Esther 4:5
What does Esther 4:5 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 4:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 4:5 means
Perceiving that outward remedies cannot address the real issue, Esther summons Hathach, a eunuch appointed to attend her, and commissions him to discover from Mordecai what has happened and why. She shows wisdom by seeking reliable, first-hand information before acting. Palace protocol requires intermediaries, so she makes diligent use of a trustworthy servant. Her inquiry marks a shift from sympathy to engagement; she intends to understand the crisis thoroughly. This step lays the groundwork for responsible action, demonstrating that courage in leadership is joined to prudence—knowing the facts, the stakes, and the right course.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then called Esther for Hathach, one of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and charged him to go to Mordecai, to know what this was, and why it was.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then called Esther for Hathach, one of the king’s chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and charged him to go to Mordecai, to know what this was, and why it was.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then Esther sent for Hathach, one of the king's unsexed servants whom he had given her for waiting on her, and she gave him orders to go to Mordecai and see what this was and why it was.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Esther calleth to Hatach, of the eunuchs of the king, whom he hath stationed before her, and giveth him a charge for Mordecai, to know what this <FI>is<Fi> , and wherefore this <FI>is<Fi> .
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And she called for Athach the eunuch, whom the king had appointed to attend upon her, and she commanded him to go to Mardochai, and learn of him why he did this.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Then Esther called for Hatach, [one] of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to wait upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was.
Context
After Mordecai refuses Esther’s clothing, the queen moves to investigation. Hathach is introduced as the conduit between the outer city and the palace interior. The narrative now pivots to the exchange of messages that will define the chapter’s drama. In the next verses, Hathach will meet Mordecai in a public place, hear the full account of Haman’s plot, and carry both hard evidence and a summons for Esther to approach the king on behalf of her people.
v.4And Esther’s maidens and her chamberlains came and told it her; and the queen was exceedingly grieved: and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take his sackcloth from off him; but he received it not.
v.5This passage
v.6So Hathach went forth to Mordecai unto the broad place of the city, which was before the king’s gate.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Philippians 2:4
not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
- 1 Corinthians 12:26
And whether one member suffereth, all the members suffer with it; or one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it.
- Esther 1:10
On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that ministered in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
- Hebrews 4:15
For we have not a high priest that cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but one that hath been in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
- Romans 12:15
Rejoice with them that rejoice; weep with them that weep.
- Esther 1:12
But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by the chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.