Esther 8:2
What does Esther 8:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 8:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 8:2 means
The king removes the signet ring—symbol of binding royal authority—that he had taken from Haman and gives it to Mordecai. The one scorned for not bowing now bears the very authority Haman abused. Esther, in turn, appoints Mordecai over Haman’s former house, making him steward of the wealth once aimed against the Jews. The transfer of power is complete: estate, status, and seal move from the wicked to the righteous. This is more than personal vindication; it equips God’s servants to act for the good of His people. Authority in the right hands becomes a means of rescue, not oppression, and positions Mordecai to counter the deadly decree.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther put Mordecai over the family of Haman.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and the king turneth aside his signet, that he hath caused to pass away from Haman, and giveth it to Mordecai, and Esther setteth Mordecai over the house of Haman.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the king took the ring which he had commanded to be taken again from Aman, and gave it to Mardochai. And Esther set Mardochai over her house.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman.
Context
After the revelation of Mordecai’s relationship to Esther in verse 1, verse 2 records his public elevation. With the signet ring, Mordecai can issue decrees in the king’s name. Esther’s appointment of him over Haman’s house consolidates resources and influence. Yet the deeper problem remains: Haman’s letters still stand. The narrative therefore moves from honor to urgent petition, as Esther approaches the king again in verses 3–6 to seek relief for the Jews from the irrevocable edict.
v.1On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews’ enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.
v.2This passage
v.3And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 37:34
Wait for Jehovah, and keep his way, And he will exalt thee to inherit the land: When the wicked are cut off, thou shalt see it.
- Ecclesiastes 5:13
There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun, namely, riches kept by the owner thereof to his hurt:
- Luke 15:22
But the father said to his servants, Bring forth quickly the best robe, and put it on him; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet:
- 2 Samuel 9:7
And David said unto him, Fear not; for I will surely show thee kindness for Jonathan thy father’s sake, and will restore thee all the land of Saul thy father; and thou shalt eat bread at my table continually.
- Ecclesiastes 2:18
And I hated all my labor wherein I labored under the sun, seeing that I must leave it unto the man that shall be after me.
- Daniel 2:48
Then the king made Daniel great, and gave him many great gifts, and made him to rule over the whole province of Babylon, and to be chief governor over all the wise men of Babylon.