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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Esther 3:9 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."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/esther/3-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/17_Est_03_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Esther 3:9 - Haman Plots Against the Jews" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of 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class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/esther/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/esther/3.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will give ten thousand talents of silver to the king&#8217s administrators for the royal treasury.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/esther/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />If it please the king, issue a decree that they be destroyed, and I will give 10,000 large sacks of silver to the government administrators to be deposited in the royal treasury.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/esther/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay 10,000 talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king’s business, that they may put it into the king’s treasuries.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/esther/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/esther/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring <i>it</i> into the king's treasuries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/esther/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />If it pleases the king, let <i>a decree</i> be written that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who do the work, to bring <i>it</i> into the king’s treasuries.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/esther/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />If it is pleasing to the king, let it be decreed that they be eliminated, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who carry out the <i>king’s</i> business, to put into the king’s treasuries.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/esther/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />&#8220If it is pleasing to the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who carry on the king&#8217s business, to put into the king&#8217s treasuries.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/esther/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />“If it is pleasing to the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who carry on the <i>king’s</i> business, to put into the king’s treasuries.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/esther/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />If it <i>seems</i> good to the king, let it be written down that they should perish, and I will pay 10,000 talents of silver into the hands of those who do this work, to bring into the king’s treasuries.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/esther/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />If it pleases the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who carry out the <i>king’s</i> business, to put into the king’s treasuries.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/esther/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If the king approves, let an order be drawn up authorizing their destruction, and I will pay 375 tons of silver to the officials for deposit in the royal treasury.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/esther/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />If the king approves, let an order be drawn up authorizing their destruction, and I will pay 375 tons of silver to the accountants for deposit in the royal treasury.&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/esther/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />If it please the king, let it be written that they be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those that have the charge of the king's business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/esther/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Why not give orders for all of them to be killed? I can promise that you will get tons of silver for your treasury. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/esther/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />If it please the king, let it be written that they be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those that have the charge of the king's business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/esther/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />If you approve, have the orders for their destruction be written. For this I will pay 750,000 pounds of silver to your treasurers to be put in your treasury."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/esther/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If it please Your Majesty, issue a decree that they are to be put to death. If you do, I guarantee that I will be able to put 375 tons of silver into the royal treasury for the administration of the empire." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/esther/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />If the king approves, let it be decreed that they're to be destroyed, and I'll measure out 10,000 silver talents and bring it to the king's treasury for those who will do the work."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/esther/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />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.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/esther/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />If the king is so inclined, let an edict be issued to destroy them. I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to be conveyed to the king's treasuries for the officials who carry out this business." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/esther/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />If it pleases the king, let it be written that they be destroyed; and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who are in charge of the king's business, to bring it into the king's treasuries."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/esther/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />If it shall please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/esther/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />If it pleases the king, let it be written that they be destroyed; and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who are in charge of the king’s business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/esther/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />if to the king [it be] good, let it be written to destroy them, and ten thousand talents of silver I weigh into the hands of those doing the work, to bring [it] into the treasuries of the king.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/esther/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> if to the king it be good, let it be written to destroy them, and ten thousand talents of silver I weigh into the hands of those doing the work, to bring it in unto the treasuries of the king.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/esther/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />If good to the king, it shall be written to destroy them: and I will weigh ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those doing the work, to bring to the king's treasures.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/esther/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />If it please thee, decree that they may he destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents to thy treasurers. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/esther/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 5:9>If it pleases you, declare that they may be destroyed, and I will weigh out ten thousand talents to the keepers of your treasury.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/esther/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />If it please the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them; and I will deliver to the procurators ten thousand silver talents for deposit in the royal treasury.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/esther/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued for their destruction, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king’s business, so that they may put it into the king’s treasuries.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/esther/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed; and I will weigh ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those who have charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/esther/3.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />If it is not good to the King, let him write that they shall be destroyed, and weigh ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of the doers of the work to bring to the treasury of the King.”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/esther/3.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />If it please the king, let it be written that they be destroyed; and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those that have the charge of the king's business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/esther/3.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />If it seem good to the king, let him make a decree to destroy them: and I will remit into the king's treasury ten thousand talents of silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/esther/3-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TRosJDhNG-8?start=680" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/esther/3.htm">Haman Plots Against the Jews</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">8</span>Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them. <span class="reftext">9</span><span class="highl"><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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/2896.htm" title="2896: ṭō·wḇ (Adj-ms) -- Pleasant, agreeable, good.">it pleases</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/3789.htm" title="3789: yik·kā·ṯêḇ (V-Nifal-Imperf-3ms) -- To write. A primitive root; to grave, by implication, to write.">let a decree be issued</a> <a href="/hebrew/6.htm" title="6: lə·’ab·bə·ḏām (Prep-l:: V-Piel-Inf:: 3mp) -- To perish. A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. Lose oneself; by implication to perish.">to destroy them,</a> <a href="/hebrew/935.htm" title="935: lə·hā·ḇî (Prep-l:: V-Hifil-Inf) -- To come in, come, go in, go. A primitive root; to go or come.">and I will deposit</a> <a href="/hebrew/6235.htm" title="6235: wa·‘ă·śe·reṯ (Conj-w:: Number-msc) -- Ten. Masculine of term aasarah; from asar; ten.">ten</a> <a href="/hebrew/505.htm" title="505: ’ă·lā·p̄îm (Number-mp) -- A thousand. Prop, the same as 'eleph; hence a thousand.">thousand</a> <a href="/hebrew/3603.htm" title="3603: kik·kar- (N-fsc) -- From karar; a circle, i.e. a circumjacent tract or region, expec. The Ghor or valley of the Jordan; also a loaf; also a talent (round) coin).">talents</a> <a href="/hebrew/3701.htm" title="3701: ke·sep̄ (N-ms) -- Silver, money. From kacaph; silver; by implication, money.">of silver</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">into</a> <a href="/hebrew/4428.htm" title="4428: ham·me·leḵ (Art:: N-ms) -- King. From malak; a king.">the royal</a> <a href="/hebrew/1595.htm" title="1595: gin·zê (N-mpc) -- Treasury, perhaps chests. From an unused root meaning to store; treasure; by implication, a coffer.">treasury</a> <a href="/hebrew/8254.htm" title="8254: ’eš·qō·wl (V-Qal-Imperf-1cs) -- To weigh. A primitive root; to suspend or poise.">to pay</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."></a> <a href="/hebrew/3027.htm" title="3027: yə·ḏê (N-fdc) -- Hand (indicating power, means, direction, etc.)"></a> <a href="/hebrew/6213.htm" title="6213: ‘ō·śê (V-Qal-Prtcpl-mpc) -- To do, make. A primitive root; to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application.">those who carry it out.”</a> <a href="/hebrew/4399.htm" title="4399: ham·mə·lā·ḵāh (Art:: N-fs) -- From the same as mal'ak; properly, deputyship, i.e. Ministry; generally, employment or work; also property."></a> </span><span class="reftext">10</span>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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/6-8.htm">Daniel 6:8-9</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezra/4-13.htm">Ezra 4:13-16</a></span><br />Let it now be known to the king that if that city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, they will not pay tribute, duty, or toll, and the royal treasury will suffer. / Now because we are in the service of the palace and it is not fitting for us to allow the king to be dishonored, we have sent to inform the king / that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/6-6.htm">Nehemiah 6:6-7</a></span><br />that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king, / and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/8-11.htm">1 Samuel 8:11-18</a></span><br />He said, “This will be the manner of the king who will reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them to serve his own chariots and horses, and to run in front of his chariots. / He will appoint some for himself as commanders of thousands and of fifties, and others to plow his ground, to reap his harvest, and to make his weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. / And he will take your daughters to be perfumers, cooks, and bakers. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/15-19.htm">2 Kings 15:19-20</a></span><br />Then Pul king of Assyria invaded the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver in order to gain his support and strengthen his own grip on the kingdom. / Menahem exacted this money from each of the wealthy men of Israel—fifty shekels of silver from each man—to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria withdrew and did not remain in the land.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/17-11.htm">2 Chronicles 17:11</a></span><br />Some Philistines also brought gifts and silver as tribute to Jehoshaphat, and the Arabs brought him 7,700 rams and 7,700 goats from their flocks.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/29-12.htm">Proverbs 29:12</a></span><br />If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials will be wicked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/83-4.htm">Psalm 83:4</a></span><br />saying, “Come, let us erase them as a nation; may the name of Israel be remembered no more.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/1-10.htm">Exodus 1:10</a></span><br />Come, let us deal shrewdly with them, or they will increase even more; and if a war breaks out, they may join our enemies, fight against us, and leave the country.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/37-26.htm">Genesis 37:26-28</a></span><br />Then Judah said to his brothers, “What profit will we gain if we kill our brother and cover up his blood? / Come, let us sell him to the Ishmaelites and not lay a hand on him; for he is our brother, our own flesh.” And they agreed. / So when the Midianite traders passed by, his brothers pulled Joseph out of the pit and sold him for twenty shekels of silver to the Ishmaelites, who took him to Egypt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-15.htm">Matthew 26:15</a></span><br />and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/23-12.htm">Acts 23:12-15</a></span><br />When daylight came, the Jews formed a conspiracy and bound themselves with an oath not to eat or drink until they had killed Paul. / More than forty of them were involved in this plot. / They went to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves with a solemn oath not to eat anything until we have killed Paul. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/22-4.htm">Luke 22:4-5</a></span><br />And Judas went to discuss with the chief priests and temple officers how he might betray Jesus to them. / They were delighted and agreed to give him money.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/11-47.htm">John 11:47-50</a></span><br />Then the chief priests and Pharisees convened the Sanhedrin and said, “What are we to do? This man is performing many signs. / If we let Him go on like this, everyone will believe in Him, and then the Romans will come and take away both our place and our nation.” / But one of them, named Caiaphas, who was high priest that year, said to them, “You know nothing at all! ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/acts/4-17.htm">Acts 4:17-18</a></span><br />But to keep this message from spreading any further among the people, we must warn them not to speak to anyone in this name.” / Then they called them in again and commanded them not to speak or teach at all in the name of Jesus.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">If it please the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed: and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king's treasuries.</p><p class="hdg">that they may be destroyed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/23-16.htm">Genesis 23:16</a></b></br> And Abraham hearkened unto Ephron; and Abraham weighed to Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current <i>money</i> with the merchant.</p><p class="hdg">ten thousand.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/18-24.htm">Matthew 18:24</a></b></br> And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/1-13.htm">Business</a> <a href="/ezra/7-15.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/esther/2-20.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/esther/2-8.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/esther/2-1.htm">Decreed</a> <a href="/esther/3-6.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-13.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/ezra/9-14.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/esther/3-6.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/esther/1-19.htm">Issued</a> <a href="/esther/3-8.htm">King's</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/24-19.htm">Ordering</a> <a href="/esther/3-5.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/esther/1-19.htm">Please</a> <a href="/esther/2-4.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/esther/2-4.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/esther/1-8.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-10.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/esther/3-3.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/esther/1-6.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/ezra/10-7.htm">Statement</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-38.htm">Store-House</a> <a href="/ezra/8-26.htm">Talents</a> <a href="/nehemiah/11-1.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-72.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-13.htm">Treasuries</a> <a href="/nehemiah/10-38.htm">Treasury</a> <a href="/esther/1-22.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/esther/2-23.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/8-14.htm">Business</a> <a href="/job/5-12.htm">Carry</a> <a href="/esther/4-8.htm">Charge</a> <a href="/esther/3-14.htm">Decree</a> <a href="/esther/9-31.htm">Decreed</a> <a href="/esther/3-13.htm">Destroy</a> <a href="/esther/4-14.htm">Destroyed</a> <a href="/esther/4-7.htm">Destruction</a> <a href="/esther/6-2.htm">Hands</a> <a href="/esther/3-14.htm">Issued</a> <a href="/esther/3-12.htm">King's</a> <a href="/esther/9-21.htm">Ordering</a> <a href="/esther/4-7.htm">Pay</a> <a href="/esther/3-11.htm">Please</a> <a href="/esther/5-4.htm">Pleases</a> <a href="/esther/8-5.htm">Pleasing</a> <a href="/esther/5-8.htm">Pleasure</a> <a href="/job/12-20.htm">Responsible</a> <a href="/esther/4-7.htm">Royal</a> <a href="/esther/3-11.htm">Silver</a> <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Statement</a> <a href="/job/38-19.htm">Store-House</a> <a href="/matthew/18-24.htm">Talents</a> <a href="/esther/9-10.htm">Ten</a> <a href="/esther/9-16.htm">Thousand</a> <a href="/esther/4-7.htm">Treasuries</a> <a href="/esther/4-7.htm">Treasury</a> <a href="/esther/3-12.htm">Writing</a> <a href="/esther/3-12.htm">Written</a><div class="vheading2">Esther 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/3-1.htm">Haman, advanced by the king, and despised by Mordecai, seeks revenge upon the Jews.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/3-7.htm">He casts lots.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/3-8.htm">He obtains by false accusations a decree of the king to put the Jews to death.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/esther/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>If it pleases the king</b><br>This phrase reflects the formal language of the Persian court, where officials would often present their requests in a manner that emphasized the king's authority and pleasure. It highlights the absolute power of the king in the Persian Empire, where his decisions were final and unchallengeable. This approach is seen in other biblical accounts, such as Nehemiah's request to King Artaxerxes (<a href="/nehemiah/2-5.htm">Nehemiah 2:5</a>).<p><b>let a decree be issued to destroy them</b><br>The decree refers to a legal and binding order in the Persian Empire, which was known for its extensive and efficient administrative system. The phrase "to destroy them" indicates a planned genocide against the Jewish people, reminiscent of previous threats to their existence, such as Pharaoh's decree in <a href="/exodus/1-22.htm">Exodus 1:22</a>. This reflects the recurring theme of anti-Semitism throughout history.<p><b>and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver</b><br>Ten thousand talents of silver was an enormous sum, equivalent to hundreds of tons of silver, indicating the seriousness and scale of Haman's proposal. This financial incentive underscores the corruption and moral decay within the Persian court. The use of money to influence decisions is a recurring theme in Scripture, as seen in the betrayal of Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (<a href="/matthew/26-15.htm">Matthew 26:15</a>).<p><b>into the royal treasury</b><br>The royal treasury was the central financial institution of the Persian Empire, responsible for collecting and managing the empire's wealth. This phrase suggests that Haman was attempting to bribe the king, appealing to his economic interests. The mention of the treasury also highlights the materialistic values of the empire, contrasting with the spiritual values upheld by the Jewish people.<p><b>to pay those who carry it out</b><br>This indicates that Haman planned to hire mercenaries or officials to execute the decree, reflecting the organized and systematic nature of the proposed genocide. It parallels the use of Roman soldiers in the crucifixion of Jesus, where state power was employed to carry out an unjust act. This phrase also underscores the theme of human depravity and the lengths to which individuals will go to achieve their evil purposes.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/h/haman.htm">Haman</a></b><br>A high-ranking official in the Persian Empire, Haman is the antagonist in the Book of Esther. He harbors a deep hatred for the Jewish people, particularly Mordecai, and seeks their destruction.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_ahasuerus.htm">King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)</a></b><br>The Persian king during the events of the Book of Esther. He is portrayed as a ruler who is easily influenced by his advisors, including Haman.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_jews.htm">The Jews</a></b><br>The target of Haman's plot. They are living in exile throughout the Persian Empire and face annihilation due to Haman's scheme.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_persian_empire.htm">The Persian Empire</a></b><br>The setting of the Book of Esther, a vast empire where the Jewish people are living in exile.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_decree.htm">The Decree</a></b><br>A royal edict proposed by Haman to annihilate the Jewish people, which he offers to fund with a substantial sum of money.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_danger_of_pride_and_hatred.htm">The Danger of Pride and Hatred</a></b><br>Haman's pride and hatred lead him to plot the destruction of an entire people. This serves as a warning against allowing such emotions to take root in our hearts.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_influence_of_money_and_power.htm">The Influence of Money and Power</a></b><br>Haman's offer of ten thousand talents of silver highlights how money and power can be used for evil purposes. Believers are called to use their resources for God's glory and the good of others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_and_protection.htm">God's Sovereignty and Protection</a></b><br>Despite the dire circumstances, God is in control and protects His people. This encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty, even in difficult times.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_righteous_leadership.htm">The Importance of Righteous Leadership</a></b><br>The account underscores the need for leaders who seek God's wisdom and justice, contrasting Haman's wickedness with the righteous actions of Esther and Mordecai.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_esther_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Esther 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/does_esther_9_10_conflict_with_accountability.htm">Esther 9:10: Does executing Haman's sons conflict with any biblical principles on individual accountability or moral responsibility?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_esther_8_11_fit_ot_justice.htm">How does the violent response sanctioned in Esther 8:11 align with broader Old Testament teachings on justice and mercy?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_allow_more_killing_in_esther_9_13-15.htm">Esther 9:13-15: Why would an additional day of killing be sanctioned, and does this align with other biblical teachings on mercy and restraint?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_esther_save_the_jews.htm">How did Esther save the Jews from Haman's plot?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/esther/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) <span class= "bld">Ten thousand talents of silver.