Esther 9:14
What does Esther 9:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 9:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 9:14 means
The king orders Esther’s request to be carried out. A decree is issued in Shushan, and Haman’s ten sons are hanged. The quick compliance shows the king’s full endorsement of Esther’s strategy and underlines that everything is conducted under lawful authority. The public hanging is not merely punitive; it makes the defeat of Haman’s line unmistakable to all. By formally decreeing these actions, the king ensures that the capital’s resolution is both visible and final. This moment demonstrates how Esther’s intercession and Mordecai’s influence have reshaped imperial policy to protect the Jews.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And the king commanded it so to be done: and a decree was given out in Shushan; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And the king commanded it so to be done: and a decree was given out in Shushan; and they hanged Haman’s ten sons.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And the king said that this was to be done, and the order was given out in Shushan, and the hanging of Haman's ten sons was effected.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And the king saith--`to be done so;' and a law is given in Shushan, and the ten sons of Haman they have hanged.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And the king commanded that it should be so done. And forthwith the edict was hung up in Susan, and the ten sons of Aman were hanged.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons.
Context
This verse grants Esther’s request (v. 13) and sets the stage for the second day of conflict in Shushan reported in verse 15. The display of Haman’s sons ties back to the list in verses 7–10 and emphasizes closure on the original threat. After the capital’s additional measures are carried out, the narrative will recount the final numbers for Shushan (v. 15), compare them with the provinces (v. 16), and then mark the distinct days of rest and celebration (vv. 17–19), paving the way for the institution of Purim (vv. 20–32).
v.13Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews that are in Shushan to do to-morrow also according unto this day’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged upon the gallows.
v.14This passage
v.15And the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men in Shushan; but on the spoil they laid not their hand.