Esther 8:14
What does Esther 8:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 8:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 8:14 means
The couriers on the king’s swift horses depart urgently, under royal pressure to hasten the decree’s spread. The edict is issued in Shushan the palace, signaling the action begins at the empire’s heart. The emphasis on speed shows that justice delayed could be justice denied; lives depend on timely communication. Royal authority not only permits defense but propels it with administrative muscle. The palace’s publication also lends ceremonial weight, ensuring that officials recognize the seriousness of the command. From the center, the good news radiates outward, countering the terror once spread by Haman’s letters with hope backed by the king’s command.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000So 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901So 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So the men went out on the quick-running horses used on the king's business, wasting no time and forced on by the king's order; and the order was given out in Shushan, the king's town.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862The runners, riding on the dromedary, <FI>and<Fi> the mules, have gone out, hastened and pressed by the word of the king, and the law hath been given in Shushan the palace.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752So the swift posts went out carrying the messages, and the king's edict was hung up in Susan.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890The couriers mounted on coursers [and] horses of blood went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the fortress.
Context
Verse 14 demonstrates the decree’s rapid dissemination after its drafting and publication (verses 9–13). The focus now turns to visible signs of reversal in the capital. In verse 15, Mordecai appears in royal garments and Shushan rejoices, contrasting the earlier confusion that followed Haman’s first decree. Verses 16–17 then broaden the lens to include the Jews’ joy across the provinces and the widespread fear that leads many to identify with the Jews.
v.13A 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.
v.14This passage
v.15And Mordecai went forth from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan shouted and was glad.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Esther 1:2
that in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,
- Daniel 8:2
And I saw in the vision; now it was so, that when I saw, I was in Shushan the palace, which is in the province of Elam; and I saw in the vision, and I was by the river Ulai.
- Esther 2:3
and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hegai the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them;
- 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.
- Nehemiah 1:1
The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. Now it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,
- Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in Sheol, whither thou goest.