</span>--This would be about two and a half millions sterling, being indeed more than two-thirds of the whole annual revenue of the Empire (Herod. iii. 95). Haman may have been a man of excessive wealth (like the Pythius who offered Xerxes four millions of gold darics (Herod. vii. 28), or he probably may have hoped to draw the money from the spoils of the Jews.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 9.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">If it please the king, lot it be written that they may be destroyed, and I will pay</span>, etc. This startling proposition, to which the king might well have demurred, for even Xerxes could scarcely have regarded such a massacre as a light matter, is followed immediately, and before the king has time to reflect, by the tempting offer of such a bribe as even a king could not view with indifference. Xerxes had once, if we may trust Herodotus, declined to accept from a subject a gift of money equal to about four and a half million of pounds sterling (Herod., 7:28); but this was early in his reign, when his treasury was full, and he had not exhausted his resources by the Greek war. Now, in his comparative poverty, a gift of from two to three millions had attractions for him which proved irresistible<span class="cmt_word">. To the hands of those that have the charge of the business</span>. Not the business of the slaughter, but the business of receiving money for the king, <span class="accented">i.e.</span> the royal treasurers. <span class="cmt_word">To bring it</span>. <span class="accented">i.e.</span> "<span class="accented">for them</span> to bring it," or pay it, "into the royal treasuries." On the multiplicity of the royal treasuries see the comment on Ezra 7:20. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/esther/3-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">If</span><br /><span class="heb">אִם־</span> <span class="translit">(’im-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_518.htm">Strong's 518: </a> </span><span class="str2">Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">approves,</span><br /><span class="heb">עַל־</span> <span class="translit">(‘al-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5921.htm">Strong's 5921: </a> </span><span class="str2">Above, over, upon, against</span><br /><br /><span class="word">let [a decree] be issued</span><br /><span class="heb">יִכָּתֵ֖ב</span> <span class="translit">(yik·kā·ṯêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3789.htm">Strong's 3789: </a> </span><span class="str2">To grave, to write</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to destroy them,</span><br /><span class="heb">לְאַבְּדָ֑ם</span> <span class="translit">(lə·’ab·bə·ḏām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6.htm">Strong's 6: </a> </span><span class="str2">To wander away, lose oneself, to perish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and I will deposit</span><br /><span class="heb">לְהָבִ֖יא</span> <span class="translit">(lə·hā·ḇî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_935.htm">Strong's 935: </a> </span><span class="str2">To come in, come, go in, go</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ten</span><br /><span class="heb">וַעֲשֶׂ֨רֶת</span> <span class="translit">(wa·‘ă·śe·reṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6235.htm">Strong's 6235: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ten</span><br /><br /><span class="word">thousand</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲלָפִ֜ים</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·lā·p̄îm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_505.htm">Strong's 505: </a> </span><span class="str2">A thousand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">talents</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּכַּר־</span> <span class="translit">(kik·kar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3603.htm">Strong's 3603: </a> </span><span class="str2">A round, a round district, a round loaf, a round weight, a talent (a measure of weight or money)</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of silver</span><br /><span class="heb">כֶּ֗סֶף</span> <span class="translit">(ke·sep̄)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3701.htm">Strong's 3701: </a> </span><span class="str2">Silver, money</span><br /><br /><span class="word">into</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the royal</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ham·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4428.htm">Strong's 4428: </a> </span><span class="str2">A king</span><br /><br /><span class="word">treasury</span><br /><span class="heb">גִּנְזֵ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(gin·zê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1595.htm">Strong's 1595: </a> </span><span class="str2">Treasury, perhaps chests</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to pay</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶשְׁקוֹל֙</span> <span class="translit">(’eš·qō·wl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Imperfect - first person common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8254.htm">Strong's 8254: </a> </span><span class="str2">To suspend, poise</span><br /><br /><span class="word">those who carry this out.”</span><br /><span class="heb">עֹשֵׂ֣י</span> <span class="translit">(‘ō·śê)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6213.htm">Strong's 6213: </a> </span><span class="str2">To do, make</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/3-9.htm">Esther 3:9 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/esther/3-9.htm">Esther 3:9 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/esther/3-9.htm">Esther 3:9 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/esther/3-9.htm">Esther 3:9 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/esther/3-9.htm">Esther 3:9 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/3-9.htm">Esther 3:9 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/3-9.htm">Esther 3:9 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/3-9.htm">Esther 3:9 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/esther/3-9.htm">Esther 3:9 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/esther/3-9.htm">Esther 3:9 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/esther/3-9.htm">OT History: Esther 3:9 If it pleases the king let it (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/3-8.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 3:8"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 3:8" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/3-10.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 3:10"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 3:10" /></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>