Esther 1:5
What does Esther 1:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 1:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 1:5 means
When the 180 days conclude, Ahasuerus hosts a seven-day feast for all the people in Shushan, both great and small. This inclusive banquet extends royal favor beyond elites, signaling the king’s generosity and desire for public goodwill. It situates the gathering in the garden court of the palace, a place of beauty and proximity to power. The move from a selective, months-long display to a citywide celebration creates a crowded, festive environment. Here the king’s majesty meets common joy—and, as will soon be seen, common excess. This setting makes the next events publicly visible and politically consequential.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when these days were fulfilled, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace;
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when these days were fulfilled, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And at the end of that time, the king gave a feast for all the people who were present in Shushan, the king's town, small as well as great, for seven days, in the outer square of the garden of the king's house.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And at the fulness of these days hath the king made to all the people who are found in Shushan the palace, from great even unto small, a banquet, seven days, in the court of the garden of the house of the king--
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when the days of the feast were expired, he invited all the people that were found in Susan, from the greatest to the least: and commanded a feast to be made seven days in the court of the garden, and of the wood, which was planted by the care and the hand of the king.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when these days were expired, the king made a feast to all the people that were present in Shushan the fortress, both to great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace.
Context
After the prolonged exhibition for nobles, the narrative widens to embrace the populace of Shushan in a shorter, intense celebration. The shift from elite to general audience heightens the stakes: what happens next is no longer private court business but a matter for the city’s eyes. The following verses will paint the scene’s luxury and abundant drink, helping readers understand the king’s state of mind when he issues his fateful command regarding Vashti.
v.4when he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty many days, even a hundred and fourscore days.
v.5This passage
v.6There were hangings of white cloth, of green, and of blue, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the couches were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and white, and yellow, and black marble.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Chronicles 7:8
So Solomon held the feast at that time seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great assembly, from the entrance of Hamath unto the brook of Egypt.
- Esther 7:7
And the king arose in his wrath from the banquet of wine and went into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king.
- 2 Chronicles 30:21
And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness; and the Levites and the priests praised Jehovah day by day, singing with loud instruments unto Jehovah.