queen was exceedingly pained; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai; and to take his sackcloth from off him; but he accepted it not. <a href="/sep/esther/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And the queen's maids and chamberlains went in and told her: and when she had heard what was done, she was disturbed; and she sent to clothe Mardochaeus, and take away his sackcloth; but he consented not. <a href="/parallel/esther/4-4.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=817" 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> …3In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. 4<a href="/hebrew/635.htm" title="635: ’es·têr (N-proper-fs) -- Star, Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Isr. Of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine.">When Esther’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/5291.htm" title="5291: na·‘ă·rō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- A girl, maiden. Feminine of na'ar; a girl.">maidens</a> <a href="/hebrew/5631.htm" title="5631: wə·sā·rî·se·hā (Conj-w:: N-mpc:: 3fs) -- Eunuch. Or caric; from an unused root meaning to castrate; a eunuch; by implication, valet, and thus, a minister of state.">and eunuchs</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: wat·tå̄·ḇō·nå̄h (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fp) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/5046.htm" title="5046: way·yag·gî·ḏū (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To be conspicuous. ">and told</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- ">her about Mordecai,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4436.htm" title="4436: ham·mal·kāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Queen. Feminine of melek; a queen.">the queen</a> <a href="/hebrew/2342.htm" title="2342: wat·tiṯ·ḥal·ḥal (Conj-w:: V-Hitpael-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- Or chiyl; a primitive root; properly, to twist or whirl, i.e. to dance, to writhe in pain or fear; figuratively, to wait, to pervert.">was overcome with distress.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3966.htm" title="3966: mə·’ōḏ (Adv) -- Muchness, force, abundance. From the same as 'uwd; properly, vehemence, i.e. vehemently; by implication, wholly, speedily, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7971.htm" title="7971: wat·tiš·laḥ (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To send. A primitive root; to send away, for, or out.">She sent</a> <a href="/hebrew/899.htm" title="899: bə·ḡā·ḏîm (N-mp) -- A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage. From bagad; a covering, i.e. Clothing; also treachery or pillage.">clothes</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.">for Mordecai</a> <a href="/hebrew/3847.htm" title="3847: lə·hal·bîš (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- Or labesh; a primitive root; properly, wrap around, i.e. to put on a garment or clothe, literally or figuratively.">to wear</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/5493.htm" title="5493: ū·lə·hā·sîr (Conj-w, Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To turn aside. Or suwr; a primitive root; to turn off.">instead of</a> <a href="/hebrew/8242.htm" title="8242: śaq·qōw (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Sack, sackcloth. From shaqaq; properly, a mesh, i.e. Coarse loose cloth or sacking; hence, a bag.">his sackcloth,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: mê·‘ā·lāw (Prep-m:: 3ms) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: wə·lō (Conj-w:: Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">but he would not</a> <a href="/hebrew/6901.htm" title="6901: qib·bêl (V-Piel-Perf-3ms) -- To receive, take. A primitive root; to admit, i.e. Take.">accept them.</a> 5Then Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs appointed to her, and she dispatched him to Mordecai to learn what was troubling him and why.…<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="/esther/2-7.htm">Esther 2:7</a> And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah (that is, Esther), the daughter of his uncle, because she did not have a father or mother. The young woman was lovely in form and appearance, and when her father and mother had died, Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter. <a href="/esther/8-6.htm">Esther 8:6</a> For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?” <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="/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="/job/2-12.htm">Job 2:12-13</a> When they lifted up their eyes from afar, they could barely recognize Job. They began to weep aloud, and each man tore his robe and threw dust in the air over his head. / Then they sat on the ground with him for seven days and seven nights, but no one spoke a word to him because they saw how intense his suffering was. <a href="/isaiah/58-5.htm">Isaiah 58:5</a> Is this the fast I have chosen: a day for a man to deny himself, to bow his head like a reed, and to spread out sackcloth and ashes? Will you call this a fast and a day acceptable to the LORD? <a href="/jonah/3-6.htm">Jonah 3:6</a> 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="/matthew/6-16.htm">Matthew 6:16-18</a> When you fast, do not be somber like the hypocrites, for they disfigure their faces to show men they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they already have their full reward. / But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, / so that your fasting will not be obvious to men, but only to your Father, who is unseen. