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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 8:16 For the Jews it was a time of light and gladness, of joy and honor.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/esther/8-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/17_Est_08_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Esther 8:16 - The Decree of Xerxes" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="For the Jews it was a time of light and gladness, of joy and honor." /><script type="application/javascript" 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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="/ad16.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/8-15.htm" title="Esther 8:15">◄</a> Esther 8:16 <a href="/esther/8-17.htm" title="Esther 8:17">►</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"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/esther/8.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/esther/8.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />The Jews were filled with joy and gladness and were honored everywhere.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/esther/8.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/esther/8.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the Jews it was a time of light and gladness, of joy and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/esther/8.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/esther/8.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />The Jews had light and gladness, joy and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/esther/8.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the Jews there was light, joy, jubilation, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/esther/8.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For the Jews there was light and gladness and joy and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/esther/8.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For the Jews there was light and gladness and joy and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/esther/8.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For the Jews there was light and gladness and joy and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/esther/8.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For [at this time] the Jews had light [a dawn of new hope] and gladness and joy and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/esther/8.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and the Jews celebrated with gladness, joy, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/esther/8.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />and the Jews celebrated with gladness, joy, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/esther/8.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/esther/8.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />and the Jews were no longer afraid. In fact, they were very happy and felt that they had won a victory. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/esther/8.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/esther/8.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />So the Jews were cheerful, happy, joyful, and successful.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/esther/8.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />For the Jews there was joy and relief, happiness and a sense of victory. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/esther/8.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For the Jewish people, there was light and joy, gladness and honor. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/esther/8.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For the Jews there was radiant happiness and joyous honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/esther/8.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />The Jews had light, gladness, joy, and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/esther/8.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/esther/8.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For the Jews it was a time of light and gladness, of joy and honor.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/esther/8.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />The Jews had light, gladness, joy, and honor. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/esther/8.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />to the Jews has been light, and gladness, and joy, and honor,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/esther/8.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> to the Jews hath been light, and gladness, and joy, and honour,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/esther/8.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />There was to the Jews light and gladness and joy and honor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/esther/8.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But to the Jews a new light seemed to rise, joy, honour, and dancing. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/esther/8.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 13:28>But for the Jews, a new light seemed to rise; there was joy, honor, and dancing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/esther/8.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />and for the Jews there was splendor and gladness, joy and triumph.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/esther/8.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For the Jews there was light and gladness, joy and honor.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/esther/8.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />The Jews had light and gladness and honor and joy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/esther/8.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And upon the Jews was light and joy and honor and dancing.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/esther/8.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honour.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/esther/8.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the Jews had light and gladness,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/esther/8-16.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=1691" 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/8.htm">The Decree of Xerxes</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">15</span>Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. <span class="reftext">16</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3064.htm" title="3064: lay·yə·hū·ḏîm (Prep-l, Art:: N-proper-mp) -- Jewish. Patronymically from Yhuwdah; a Jehudite, or descendant of Jehudah.">For the Jews</a> <a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yə·ṯāh (V-Qal-Perf-3fs) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">it was a time of</a> <a href="/hebrew/219.htm" title="219: ’ō·w·rāh (N-fs) -- Luminousness, prosperity, a plant. Feminine of 'owr; luminousness, i.e. prosperity; also a plant.">light</a> <a href="/hebrew/8057.htm" title="8057: wə·śim·ḥāh (Conj-w:: N-fs) -- Joy, gladness, mirth. From sameach; blithesomeness or glee.">and gladness,</a> <a href="/hebrew/8342.htm" title="8342: wə·śā·śōn (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Exultation, rejoicing. Or sason; from suws; cheerfulness; specifically, welcome.">of joy</a> <a href="/hebrew/3366.htm" title="3366: wî·qār (Conj-w:: N-ms) -- Preciousness, price, honor. From yaqar; value, i.e. wealth; abstractly, costliness, dignity.">and honor.