Esther 4:8
What does Esther 4:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 4:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 4:8 means
Mordecai supplies a copy of the edict issued in Shushan ordering the Jews’ destruction, instructing Hathach to show it to Esther and explain it, and then charging her to go to the king to plead and make a request for her people. Evidence accompanies exhortation, ensuring Esther’s action is informed and legitimate. Mordecai calls her to embrace her identity with the Jews and use her position for their rescue. This is the chapter’s first explicit summons to intercession at personal risk. He aligns her royal proximity with moral responsibility: she is placed near the throne, not for privilege alone, but to advocate for the threatened.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him, for her people.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him, for her people.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And he gave him the copy of the order which had been given out in Shushan for their destruction, ordering him to let Esther see it, and to make it clear to her; and to say to her that she was to go in to the king, requesting his mercy, and making prayer for her people.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the copy of the writing of the law that had been given in Shushan to destroy them he hath given to him, to shew Esther, and to declare <FI>it<Fi> to her, and to lay a charge on her to go in unto the king, to make supplication to him, and to seek from before him, for her people.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752He gave him also a copy of the edict which was hanging up in Susan, that he should shew it to the queen, and admonish her to go in to the king, and to entreat him for her people.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And he gave him a copy of the writing of the decree that had been given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew [it] to Esther, and to declare [it] to her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication to him, and to make request before him, for her people.
Context
After providing the narrative and financial details, Mordecai adds written proof and issues a direct charge. The message through Hathach crystallizes Esther’s calling and sets the central conflict: will she approach the king? The next verses show the message arriving and Esther’s careful reply, in which she explains the deadly law against entering the inner court uninvited, introducing the danger that must be faced if she is to intercede.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 12:20
Now he was highly displeased with them of Tyre and Sidon: and they came with one accord to him, and, having made Blastus the king’s chamberlain their friend, they asked for peace, because their country was fed from the king’s country.
- Proverbs 16:14
The wrath of a king isasmessengers of death; But a wise man will pacify it.
- Esther 7:3
Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
- Job 9:15
Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer; I would make supplication to my judge.
- 1 Timothy 6:13
I charge thee in the sight of God, who giveth life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed the good confession;
- 1 Timothy 6:17
Charge them that are rich in this present world, that they be not highminded, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;