Esther 4:16
What does Esther 4:16 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 4:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 4:16 means
Esther orders a three-day fast throughout Shushan on her behalf and commits herself and her maidens to fast likewise. She will then approach the king, though it is against the law, and accepts the outcome: “if I perish, I perish.” Fasting signals humble dependence on God’s favor, even in a book that does not name Him. Esther publicly identifies with her people and embraces the cost of intercession. Her resolve is courageous and considered—spiritual preparation first, bold action next. The statement of readiness to die reveals a heart surrendered to providence and purpose over personal safety.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Go, 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Go, 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 likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Go, 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Go, get together all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and go without food for me, taking no food or drink night or day for three days: and I and my women will do the same; and so I will go in to the king, which is against the law: and if death is to be my fate, then let it come.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862`Go, gather all the Jews who are found in Shushan, and fast for me, and do not eat nor drink three days, by night and by day; also I and my young women do fast likewise, and so I go in unto the king, that <FI>is<Fi> not according to law, and when I have perished--I have perished.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Go, and gather together all the Jews whom thou shalt find in Susan, and pray ye for me. Neither eat nor drink for three days and three nights: and I with my handmaids will fast in like manner, and then I will go in to the king, against the law, not being called, and expose myself to death and to danger.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Go, gather together all the Jews that are found in Shushan, and fast for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise, and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law; and if I perish, I perish.
Context
This is the chapter’s climax: Esther’s plan and resolve. The communal fast binds the Jews together in humility and hope, and Esther’s willingness to risk death aligns her fate with theirs. With preparations underway, the narrative turns toward the outcome of her dangerous approach to the king, which will unfold in the following chapter. The focus shifts from mourning to mobilization, from fear to faithful action.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 2:30
because for the work of Christ he came nigh unto death, hazarding his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.
- Esther 5:1
Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the entrance of the house.
- Joel 2:12
Yet even now, saith Jehovah, turn ye unto me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning:
- Acts 27:33
And while the day was coming on, Paul besought them all to take some food, saying, This day is the fourteenth day that ye wait and continue fasting, having taken nothing.
- 2 Samuel 10:12
Be of good courage, and let us play the man for our people, and for the cities of our God: and Jehovah do that which seemeth him good.
- Genesis 43:14
and God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may release unto you your other brother and Benjamin. And if I be bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.