King James Version
What Does Esther 1:18 Mean?
“Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.”
Context
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.
18
Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day unto all the king's princes, which have heard of the deed of the queen. Thus shall there arise too much contempt and wrath.
19
If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she. If it: Heb. If it be good with the king unto: Heb. unto her companion from him: Heb. from before him be not: Heb. pass not away
20
And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(18) Translate, *and this day shall the princesses of Persia and Media, which heard the affair of the queen, say . . .*
**Contempt and wrath.**—Presumably, contemptuous defiance on the part of the wives, and anger on the part of the husbands.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 1:18 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 1:18
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge