King James Version

What Does Esther 1:15 Mean?

Esther 1:15 in the King James Version says “What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahas... — study this verse from Esther chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains? What: Heb. What to do

Esther 1:15 · KJV


Context

13

Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:

14

And the next unto him was Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, which saw the king's face, and which sat the first in the kingdom;)

15

What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains? What: Heb. What to do

16

And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, Vashti the queen hath not done wrong to the king only, but also to all the princes, and to all the people that are in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus.

17

For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Legal question: 'What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?' The king asks for legal judgment—what does law require for disobedience to royal command? This legal formulation made the matter official state business rather than private marital dispute. The question's phrasing assumed punishment was necessary; only severity needed determination. This legal proceeding, though unjust from Vashti's perspective (refusing degradation), became mechanism positioning Esther for future salvation of Jews. God's providence works through unjust human legal systems to accomplish His purposes.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Persian law's immutability (Daniel 6:8, 12; Esther 8:8) meant legal decisions, once made and sealed, couldn't be reversed. This made the counselors' advice crucial—their recommendation would become irreversible law. Ancient Near Eastern legal systems emphasized precedent and consistency, making this consultation about proper punishment for disobedience significant beyond Vashti herself. The legal framing transformed personal conflict into constitutional crisis about royal authority and proper social order, elevating stakes and ensuring whatever decision was made would be permanent and binding.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does God's sovereignty working through unjust legal proceedings demonstrate His comprehensive control over human systems?
  2. What does this teach about how believers should understand legal injustices that ultimately serve God's purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
כְּדָת֙1 of 15

according to law

H1881

a royal edict or statute

מַֽה2 of 15
H4100

properly, interrogative what? (including how? why? when?); but also exclamation, what! (including how!), or indefinitely what (including whatever, and

עָשְׂתָ֗ה3 of 15

What shall we do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

בַּמַּלְכָּ֖ה4 of 15

unto the queen

H4436

a queen

וַשְׁתִּ֑י5 of 15

Vashti

H2060

vashti, the queen of xerxes

עַ֣ל׀6 of 15
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

אֲשֶׁ֣ר7 of 15
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לֹֽא8 of 15
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

עָשְׂתָ֗ה9 of 15

What shall we do

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֶֽת10 of 15
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַאֲמַר֙11 of 15

the commandment

H3982

something (authoritatively) said, i.e., an edict

הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ12 of 15

of the king

H4428

a king

אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ13 of 15

Ahasuerus

H325

achashverosh (i.e., ahasuerus or artaxerxes, but in this case xerxes), the title (rather than name) of a persian king

בְּיַ֖ד14 of 15

by

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

הַסָּֽרִיסִֽים׃15 of 15

the chamberlains

H5631

a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Esther. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Esther 1:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Esther 1:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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