</a> </span><span class="reftext">17</span>In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.…<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="/psalms/97-11.htm">Psalm 97:11</a></span><br />Light shines on the righteous, gladness on the upright in heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/4-18.htm">Proverbs 4:18</a></span><br />The path of the righteous is like the first gleam of dawn, shining brighter and brighter until midday.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/60-1.htm">Isaiah 60:1</a></span><br />Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the LORD rises upon you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/60-19.htm">Isaiah 60:19-20</a></span><br />No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor. / Your sun will no longer set, and your moon will not wane; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and the days of your sorrow will cease.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/27-1.htm">Psalm 27:1</a></span><br />Of David. The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—whom shall I dread?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/112-4.htm">Psalm 112:4</a></span><br />Light dawns in the darkness for the upright—for the gracious, compassionate, and righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-2.htm">Isaiah 9:2</a></span><br />The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death, a light has dawned.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/30-29.htm">Isaiah 30:29</a></span><br />You will sing as on the night of a holy festival, and your heart will rejoice like one who walks to the music of a flute, going up to the mountain of the LORD, to the Rock of Israel.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/35-10.htm">Isaiah 35:10</a></span><br />So the redeemed of the LORD will return and enter Zion with singing, crowned with everlasting joy. Gladness and joy will overtake them, and sorrow and sighing will flee.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/61-3.htm">Isaiah 61:3</a></span><br />to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a></span><br />Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-14.htm">Matthew 5:14-16</a></span><br />You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/2-10.htm">Luke 2:10</a></span><br />But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! For behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-4.htm">John 1:4-5</a></span><br />In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. / The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/12-46.htm">John 12:46</a></span><br />I have come into the world as a light, so that no one who believes in Me should remain in darkness.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honor.</p><p class="hdg">Jews.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/4-1.htm">Esther 4:1-3,16</a></b></br> When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai rent his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud and a bitter cry; … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/30-5.htm">Psalm 30:5-11</a></b></br> For his anger <i>endureth but</i> a moment; in his favour <i>is</i> life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy <i>cometh</i> in the morning… </p><p class="hdg">had light.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/9-17.htm">Esther 9:17</a></b></br> On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/18-28.htm">Psalm 18:28</a></b></br> For thou wilt light my candle: the LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/97-11.htm">Psalm 97:11</a></b></br> Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/12-27.htm">Gladness</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/9-7.htm">Happiness</a> <a href="/esther/6-11.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/esther/6-11.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/esther/8-13.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/nehemiah/12-43.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/2_kings/20-10.htm">Light</a> <a href="/esther/8-14.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/8-17.htm">Gladness</a> <a href="/job/7-7.htm">Happiness</a> <a href="/esther/10-2.htm">Honor</a> <a href="/job/14-21.htm">Honour</a> <a href="/esther/8-17.htm">Jews</a> <a href="/esther/8-17.htm">Joy</a> <a href="/job/3-4.htm">Light</a> <a href="/esther/9-27.htm">Time</a><div class="vheading2">Esther 8</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/8-1.htm">Mordecai is advanced.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">3. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/8-3.htm">Esther makes suit to reverse Haman's letters.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/8-7.htm">Xerxes grants to the Jews to defend themselves.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/8-15.htm">Mordecai's honor, and the Jews' joy.</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/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><b>For the Jews</b><br>This phrase highlights the specific ethnic and religious group central to the narrative of Esther. The Jews, descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were living in exile in the Persian Empire. This context is crucial as it underscores their vulnerable position and the miraculous nature of their deliverance. The Jewish identity is significant throughout the Bible, as they are God's chosen people, through whom He reveals His plans and purposes.<p><b>it was a time of light</b><br>"Light" often symbolizes divine favor, revelation, and salvation in Scripture. In the context of Esther, this light represents the reversal of the dark decree that Haman had issued against the Jews. Biblically, light is associated with God's presence and guidance (<a href="/psalms/27.htm">Psalm 27:1</a>, <a href="/john/8-12.htm">John 8:12</a>). The deliverance of the Jews can be seen as a foreshadowing of the ultimate deliverance through Jesus Christ, who is the Light of the World.<p><b>and gladness</b><br>Gladness here refers to the emotional response of the Jews to their deliverance. This joy is a common theme in the Bible when God intervenes on behalf of His people (<a href="/psalms/126-2.htm">Psalm 126:2-3</a>). The gladness experienced by the Jews is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises, echoing the joy of salvation found in the New Testament (<a href="/luke/2-10.htm">Luke 2:10</a>).<p><b>of joy</b><br>The repetition of joy emphasizes the overwhelming relief and happiness the Jews felt. This joy is not just a temporary emotion but a deep-seated response to God's providence and protection. In the broader biblical narrative, joy is a fruit of the Spirit (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22</a>) and is often linked to the presence of God and His redemptive work.