Esther 4:15
What does Esther 4:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 4:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 4:15 means
Esther sends back her answer, signaling that Mordecai’s appeal has taken root. Though the content comes in the next verse, this brief notice marks a pivot: she will now take initiative. The hesitant queen becomes the determined leader. Her reply emerges from sober consideration, not impulse. The pause here heightens anticipation for her plan, showing that courage can be deliberate and orderly. Esther is ready to direct the response, marshal support, and accept the risks that come with obedience to what she now recognizes as her appointed role.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then Esther bade them return answer unto Mordecai,
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then Esther bade them return Mordecai this answer,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then Esther bade them return answer unto Mordecai,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then Esther sent them back to Mordecai with this answer:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Esther speaketh to send back unto Mordecai:
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And again Esther sent to Mardochai in these words:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Esther bade to answer Mordecai:
Context
This transition prepares the reader to hear Esther’s decisive instructions. Having listened to Mordecai and weighed the danger in light of providence, she steps forward to lead. The next verse will outline her strategy: communal fasting for three days, her own participation in it, and then a resolve to go to the king in defiance of the law, accepting possible death. The narrative moves from counsel to command.
v.14For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then will relief and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place, but thou and thy father’s house will perish: and who knoweth whether thou art not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
v.15This passage
v.16Go, 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.