King James Version

What Does Esther 5:11 Mean?

Esther 5:11 in the King James Version says “And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king h...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.”

Esther 5:11 · KJV

Context

9

Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.

10

Nevertheless Haman refrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and called for his friends, and Zeresh his wife. called: Heb. caused to come

11

And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.

12

Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.

13

Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king. Before revealing his grievance about Mordecai, Haman catalogued his advantages to his wife and friends. The narrative parallels verse 5:11 with slightly different wording, emphasizing how Haman's bragging set up the dramatic contrast with his complaint. Despite enormous success, Mordecai's refusal to bow devastates him. This repetition demonstrates literary technique emphasizing Haman's character: pride that requires constant validation and cannot enjoy blessing when ego is wounded. The tragic irony is that all these blessings—wealth, children, position—will be lost due to pride's destructive trajectory.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The repetition of Haman's boasting (here in 5:11 and earlier recounted to the narrator) creates emphasis showing this was characteristic behavior. Ancient Near Eastern culture valued honor and status, making Haman's recitation of achievements culturally understandable. However, the narrative's ironic presentation reveals that such pride prevents contentment and leads to destruction. The reference to his many sons (specified as ten sons in 9:7-10) represented particular blessing in ancient culture, yet all would die due to their father's pride. This demonstrates how pride destroys not only the proud but also those connected to them.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Haman's need to constantly rehearse his advantages demonstrate pride's insatiable need for validation?
  2. What does the eventual loss of everything he boasted about teach about pride's destructive consequences?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיְסַפֵּ֨ר1 of 20

“told”

H5608

properly, to score with a mark as a tally or record, i.e., (by implication) to inscribe, and also to enumerate; intensively, to recount, i.e., celebra

לָהֶ֥ם2 of 20
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

הָמָ֛ן3 of 20

“And Haman”

H2001

haman, a persian vizier

אֶת4 of 20
H853

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

כְּב֥וֹד5 of 20

“them of the glory”

H3519

properly, weight, but only figuratively in a good sense, splendor or copiousness

עָשְׁר֖וֹ6 of 20

“of his riches”

H6239

wealth

וְרֹ֣ב7 of 20

“and the multitude”

H7230

abundance (in any respect)

בָּנָ֑יו8 of 20

“of his children”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

וְאֵת֩9 of 20
H853

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

כָּל10 of 20
H3605

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

אֲשֶׁ֨ר11 of 20
H834

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

גִּדְּל֤וֹ12 of 20

“had promoted”

H1431

to be (causatively make) large (in various senses, as in body, mind, estate or honor, also in pride)

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃13 of 20

“and all the things wherein the king”

H4428

a king

וְאֵ֣ת14 of 20
H853

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

אֲשֶׁ֣ר15 of 20
H834

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

נִשְּׂא֔וֹ16 of 20

“him and how he had advanced”

H5375

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

עַל17 of 20
H5921

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

הַשָּׂרִ֖ים18 of 20

“him above the princes”

H8269

a head person (of any rank or class)

וְעַבְדֵ֥י19 of 20

“and servants”

H5650

a servant

הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃20 of 20

“and all the things wherein the king”

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 5:11 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 5:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 9:7-10Esther 3:1Luke 12:19-20Genesis 31:11 Timothy 6:17Daniel 4:30

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