Esther 2:18
What does Esther 2:18 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 2:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 2:18 means
The king memorializes Esther’s enthronement with a lavish feast, an official release to the provinces, and generous gifts—an outpouring befitting imperial joy. Public celebration cements her status and signals to the empire that the queen is honored and secure. The feast named for Esther indicates her prominence at court from the start. Royal bounty toward subjects often accompanies significant events, reinforcing loyalty and goodwill. The verse shows that Esther’s favor is not only private affection but public policy, binding her name to blessing throughout the realm. Her queenship becomes part of the empire’s story, not merely the harem’s.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the bounty of the king.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the bounty of the king.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then the king gave a great feast for all his captains and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he gave orders through all the divisions of his kingdom for a day of rest from work, and gave wealth from his store.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the king maketh a great banquet to all his heads and his servants--the banquet of Esther--and a release to the provinces hath made, and giveth gifts as a memorial of the king.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And he commanded a magnificent feast to be prepared for all the princes, and for his servants, for the marriage and wedding of Esther. And he gave rest to all the provinces, and bestowed gifts according to princely magnificence.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the king made a great feast to all his princes and his servants, Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave presents according to the king's bounty.
Context
After Esther is crowned in verse 17, verse 18 displays the visible, empire-wide effects of her elevation. This public confirmation closes the selection narrative. The chapter could end here, but verses 19–23 introduce a seemingly separate thread: Mordecai’s position at the gate and his uncovering of treason. That subplot will prove essential later, showing how God weaves multiple strands toward deliverance.
v.17And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.
v.18This passage
v.19And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Song of Solomon 3:11
Go forth, O ye daughters of Zion, and behold king Solomon, With the crown wherewith his mother hath crowned him In the day of his espousals, And in the day of the gladness of his heart.
- 1 Samuel 25:8
Ask thy young men, and they will tell thee: wherefore let the young men find favor in thine eyes; for we come in a good day: give, I pray thee, whatsoever cometh to thy hand, unto thy servants, and to thy son David.
- Luke 14:8
When thou art bidden of any man to a marriage feast, sit not down in the chief seat; lest haply a more honorable man than thou be bidden of him,
- Matthew 22:2
The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a certain king, who made a marriage feast for his son,
- Esther 1:3
in 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;
- Judges 14:10
And his father went down unto the woman: and Samson made there a feast; for so used the young men to do.