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. <a href="/romans/12-15.htm">Romans 12:15</a> Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. <a href="/2_corinthians/1-4.htm">2 Corinthians 1:4</a> who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves have received from God. <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6</a> Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. <a href="/1_peter/5-7.htm">1 Peter 5:7</a> Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. <a href="/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16</a> Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. <a href="/luke/22-44.htm">Luke 22:44</a> And in His anguish, He prayed more earnestly, and His sweat became like drops of blood falling to the ground.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not.chamberlains.<a href="/esther/1-12.htm">Esther 1:12</a> But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.<a href="/1_samuel/8-15.htm">1 Samuel 8:15</a> And he will take the tenth of your seed, and of your vineyards, and give to his officers, and to his servants.<a href="/2_kings/9-32.htm">2 Kings 9:32</a> And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.but he received it not.<a href="/genesis/37-35.htm">Genesis 37:35</a> And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him; but he refused to be comforted; and he said, For I will go down into the grave unto my son mourning. Thus his father wept for him.<a href="/psalms/77-2.htm">Psalm 77:2</a> In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted.<a href="/jeremiah/31-15.htm">Jeremiah 31:15</a> Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_kings/5-26.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/ezra/8-30.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/10-3.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/esther/2-21.htm">Chamberlains</a> <a href="/leviticus/8-13.htm">Clothe</a> <a href="/esther/4-1.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-21.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/ezra/9-3.htm">Deeply</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-37.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-27.htm">Distressed</a> <a href="/esther/2-18.htm">Esther's</a> <a href="/esther/2-21.htm">Eunuchs</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-10.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/esther/4-1.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Great</a> <a href="/nehemiah/8-11.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-8.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/esther/2-17.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/esther/2-9.htm">Maidens</a> <a href="/esther/2-9.htm">Maids</a> <a href="/esther/4-1.htm">Mordecai</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/16-30.htm">Pained</a> <a href="/esther/2-22.htm">Queen</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-24.htm">Raiment</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-38.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/ezra/8-30.htm">Received</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/35-24.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/12-10.htm">Replace</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-72.htm">Robes</a> <a href="/esther/4-3.htm">Sackcloth</a> <a href="/esther/3-3.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/esther/3-13.htm">Women</a> <a href="/habakkuk/3-10.htm">Writhed</a> <a href="/esther/3-13.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/job/2-10.htm">Accept</a> <a href="/esther/9-23.htm">Accepted</a> <a href="/job/2-13.htm">Anguish</a> <a href="/esther/4-5.htm">Chamberlains</a> <a href="/job/10-11.htm">Clothe</a> <a href="/job/9-31.htm">Clothes</a> <a href="/esther/5-1.htm">Clothing</a> <a href="/psalms/55-4.htm">Deeply</a> <a href="/esther/7-4.htm">Distress</a> <a href="/job/6-20.htm">Distressed</a> <a href="/esther/4-12.htm">Esther's</a> <a href="/esther/4-5.htm">Eunuchs</a> <a href="/job/3-22.htm">Exceedingly</a> <a href="/job/9-31.htm">Garments</a> <a href="/esther/5-11.htm">Great</a> <a href="/esther/6-12.htm">Grief</a> <a href="/job/4-2.htm">Grieved</a> <a href="/job/3-24.htm">Instead</a> <a href="/esther/4-16.htm">Maidens</a> <a href="/job/19-15.htm">Maids</a> <a href="/esther/4-5.htm">Mordecai</a> <a href="/job/14-22.htm">Pained</a> <a href="/esther/5-2.htm">Queen</a> <a href="/job/27-16.htm">Raiment</a> <a href="/job/2-10.htm">Receive</a> <a href="/esther/6-3.htm">Received</a> <a href="/job/9-34.htm">Remove</a> <a href="/job/21-2.htm">Replace</a> <a href="/esther/6-8.htm">Robes</a> <a href="/job/16-15.htm">Sackcloth</a> <a href="/esther/4-5.htm">Servants</a> <a href="/esther/4-11.htm">Women</a> <a href="/psalms/77-16.htm">Writhed</a> <a href="/esther/8-10.htm">Young</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 Esther’s maidens and eunuchs came and told her about Mordecai In the Persian court, it was common for queens to have attendants, including maidens and eunuchs, who served various roles. Eunuchs, often castrated men, were trusted in royal households due to their inability to produce heirs, thus eliminating any threat to the royal lineage. The presence of both maidens and eunuchs highlights the structured hierarchy and the isolation of the queen from the outside world, as she relied on them for information. Mordecai's actions, wearing sackcloth, were a public display of mourning and protest, which would have been reported to Esther due to the close familial relationship and the potential implications for her position.the queen was overcome with distress Esther's distress indicates her deep concern for Mordecai, her cousin and adoptive father, and possibly her fear of the implications of his actions. In the ancient Near Eastern context, public displays of mourning, like wearing sackcloth, were significant and could indicate a crisis. Esther's reaction shows her emotional connection and loyalty to Mordecai, as well as her awareness of the potential danger to her people, the Jews, due to Haman's decree.She sent clothes for Mordecai to wear instead of his sackcloth Esther's attempt to clothe Mordecai in regular garments can be seen as a gesture of care and an attempt to protect him from the consequences of his public mourning. Sackcloth was a coarse material worn during times of grief or repentance, and by sending clothes, Esther might have been trying to help Mordecai avoid drawing attention to himself, which could have been dangerous given the political climate. This act also reflects the cultural practice of providing for one's family and the importance of maintaining appearances in the royal court.but he would not accept them Mordecai's refusal to accept the clothes signifies his determination to continue his public protest against the edict to annihilate the Jews. This act of defiance underscores the seriousness of the situation and his commitment to seeking justice for his people. It also highlights the theme of standing firm in one's convictions, a recurring motif in biblical narratives. Mordecai's actions can be seen as a type of Christ, who also stood firm in His mission despite opposition, emphasizing the importance of faithfulness and courage in the face of adversity.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/esther.htm">Esther</a> The Jewish queen of Persia, who is deeply concerned for her people. In <a href="/esther/4-4.htm">Esther 4:4</a>, she is informed of Mordecai's distress and takes action to understand and address the situation. 2. <a href="/topical/m/mordecai.htm">Mordecai</a> Esther's cousin and guardian, who is mourning in sackcloth and ashes due to the edict against the Jews. His actions prompt Esther to intervene. 3. <a href="/topical/h/hathach.htm">Hathach</a> One of the king's eunuchs assigned to attend to Esther. He acts as a messenger between Esther and Mordecai. 4. <a href="/topical/s/susa.htm">Susa (Shushan)</a> The capital of the Persian Empire, where the events of the Book of Esther take place. It is the setting for the unfolding drama of Esther's intervention. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_edict.htm">The Edict</a> The decree issued by King Ahasuerus, manipulated by Haman, calling for the destruction of the Jewish people. This is the catalyst for the events in <a href="/bsb/esther/4.htm">Esther 4</a>.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/c/compassionate_response.htm">Compassionate Response</a> Esther's immediate concern for Mordecai's distress teaches us the importance of being attentive and responsive to the needs of others. <a href="/topical/i/intercession_and_advocacy.htm">Intercession and Advocacy</a> Esther's role as an intercessor for her people highlights the power and responsibility of standing in the gap for others in prayer and action. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_crisis.htm">Courage in Crisis</a> Esther's willingness to engage with the situation, despite the risks, encourages believers to act courageously in the face of injustice or danger. <a href="/topical/d/divine_timing.htm">Divine Timing</a> The unfolding events remind us of God's providence and timing, encouraging trust in His plans even when circumstances seem dire. <a href="/topical/c/community_and_support.htm">Community and Support</a> The interaction between Esther and Mordecai underscores the importance of community and mutual support in times of trial.<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/does_esther_4_16's_fast_conflict_historically.htm">Does the three-day fast in Esther 4:16 conflict with known historical or cultural practices of the time?</a> <a href="/q/why_no_punishment_for_mordecai's_mourning.htm">Why does Esther 4:2 not mention any punishment for Mordecai's public mourning, despite Persian laws about court protocol?</a> <a href="/q/is_esther_4_11's_death_penalty_plausible.htm">Is the claim in Esther 4:11 about a death penalty for entering the king's presence uninvited historically plausible?</a> <a href="/q/can_a_king_host_a_180-day_feast.htm">Is it realistic for a king to host a 180-day feast (Esther 1:4), given logistical and economic limitations?</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>(4) So Esther's maids . . .--It is perhaps fair to infer from this, that Esther's connection with Mordecai was known to those about her, though as yet not to the king.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/4.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - Esther's maids and her chamberlains. A queen consort at an Oriental court is sure to have, besides her train of maids, a numerous body of eunuchs, who are at her entire disposal, and are especially employed in going her errands and maintaining her communications with the outer world. Told her. Esther's interest in Mordecai would be known to the maids and eunuchs by Mordecai's inquiries about her (<a href="/esther/1-11.htm">Esther 1:11</a>) and communications with her (ibid. ver. 22). <a href="/commentaries/esther/4-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>When וַ֠תָּבוֹאינָה‪‬‪‬‪‬ (wat·tə·ḇō·w·’e·nāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> Esther's אֶסְתֵּ֤ר (’es·têr) Noun - proper - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_635.htm">Strong's 635: </a> Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel maidens נַעֲר֨וֹת (na·‘ă·rō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5291.htm">Strong's 5291: </a> A girl, maiden and eunuchs וְסָרִיסֶ֙יהָ֙ (wə·sā·rî·se·hā) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5631.htm">Strong's 5631: </a> A eunuch, valet, a minister of state came תתן־ (wat·tā·ḇō·w·nāh) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go and told וַיַּגִּ֣ידוּ (way·yag·gî·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> To be conspicuous her [about Mordecai], לָ֔הּ (lāh) Preposition | third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> the queen הַמַּלְכָּ֖ה (ham·mal·kāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4436.htm">Strong's 4436: </a> Queen -- a queen was overcome with distress. וַתִּתְחַלְחַ֥ל (wat·tiṯ·ḥal·ḥal) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2342.htm">Strong's 2342: </a> To twist, whirl, to dance, to writhe in pain, fear, to wait, to pervert She sent וַתִּשְׁלַ֨ח (wat·tiš·laḥ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7971.htm">Strong's 7971: </a> To send away, for, out clothes בְּגָדִ֜ים (bə·ḡā·ḏîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_899.htm">Strong's 899: </a> A covering, clothing, treachery, pillage for Mordecai מָרְדֳּכַ֗י (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 to wear לְהַלְבִּ֣ישׁ (lə·hal·bîš) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3847.htm">Strong's 3847: </a> Wrap around, to put on a, garment, clothe instead of וּלְהָסִ֥יר (ū·lə·hā·sîr) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5493.htm">Strong's 5493: </a> To turn aside his sackcloth, שַׂקּ֛וֹ (śaq·qōw) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8242.htm">Strong's 8242: </a> A mesh, coarse loose cloth, sacking, a bag but he would not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no accept them. קִבֵּֽל׃ (qib·bêl) Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6901.htm">Strong's 6901: </a> To receive, take <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/4-4.htm">Esther 4:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/esther/4-4.htm">Esther 4:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/esther/4-4.htm">Esther 4:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/esther/4-4.htm">Esther 4:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/esther/4-4.htm">Esther 4:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/4-4.htm">Esther 4:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/4-4.htm">Esther 4:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/4-4.htm">Esther 4:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/esther/4-4.htm">Esther 4:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/esther/4-4.htm">Esther 4:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/esther/4-4.htm">OT History: Esther 4:4 Esther's maidens and her eunuchs came (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/4-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 4:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 4:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/4-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 4:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 4:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>