Esther 7:2
What does Esther 7:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 7:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 7:2 means
At the height of royal conviviality, the king again invites Esther to present her petition, promising generous favor, “even to the half of the kingdom.” Such hyperbolic language signals his settled disposition to grant what she asks. The setting—a “banquet of wine”—speaks of intimacy and trust, reducing the risks for Esther to speak plainly. God’s timing often ripens in ordinary settings like meals. Esther has not manipulated the king; she has simply waited until his heart is inclined. The verse assures readers that before the accusation ever falls, royal authority is already poised to protect the queen and to rectify a grievous wrong.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the king said to Esther again on the second day, while they were drinking, What is your prayer, Queen Esther? for it will be given to you; and what is your request? for it will be done, even to the half of my kingdom.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the king saith to Esther also on the second day, during the banquet of wine, `What <FI>is<Fi> thy petition, Esther, O queen? and it is given to thee; and what thy request? unto the half of the kingdom--and it is done.'
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the king said to her again the second day, after he was warm with wine: What is thy petition, Esther, that it may be granted thee? and what wilt thou have done: although thou ask the half of my kingdom, thou shalt have it.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the king said again to Esther on the second day, at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee; and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be done.
Context
This invitation directly follows Esther’s careful preparation and draws the narrative to its fulcrum. The king’s open-ended offer removes the final obstacle to Esther’s disclosure. In the next verse she will finally name her request, not for wealth or status but for life itself. Understanding this promise sets the emotional weight of her words—she risks much, but the king’s vow now frames her plea with hope and urgency, preparing for a shocking accusation to follow.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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.
- John 16:24
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be made full.
- Esther 5:3
Then 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.
- Esther 5:6
And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.