King James Version

What Does Esther 1:6 Mean?

“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”

Context

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

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

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

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

And the drinking was according to the law; none did compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man's pleasure.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(6) **Where were white. . . .**—This should be [hangings of] “white cotton and blue.” The word translated “cotton” (Heb., ca*rpas*) occurs only here. Canon Rawlinson remarks that “white and blue (or violet) were the royal colours of Persia.” **Linen.**—White linen; so the word is used, *e.g.,* in 2Chronicles 5:12. **Marble.**—White marble, as in the last clause of the verse. **Beds.**—That is, *the couches.* The gold is not to be referred simply to the gold- mbroidered coverings, but to the framework of the couch. **Red and blue** **. . .**—These words are not names of colours, but of actual stones, although the meaning of most is doubtful enough. The first (*bahat*) is rendered by the LXX. as a stone of emerald colour, and may perhaps be malachite. The second (*shesh*) is white marble, the third (*dar*) is pearly, and the last (*sokhereth*) black.

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 1:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.