Esther 1:13
What does Esther 1:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 1:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 1:13 means
Stung by refusal, the king turns to the wise men who know the times—that is, those versed in law, custom, and proper judgment. He follows established procedure: important matters are handled by counselors skilled in legal precedent and social order. This reinforces that Persia prized formal process, even when the king is angry. The text invites readers to see how personal affront becomes public legislation through official channels. The king’s dependence on experts hints at the complexity of ruling such a vast realm, where one wrong move could unsettle households across 127 provinces.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment;
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times (for so was the king’s manner toward all that knew law and judgment;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the king said to the wise men, who had knowledge of the times, (for this was the king's way with all who were expert in law and in the giving of decisions:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the king saith to wise men, knowing the times--for so <FI>is<Fi> the word of the king before all knowing law and judgment,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Asked the wise men, who according to the custom of the kings, were always near his person, and all he did was by their counsel, who knew the laws, and judgments of their forefathers:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the king said to the wise men who knew the times (for so was the king's business [conducted] before all that knew law and judgment;
Context
Following Vashti’s refusal and the king’s anger, the narrative introduces the legal framework and the men charged with interpreting it. The mention of those who know law and judgment transitions the story from passion to policy. Next, the seven princes closest to the king are named, highlighting their access and authority. The king will then articulate the legal question regarding Vashti’s disobedience, opening the door for a proposal that will shape the rest of the chapter’s outcome.
v.12But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by the chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.
v.13This passage
v.14and the next unto him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king’s face, and sat first in the kingdom),
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Daniel 5:7
The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spake and said to the wise men of Babylon, Whosoever shall read this writing, and show me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.
- 1 Chronicles 12:32
And of the children of Issachar, men that had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, the heads of them were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their commandment.
- Matthew 2:1
Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judæa in the days of Herod the king, behold, Wise-men from the east came to Jerusalem, saying,
- Daniel 2:27
Daniel answered before the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded can neither wise men, enchanters, magicians, nor soothsayers, show unto the king;
- Daniel 2:12
For this cause the king was angry and very furious, and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon.
- Daniel 4:6
Therefore made I a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make known unto me the interpretation of the dream.