King James Version

What Does Esther 1:22 Mean?

Esther 1:22 in the King James Version says “For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every pe... — study this verse from Esther chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people. that it: Heb. that one should publish it according to the language of his people

Esther 1:22 · KJV


Context

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.

21

And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan: pleased: Heb. was good in the eyes of the king

22

For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people. that it: Heb. that one should publish it according to the language of his people


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Proclamation sent: 'For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people'. The decree was sent empire-wide in multiple languages, ensuring all could understand the edict mandating male household authority. The phrase 'every man should bear rule in his own house' made explicit what was implicit—this was about securing male dominance, not merely addressing one queen's disobedience. The translation into every provincial language shows administrative sophistication but also reveals insecurity—requiring empire-wide decree to compel household obedience demonstrates weakness in the very authority claimed. This decree, though unjust, completed Vashti's removal and necessitated queen search that would bring Esther to the throne.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Persian administrative efficiency enabled rapid empire-wide communication. Archaeological discoveries including the Behistun Inscription show decrees were translated into multiple languages (Old Persian, Elamite, Akkadian) for diverse populations. The decree's content—mandating male household authority—suggests the counselors used Vashti's situation to impose patriarchal order throughout the empire. The phrase 'according to the language of every people' demonstrates Persian administrative sophistication accommodating the empire's linguistic diversity. This final verse of chapter 1 concludes Vashti's story and sets stage for Esther's entrance, showing how God's providence works through imperial bureaucracy and unjust decrees.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the need for empire-wide decree about household authority reveal about the fragility of power maintained only by force?
  2. How does this chapter's conclusion demonstrate God's providence using human injustice to position Esther for saving Jews?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח1 of 22

For he sent

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

סְפָרִים֙2 of 22

letters

H5612

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

אֶל3 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל4 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וּמְדִינָה֙5 of 22

into every province

H4082

properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region

הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ6 of 22

into all the king's

H4428

a king

אֶל7 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

וּמְדִינָה֙8 of 22

into every province

H4082

properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region

וּמְדִינָה֙9 of 22

into every province

H4082

properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region

כִּכְתָבָ֔הּ10 of 22

according to the writing

H3791

something written, i.e., a writing, record or book

וְאֶל11 of 22
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

עַמּֽוֹ׃12 of 22

of every people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

עַמּֽוֹ׃13 of 22

of every people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כִּלְשׁ֥וֹן14 of 22

according to the language

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

לִֽהְי֤וֹת15 of 22
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

כָּל16 of 22
H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

אִישׁ֙17 of 22

that every man

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

שֹׂרֵ֣ר18 of 22

should bear rule

H8323

to have (transitively, exercise; reflexively, get) dominion

בְּבֵית֔וֹ19 of 22

in his own house

H1004

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

וּמְדַבֵּ֖ר20 of 22

and that it should be published

H1696

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

כִּלְשׁ֥וֹן21 of 22

according to the language

H3956

the tongue (of man or animals), used literally (as the instrument of licking, eating, or speech), and figuratively (speech, an ingot, a fork of flame,

עַמּֽוֹ׃22 of 22

of every people

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock


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 1:22 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 1:22 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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