New International VersionHe also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.
New Living TranslationMordecai gave Hathach a copy of the decree issued in Susa that called for the death of all Jews. He asked Hathach to show it to Esther and explain the situation to her. He also asked Hathach to direct her to go to the king to beg for mercy and plead for her people.
English Standard VersionMordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her and command her to go to the king to beg his favor and plead with him on behalf of her people.
Berean Standard BibleMordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people.
King James BibleAlso he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.
New King James VersionHe also gave him a copy of the written decree for their destruction, which was given at Shushan, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her, and that he might command her to go in to the king to make supplication to him and plead before him for her people.
New American Standard BibleHe also gave him a copy of the text of the edict which had been issued in Susa for their annihilation, so that he might show Esther and inform her, and to order her to go in to the king to implore his favor and plead with him for her people.
NASB 1995He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict which had been issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show Esther and inform her, and to order her to go in to the king to implore his favor and to plead with him for her people.
NASB 1977 He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict which had been issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show Esther and inform her, and to order her to go in to the king to implore his favor and to plead with him for her people.
Legacy Standard Bible He also gave him a copy of the written law which had been given in Susa for their destruction, in order to show Esther and to tell her and to command her to go in to the king to implore his favor and to seek him out for her people.
Amplified BibleMordecai also gave him a copy of the text of the decree which had been issued in Susa for the Jews destruction, so that he might show Esther and explain it to her, and order her to go in to the king to seek his favor and plead with him for [the lives of] her people.
Christian Standard BibleMordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa ordering their destruction, so that Hathach might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and command her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead with him personally for her people.
Holman Christian Standard BibleMordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa ordering their destruction, so that Hathach might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and command her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead with him personally for her people.
American Standard VersionAlso he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him, for her people.
Contemporary English VersionMordecai gave Hathach a copy of the orders for the murder of the Jews and told him that these had been read in Susa. He said, "Show this to Esther and explain what it means. Ask her to go to the king and beg him to have pity on her people, the Jews!"
English Revised VersionAlso he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her; and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him, for her people.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe also gave him a copy of the decree that was issued in Susa. The decree gave permission to exterminate the Jews. Hathach was supposed to show it to Esther to inform and command her to go to the king, beg him for mercy, and appeal to him for her people.
Good News TranslationHe gave Hathach a copy of the proclamation that had been issued in Susa, ordering the destruction of the Jews. Mordecai asked him to take it to Esther, explain the situation to her, and have her go and plead with the king and beg him to have mercy on her people.
International Standard VersionMordecai gave Hathach a copy of the written decree ordering the Jews' destruction that had been issued in Susa. Mordecai wanted him to show it to Esther, to explain it to her, and then to instruct her to go in to the king to seek his favor and plead with him for her people.
NET BibleHe also gave him a written copy of the law that had been disseminated in Susa for their destruction so that he could show it to Esther and talk to her about it. He also gave instructions that she should go to the king to implore him and petition him on behalf of her people.
New Heart English BibleHe also gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to urge her to go in to the king, to make petition to him, and to make request before him, for her people.
Webster's Bible TranslationAlso he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to charge her that she should go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to make request before him for her people. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleMordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people.
World English BibleHe also gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Susa to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to urge her to go in to the king to make supplication to him, and to make request before him for her people. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the copy of the writing of the law that had been given in Shushan to destroy them he has given to him, to show Esther, and to declare [it] to her, and to lay a charge on her to go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to seek from before him, for her people.
Young's Literal Translation and the copy of the writing of the law that had been given in Shushan to destroy them he hath given to him, to shew Esther, and to declare it to her, and to lay a charge on her to go in unto the king, to make supplication to him, and to seek from before him, for her people.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the copy of the writing of the edict which was given in Shushan to destroy them, he gave to him to cause Esther to see, and to announce to her, and to charge upon her to go in to the king to implore mercy, and to seek from before him for her people. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe gave him also a copy of the edict which was hanging up in Susan, that he should shew it to the queen, and admonish her to go in to the king, and to en- treat him for her people.
Catholic Public Domain Version Audio Bible
Context Mordecai Appeals to Esther… 7and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money that Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury in order to destroy the Jews. 8 Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people. 9So Hathach went back and relayed Mordecai’s response to Esther.…
Cross References Nehemiah 2:3-5and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” / “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.”
Daniel 6:10Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Ezra 4:15-16that 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. / We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, you will have no dominion west of the Euphrates.
1 Samuel 25:24-31She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. / My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. / Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has held you back from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, may your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal. ...
Genesis 44:18-34Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself. / My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’ / And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’ ...
2 Kings 19:1-4On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. / And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz / to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them. ...
Jeremiah 36:7Perhaps they will bring their petition before the LORD, and each one will turn from his wicked way; for great are the anger and fury that the LORD has pronounced against this people.”
Exodus 32:11-14But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God, saying, “O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? / Why should the Egyptians declare, ‘He brought them out with evil intent, to kill them in the mountains and wipe them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce anger and relent from doing harm to Your people. / Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom You swore by Your very self when You declared, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give your descendants all this land that I have promised, and it shall be their inheritance forever.’” ...
2 Chronicles 20:3-4Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. / So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him.
Jonah 3:6-9When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. / Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink. / Furthermore, let both man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and have everyone call out earnestly to God. Let each one turn from his evil ways and from the violence in his hands. ...
Acts 4:19-20But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
Romans 9:1-3I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit. / I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. / For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood,
Philippians 1:20-21I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. / For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
1 Timothy 2:1-2First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.
Hebrews 11:25-26He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. / He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward.
Esther 3:14,15
The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day… to charge. Esther 2:20
Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him. 1 Timothy 6:13,17
I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; … to make supplication. Job 9:15
Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge. Proverbs 16:14,15
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it… Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences. request. Esther 7:3,4
Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: … Esther 8:6
For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred? Nehemiah 2:3-5
And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? … Jump to Previous Charge Copy Declare Decree Destroy Edict Esther Request Shew Show Shushan Supplication Text Urge WritingJump to Next Charge Copy Declare Decree Destroy Edict Esther Request Shew Show Shushan Supplication Text Urge WritingEsther 4 1. The great mourning of Mordecai and the Jews.4. Esther, understanding it, sends to Mordecai, 7. who shows the cause, and advises her to undertake the suit.10. She, excusing herself, is threatened by Mordecai.15. She, appointing a fast, undertakes the suit.Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the JewsMordecai's action of providing a copy of the decree highlights the gravity of the situation. Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, was a significant center of power, and the decree's issuance from there underscores its authority and reach. Historically, the Persian Empire was known for its extensive bureaucracy and record-keeping, which is reflected in the existence of a written decree. The decree for the destruction of the Jews is reminiscent of other biblical instances where God's people faced annihilation, such as Pharaoh's decree in Exodus. This situation foreshadows the ultimate deliverance that God provides, pointing to the salvation found in Jesus Christ. to show and explain to Esther
Mordecai's intent to show and explain the decree to Esther indicates the importance of communication and understanding in dire circumstances. Esther, living in the palace, may have been insulated from the immediate effects of the decree, highlighting the separation between the royal court and the common people. This act of explanation is crucial, as it empowers Esther with the knowledge needed to act. It reflects the biblical principle of seeking wisdom and understanding, as seen in Proverbs. urging her to approach the king
Mordecai's urging signifies the urgency and desperation of the situation. Approaching the king was a dangerous act, as Persian law prohibited anyone from entering the king's presence uninvited, under penalty of death. This reflects the absolute power of the Persian monarchy and the risks involved in seeking justice. The act of approaching the king can be seen as a type of intercession, similar to how Christ intercedes on behalf of humanity before God. implore his favor
Imploring the king's favor suggests a reliance on mercy and grace, themes prevalent throughout Scripture. In the ancient Near East, favor from a king could mean life or death, and Esther's plea for favor mirrors the believer's plea for God's grace. This act of seeking favor is a precursor to the grace offered through Jesus Christ, who provides access to the Father. and plead before him for her people
Esther's role as an advocate for her people is a powerful image of intercession. Her willingness to plead before the king on behalf of the Jews is a type of Christ, who pleads on behalf of humanity. This act of advocacy is a central theme in the Bible, where leaders often stand in the gap for their people, as seen with Moses and the Israelites. Esther's intercession is a reminder of the power of prayer and advocacy in the face of injustice. Persons / Places / Events 1. MordecaiA Jew living in Susa, the cousin and guardian of Esther. He is a key figure in the Jewish community and plays a crucial role in the events of the Book of Esther. 2. HathachA eunuch assigned to attend to Queen Esther. He acts as a messenger between Mordecai and Esther. 3. EstherThe Jewish queen of Persia, married to King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). She is in a unique position to influence the king and save her people. 4. SusaThe capital of the Persian Empire, where the events of the Book of Esther take place. It is the location of the king's palace and the issuance of the decree against the Jews. 5. The DecreeAn edict issued by Haman, the king's advisor, calling for the destruction of all Jews in the Persian Empire. This decree sets the stage for the crisis that Esther must address. Teaching Points Courage in CrisisEsther's account teaches us the importance of courage and taking action in times of crisis. We are called to stand up for what is right, even when it is risky. Divine ProvidenceThe unseen hand of God is at work in the lives of His people. We can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. IntercessionLike Esther, we are called to intercede for others. Prayer and advocacy are powerful tools in bringing about change and seeking God's mercy. Obedience and FaithMordecai's instruction to Esther highlights the importance of obedience and faith. We must be willing to follow God's leading, even when the path is uncertain. Using Our InfluenceGod places us in specific positions for a purpose. We should use our influence and resources to further His kingdom and help those in need. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Esther 4:8?
2. How does Esther 4:8 demonstrate the importance of intercessory prayer in crisis?
3. What does Mordecai's request reveal about his faith in God's deliverance?
4. How can we apply Mordecai's courage in Esther 4:8 to our lives today?
5. What scriptural connections exist between Esther 4:8 and standing firm in faith?
6. How does Esther 4:8 encourage us to act boldly for God's purposes?
7. What is the significance of Mordecai's plea in Esther 4:8 for Jewish survival?
8. How does Esther 4:8 reflect God's providence in dire circumstances?
9. Why does Mordecai urge Esther to approach the king despite the risks in Esther 4:8?
10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 4?
11. How did Esther save the Jews from Haman's plot?
12. How did Esther save her people from Xerxes' decree?
13. How does Esther 8:8 reconcile with the supposed irrevocability of Persian law if a second decree effectively overrules the first?
14. What evidence exists that supports Mordecai's elevation to high authority in Esther 8:2, considering Persian records rarely reference Jewish officials?What Does Esther 4:8 Mean Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews• Mordecai does not rely on rumor; he supplies documentary proof. “In the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter must be established” (Deuteronomy 19:15). • Having the decree in hand shows the grim finality of Haman’s plot (Esther 3:12-14). Mordecai’s action mirrors Hezekiah spreading Sennacherib’s letter before the LORD (2 Kings 19:14), confronting danger with tangible evidence. • The written word underscores how profoundly evil can be codified into law—yet God “foils the plans of the crafty” (Job 5:12).
to show and explain to Esther• Esther has been sheltered inside the palace; Mordecai bridges the information gap. • Explanation matters. Nehemiah likewise “told no one what my God had put into my heart” until the strategic moment (Nehemiah 2:12-17). • Faith is not blind optimism; it faces facts, then brings them before God. Like the Bereans who examined the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11), Esther is invited to examine the decree.
urging her to approach the king• The verb implies persistent appeal (cf. Luke 11:8). Mordecai presses Esther toward courageous action, much as Jonathan urged David to “go in strength” (1 Samuel 20:42). • Approaching Persia’s monarch uninvited risked death (Esther 4:11), but “the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). • God often positions His people strategically—Joseph before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:14-16), Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:24-28).
implore his favor• Esther is to seek grace—ḥēn—undeserved kindness. “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD” (Proverbs 21:1). • Parallel scenes: Nehemiah “prayed to the God of heaven” then asked Artaxerxes for letters (Nehemiah 2:4-8); Ezra sought favor for exiles (Ezra 8:23). • Petition precedes intervention; prayer and prudence interweave.
and plead before him for her people• The phrase points to intercession. Moses pleaded, “Turn from Your fierce anger” (Exodus 32:11-14). Samuel said he would not sin by ceasing to pray for Israel (1 Samuel 12:23). • Esther’s identity shifts from private queen to public advocate, echoing Paul’s willingness to be “accursed…for my brothers” (Romans 9:3). • Corporate deliverance hangs on individual obedience; “if one member suffers, all suffer together” (1 Corinthians 12:26).
summaryEsther 4:8 captures a pivotal moment where documented evil meets determined faith. Mordecai arms Esther with the decree, educates her on the crisis, and urges courageous intercession. The passage showcases God’s providential placement of His people, the necessity of informed action, and the power of standing in the gap for others. Verse 8. - Also he gave him the copy. In the original it is "a copy." Mordecai had had a copy made for the purpose of handing it to Esther . To make request to him for her people. If this was the phrase used by Mordecai to Hatach, Esther's nationality must now have ceased to be a secret, at any rate so far as her immediate attendants were concerned. Probably Mordecai felt that the truth must now be declared. It was only as the compatriots of the queen that he could expect to get the Jews spared.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Mordecai also gave [Hathach]נִתַּ֨ן (nit·tan)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, seta copyפַּתְשֶׁ֣גֶן (paṯ·še·ḡen)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6572: A transcriptof the writtenכְּתָֽב־ (kə·ṯāḇ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3791: Something written, a writing, record, bookdecreeהַ֠דָּת (had·dāṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1881: A royal edict, statuteissuedנָ֣תַן (nā·ṯan)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, setin Susaבְּשׁוּשָׁ֤ן (bə·šū·šān)Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7800: Susa -- residence of person kingsfor the destruction [of the Jews],לְהַשְׁמִידָם֙ (lə·haš·mî·ḏām)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8045: To be exterminated or destroyedto showלְהַרְא֥וֹת (lə·har·’ō·wṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200: To seeand explainוּלְהַגִּ֣יד (ū·lə·hag·gîḏ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuoustoאֶת־ (’eṯ-)Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative caseEsther,אֶסְתֵּ֖ר (’es·têr)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 635: Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israelurging herוּלְצַוּ֣וֹת (ū·lə·ṣaw·wō·wṯ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, orderto approachלָב֨וֹא (lā·ḇō·w)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, gothe king,הַמֶּ֧לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A kingimplore his favor,לְהִֽתְחַנֶּן־ (lə·hiṯ·ḥan·nen-)Preposition-l | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2603: To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to imploreand pleadוּלְבַקֵּ֥שׁ (ū·lə·ḇaq·qêš)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive afterbefore himמִלְּפָנָ֖יו (mil·lə·p̄ā·nāw)Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The faceforעַל־ (‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, againstherעָלֶ֗יהָ (‘ā·le·hā)Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, againstpeople.עַמָּֽהּ׃ (‘am·māh)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock
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OT History: Esther 4:8 He also gave him the copy (Est Esth. Es) |
