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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 5:3 "What is it, Queen Esther?" the king inquired. "What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you."</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/esther/5-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/3/17_Est_05_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Esther 5:3 - Esther Goes Before the King" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="What is it, Queen Esther? the king inquired. What is your request? 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What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/esther/5.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Then the king asked her, “What do you want, Queen Esther? What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/esther/5.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/esther/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/esther/5.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what <i>is</i> thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/esther/5.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And the king said to her, “What do you wish, Queen Esther? What <i>is</i> your request? It shall be given to you—up to half the kingdom!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/esther/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to her, “What is <i>troubling</i> you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Up to half of the kingdom it shall be given to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/esther/5.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then the king said to her, &#8220What is troubling you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it shall be given to you.&#8221<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/esther/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then the king said to her, “What is <i>troubling</i> you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it will be given to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/esther/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then the king said to her, “What is <i>troubling</i> you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it shall be given to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/esther/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to her, “What is <i>troubling</i> you, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you, up to half of the kingdom.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/esther/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />“What is it, Queen Esther? ” the king asked her. “Whatever you want, even to half the kingdom, will be given to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/esther/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />What is it, Queen Esther?&#8221 the king asked her. &#8220Whatever you want, even to half the kingdom, will be given to you."&#8221 <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/esther/5.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/esther/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />the king said, "Esther, what brings you here? Just ask, and I will give you as much as half of my kingdom." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/esther/5.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/esther/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then the king asked her, "What is troubling you, Queen Esther? What would you like? Even if it is up to half of the kingdom, it will be granted to you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/esther/5.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />"What is it, Queen Esther?" the king asked. "Tell me what you want, and you shall have it--even if it is half my empire." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/esther/5.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />The king asked her, "What do you want, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even if it's half of the kingdom, it will be given to you."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/esther/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />?What is it, Queen Esther?? the king inquired. ?What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/esther/5.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />The king said to her, "What is on your mind, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even as much as half the kingdom will be given to you!" <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/esther/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then the king asked her, "What would you like, queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom."<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/esther/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then said the king to her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/esther/5.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then the king asked her, “What would you like, queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom.” <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/esther/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And the king says to her, “What do you [want], Esther, O queen? And what [is] your request? To the half of the kingdom—and it is given to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/esther/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And the king saith to her, 'What -- to thee Esther, O queen? and what thy request? unto the half of the kingdom -- and it is given to thee.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/esther/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the king will say to her, What to thee, Esther the queen? what thy seeking? even to the half of the kingdom and it shall be given to thee.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/esther/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And the king said to her: What wilt then, queen Esther? what is thy request? if thou shouldst even ask one half of the kingdom, it shall be given to thee. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/esther/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br /><V 9:19>And the king said to her, “What do you wish, queen Esther? What is your request? Even if you ask for half of the kingdom, it will be given to you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/esther/5.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even if it is half of my kingdom, it shall be granted you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/esther/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />The king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.”<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/esther/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then the king said to her, What troubles you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/esther/5.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And the King said to her: “What do you have, Queen Esthir, and what is your request? Unto the half of my kingdom shall be given to you!”<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/esther/5.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then said the king unto her: 'What wilt thou, queen Esther? for whatever thy request, even to the half of the kingdom, it shall be given thee.'<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/esther/5.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And the king said, What wilt thou, Esther? and what is thy request? <i>ask</i> even to the half of my kingdom, and it shall be thine.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/esther/5-3.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=1009" 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/5.htm">Esther Goes Before the King</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">2</span>As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter. <span class="reftext">3</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: mah- (Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">is it,</a> <a href="/hebrew/4436.htm" title="4436: ham·mal·kāh (Art:: N-fs) -- Queen. Feminine of melek; a queen.">Queen</a> <a href="/hebrew/635.htm" title="635: ’es·têr (N-proper-fs) -- Star, Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Isr. Of Persian derivation; Ester, the Jewish heroine.">Esther?”</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: way·yō·mer (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To utter, say. A primitive root; to say.">inquired.</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāh (Prep:: 3fs) -- "></a> <a href="/hebrew/4100.htm" title="4100: ū·mah- (Conj-w:: Interrog) -- What? how? anything. ">“What is</a> <a href="/hebrew/1246.htm" title="1246: baq·qā·šā·ṯêḵ (N-fsc:: 2fs) -- Request, entreaty. From baqash; a petition.">your request?</a> <a href="/hebrew/5704.htm" title="5704: ‘aḏ- (Prep) -- As far as, even to, up to, until, while. Properly, the same as ad; as far as, whether of space or time or degree.">Even up to</a> <a href="/hebrew/2677.htm" title="2677: ḥă·ṣî (N-msc) -- Half. From chatsah; the half or middle.">half</a> <a href="/hebrew/4438.htm" title="4438: ham·mal·ḵūṯ (Art:: N-fs) -- Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom. Or malkuth; or malkuyah; from malak; a rule; concretely, a dominion.">the kingdom,</a> <a href="/hebrew/5414.htm" title="5414: wə·yin·nā·ṯên (Conj-w:: V-Nifal-ConjImperf-3ms) -- To give, put, set. A primitive root; to give, used with greatest latitude of application.">it will be given</a> <a href="/hebrew/lāḵ (Prep:: 2fs) -- ">to you.”</a> </span><span class="reftext">4</span>“If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.”…<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="/esther/7-2.htm">Esther 7:2</a></span><br />and as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/mark/6-23.htm">Mark 6:23</a></span><br />And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/14-7.htm">Matthew 14:7</a></span><br />so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/3-5.htm">1 Kings 3:5</a></span><br />One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/15-7.htm">John 15:7</a></span><br />If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_john/5-14.htm">1 John 5:14-15</a></span><br />And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. / And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-7.htm">Matthew 7:7-8</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-13.htm">John 14:13-14</a></span><br />And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. / If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/21-22.htm">Matthew 21:22</a></span><br />If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5-6</a></span><br />Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. / But he must ask in faith, without doubting, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/2-20.htm">1 Kings 2:20</a></span><br />“I have just one small request of you,” she said. “Do not deny me.” “Make your request, my mother,” the king replied, “for I will not deny you.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/2-8.htm">Psalm 2:8</a></span><br />Ask Me, and I will make the nations Your inheritance, the ends of the earth Your possession.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Proverbs 21:1</a></span><br />The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/daniel/2-48.htm">Daniel 2:48</a></span><br />Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/nehemiah/2-4.htm">Nehemiah 2:4-5</a></span><br />“What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven / 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.”</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then said the king to her, What will you, queen Esther? and what is your request? it shall be even given you to the half of the kingdom.</p><p class="hdg">What.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/5-6.htm">Esther 5:6</a></b></br> And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What <i>is</i> thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what <i>is</i> thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/7-2.htm">Esther 7:2</a></b></br> And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What <i>is</i> thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what <i>is</i> thy request? and it shall be performed, <i>even</i> to the half of the kingdom.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/9-12.htm">Esther 9:12</a></b></br> And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? now what <i>is</i> thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what <i>is</i> thy request further? and it shall be done.</p><p class="hdg">to.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/esther/5-6.htm">Esther 5:6</a></b></br> And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What <i>is</i> thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what <i>is</i> thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/mark/6-23.htm">Mark 6:23</a></b></br> And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give <i>it</i> thee, unto the half of my kingdom.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/esther/2-13.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/esther/5-2.htm">Esther</a> <a href="/nehemiah/13-24.htm">Half</a> <a href="/esther/4-14.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/esther/5-2.htm">Queen</a> <a href="/esther/4-8.htm">Request</a> <a href="/esther/4-5.htm">Troubling</a> <a href="/esther/3-11.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-6.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/esther/6-6.htm">Desire</a> <a href="/esther/5-4.htm">Esther</a> <a href="/esther/5-6.htm">Half</a> <a href="/esther/5-6.htm">Kingdom</a> <a href="/esther/5-12.htm">Queen</a> <a href="/esther/5-6.htm">Request</a> <a href="/job/3-17.htm">Troubling</a> <a href="/esther/5-6.htm">Whatever</a> <a href="/job/4-2.htm">Wilt</a><div class="vheading2">Esther 5</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/5-1.htm">Esther, adventuring on the king's favor, obtains the grace of the golden sceptre, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">4. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/5-4.htm">and invites the king and Haman to a banquet.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/5-6.htm">She, being encouraged by the king in her suit, invites them to another banquet.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/5-9.htm">Haman, proud of his advancement, repines at the contempt of Mordecai.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">14. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/esther/5-14.htm">By the counsel of Zeresh he prepares for him a gallows.</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/5.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/5.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>“What is it, Queen Esther?”</b><br>This phrase highlights the unique position Esther holds as queen, despite her Jewish heritage in a Persian empire. Her title signifies her authority and favor with the king, which is crucial for the unfolding events. Esther's role as queen is a fulfillment of God's providence, placing her in a position to influence the king. This echoes the biblical theme of God using individuals in positions of power to fulfill His purposes, similar to Joseph in Egypt (<a href="/genesis/41-41.htm">Genesis 41:41-44</a>).<p><b>“the king inquired.”</b><br>The king's inquiry shows his openness and willingness to listen to Esther, indicating a favorable disposition towards her. This moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for Esther to make her request. The king's readiness to hear Esther reflects the cultural norms of the Persian court, where the king's favor was essential for any petition. This also demonstrates the king's trust and affection for Esther, which is crucial for her plan to save her people.<p><b>“What is your request?”</b><br>This question underscores the king's willingness to grant Esther's desires, highlighting the trust and favor she has earned. It reflects the cultural practice of the Persian monarchy, where the king had the power to grant significant requests. This moment is a turning point in the narrative, as Esther must carefully present her petition to save the Jewish people. It also parallels the biblical theme of intercession, where individuals plead on behalf of others, as seen with Abraham interceding for Sodom (<a href="/genesis/18-22.htm">Genesis 18:22-33</a>).<p><b>“Even up to half the kingdom,”</b><br>This hyperbolic expression was a common royal idiom in ancient Near Eastern cultures, indicating the king's generosity and willingness to grant substantial requests. It does not imply a literal division of the kingdom but rather emphasizes the king's favor and the extent of his willingness to please Esther. This phrase is similar to Herod's offer to Herodias' daughter in <a href="/mark/6-23.htm">Mark 6:23</a>, showing a pattern of royal generosity in biblical narratives.<p><b>“it will be given to you.”</b><br>The king's assurance of granting Esther's request highlights the certainty and authority of his promise. This reflects the absolute power of the Persian king, whose word was law. It also foreshadows the successful outcome of Esther's intercession for her people, demonstrating God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His plans through human agents. This assurance is a testament to the divine orchestration at work, as Esther's courage and faith align with God's purpose to protect His people.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/q/queen_esther.htm">Queen Esther</a></b><br>A Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. Her courage and faith are central to the account as she seeks to save her people from destruction.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/k/king_ahasuerus.htm">King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)</a></b><br>The Persian king who is Esther's husband. His favor towards Esther is crucial in the unfolding of events.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_royal_court.htm">The Royal Court</a></b><br>The setting of this encounter, where Esther approaches the king, risking her life to make a request on behalf of her people.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_persian_empire.htm">The Persian Empire</a></b><br>The vast empire over which King Ahasuerus rules, highlighting the significance of Esther's influence and the potential impact of her request.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_jewish_people.htm">The Jewish People</a></b><br>The community at risk of annihilation due to Haman's plot, whom Esther seeks to protect through her intercession.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/c/courage_in_faith.htm">Courage in Faith</a></b><br>Esther's approach to the king exemplifies the courage required to stand up for righteousness, even at personal risk. Believers are encouraged to trust God when facing daunting challenges.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/d/divine_favor.htm">Divine Favor</a></b><br>The king's willingness to grant Esther's request up to half the kingdom illustrates how God can move the hearts of leaders to fulfill His purposes. Trust in God's ability to influence circumstances for His glory.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/intercession_for_others.htm">Intercession for Others</a></b><br>Esther's actions remind us of the power and responsibility of interceding for others. Believers are called to pray and act on behalf of those in need.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty.htm">God's Sovereignty</a></b><br>The unfolding events in Esther's account highlight God's sovereign control over history. Believers can find peace in knowing that God is in control, even when situations seem dire.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_esther_5.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Esther 5</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_'half_the_kingdom'_literal_or_hyperbole.htm">Esther 5:3 – Is the promise of giving “up to half the kingdom” a credible Persian practice or mere hyperbole? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_did_esther_save_her_people.htm">How did Esther save her people from Xerxes' decree?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/do_catholics_attain_salvation.htm">What does 'For Such a Time as This' mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_christians_in_govt.htm">What does the Bible say about Christians in government?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/esther/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(3) <span class= "bld">To the half of the kingdom.</span>--This tremendous offer occurs in further promises of Ahasuerus (<a href="/esther/5-6.htm" title="And the king said to Esther at the banquet of wine, What is your petition? and it shall be granted you: and what is your request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.">Esther 5:6</a>; <a href="/esther/7-2.htm" title="And the king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is your petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted you: and what is your request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.">Esther 7:2</a>). The same reckless promise is made by Herod Antipas to the daughter of Herodias (<a href="/mark/6-23.htm" title="And he swore to her, Whatever you shall ask of me, I will give it you, to the half of my kingdom.">Mark 6:23</a>).<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 3.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">What is thy request? It shall be even given thee</span>. The practice of granting requests beforehand is one common among Oriental monarchs. Sometimes no limit at all is placed to the petitioner's liberty of choice - seldom any less wide limit than that of the present passage. According to Herodotus (9:111), there was one day in the year on which the king was bound to grant <span class="accented">any</span> request made by a guest at his table. <span class="cmt_word">To the half of the kingdom</span>. Compare <a href="/mark/6-23.htm">Mark 6:23</a>, where Herod Antipas makes the same limitation. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/esther/5-3.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">“What</span><br /><span class="heb">מַה־</span> <span class="translit">(mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is it,</span><br /><span class="heb">לָּ֖ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(lāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><br /><span class="word">Queen</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמַּלְכָּ֑ה</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mal·kāh)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4436.htm">Strong's 4436: </a> </span><span class="str2">Queen -- a queen</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Esther?”</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶסְתֵּ֣ר</span> <span class="translit">(’es·têr)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_635.htm">Strong's 635: </a> </span><span class="str2">Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the king</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ</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">inquired.</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיֹּ֤אמֶר</span> <span class="translit">(way·yō·mer)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_559.htm">Strong's 559: </a> </span><span class="str2">To utter, say</span><br /><br /><span class="word">“What [is]</span><br /><span class="heb">וּמַה־</span> <span class="translit">(ū·mah-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Interrogative<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4100.htm">Strong's 4100: </a> </span><span class="str2">What?, what!, indefinitely what</span><br /><br /><span class="word">your request?</span><br /><span class="heb">בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(baq·qā·šā·ṯêḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1246.htm">Strong's 1246: </a> </span><span class="str2">Request, entreaty</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Even up to</span><br /><span class="heb">עַד־</span> <span class="translit">(‘aḏ-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5704.htm">Strong's 5704: </a> </span><span class="str2">As far as, even to, up to, until, while</span><br /><br /><span class="word">half</span><br /><span class="heb">חֲצִ֥י</span> <span class="translit">(ḥă·ṣî)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_2677.htm">Strong's 2677: </a> </span><span class="str2">The half, middle</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the kingdom,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַמַּלְכ֖וּת</span> <span class="translit">(ham·mal·ḵūṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4438.htm">Strong's 4438: </a> </span><span class="str2">Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom</span><br /><br /><span class="word">it will be given</span><br /><span class="heb">וְיִנָּ֥תֵֽן</span> <span class="translit">(wə·yin·nā·ṯên)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5414.htm">Strong's 5414: </a> </span><span class="str2">To give, put, set</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to you.”</span><br /><span class="heb">לָֽךְ׃</span> <span class="translit">(lāḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | second person feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/.htm">Strong's Hebrew</a> </span><span class="str2"></span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/5-3.htm">Esther 5:3 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/esther/5-3.htm">Esther 5:3 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/esther/5-3.htm">Esther 5:3 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/esther/5-3.htm">Esther 5:3 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/esther/5-3.htm">Esther 5:3 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/5-3.htm">Esther 5:3 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/5-3.htm">Esther 5:3 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/5-3.htm">Esther 5:3 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/esther/5-3.htm">Esther 5:3 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/esther/5-3.htm">Esther 5:3 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/esther/5-3.htm">OT History: Esther 5:3 Then the king asked her What would (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/5-2.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 5:2"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 5:2" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/5-4.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 5:4"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 5:4" /></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>