King James Version

What Does Esther 5:6 Mean?

Esther 5:6 in the King James Version says “And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is th...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.”

Esther 5:6 · KJV

Context

4

And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

5

Then the king said, Cause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

6

And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

7

Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;

8

If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said. perform: Heb. do

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed. During the wine course, the king repeated his generous offer, again promising "half of the kingdom." The second asking (after v. 3) increased pressure for Esther to reveal her request. Yet she continued to delay, extending invitation to a second banquet (v. 7-8). The "banquet of wine" (mishteh ha-yayin, מִשְׁתֵּה הַיָּיִן) indicates the drinking portion following the meal, when conversation flowed freely. The king's repeated question shows genuine curiosity and willingness to grant Esther's desire. Each repetition of the offer builds narrative tension while demonstrating God's providence ensuring the king's favorable disposition when Esther finally reveals her request.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Near Eastern banquets included extended wine-drinking portions where business, diplomacy, and important conversations occurred. Wine loosened formality and inhibitions, creating atmosphere for frank discussion. The king's repeated questioning shows both his affection for Esther and growing curiosity about her mysterious request. Royal protocols allowed queens to make requests, especially during banquets where relaxed atmosphere and wine created generosity. Esther's continued delay, rather than frustrating the king, seems to have increased his interest and willingness to please her. This demonstrates shrewd psychological insight—delayed gratification often increases desire.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the king's repeated offers demonstrate God's providence creating favorable disposition for Esther's eventual request?
  2. What does Esther's continued delay despite opportunities teach about strategic timing and psychological preparation?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר1 of 15

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ2 of 15

“And the king”

H4428

a king

לְאֶסְתֵּר֙3 of 15

“unto Esther”

H635

ester, the jewish heroine

בְּמִשְׁתֵּ֣ה4 of 15

“at the banquet”

H4960

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

הַיַּ֔יִן5 of 15

“of wine”

H3196

wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication

מַה6 of 15
H4100

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

שְּׁאֵֽלָתֵ֖ךְ7 of 15

“What is thy petition”

H7596

a petition; by implication, a loan

וְיִנָּ֣תֵֽן8 of 15

“and it shall be granted”

H5414

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

לָ֑ךְ9 of 15
H0
וּמַה10 of 15
H4100

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

בַּקָּֽשָׁתֵ֛ךְ11 of 15

“thee and what is thy request”

H1246

a petition

עַד12 of 15
H5704

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

חֲצִ֥י13 of 15

“even to the half”

H2677

the half or middle

הַמַּלְכ֖וּת14 of 15

“of the kingdom”

H4438

a rule; concretely, a dominion

וְתֵעָֽשׂ׃15 of 15

“it shall be performed”

H6213

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

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 5:6 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Esther 5:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 7:2Esther 5:3Esther 9:12

Test Your Knowledge

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