King James Version

What Does Esther 4:8 Mean?

Esther 4:8 in the King James Version says “Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 4 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.”

Esther 4:8 · KJV

Context

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.

8

Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.

9

And Hatach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

10

Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;

Read Esther 4 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people. Mordecai sent Hatach back with a copy of Haman's decree, written evidence of the genocide plot. He instructed Hatach to show Esther the decree, explain it fully, and charge her to intercede with the king for "her people"—identifying Esther with the Jewish community despite her position as Persian queen. The threefold instruction (show, declare, charge) emphasizes thoroughness—Esther needed full information and clear direction. Mordecai's charge that she intercede demonstrates his faith that God positioned her strategically "for such a time as this" (v. 14). The written decree provided concrete evidence, transforming abstract threat into undeniable reality requiring response.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Written copies of royal decrees circulated throughout the empire (3:14), making Mordecai's acquisition of one plausible. The decree's written form made the threat undeniable—not rumor or fear but official, legal genocide. Mordecai's instruction to "charge her" uses strong language suggesting both urgency and authority—despite Esther's royal position, Mordecai exercises guardian's authority in crisis. His identification of Jews as "her people" reminded Esther that queenship didn't exempt her from ethnic identity or communal responsibility. Ancient Near Eastern culture recognized that privilege created obligation to benefit one's community. Mordecai's challenge appealed to this understanding.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the written decree's concrete evidence illustrate the importance of documenting injustice to motivate action?
  2. What does Mordecai's charge teach about how privilege creates responsibility to advocate for one's community, not exemption from it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 26 words
וְאֶת1 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

פַּתְשֶׁ֣גֶן2 of 26

“him the copy”

H6572

a transcript

כְּתָֽב3 of 26

“of the writing”

H3791

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

הַ֠דָּת4 of 26

“of the decree”

H1881

a royal edict or statute

אֲשֶׁר5 of 26
H834

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

נָ֣תַן6 of 26

“Also he gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

בְּשׁוּשָׁ֤ן7 of 26

“at Shushan”

H7800

shushan, a place in persia

לְהַשְׁמִידָם֙8 of 26

“to destroy”

H8045

to desolate

נָ֣תַן9 of 26

“Also he gave”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

ל֔וֹ10 of 26
H0
לְהַרְא֥וֹת11 of 26

“them to shew”

H7200

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

אֶת12 of 26
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

אֶסְתֵּ֖ר13 of 26

“it unto Esther”

H635

ester, the jewish heroine

וּלְהַגִּ֣יד14 of 26

“and to declare”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

לָ֑הּ15 of 26
H0
וּלְצַוּ֣וֹת16 of 26

“it unto her and to charge”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

עָלֶ֗יהָ17 of 26
H5921

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

לָב֨וֹא18 of 26

“her that she should go in”

H935

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

אֶל19 of 26
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֧לֶךְ20 of 26

“unto the king”

H4428

a king

לְהִֽתְחַנֶּן21 of 26

“to make supplication”

H2603

properly, to bend or stoop in kindness to an inferior; to favor, bestow; causatively to implore (i.e., move to favor by petition)

ל֛וֹ22 of 26
H0
וּלְבַקֵּ֥שׁ23 of 26

“unto him and to make request”

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

מִלְּפָנָ֖יו24 of 26

“before”

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

עַל25 of 26
H5921

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

עַמָּֽהּ׃26 of 26

“him for her 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 4:8 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 4:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ecclesiastes 10:4Job 9:151 Timothy 6:13Esther 2:20Esther 3:14-15Proverbs 21:1

Places in This Verse

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

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