Esther 4:9
What does Esther 4:9 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 4:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 4:9 means
Hathach faithfully relays Mordecai’s words to Esther. The simple report is essential: accurate transmission preserves the weight of the facts and the earnestness of the charge. Esther is now confronted with documented reality and a clear call to act. This quiet verse honors the role of trustworthy service in God’s providence; the great decisions in the story depend on the reliable movement of messages. With the evidence and appeal in hand, Esther must now respond, balancing prudence and courage as she considers approaching the king for her people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And Hathach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And Hathach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Hathach came back and gave Esther an account of what Mordecai had said.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Hatach cometh in and declareth to Esther the words of Mordecai,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Athach went back and told Esther all that Mardochai had said.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
Context
This brief note closes one leg of the communication chain and prepares for Esther’s response. Having received both the copy of the decree and Mordecai’s plea, Esther will answer through Hathach. The next verses record her explanation of the strict court law that threatens death to anyone who enters unbidden, clarifying why Mordecai’s charge entails grave risk and setting the stage for his famous challenge.
v.8Also 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.
v.9This passage
v.10Then Esther spake unto Hathach, and gave him a message unto Mordecai, saying: