Esther 1:2
What does Esther 1:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 1:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 1:2 means
Ahasuerus is pictured settled on his royal throne in Shushan the palace, the administrative heart of the empire. The throne image underscores legal authority and ceremonial majesty; this is where decrees are made and enforced. Shushan functions as the center from which imperial will radiates. The verse reinforces stability and officialdom: the king is not on campaign or in disorder but presiding from his court. This calm, official setting will contrast sharply with the disorder that follows, showing how quickly honor can be threatened and how swiftly court protocol turns private tension into public policy.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000that in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
KJV
King James Version · 1611That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901that in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949That in those days, when King Ahasuerus was ruling in Shushan, his strong town,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862in those days, at the sitting of the king Ahasuerus on the throne of his kingdom, that <FI>is<Fi> in Shushan the palace,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752When he sat on the throne of his kingdom, the city Susan was the capital of his kingdom.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the fortress,
Context
Following the empire’s scope, the narrative focuses on place and posture: the king on his throne in Shushan. This positions the reader for the court-centered scenes that dominate the chapter. Next, the timing within his reign and the gathering of nobles will be described, moving from static description to dynamic action. The author prepares us to witness public displays of power (feasts), and then a personal affront that becomes a constitutional concern because it occurs in the heart of royal administration.
v.1Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus (this is Ahasuerus who reigned from India even unto Ethiopia, over a hundred and seven and twenty provinces),
v.2This passage
v.3in the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him;
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Nehemiah 1:1
The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,
- Esther 4:16
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast in like manner; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
- 2 Samuel 7:1
And it came to pass, when the king dwelt in his house, and Jehovah had given him rest from all his enemies round about,
- Daniel 4:4
I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house, and flourishing in my palace.
- Esther 3:15
The posts went forth in haste by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given out in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed.
- Esther 2:3
and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hegai the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them;