Esther 9:2
What does Esther 9:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 9:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 9:2 means
Across the vast empire, Jews assemble locally to defend themselves against those who actively sought to harm them. The conflict is not indiscriminate; it targets aggressors. The statement that “no man could withstand them” highlights overwhelming favor and momentum now on their side. “The fear of them” falling on the peoples points to a profound shift in public perception. Whether from respect for the royal decree, awareness of Mordecai’s rise, or dread of opposing a protected people, resistance crumbles. The Jews are not portrayed as conquerors seeking plunder but as a threatened minority, now lawfully empowered, prevailing decisively over would-be attackers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them was fallen upon all the peoples.
KJV
King James Version · 1611The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them was fallen upon all the peoples.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949On that day, the Jews came together in their towns through all the divisions of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, for the purpose of attacking all those who were attempting evil against them: and everyone had to give way before them, for the fear of them had come on all the peoples.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862the Jews have been assembled in their cities, in all provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to put forth a hand on those seeking their evil, and no man hath stood in their presence, for their fear hath fallen on all the peoples.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And they gathered themselves together in every city, and town, and place, to lay their hands on their enemies, and their persecutors. And no one durst withstand them, for the fear of their power had gone through every people.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout the provinces of king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt. And no man could withstand them; for the fear of them had fallen upon all the peoples.
Context
Following the declaration of reversal, verse 2 shows the practical outworking: organized self-defense throughout Ahasuerus’s provinces. It clarifies that the Jews respond to aggression, not initiate it, and that the broader populace senses their newfound standing. This prepares for verses 3–4, which explain why fear spread—namely, because officials now support the Jews under Mordecai’s influence. The growing fear and favor contextualize the striking successes reported in verses 5 and following, both in Shushan the palace and throughout the provinces.
v.1Now in the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, on the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have rule over them (whereas it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them),
v.2This passage
v.3And all the princes of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governors, and they that did the king’s business, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai was fallen upon them.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Esther 9:15
And 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.
- Psalms 71:13
Let them be put to shameandconsumed that are adversaries to my soul; Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor that seek my hurt.
- Exodus 23:27
I will send my terror before thee, and will discomfit all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.
- Genesis 35:5
And they journeyed: and a terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.
- Isaiah 8:9
Make an uproar, O ye peoples, and be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and be broken in pieces.
- Joshua 2:9
and she said unto the men, I know that Jehovah hath given you the land, and that the fear of you is fallen upon us, and that all the inhabitants of the land melt away before you.