Esther 5:4
What does Esther 5:4 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 5:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 5:4 means
Esther does not rush into her plea. Instead, she invites the king—and notably, Haman—to a banquet she has already prepared. By choosing hospitality as the setting, she exercises wisdom: a private feast softens spirits, focuses attention, and allows delicate matters to be raised without public embarrassment. Including Haman both honors the king’s favorite and ensures the chief adversary will be present when the issue finally comes to light. Esther’s patience here is not hesitation but strategy. She is creating the right moment before the right audience, trusting that a careful approach will best serve truth and justice for her endangered people.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And Esther in answer said, If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the feast which I have made ready for him.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And Esther saith, `If unto the king <FI>it be<Fi> good, the king doth come in, and Haman, to-day, unto the banquet that I have made for him;'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But she answered: If it please the king, I beseech thee to come to me this day, and Aman with thee to the banquet which I have prepared.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And Esther said, If it seem good to the king, let the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.
Context
This invitation follows the king’s open-ended offer in verse 3. Rather than reveal her burden immediately, Esther proposes a same-day banquet, indicating prior preparation. The king’s quick compliance in verse 5 keeps the narrative moving and brings Haman into the inner circle. The banquet will provide a second opportunity for Esther to be asked her petition, raising anticipation as to when she will finally speak.
v.3Then 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.
v.4This passage
v.5Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that it may be done as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 14:20
Brethren, be not children in mind: yet in malice be ye babes, but in mind be men.
- Proverbs 29:11
A fool uttereth all his anger; But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it.
- Psalms 112:5
Well is it with the man that dealeth graciously and lendeth; He shall maintain his cause in judgment.
- Esther 3:15
The posts went forth in haste by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given out in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Shushan was perplexed.
- Esther 5:8
If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to-morrow as the king hath said.
- Genesis 27:25
And he said, Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s venison, that my soul may bless thee. And he brought it near to him, and he did eat: and he brought him wine, and he drank.