Esther 5:3
What does Esther 5:3 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 5:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 5:3 means
The king’s opening words overflow with royal generosity: he invites Esther to state her desire, promising to grant it even “to the half of the kingdom.” This is a courtly way of saying his resources are at her disposal; it is not a literal offer to divide the realm. The point is the king’s readiness to bless her. Esther now holds a rare opportunity to speak plainly, yet she chooses measured timing. The verse highlights both the king’s favor and Esther’s responsibility. She must steward this moment wisely, using soft speech and careful setting to address a matter that involves Haman, law, and the fate of her people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Then the king said, What is your desire, Queen Esther, and what is your request? I will give it to you, even to the half of my kingdom.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the king saith to her, `What--to thee Esther, O queen? and what thy request? unto the half of the kingdom--and it is given to thee.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the king said to her: What wilt thou, queen Esther? what is thy request? if thou shouldst even ask one half of the kingdom, it shall be given to thee.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the king said to her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom.
Context
This question and promise come immediately after Esther is welcomed. The scene is still in the palace, but the tone shifts from danger to invitation. Rather than answering on the spot, Esther will redirect events to a place of her choosing. The next verse shows her inviting the king and Haman to a banquet, signaling a deliberate, strategic approach that shapes the flow of the chapter and heightens suspense.
v.2And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
v.3This passage
v.4And Esther said, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 20:20
Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee with her sons, worshipping him, and asking a certain thing of him.
- Esther 9:12
And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what then have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces! Now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done.
- 1 Kings 3:5
In Gibeon Jehovah appeared to Solomon in a dream by night; and God said, Ask what I shall give thee.
- Mark 6:23
And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom.
- 1 Kings 2:20
Then she said, I ask one small petition of thee; deny me not. And the king said unto her, Ask on, my mother; for I will not deny thee.
- Luke 18:41
What wilt thou that I should do unto thee? And he said, Lord, that I may receive my sight.