King James Version

What Does Esther 1:5 Mean?

Esther 1:5 in the King James Version says “And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, bot...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace; present: Heb. found”

Esther 1:5 · KJV

Context

3

In the third year of his reign, he made a feast unto all his princes and his servants; the power of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him:

4

When he shewed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honour of his excellent majesty many days, even an hundred and fourscore days.

5

And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace; present: Heb. found

6

Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble. blue, hangings: or, violet, etc of red: or, of porphyre, and marble and alabaster, and stone of blue colour

7

And they gave them drink in vessels of gold, (the vessels being diverse one from another,) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king. royal: Heb. wine of the kingdom state: Heb. hand

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace; Following the 180-day display for imperial officials, Ahasuerus hosts a second feast for Shushan's residents, democratizing the celebration. The inclusion of "both great and small" (migadol ve'ad qatan, מִגָּדוֹל וְעַד־קָטָן) emphasizes social inclusivity—an unusual gesture reflecting either genuine magnanimity or calculated political theater to secure popular support.

The seven-day duration connects to biblical patterns of completeness while remaining more modest than the preceding 180 days. The location shift to "the court of the garden of the king's palace" (ginnat bitan hamelekh, גִּנַּת בִּיתַן הַמֶּלֶךְ) suggests outdoor celebration in elaborate palace gardens, accommodating larger crowds than indoor halls could hold. Persian royal gardens were renowned for their beauty, size, and sophisticated irrigation—early examples of the paradise garden concept that influenced Islamic and Western landscape design.

This second feast creates the context for Vashti's refusal. The king's drinking "when the heart of the king was merry with wine" (v. 10) occurs during this more public, less formal celebration. The detail that this feast included Shushan's residents proves crucial: Vashti's refusal becomes public humiliation rather than merely private embarrassment, explaining the severity of royal response.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Persian royal gardens (paradises, from Old Persian pairi-daeza, "walled enclosure") were legendary architectural achievements. Xenophon describes Cyrus the Younger showing Lysander elaborate gardens with geometric design, exotic plants, and sophisticated irrigation. Archaeological remains at Pasargadae and Susa reveal extensive garden complexes with stone water channels, pavilions, and planted areas. These gardens demonstrated mastery over nature and symbolized cosmic order—the king as creator of paradise on earth.

The practice of hosting public feasts alongside elite gatherings reflects Persian royal ideology's dual aspects: the king as supreme autocrat above all subjects, yet also as beneficent father providing for his people. Cuneiform texts describe similar royal feasts where common people received food and wine. This calculated generosity secured popular loyalty while demonstrating royal resources. The seven-day duration for a public feast represented extraordinary expenditure—most royal banquets for common people lasted only one or two days.

The social mixing of "great and small" at royal feasts contrasted with strict hierarchical protocols governing normal Persian court life. This temporary suspension of social barriers served political purposes, creating feelings of obligation and loyalty to the generous king. The setting in palace gardens rather than formal halls relaxed normal protocols, contributing to the drinking and revelry that precipitated the crisis with Vashti.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can believers distinguish between genuine generosity and calculated giving designed to enhance reputation or secure loyalty?
  2. What does the temporary social mixing at this feast teach about the difference between superficial inclusivity and genuine community?
  3. How should Christians evaluate charitable acts motivated by political calculation or desire for public approval?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וּבִמְל֣וֹאת׀1 of 20

“were expired”

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

יָמִ֑ים2 of 20

“And when these days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָאֵ֗לֶּה3 of 20
H428

these or those

עָשָׂ֣ה4 of 20

“made”

H6213

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

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃5 of 20

“of the king's”

H4428

a king

לְכָל6 of 20
H3605

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

הָעָ֣ם7 of 20

“unto all the people”

H5971

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

הַנִּמְצְאִים֩8 of 20

“that were present”

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

בְּשׁוּשַׁ֨ן9 of 20

“in Shushan”

H7800

shushan, a place in persia

הַבִּירָ֜ה10 of 20

“the palace”

H1002

a castle or palace

לְמִגָּ֧דוֹל11 of 20

“both unto great”

H1419

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

וְעַד12 of 20
H5704

as far (or long, or much) as, whether of space (even unto) or time (during, while, until) or degree (equally with)

קָטָ֛ן13 of 20

“and small”

H6996

abbreviated, i.e., diminutive, literally (in quantity, size or number) or figuratively (in age or importance)

מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה14 of 20

“a feast”

H4960

drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast

שִׁבְעַ֣ת15 of 20

“seven”

H7651

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

יָמִ֑ים16 of 20

“And when these days”

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

בַּֽחֲצַ֕ר17 of 20

“in the court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

גִּנַּ֥ת18 of 20

“of the garden”

H1594

a garden

בִּיתַ֖ן19 of 20

“palace”

H1055

a palace (i.e., large house)

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃20 of 20

“of the king's”

H4428

a king

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 1:5 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 1:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 7:7-82 Chronicles 30:21-252 Chronicles 7:8-9

Places in This Verse

SusaSettlement · Modern: Shush · 32.19°N, 48.26°E20 verses across 4 books
View all places in Esther 1 →

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