King James Version

What Does Esther 4:5 Mean?

Esther 4:5 in the King James Version says “Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a ...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was. appointed: Heb. set before her”

Esther 4:5 · KJV

Context

3

And in every province, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. many: Heb. sackcloth and ashes were laid under many

4

So Esther's maids and her chamberlains came and told it her. Then was the queen exceedingly grieved; and she sent raiment to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him: but he received it not. chamberlains: Heb. eunuchs

5

Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was. appointed: Heb. set before her

6

So Hatach went forth to Mordecai unto the street of the city, which was before the king's gate.

7

And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.

Read Esther 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Then called Esther for Hatach, one of the king's chamberlains, whom he had appointed to attend upon her, and gave him a commandment to Mordecai, to know what it was, and why it was. Esther sent Hatach (a eunuch chamberlain assigned to her service) to learn the cause of Mordecai's mourning. Her initiative in seeking information demonstrates both concern and emerging leadership. The phrase "to know what it was, and why it was" shows she wanted both facts and reasons—understanding the crisis fully. This inquiry began the exchange leading to her decision to risk approaching the king. Hatach's role as trusted messenger proved crucial—reliable communication between Esther and Mordecai enabled their coordinated response. Providence works through institutional structures like chamberlain attendants to facilitate necessary connections.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Royal attendants like Hatach served crucial roles as intermediaries between secluded royalty and the outside world. Eunuchs were trusted for sensitive communications due to their dependent status and inability to establish competing dynasties. Esther's authority to command Hatach demonstrates queens' administrative power within their spheres. The messenger system, though slower than direct conversation, enabled communication across palace protocols forbidding mourning garb in royal precincts (v. 2). Archaeological evidence shows ancient palaces included extensive servant hierarchies managing communication, supplies, and daily affairs. These institutional structures, designed for efficiency, became instruments of providence.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Hatach's role demonstrate God's providence working through ordinary institutional structures and faithful servants?
  2. What does Esther's initiative in seeking information teach about the responsibility of those in privilege to understand injustices affecting others?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 17 words
וַתִּקְרָא֩1 of 17

“Then called”

H7121

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

אֶסְתֵּ֨ר2 of 17

“Esther”

H635

ester, the jewish heroine

לַֽהֲתָ֜ךְ3 of 17

“for Hatach”

H2047

hathak, a persian eunuch

מִסָּֽרִיסֵ֤י4 of 17

“chamberlains”

H5631

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

הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙5 of 17

“one of the king's”

H4428

a king

אֲשֶׁ֣ר6 of 17
H834

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

הֶֽעֱמִ֣יד7 of 17

“whom he had appointed”

H5975

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

לְפָנֶ֔יהָ8 of 17

“to attend”

H6440

the face (as the part that turns); used in a great variety of applications (literally and figuratively); also (with prepositional prefix) as a preposi

וַתְּצַוֵּ֖הוּ9 of 17

“upon her and gave him a commandment”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

עַֽל10 of 17
H5921

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

מָרְדֳּכָ֑י11 of 17

“to Mordecai”

H4782

mordecai, an israelite

לָדַ֥עַת12 of 17

“to know”

H3045

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

מַה13 of 17
H4100

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

זֶּ֖ה14 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

וְעַל15 of 17
H5921

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

מַה16 of 17
H4100

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

זֶּֽה׃17 of 17
H2088

the masculine demonstrative pronoun, this or that

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 4:5 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 4:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 12:26Romans 12:15Hebrews 4:15Philippians 2:4Esther 1:10Esther 1:12

Test Your Knowledge

Esther 4 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEsther Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Esther 4 with CommentaryAll Esther ChaptersComplete Esther QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes