Esther 3:15
What does Esther 3:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 3:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 3:15 means
Couriers hurry out with the king’s command, and the decree is proclaimed in Shushan the palace. The king and Haman then sit to drink, indifferent or even pleased, while the city is perplexed. The contrast is deliberate: those wielding power relax as if all were well, but the populace senses the moral chaos unleashed. The haste of the posts shows urgency to spread violence, yet the rulers’ leisure shows callousness. Public confusion hints at a shared conscience that recoils at state-sanctioned atrocity. The verse closes the chapter in tension, with dread in the streets and complacency in the palace.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000The 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The posts went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901The 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949The runners went out quickly by the king's order, and a public statement was made in Shushan: and the king and Haman took wine together: but the town of Shushan was troubled.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The runners have gone forth, hastened by the word of the king, and the law hath been given in Shushan the palace, and the king and Haman have sat down to drink, and the city Shushan is perplexed.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752The couriers that were sent made haste to fulfil the king's commandment. And immediately the edict was hung up in Susan, the king and Aman feasting together, and all the Jews that were in the city weeping.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The couriers went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the fortress. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was in consternation.
Context
This final verse follows the publication of the decree (v. 14) and shows immediate implementation and contrasting reactions. It seals the chapter’s tone: a vast machine of destruction is set in motion, while leadership is detached. It prepares for chapter 4, where Mordecai mourns publicly and Esther is drawn into the crisis. The narrative now holds together empire-wide danger and the hope that may arise from faithful courage.
v.14A copy of the writing, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published unto all the peoples, that they should be ready against that day.
v.15This passage
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Proverbs 29:2
When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice; But when a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh.
- Esther 8:15
And Mordecai went forth from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan shouted and was glad.
- Amos 6:6
that drink wine in bowls, and anoint themselves with the chief oils; but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph.
- Proverbs 4:16
For they sleep not, except they do evil; And their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
- 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.
- John 16:20
Verily, verily, I say unto you, that ye shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice: ye shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy.