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href="/esther/8.htm">Chapter 8</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/esther/8-4.htm" title="Esther 8:4">◄</a> Esther 8:5 <a href="/esther/8-6.htm" title="Esther 8:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/esther/8.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/esther/8.htm">New International Version</a> &#8220If it pleases the king,&#8221 she said, &#8220and if he regards me with favor and thinks it the right thing to do, and if he is pleased with me, let an order be written overruling the dispatches that Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, devised and wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king&#8217s provinces. <a href="/nlt/esther/8.htm">New Living Translation</a> Esther said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor with him, and if he thinks it is right, and if I am pleasing to him, let there be a decree that reverses the orders of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, who ordered that Jews throughout all the king’s provinces should be destroyed. <a href="/esv/esther/8.htm">English Standard Version</a> And she said, “If it please the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the Agagite, the son of Hammedatha, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king. <a href="/bsb/esther/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> “If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. <a href="/kjv/esther/8.htm">King James Bible</a> And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces: <a href="/nkjv/esther/8.htm">New King James Version</a> and said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight and the thing seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to annihilate the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. <a href="/nasb_/esther/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Then she said, “If it pleases the king and if I have found favor before him, and the matter seems proper to the king and I am pleasing in his sight, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to eliminate the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. <a href="/nasb/esther/8.htm">NASB 1995</a> Then she said, &#8220If it pleases the king and if I have found favor before him and the matter seems proper to the king and I am pleasing in his sight, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king&#8217s provinces. <a href="/nasb77/esther/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Then she said, “If it pleases the king and if I have found favor before him and the matter seems proper to the king and I am pleasing in his sight, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. <a href="/lsb/esther/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Then she said, “If it seems good to the king, and if I have found favor before him and the matter seems proper to the king and I am good in his eyes, let it be written to turn back the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to cause the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces to perish. <a href="/amp/esther/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Then she said, “If it pleases the king and if I have found favor before him and the matter is proper in the king’s view and I am pleasing in his sight, let it be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, which he wrote [in order] to destroy the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. <a href="/csb/esther/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> She said, “If it pleases the king and I have found favor with him, if the matter seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let a royal edict be written. Let it revoke the documents the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. <a href="/hcsb/esther/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> She said, &#8220If it pleases the king, and I have found approval before him, if the matter seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his sight, let a royal edict be written. Let it revoke the documents the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king&#8217s provinces. <a href="/asv/esther/8.htm">American Standard Version</a> And she said, If it please the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews that are in all the king's provinces: <a href="/cev/esther/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> and she got up and said, "Your Majesty, I know that you will do the right thing and that you really love me. Please stop what Haman has planned. He has already sent letters demanding that the Jews in all your provinces be killed, <a href="/erv/esther/8.htm">English Revised Version</a> And she said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces: <a href="/gwt/esther/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> She said, "Your Majesty, if it pleases you, and if I have found favor with you, if you consider my cause to be reasonable and if I am pleasing to you, cancel the official orders [concerning] the plot of Haman (who was the son of Hammedatha and was from Agag). He signed [the order] to destroy the Jews in all your provinces, Your Majesty. <a href="/gnt/esther/8.htm">Good News Translation</a> "If it please Your Majesty, and if you care about me and if it seems right to you, please issue a proclamation to keep Haman's orders from being carried out--those orders that the son of Hammedatha the descendant of Agag gave for the destruction of all the Jews in the empire. <a href="/isv/esther/8.htm">International Standard Version</a> She said, "If it pleases the king, and if I've found favor with him, and if the matter is proper in the king's opinion, and if I'm pleasing to the king, let an order be issued revoking the letters devised by Hammedatha the Agagite's son Haman, which ordered the destruction of the Jewish people throughout the king's provinces. <a href="/msb/esther/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> ?If it pleases the king,? she said, ?and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king?s provinces. <a href="/net/esther/8.htm">NET Bible</a> She said, "If the king is so inclined and if I have met with his approval and if the matter is agreeable to the king and if I am attractive to him, let an edict be written rescinding those recorded intentions of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, which he wrote in order to destroy the Jews who are throughout all the king's provinces. <a href="/nheb/esther/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> She said, "If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and the thing seem right to the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king's provinces. <a href="/wbt/esther/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> And said, If it shall please the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and the thing shall seem right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king's provinces: <a href="/web/esther/8.htm">World English Bible</a> She said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and the thing seems right to the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/esther/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> and says, “If to the king [it be] good, and if I have found grace before him, and the thing has been right before the king, and I [am] good in his eyes, let it be written to bring back the letters—a scheme of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite—that he wrote to destroy the Jews who [are] in all provinces of the king, <a href="/ylt/esther/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> and saith, 'If to the king it be good, and if I have found grace before him, and the thing hath been right before the king, and I be good in his eyes, let it be written to bring back the letters -- a device of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite -- that he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all provinces of the king, <a href="/slt/esther/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And she will say, If good to the king, and if I found favor before him, and the word be right before the king, and I good in his eyes, it shall be written to turn back the writings, the purposes of Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, that he wrote to destroy the Jews that were in all the king's provinces:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/esther/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> And said: If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and my request be not disagreeable to him, I beseech thee, that the former letters of Aman the traitor and enemy of the Jews, by which he commanded that they should be destroyed in all the king's provinces, may be reversed by new letters. <a href="/cpdv/esther/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 12:5>And she said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his eyes, and my request is not seen to be disagreeable to him, I beg you that the former letters of Haman, the traitor and enemy of the Jews, by which he instructed them to be destroyed in all the king’s provinces, may be corrected by new letters. <a href="/nabre/esther/8.htm">New American Bible</a> said: “If it seems good to the king and if I have found favor with him, if the thing seems right to the king and I am pleasing in his eyes, let a document be issued to revoke the letters that the schemer Haman, son of Hammedatha the Agagite, wrote for the destruction of the Jews in all the royal provinces. <a href="/nrsvce/esther/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> and Esther rose and stood before the king. She said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have won his favor, and if the thing seems right before the king, and I have his approval, let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote giving orders to destroy the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/esther/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> And said. If it please the king and the thing seem right before the king and if I have found favor in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the Agagite which he wrote to destroy all the Jews who are in all the king's provinces; <a href="/hpbt/esther/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And she stood before the King, and she said: “If it is good unto the King, and the matter is pleasing before the King, and if I have found favor in his eyes, let him write and let him reverse the letters and the plots of Haman the Aggagite that he wrote to destroy all the Jews in all the provinces of the King.<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/esther/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> And she said: 'If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews that are in all the king's provinces; <a href="/sep/esther/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> And Esther said, If it seem good to thee, and I have found favour in thy sight, let an order be sent that the letters sent by Aman may be reversed, that were written for the destruction of the Jews, who are in thy kingdom. <a href="/parallel/esther/8-5.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=1515" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/esther/8.htm">Esther's Appeal for the Jews</a> …4The king extended the gold scepter toward Esther, and she arose and stood before the king. 5<a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: ’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!">“If</a> <a href="/hebrew/5921.htm" title="5921: ‘al- (Prep) -- Properly, the same as al used as a preposition; above, over, upon, or against in a great variety of applications.">it pleases</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good."></a> <a href="/hebrew/518.htm" title="518: wə·’im- (Conj) -- If. A primitive particle; used very widely as demonstrative, lo!"></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/559.htm" title="559: wat·tō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3fs) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">she said,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4672.htm" title="4672: mā·ṣā·ṯî (V-Qal-Perf-1cs) -- To attain to, find. ">“and if I have found</a> <a href="/hebrew/2580.htm" title="2580: ḥên (N-ms) -- Favor, grace. From chanan; graciousness, i.e. Subjective or objective.">favor</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lə·p̄ā·nāw (Prep-l:: N-cpc:: 3ms) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">in his sight,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1697.htm" title="1697: had·dā·ḇār (Art:: N-ms) -- Speech, word. From dabar; a word; by implication, a matter or thing; adverbially, a cause.">and the matter</a> <a href="/hebrew/3787.htm" title="3787: wə·ḵā·šêr (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConjPerf-3ms) -- A primitive root properly, to be straight or right; by implication, to be acceptable; also to succeed or prosper.">seems proper</a> <a href="/hebrew/6440.htm" title="6440: lip̄·nê (Prep-l:: N-cpc) -- Face, faces. Plural of an unused noun; the face; used in a great variety of applications; also as a preposition.">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/589.htm" title="589: ’ă·nî (Pro-1cs) -- I. Contracted from 'anokiy; I.">and I</a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: wə·ṭō·w·ḇāh (Conj-w:: Adj-fs) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">am pleasing</a> <a href="/hebrew/5869.htm" title="5869: bə·‘ê·nāw (Prep-b:: N-cdc:: 3ms) -- An eye. Probably a primitive word; an eye; by analogy, a fountain.">in his sight,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3789.htm" title="3789: yik·kā·ṯêḇ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To write. A primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write.">may an order be written</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: lə·hā·šîḇ (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">to revoke</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/5612.htm" title="5612: has·sə·p̄ā·rîm (Art:: N-mp) -- A missive, document, writing, book. Or ciphrah; from caphar; properly, writing; by implication, a book.">the letters</a> <a href="/hebrew/4284.htm" title="4284: ma·ḥă·še·ḇeṯ (N-fsc) -- Thought, device. Or machashebeth; from chashab; a contrivance, i.e. a texture, machine, or intention, plan.">that the scheming</a> <a href="/hebrew/2001.htm" title="2001: hā·mān (N-proper-ms) -- Haman -- to rage, be turbulent. Of foreign derivation; Haman, a Persian vizier.">Haman</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/4099.htm" title="4099: ham·mə·ḏā·ṯā (N-proper-ms) -- Hammedatha including the article. Of Persian origin; Medatha, the father of Haman.">of Hammedatha,</a> <a href="/hebrew/91.htm" title="91: hā·’ă·ḡā·ḡî (Art:: N-proper-ms) -- A descriptive term for Haman. Patrial or patronymic from 'Agag; an Agagite or descendent of Agag.">the Agagite,</a> <a href="/hebrew/3789.htm" title="3789: kā·ṯaḇ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To write. A primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write.">wrote</a> <a href="/hebrew/6.htm" title="6: lə·’ab·bêḏ (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf) -- To perish. A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. Lose oneself; by implication to perish.">to destroy</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/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/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/834.htm" title="834: ’ă·šer (Pro-r) -- Who, which, that. A primitive relative pronoun; who, which, what, that; also when, where, how, because, in order that, etc."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3605.htm" title="3605: bə·ḵāl (Prep-b:: N-msc) -- The whole, all. Or kowl; from kalal; properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every.">in all</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the king’s</a> <a href="/hebrew/4082.htm" title="4082: mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ (N-fpc) -- A province. From diyn; properly, a judgeship, i.e. Jurisdiction; by implication, a district; generally, a region.">provinces.</a> 6For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?”…<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/3-9.htm">Esther 3:9-11</a> If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.” / So the king removed the signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews. / “Keep your money,” said the king to Haman. “These people are given to you to do with them as you please.” <a href="/esther/7-3.htm">Esther 7:3-4</a> Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request. / For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.” <a href="/esther/4-11.htm">Esther 4:11</a> “All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the gold scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.” <a href="/esther/5-3.htm">Esther 5:3-8</a> “What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.” / “If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.” / “Hurry,” commanded the king, “and bring Haman, so we can do as Esther has requested.