Esther 9:8
What does Esther 9:8 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 9:8 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 9:8 means
The list continues with Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha. The careful naming underscores that these were not anonymous casualties but the heirs of Haman’s legacy. Their fall illustrates how the plan to annihilate the Jews collapses within the very family that proposed it. By drawing attention to specific persons, the narrative indicates that enmity toward the Jews had deep roots in Haman’s household. The verse functions to slow the pace so readers feel the weight of retribution—measured, legal, and exact—on those directly associated with the original plot to destroy the Jews.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,
KJV
King James Version · 1611And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha,
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And Phoratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,
Context
Verse 8 sits inside the catalog of Haman’s sons (vv. 7–9). The author’s methodical pacing builds to verse 10, which interprets the list by emphasizing both the sons’ deaths and the Jews’ refusal to plunder. This focus on names prepares for the later public exposure—hanging—requested in verse 13. After the list is complete, the narrative will pivot back to the palace report (v. 11) and the king’s inquiry and offers to Esther (v. 12), which open the door to a second day of action in Shushan.