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Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish.&#8221 <a href="/nlt/esther/4.htm">New Living Translation</a> “Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I must die.” <a href="/esv/esther/4.htm">English Standard Version</a> “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women will also fast as you do. Then I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” <a href="/bsb/esther/4.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!” <a href="/kjv/esther/4.htm">King James Bible</a> Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. <a href="/nkjv/esther/4.htm">New King James Version</a> “Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!” <a href="/nasb_/esther/4.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> “Go, gather all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my attendants also will fast in the same way. And then I will go in to the king, which is not in accordance with the law; and if I perish, I perish.” <a href="/nasb/esther/4.htm">NASB 1995</a> &#8220Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/esther/4.htm">NASB 1977 </a> “Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidens also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.” <a href="/lsb/esther/4.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> “Go, gather all the Jews who are found in Susa, and fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my young women also will fast in the same way. And thus I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.” <a href="/amp/esther/4.htm">Amplified Bible</a> “Go, gather all the Jews that are present in Susa, and observe a fast for me; do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids also will fast in the same way. Then I will go in to [see] the king [without being summoned], which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.” <a href="/csb/esther/4.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fast for me. Don’t eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my female servants will also fast in the same way. After that, I will go to the king even if it is against the law. If I perish, I perish.” <a href="/hcsb/esther/4.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa and fast for me. Don&#8217t eat or drink for three days, day or night. I and my female servants will also fast in the same way. After that, I will go to the king even if it is against the law. If I perish, I perish.&#8221 <a href="/asv/esther/4.htm">American Standard Version</a> Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast in like manner; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. <a href="/cev/esther/4.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> "Bring together all the Jews in Susa and tell them to go without eating for my sake! Don't eat or drink for three days and nights. My servant girls and I will do the same. Then I will go in to see the king, even if it means I must die." <a href="/erv/esther/4.htm">English Revised Version</a> Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast in like manner; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. <a href="/gwt/esther/4.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> "Assemble all the Jews in Susa. Fast for me: Do not eat or drink at all for three entire days. My servants and I will also fast. After that, I will go to the king, even if it is against a royal decree. If I die, I die." <a href="/gnt/esther/4.htm">Good News Translation</a> "Go and get all the Jews in Susa together; hold a fast and pray for me. Don't eat or drink anything for three days and nights. My servant women and I will be doing the same. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. If I must die for doing it, I will die." <a href="/isv/esther/4.htm">International Standard Version</a> "Go and gather all the Jewish people who are in Susa and fast for me. Don't eat or drink for three days, night or day. Both I and my young women will also fast in the same way, and then I'll go in to the king, even though it's against the law. And if I perish, I perish." <a href="/msb/esther/4.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!? <a href="/net/esther/4.htm">NET Bible</a> "Go, assemble all the Jews who are found in Susa and fast in my behalf. Don't eat and don't drink for three days, night or day. My female attendants and I will also fast in the same way. Afterward I will go to the king, even though it violates the law. If I perish, I perish!" <a href="/nheb/esther/4.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> "Go, gather together all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day. I and my maidens will also fast the same way. Then I will go in to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish." <a href="/wbt/esther/4.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Go, assemble all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish. <a href="/web/esther/4.htm">World English Bible</a> “Go, gather together all the Jews who are present in Susa, and fast for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day. I and my maidens will also fast the same way. Then I will go in to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.” <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/esther/4.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> “Go, gather all the Jews who are found in Shushan, and fast for me, and do not eat nor drink three days, by night and by day; also I and my young women fast likewise, and so I go in to the king, that [is] not according to law, and when I have perished—I have perished.” <a href="/ylt/esther/4.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Go, gather all the Jews who are found in Shushan, and fast for me, and do not eat nor drink three days, by night and by day; also I and my young women do fast likewise, and so I go in unto the king, that is not according to law, and when I have perished -- I have perished.' <a href="/slt/esther/4.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Go collect together all the Jews being found in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and ye shall not eat and ye shall not drink three days, night and day also I and my maidens will fast thus and in this I will go in to the king which is not according to the edict; and according to that I perished, I perished.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/esther/4.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Go, and gather together all the Jews whom thou shalt find in Susan, and pray ye for me. Neither eat nor drink for three days and three nights: and I with my handmaids will fast in like manner, and then I will go in to the king, against the law, not being called, and expose myself to death and to danger. <a href="/cpdv/esther/4.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 7:18>“Go and gather together all the Jews whom you will find in Susa, and pray for me. Neither eat nor drink for three days and three nights, and I will fast with my handmaids similarly, and then I will go in to the king, doing what is against the law, not having been called, and so expose myself to mortal danger.” <a href="/nabre/esther/4.htm">New American Bible</a> “Go and assemble all the Jews who are in Susa; fast on my behalf, all of you, not eating or drinking night or day for three days. I and my maids will also fast in the same way. Thus prepared, I will go to the king, contrary to the law. If I perish, I perish!” <a href="/nrsvce/esther/4.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> “Go, gather all the Jews to be found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. After that I will go to the king, though it is against the law; and if I perish, I perish.”<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/esther/4.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Go, gather together all the Jews who are present in Shushan the pal ace, and fast for me, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day; I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and then I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish. <a href="/hpbt/esther/4.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> “Go gather all the Jews who are in Shushan the Palace and fast for me and you will not eat neither will you drink three days, night or day, also I and my Maidens will fast in this way; then I will enter before the King, which is not according to my law, and if I am destroyed, I am destroyed.”<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/esther/4.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day; I also and my maidens will fast in like manner; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.' <a href="/sep/esther/4.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Go and assemble the Jews that are in Susa, and fast ye for me, and eat not and drink not for three days, night and day: and I also and my maidens will fast; and then I will go in to the king contrary to the law, even if I must die. <a href="/parallel/esther/4-16.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=950" 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> …15Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16<a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: lêḵ (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">“Go</a> <a href="/hebrew/3664.htm" title="3664: kə·nō·ws (V-Qal-Imp-ms) -- To gather, collect. A primitive root; to collect; hence, to enfold.">and assemble</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/3064.htm" title="3064: hay·yə·hū·ḏîm (Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Jewish. Patronymically from Yhuwdah; a Jehudite, or descendant of Jehudah.">the Jews</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: han·nim·ṣə·’îm (Art:: V-Nifal-Prtcpl-mp) -- To attain to, find. ">who can be found</a> <a href="/hebrew/7800.htm" title="7800: bə·šū·šān (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- Residence of Pers. kings. The same as shuwshan; Shushan, a place in Persia.">in Susa,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6684.htm" title="6684: wə·ṣū·mū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-Imp-mp) -- To abstain from food, fast. A primitive root; to cover over, i.e. To fast.">and fast</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘ā·lay (Prep:: 1cs) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">for me.</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing.">Do not</a> <a href="/hebrew/398.htm" title="398: tō·ḵə·lū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To eat. A primitive root; to eat.">eat</a> <a href="/hebrew/408.htm" title="408: wə·’al- (Conj-w:: Adv) -- Not (a subjective neg.). A negative particle; not; once as a noun, nothing."></a> <a href="/hebrew/8354.htm" title="8354: tiš·tū (V-Qal-Imperf-2mp) -- To drink. A primitive root; to imbibe.">or drink</a> <a href="/hebrew/7969.htm" title="7969: šə·lō·šeṯ (Number-msc) -- A three, triad. Or shalosh; masculine shlowshah; or shloshah; a primitive number; three; occasionally third, or Thrice.">for three</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: yā·mîm (N-mp) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">days,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3915.htm" title="3915: lay·lāh (N-ms) -- Night. Or leyl; also laylah; from the same as luwl; properly, a twist, i.e. Night; figuratively, adversity.">night</a> <a href="/hebrew/3117.htm" title="3117: wā·yō·wm (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Day. From an unused root meaning to be hot; a day, whether literal, or figurative.">or day,</a> <a href="/hebrew/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">and I</a> <a href="/hebrew/5291.htm" title="5291: wə·na·‘ă·rō·ṯay (Conj-w:: N-fpc:: 1cs) -- A girl, maiden. Feminine of na'ar; a girl.">and my maidens</a> <a href="/hebrew/1571.htm" title="1571: gam- (Conj) -- Also, moreover, yea. "></a> <a href="/hebrew/6684.htm" title="6684: ’ā·ṣūm (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To abstain from food, fast. A primitive root; to cover over, i.e. To fast.">will fast</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: kên (Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">as you do.</a> <a href="/hebrew/3651.htm" title="3651: ū·ḇə·ḵên (Conj-w, Prep-b:: Adv) -- So, thus. From kuwn; properly, set upright; hence just; but usually rightly or so.">After that,</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: ’ā·ḇō·w (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">I will go</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king,</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.">even though</a> <a href="/hebrew/3808.htm" title="3808: lō- (Adv-NegPrt) -- Not. Or lowi; or loh; a primitive particle; not; by implication, no; often used with other particles.">it is against</a> <a href="/hebrew/1881.htm" title="1881: ḵad·dāṯ (Prep-k, Art:: N-fs) -- Decree, law. Of uncertain derivation: a royal edict or statute.">the law.</a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: wə·ḵa·’ă·šer (Conj-w, Prep-k:: Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc.">And if</a> <a href="/hebrew/6.htm" title="6: ’ā·ḇaḏ·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To perish. A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. Lose oneself; by implication to perish.">I perish,</a> <a href="/hebrew/6.htm" title="6: ’ā·ḇā·ḏə·tî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To perish. A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. Lose oneself; by implication to perish.">I perish!”</a> 17So Mordecai went and did all that Esther had instructed him.…<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="/daniel/3-16.htm">Daniel 3:16-18</a> Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. / If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. / But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” <a href="/matthew/26-39.htm">Matthew 26:39</a> Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.” <a href="/acts/4-19.htm">Acts 4:19-20</a> But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.” <a href="/philippians/1-20.htm">Philippians 1:20-21</a> I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. / For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. <a href="/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3</a> Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. <a href="/joel/2-12.htm">Joel 2:12-14</a> “Yet even now,” declares the LORD, “return to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning.” / So rend your hearts and not your garments, and return to the LORD your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, abounding in loving devotion. And He relents from sending disaster. / Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him—grain and drink offerings for the LORD your God. <a href="/jonah/3-5.htm">Jonah 3:5-9</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. / Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink. ... <a href="/luke/22-42.htm">Luke 22:42</a> “Father, if You are willing, take this cup from Me. Yet not My will, but Yours be done.” <a href="/romans/14-8.htm">Romans 14:8</a> If we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord. <a href="/acts/9-6.htm">Acts 9:6</a> “Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.” <a href="/1_samuel/14-6.htm">1 Samuel 14:6</a> Jonathan said to the young man bearing his armor, “Come, let us cross over to the outpost of these uncircumcised men. Perhaps the LORD will work on our behalf. Nothing can hinder the LORD from saving, whether by many or by few.” <a href="/2_kings/7-4.htm">2 Kings 7:4</a> If we say, ‘Let us go into the city,’ we will die there from the famine in the city; but if we sit here, we will also die. So come now, let us go over to the camp of the Arameans. If they let us live, we will live; if they kill us, we will die.” <a href="/matthew/10-28.htm">Matthew 10:28</a> Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell. <a href="/acts/21-13.htm">Acts 21:13</a> Then Paul answered, “Why are you weeping and breaking my heart? I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” <a href="/1_corinthians/15-31.htm">1 Corinthians 15:31</a> I face death every day, brothers, as surely as I boast about you in Christ Jesus our Lord.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast you for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in to the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.present.<a href="/2_chronicles/20-3.htm">2 Chronicles 20:3</a> And Jehoshaphat feared, and set himself to seek the LORD, and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah.<a href="/isaiah/22-12.htm">Isaiah 22:12</a> And in that day did the Lord GOD of hosts call to weeping, and to mourning, and to baldness, and to girding with sackcloth:<a href="/joel/1-14.htm">Joel 1:14,15</a> Sanctify ye a fast, call a solemn assembly, gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the LORD your God, and cry unto the LORD, … eat nor drink.<a href="/esther/5-1.htm">Esther 5:1</a> Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.<a href="/matthew/12-40.htm">Matthew 12:40</a> For as Jonas was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth.<a href="/acts/9-9.htm">Acts 9:9</a> And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.I also.<a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Genesis 18:19</a> For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.<a href="/joshua/24-15.htm">Joshua 24:15</a> And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD.<a href="/acts/10-7.htm">Acts 10:7</a> And when the angel which spake unto Cornelius was departed, he called two of his household servants, and a devout soldier of them that waited on him continually;if I perish.<a href="/genesis/43-14.htm">Genesis 43:14</a> And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother, and Benjamin. If I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.<a href="/1_samuel/19-5.htm">1 Samuel 19:5</a> For he did put his life in his hand, and slew the Philistine, and the LORD wrought a great salvation for all Israel: thou sawest it, and didst rejoice: wherefore then wilt thou sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?<a href="/2_samuel/10-12.htm">2 Samuel 10:12</a> Be of good courage, and let us play the men for our people, and for the cities of our God: and the LORD do that which seemeth him good.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/nehemiah/9-36.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/ezra/8-23.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Gather</a> <a href="/esther/4-14.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/esther/4-11.htm">Law</a> <a href="/esther/4-4.htm">Maidens</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-21.htm">Night</a> <a href="/esther/4-14.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/esther/1-5.htm">Present</a> <a href="/esther/4-8.htm">Shushan</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-67.htm">Three</a> <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Together</a> <a href="/esther/2-13.htm">Way</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/7-1.htm">Drink</a> <a href="/job/1-4.htm">Eat</a> <a href="/job/2-9.htm">Fast</a> <a href="/esther/8-11.htm">Gather</a> <a href="/esther/6-13.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/esther/9-14.htm">Law</a> <a href="/job/41-5.htm">Maidens</a> <a href="/esther/6-1.htm">Night</a> <a href="/esther/7-4.htm">Perish</a> <a href="/job/1-6.htm">Present</a> <a href="/esther/8-14.htm">Shushan</a> <a href="/esther/8-9.htm">Three</a> <a href="/esther/5-4.htm">Together</a> <a href="/esther/4-17.htm">Way</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>Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa This phrase highlights the urgency and communal nature of the crisis facing the Jewish people. Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, was a significant city where many Jews lived in exile. The call to assemble indicates a collective action, emphasizing unity and solidarity among the Jewish community. This gathering for a common purpose reflects the biblical principle of corporate prayer and fasting seen in other scriptures, such as <a href="/joel/2-15.htm">Joel 2:15-16</a>, where the people are called to gather for a sacred assembly.and fast for me Fasting in the Bible is often associated with seeking God's favor or intervention in dire situations. Esther's request for fasting underscores the seriousness of the situation and the need for divine intervention. Fasting is a spiritual discipline that involves humility and repentance, as seen in other biblical accounts like <a href="/nehemiah/1-4.htm">Nehemiah 1:4</a> and <a href="/daniel/9-3.htm">Daniel 9:3</a>. It is a way to express dependence on God and seek His guidance and protection.Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day The specific duration of three days and nights for fasting is significant, as it represents a complete period of time dedicated to seeking God's help. This mirrors other biblical instances where three days are pivotal, such as Jonah in the belly of the fish (<a href="/jonah/1-17.htm">Jonah 1:17</a>) and Jesus' resurrection after three days (<a href="/matthew/12-40.htm">Matthew 12:40</a>). The total abstinence from food and drink indicates the severity of the situation and the depth of commitment required.and I and my maidens will fast as you do Esther's participation in the fast, along with her maidens, demonstrates her leadership and solidarity with her people. It shows her willingness to humble herself and seek God's favor alongside the Jewish community. This act of unity and shared purpose is reminiscent of other biblical leaders who led by example, such as Moses and Nehemiah.After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law Esther's decision to approach the king without being summoned is a courageous act that risks her life. The Persian law prohibited anyone from approaching the king unsummoned, under penalty of death, unless the king extended his golden scepter (<a href="/esther/4-11.htm">Esther 4:11</a>). This act of bravery is a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting themes of faith, courage, and divine providence. It parallels the boldness of other biblical figures who acted in faith despite personal risk, such as Daniel in the lion's den (Daniel 6).And if I perish, I perish! This statement reflects Esther's resolve and willingness to sacrifice her life for the sake of her people. It is an expression of faith and submission to God's will, regardless of the outcome. This echoes the sentiments of other biblical figures who faced potential martyrdom, such as Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who trusted God even if He did not deliver them from the fiery furnace (<a href="/daniel/3-17.htm">Daniel 3:17-18</a>). Esther's words foreshadow the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who willingly laid down His life for the salvation of others (<a href="/john/10-17.htm">John 10:17-18</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/esther.htm">Esther</a> A Jewish queen of Persia who is faced with the challenge of saving her people from destruction. Her courage and faith are central to this passage. 2. <a href="/topical/m/mordecai.htm">Mordecai</a> Esther's cousin and guardian, who informs her of Haman's plot to annihilate the Jews and urges her to intervene with the king. 3. <a href="/topical/s/susa.htm">Susa</a> The capital of the Persian Empire where the events of the Book of Esther take place. It is the location where the Jews are called to fast. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_king.htm">The King (Ahasuerus/Xerxes)</a> The Persian king whom Esther must approach without being summoned, risking her life in doing so. 5. <a href="/topical/f/fasting.htm">Fasting</a> A spiritual discipline involving abstaining from food and drink, used here as a means of seeking divine intervention and guidance.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_fasting_and_prayer.htm">The Power of Fasting and Prayer</a> Fasting is a powerful spiritual discipline that aligns our hearts with God's will and invites His intervention in dire circumstances. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_danger.htm">Courage in the Face of Danger</a> Esther's willingness to risk her life teaches us about the importance of courage and faith when standing up for righteousness. <a href="/topical/c/community_support_in_times_of_crisis.htm">Community Support in Times of Crisis</a> Esther's call for communal fasting highlights the strength found in collective prayer and support during challenging times. <a href="/topical/o/obedience_over_comfort.htm">Obedience Over Comfort</a> Esther's decision to approach the king, despite the risk, underscores the importance of obedience to God's call over personal safety and comfort. <a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_sovereignty.htm">Trusting God's Sovereignty</a> Esther's statement, "If I perish, I perish," reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and plan, regardless of 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/why_did_jesus_say_'three_days'_in_the_tomb.htm">Why did Jesus say He would be in the tomb for "three days and three nights" (Matthew 12:40) when He was only buried from Friday to Sunday?</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_plot_of_esther.htm">What is the main plot of the Book of Esther?</a> <a href="/q/bible's_view_on_courage.htm">What does the Bible teach about courage?</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 name="commentary" id="commentary"></a> <a href="/commentaries/esther/4-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“Go לֵךְ֩ (lêḵ) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> To go, come, walk and assemble כְּנ֨וֹס (kə·nō·ws) Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3664.htm">Strong's 3664: </a> To collect, to enfold all כָּל־ (kāl-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the Jews הַיְּהוּדִ֜ים (hay·yə·hū·ḏîm) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3064.htm">Strong's 3064: </a> Jews -- Jewish who can be found הַֽנִּמְצְאִ֣ים (han·nim·ṣə·’îm) Article | Verb - Nifal - Participle - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4672.htm">Strong's 4672: </a> To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be present in Susa, בְּשׁוּשָׁ֗ן (bə·šū·šān) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7800.htm">Strong's 7800: </a> Susa -- residence of person kings and fast וְצ֣וּמוּ (wə·ṣū·mū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6684.htm">Strong's 6684: </a> To abstain from food, fast for me. עָ֠לַי (‘ā·lay) Preposition | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against Do not וְאַל־ (wə·’al-) Conjunctive waw | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_408.htm">Strong's 408: </a> Not eat תֹּאכְל֨וּ (tō·ḵə·lū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_398.htm">Strong's 398: </a> To eat or drink תִּשְׁתּ֜וּ (tiš·tū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8354.htm">Strong's 8354: </a> To imbibe day וָי֔וֹם (wā·yō·wm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day or night לַ֣יְלָה (lay·lāh) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3915.htm">Strong's 3915: </a> A twist, night, adversity for three שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת (šə·lō·šeṯ) Number - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7969.htm">Strong's 7969: </a> Three, third, thrice days, יָמִים֙ (yā·mîm) Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3117.htm">Strong's 3117: </a> A day and I אֲנִ֥י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I and my maidens וְנַעֲרֹתַ֖י (wə·na·‘ă·rō·ṯay) Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural construct | first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5291.htm">Strong's 5291: </a> A girl, maiden will fast אָצ֣וּם (’ā·ṣūm) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6684.htm">Strong's 6684: </a> To abstain from food, fast as you do. כֵּ֑ן (kên) Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> So -- thus After that, וּבְכֵ֞ן (ū·ḇə·ḵên) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Adverb <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3651.htm">Strong's 3651: </a> So -- thus I will go אָב֤וֹא (’ā·ḇō·w) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> Near, with, among, to the king, הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king even though 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 it is against לֹֽא־ (lō-) Adverb - Negative particle <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3808.htm">Strong's 3808: </a> Not, no the law, כַדָּ֔ת (ḵad·dāṯ) Preposition-k, Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1881.htm">Strong's 1881: </a> A royal edict, statute and if וְכַאֲשֶׁ֥ר (wə·ḵa·’ă·šer) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-k | Pronoun - relative <a href="/hebrew/strongs_834.htm">Strong's 834: </a> Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that I perish, אָבַ֖דְתִּי (’ā·ḇaḏ·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6.htm">Strong's 6: </a> To wander away, lose oneself, to perish I perish.? אָבָֽדְתִּי׃ (’ā·ḇā·ḏə·tî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6.htm">Strong's 6: </a> To wander away, lose oneself, to perish <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/esther/4-16.htm">Esther 4:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/esther/4-16.htm">OT History: Esther 4:16 Go gather together all the Jews who (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/4-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 4:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 4:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/4-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 4:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 4:17" /></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>