Esther 4:17
What does Esther 4:17 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 4:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 4:17 means
Mordecai departs and does everything Esther commanded. The roles appropriately align: she will face the king; he will organize the fast. His obedience shows unity and trust, transforming grief into coordinated action. The community moves from lament to disciplined preparation under Esther’s leadership. This closing note signals that the plan is in motion—the people will fast, and the queen will risk her life. The verse affirms that courageous decisions gain strength when others respond with faithful cooperation, setting the stage for the pivotal encounter to come.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
KJV
King James Version · 1611So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So Mordecai went away and did everything as Esther had said.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Mordecai passeth on, and doth according to all that Esther hath charged upon him.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So Mardochai went, and did all that Esther had commanded him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
Context
The chapter concludes with compliance and readiness. Mordecai, who had urged Esther to act, now follows her directive, indicating a shared commitment to the chosen course. With the fast decreed and the resolve set, the narrative prepares to shift in the next chapter to Esther’s approach to the king and the unfolding of God’s providential reversal. The groundwork laid here enables the dramatic developments that follow.
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.
v.17This passage