Esther 3:2
What does Esther 3:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 3:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 3:2 means
The king orders all at the gate to bow and show reverence to Haman, underscoring the honor and obedience expected in Persia’s court. Mordecai’s refusal stands out as courageous nonconformity. The verse does not yet explain why he refuses, only that he will not bend to Haman’s exalted status despite the royal command. This introduces moral tension: when authority commands a show of loyalty that conscience cannot grant, God’s people may stand apart. Mordecai’s act is deliberate and visible; he is not accidentally neglecting protocol but choosing fidelity to his identity, even at risk. Such open refusal before witnesses ensures consequences will follow.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed down, and did reverence to Haman; for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed down, and did reverence to Haman; for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And all the king's servants who were in the king's house went down to the earth before Haman and gave him honour: for so the king had given orders. But Mordecai did not go down before him or give him honour.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and all servants of the king, who <FI>are<Fi> in the gate of the king, are bowing and doing obeisance to Haman, for so hath the king commanded for him; and Mordecai doth not bow nor do obeisance.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And all the king's servants, that were at the doors of the palace, bent their knees, and worshipped Aman: for so the emperor had commanded them, only Mardochai did not bend his knee, nor worship him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And all the king's servants that were in the king's gate bowed and did Haman reverence, for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did [him] reverence.
Context
Coming immediately after Haman’s elevation, this verse tests how that honor plays out among the king’s servants. The court is expected to comply, but Mordecai does not. This triggers attention and questions. The verses that follow (3–4) show the onlookers challenging Mordecai and reporting him to Haman, and they reveal that Mordecai’s Jewish identity underlies his stance. The narrative tightens the focus from imperial decree to personal conviction before moving to Haman’s explosive reaction.
v.1After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.
v.2This passage
v.3Then the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king’s commandment?
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 41:43
and he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he set him over all the land of Egypt.
- Esther 3:1
After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.
- Psalms 15:4
In whose eyes a reprobate is despised, But who honoreth them that fear Jehovah; He that sweareth to his own hurt, and changeth not;
- 1 Samuel 15:3
Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass.
- Esther 2:21
In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the threshold, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.
- Esther 5:9
Then went Haman forth that day joyful and glad of heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he stood not up nor moved for him, he was filled with wrath against Mordecai.