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared. ... <a href="/esther/2-8.htm">Esther 2:8-9</a> When the king’s command and edict had been proclaimed, many young women gathered at the citadel of Susa under the care of Hegai. Esther was also taken to the palace and placed under the care of Hegai, the custodian of the women. / And the young woman pleased him and obtained his favor, so he quickly provided her with beauty treatments and the special diet. He assigned to her seven select maidservants from the palace and transferred her with them to the best place in the harem. <a href="/esther/9-13.htm">Esther 9:13-14</a> Esther replied, “If it pleases the king, may the Jews in Susa also have tomorrow to carry out today’s edict, and may the bodies of Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.” / So the king commanded that this be done. An edict was issued in Susa, and they hanged the ten sons of Haman. <a href="/nehemiah/2-5.htm">Nehemiah 2:5</a> and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.” <a href="/daniel/6-8.htm">Daniel 6:8-9</a> Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” / Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. <a href="/daniel/6-15.htm">Daniel 6:15</a> Then the men approached the king together and said to him, “Remember, O king, that by the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or ordinance established by the king can be changed.” <a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Proverbs 21:1</a> The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. <a href="/proverbs/16-10.htm">Proverbs 16:10</a> A divine verdict is on the lips of a king; his mouth must not betray justice. <a href="/proverbs/16-14.htm">Proverbs 16:14</a> The wrath of a king is a messenger of death, but a wise man will pacify it. <a href="/proverbs/19-12.htm">Proverbs 19:12</a> A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. <a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a> Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. <a href="/matthew/21-22.htm">Matthew 21:22</a> If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>And said, If it please the king, and if I have favor in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces:and, if I.<a href="/esther/7-3.htm">Esther 7:3</a> Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:<a href="/exodus/33-13.htm">Exodus 33:13,16</a> Now therefore, I pray thee, if I have found grace in thy sight, shew me now thy way, that I may know thee, that I may find grace in thy sight: and consider that this nation is thy people… <a href="/1_samuel/20-29.htm">1 Samuel 20:29</a> And he said, Let me go, I pray thee; for our family hath a sacrifice in the city; and my brother, he hath commanded me to be there: and now, if I have found favour in thine eyes, let me get away, I pray thee, and see my brethren. Therefore he cometh not unto the king's table.I be pleasing.<a href="/esther/2-4.htm">Esther 2:4,17</a> And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so… letters.<a href="/esther/3-12.htm">Esther 3:12,13</a> Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring… which he wrote.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/8-3.htm">Agagite</a> <a href="/esther/4-8.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/esther/8-3.htm">Devised</a> <a href="/esther/7-3.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/esther/7-3.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/esther/7-3.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/esther/7-3.htm">Found</a> <a href="/esther/8-3.htm">Haman</a> <a href="/esther/3-10.htm">Hammedatha</a> <a href="/esther/8-3.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/esther/7-10.htm">King's</a> <a href="/esther/3-13.htm">Letters</a> <a href="/esther/7-3.htm">Please</a> <a href="/esther/7-3.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/esther/3-9.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/esther/4-11.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/numbers/23-20.htm">Reverse</a> <a href="/esther/3-11.htm">Right</a> <a href="/esther/5-4.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/esther/7-3.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/esther/6-2.htm">Written</a> <a href="/ezra/5-4.htm">Wrote</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/9-24.htm">Agagite</a> <a href="/esther/8-11.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/esther/9-24.htm">Devised</a> <a href="/job/2-12.htm">Eyes</a> <a href="/esther/10-3.htm">Favor</a> <a href="/job/10-12.htm">Favour</a> <a href="/job/8-8.htm">Found</a> <a href="/esther/8-7.htm">Haman</a> <a href="/esther/9-10.htm">Hammedatha</a> <a href="/esther/8-7.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/esther/8-8.htm">King's</a> <a href="/esther/8-10.htm">Letters</a> <a href="/esther/8-8.htm">Please</a> <a href="/esther/8-8.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/job/6-25.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/esther/8-9.htm">Provinces</a> <a href="/esther/8-8.htm">Reverse</a> <a href="/job/5-27.htm">Right</a> <a href="/job/2-12.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/job/3-24.htm">Sight</a> <a href="/esther/8-8.htm">Written</a> <a href="/esther/8-10.htm">Wrote</a><div class="vheading2">Esther 8</div>1. <a href="/esther/8-1.htm">Mordecai is advanced.</a> 3. <a href="/esther/8-3.htm">Esther makes suit to reverse Haman's letters.</a> 7. <a href="/esther/8-7.htm">Xerxes grants to the Jews to defend themselves.</a> 15. <a href="/esther/8-15.htm">Mordecai's honor, and the Jews' joy.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/8.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/esther/8.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>"If it pleases the king," she said, This phrase reflects the formal and respectful approach required in the Persian court. Esther's approach is strategic, acknowledging the king's authority and seeking his goodwill. This mirrors the cultural norms of ancient Persia, where subjects had to approach the king with humility and deference. It also highlights Esther's wisdom and tact in navigating the political landscape."and if I have found favor in his sight," Finding favor in the king's sight is crucial for Esther's request. This phrase underscores the importance of personal relationships and favor in ancient Near Eastern courts. Esther's favor with the king is a recurring theme, as seen earlier when she was chosen as queen (<a href="/esther/2-17.htm">Esther 2:17</a>). It also reflects the biblical theme of divine favor, as seen in figures like Joseph (<a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Genesis 39:4</a>) and Daniel (<a href="/daniel/1-9.htm">Daniel 1:9</a>)."and the matter seems proper to the king," Esther appeals to the king's sense of justice and propriety. This phrase suggests that the king's decision should align with what is right and just. It reflects the biblical principle of justice, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">Proverbs 21:3</a>, which emphasizes doing what is right and just as more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice."and I am pleasing in his sight," Reiterating her favor with the king, Esther emphasizes her personal relationship with him. This phrase highlights the importance of personal influence in achieving political goals. It also reflects the biblical theme of intercession, where individuals like Moses (<a href="/exodus/32-11.htm">Exodus 32:11-14</a>) and Abraham (<a href="/genesis/18-22.htm">Genesis 18:22-33</a>) use their relationship with God to intercede for others."may an order be written to revoke the letters" Esther requests a formal decree to counteract Haman's edict. This reflects the irreversible nature of Persian laws, as seen in <a href="/daniel/6-8.htm">Daniel 6:8</a>, where laws once written could not be altered. Esther's request for a new decree shows her understanding of the legal system and her strategic thinking."that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote" Haman is identified as an Agagite, linking him to the Amalekites, ancient enemies of Israel (<a href="/exodus/17-8.htm">Exodus 17:8-16</a>). This connection highlights the ongoing conflict between Israel and Amalek, fulfilling the prophecy of enmity between the two nations (<a href="/deuteronomy/25-17.htm">Deuteronomy 25:17-19</a>). Haman's scheming nature is a reminder of the spiritual battle against evil, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/6-12.htm">Ephesians 6:12</a>."to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces." The threat against the Jews is a central theme in Esther, reflecting the historical reality of anti-Semitism. The widespread nature of the decree highlights the vastness of the Persian Empire, which stretched from India to Ethiopia (<a href="/esther/1.htm">Esther 1:1</a>). This phrase underscores the vulnerability of the Jewish people and the need for divine intervention, as seen in God's promises to protect Israel (<a href="/isaiah/41-10.htm">Isaiah 41:10-13</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/e/esther.htm">Esther</a> The Jewish queen of Persia who bravely intercedes for her people. Her courage and wisdom are central to the account. 2. <a href="/topical/k/king_ahasuerus.htm">King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)</a> The Persian king who holds the power to reverse the edict against the Jews. His favor towards Esther is crucial for the salvation of the Jewish people. 3. <a href="/topical/h/haman.htm">Haman</a> The antagonist whose plot to destroy the Jews sets the stage for Esther's intercession. Though not directly mentioned in this verse, his actions are the catalyst for the events. 4. <a href="/topical/m/mordecai.htm">Mordecai</a> Esther's cousin and guardian, who plays a significant role in advising Esther and later becomes a prominent figure in the Persian Empire. 5. <a href="/topical/s/susa.htm">Susa (Shushan)</a> The capital of the Persian Empire where these events unfold, highlighting the political and cultural backdrop of the account.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_intercession.htm">The Power of Intercession</a> Esther's approach to the king demonstrates the importance and power of intercessory prayer and action. Believers are encouraged to intercede for others, trusting in God's sovereignty. <a href="/topical/c/courage_in_the_face_of_injustice.htm">Courage in the Face of Injustice</a> Esther's boldness in addressing the king about the unjust decree against her people is a call for Christians to stand against injustice and advocate for righteousness. <a href="/topical/d/divine_providence.htm">Divine Providence</a> The unfolding events in Esther's account highlight God's providence. Believers can trust that God is at work even when His presence is not overtly visible. <a href="/topical/w/wisdom_in_action.htm">Wisdom in Action</a> Esther's careful and respectful approach to the king teaches the importance of wisdom and tact in difficult situations. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_favor.htm">The Role of Favor</a> Esther finds favor with the king, reminding believers that God's favor can open doors and change hearts in seemingly impossible situations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_esther_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Esther 8</a> <a href="/q/who_was_haman_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Haman the Agagite in biblical history?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_esther_save_the_jews.htm">How did Esther save the Jews from Haman's plot?</a> <a href="/q/evidence_for_haman's_role_in_persia.htm">Esther 7:5-6 - Is there archaeological or extra-biblical evidence to confirm the existence and high position of Haman in the Persian Empire?</a> <a href="/q/how_did_esther_save_her_people.htm">How did Esther save her people from Xerxes' decree?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/esther/8.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) To reverse.--Rather, to bring back, to recall. Esther shows considerable skill in wording her request. She avoids speaking of the king's letters, but calls them "the letters, the device of Haman, which he wrote." It is the king, however, to whom the injury is done--"to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - If it please the king, etc. The long preface of four clauses, winding up with "If I be pleasing," is indicative of Esther's doubt how the king will receive her suggestion that it should be written to reverse the letters (comp. <a href="/esther/3-13.htm">Esther 3:13</a>) devised by Haman. To ask the king to unsay his own words was impossible. By representing the letters as devised by Haman, and written by Haman, Esther avoids doing so. But she thereby blinks the truth. In excuse she adds the striking distich contained in the next verse - "For how could I endure to see the evil that is coming on my people? or how could I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?" <a href="/commentaries/esther/8-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>“If אִם־ (’im-) Conjunction <a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not it pleases עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> Above, over, upon, against the king,” הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king she said, וַ֠תֹּאמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> To utter, say “and if I have found מָצָ֧אתִי (mā·ṣā·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular <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 favor חֵ֣ן (ḥên) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2580.htm">Strong's 2580: </a> Graciousness, subjective, objective in his sight, לְפָנָ֗יו (lə·p̄ā·nāw) Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6440.htm">Strong's 6440: </a> The face and the matter הַדָּבָר֙ (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1697.htm">Strong's 1697: </a> A word, a matter, thing, a cause [seems] proper וְכָשֵׁ֤ר (wə·ḵā·šêr) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3787.htm">Strong's 3787: </a> To be advantageous, proper, or suitable, to succeed to the king, הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king and I אֲנִ֖י (’ă·nî) Pronoun - first person common singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_589.htm">Strong's 589: </a> I am pleasing וְטוֹבָ֥ה (wə·ṭō·w·ḇāh) Conjunctive waw | Adjective - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2896.htm">Strong's 2896: </a> Pleasant, agreeable, good in his sight, בְּעֵינָ֑יו (bə·‘ê·nāw) Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5869.htm">Strong's 5869: </a> An eye, a fountain may an order be written יִכָּתֵ֞ב (yik·kā·ṯêḇ) Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3789.htm">Strong's 3789: </a> To grave, to write to revoke לְהָשִׁ֣יב (lə·hā·šîḇ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> To turn back, in, to retreat, again the letters הַסְּפָרִ֗ים (has·sə·p̄ā·rîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_5612.htm">Strong's 5612: </a> A missive, document, writing, book that the scheming מַחֲשֶׁ֜בֶת (ma·ḥă·še·ḇeṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4284.htm">Strong's 4284: </a> A contrivance, a texture, machine, intention, plan Haman הָמָ֤ן (hā·mān) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2001.htm">Strong's 2001: </a> Haman -- to rage, be turbulent son בֶּֽן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Hammedatha, הַמְּדָ֙תָא֙ (ham·mə·ḏā·ṯā) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4099.htm">Strong's 4099: </a> Hammedatha including the article the Agagite, הָאֲגָגִ֔י (hā·’ă·ḡā·ḡî) Article | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_91.htm">Strong's 91: </a> Agagite -- a descriptive term for Haman wrote כָּתַ֗ב (kā·ṯaḇ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3789.htm">Strong's 3789: </a> To grave, to write to destroy לְאַבֵּד֙ (lə·’ab·bêḏ) Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_6.htm">Strong's 6: </a> To wander away, lose oneself, to perish the Jews הַיְּהוּדִ֔ים (hay·yə·hū·ḏîm) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3064.htm">Strong's 3064: </a> Jews -- Jewish in all בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3605.htm">Strong's 3605: </a> The whole, all, any, every the king?s הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> A king provinces. מְדִינ֥וֹת (mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4082.htm">Strong's 4082: </a> A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/8-5.htm">Esther 8:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/esther/8-5.htm">Esther 8:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/esther/8-5.htm">Esther 8:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/esther/8-5.htm">Esther 8:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/esther/8-5.htm">Esther 8:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/8-5.htm">Esther 8:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/8-5.htm">Esther 8:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/8-5.htm">Esther 8:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/esther/8-5.htm">Esther 8:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/esther/8-5.htm">Esther 8:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/esther/8-5.htm">OT History: Esther 8:5 She said If it pleases the king (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/8-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 8:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 8:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/8-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 8:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 8:6" /></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>