Esther 8:13
What does Esther 8:13 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 8:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 8:13 means
A copy of the decree is published in every province for all peoples to read, ensuring transparency and warning potential aggressors. The stated purpose is that the Jews be ready on the appointed day to avenge themselves on their enemies. Public notice gives time to organize, discourages would-be attackers, and shifts the moral climate: no longer are the Jews fair game; now resistance is expected and sanctioned. Justice here is not private revenge but lawful defense announced in advance. The decree’s clarity transforms fear into preparation, and preparation into confidence that, with the king’s backing, the Jews can stand together when the day arrives.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000A copy of the writing, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published unto all the peoples, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901A copy of the writing, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published unto all the peoples, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949A copy of the writing, to be made public as an order in every division of the kingdom, was given out to all the peoples, so that the Jews might be ready when that day came to give punishment to their haters.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862a copy of the writing to be made law in every province and province is revealed to all the peoples, and for the Jews being ready at this day to be avenged of their enemies.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And this was the content of the letter, that it should be notified in all lands and peoples that were subject to the empire of king Assuerus, that the Jews were ready to be revenged of their enemies.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890That the decree might be given in every province, a copy of the writing was published to all the peoples, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
Context
After stating the date (verse 12), verse 13 ensures broad publication and calls the Jews to readiness. This completes the legislative portion. Verses 14–15 then narrate the rapid distribution by royal couriers and the immediate celebration in Shushan as Mordecai emerges in royal attire. The chapter will conclude in verses 16–17 with the Jews’ joy throughout the provinces and the remarkable note that many among the peoples joined them, influenced by the new balance of power and fear of the Jews.
v.12upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
v.13This passage
v.14So the posts that rode upon swift steeds that were used in the king’s service went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment; and the decree was given out in Shushan the palace.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 149:6
Letthe high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand;
- Revelation 6:10
and they cried with a great voice, saying, How long, O Master, the holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
- Psalms 68:23
That thou mayest crush them, dipping thy foot in blood, That the tongue of thy dogs may have its portion from thine enemies.
- Judges 16:28
And Samson called unto Jehovah, and said, O Lord Jehovah, remember me, I pray thee, and strengthen me, I pray thee, only this once, O God, that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my two eyes.
- Psalms 92:10
But my horn hast thou exalted like the horn of the wild-ox: I am anointed with fresh oil.
- Esther 3:14
A copy of the writing, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published unto all the peoples, that they should be ready against that day.