<p><b>and honor</b><br>Honor signifies the newfound respect and esteem the Jews received following their deliverance. This reversal of fortune is a common biblical theme, where God elevates the humble and oppressed (<a href="/1_samuel/2-8.htm">1 Samuel 2:8</a>, <a href="/luke/1-52.htm">Luke 1:52</a>). The honor bestowed upon the Jews can be seen as a type of the honor given to believers in Christ, who are called to be a royal priesthood (<a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a>).<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/e/esther.htm">Esther</a></b><br>A Jewish queen of Persia who played a crucial role in saving her people from destruction. Her courage and faith are central to the events leading up to this verse.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/mordecai.htm">Mordecai</a></b><br>Esther's cousin and guardian, who became a prominent figure in the Persian court. His rise to power is a key element in the deliverance of the Jews.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_ahasuerus.htm">King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)</a></b><br>The Persian king who, under Esther's influence, issued a decree allowing the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/h/haman.htm">Haman</a></b><br>The antagonist who plotted to annihilate the Jews but was ultimately defeated, leading to the events described in this verse.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/s/susa.htm">Susa (Shushan)</a></b><br>The capital of the Persian Empire, where these events took place. It was a center of political power and intrigue.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_reversal.htm">Divine Reversal</a></b><br>The account of Esther highlights God's ability to reverse dire situations. Just as the Jews experienced a dramatic change from impending doom to joy and honor, believers can trust in God's power to transform their circumstances.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_influence.htm">The Power of Influence</a></b><br>Esther's influence on King Ahasuerus demonstrates the impact one person can have when they act with courage and faith. Christians are called to be salt and light, influencing their surroundings for God's glory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/j/joy_in_deliverance.htm">Joy in Deliverance</a></b><br>The joy and honor experienced by the Jews remind us of the joy that comes from spiritual deliverance. Believers are encouraged to celebrate and share the joy of salvation found in Christ.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_celebration.htm">Community Celebration</a></b><br>The communal aspect of the Jews' joy emphasizes the importance of celebrating God's victories together as a faith community. This fosters unity and strengthens faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/h/honor_in_obedience.htm">Honor in Obedience</a></b><br>Mordecai's rise to honor reflects the biblical principle that God honors those who are faithful and obedient to Him. Believers are encouraged to live lives worthy of honor by following God's commands.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_esther_8.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Esther 8</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/who_was_haman_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Haman the Agagite in biblical history?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><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><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_esther_4_11's_death_penalty_plausible.htm">Is the claim in Esther 4:11 about a death penalty for entering the king's presence uninvited historically plausible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_god_sexist.htm">Is God sexist?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/8.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 16.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">The Jews had light</span>. A metaphor for "happiness" (comp. <a href="/isaiah/58-8.htm">Isaiah 58:8</a>). <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/esther/8-16.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">For the Jews</span><br /><span class="heb">לַיְּהוּדִ֕ים</span> <span class="translit">(lay·yə·hū·ḏîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-l, Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3064.htm">Strong's 3064: </a> </span><span class="str2">Jews -- Jewish</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it was a time of</span><br /><span class="heb">הָֽיְתָ֥ה</span> <span class="translit">(hā·yə·ṯāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> </span><span class="str2">To fall out, come to pass, become, be</span><br /><br /><span class="word">light</span><br /><span class="heb">אוֹרָ֖ה</span> <span class="translit">(’ō·w·rāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_219.htm">Strong's 219: </a> </span><span class="str2">Luminousness, prosperity, a plant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and gladness,</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשִׂמְחָ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(wə·śim·ḥāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8057.htm">Strong's 8057: </a> </span><span class="str2">Blithesomeness, glee</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of joy</span><br /><span class="heb">וְשָׂשֹׂ֖ן</span> <span class="translit">(wə·śā·śōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8342.htm">Strong's 8342: </a> </span><span class="str2">Cheerfulness, welcome</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and honor.</span><br /><span class="heb">וִיקָֽר׃</span> <span class="translit">(wî·qār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3366.htm">Strong's 3366: </a> </span><span class="str2">Value, wealth, costliness, dignity</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/8-16.htm">Esther 8:16 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/esther/8-16.htm">Esther 8:16 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/esther/8-16.htm">Esther 8:16 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/esther/8-16.htm">Esther 8:16 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/esther/8-16.htm">Esther 8:16 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/8-16.htm">Esther 8:16 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/8-16.htm">Esther 8:16 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/8-16.htm">Esther 8:16 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/esther/8-16.htm">Esther 8:16 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/esther/8-16.htm">Esther 8:16 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/esther/8-16.htm">OT History: Esther 8:16 The Jews had light gladness joy (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/8-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 8:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 8:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/8-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 8:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 8:17" /></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>