King James Version

What Does Esther 5:9 Mean?

Esther 5:9 in the King James Version says “Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he sto... — study this verse from Esther chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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.

Esther 5:9 · KJV


Context

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

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The narrative captures Haman's emotional volatility: '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.' Despite being honored by the queen's exclusive invitation, one man's refusal to bow shattered Haman's joy (Hebrew: 'male Haman hemah,' Haman was filled with rage). This reveals pride's insatiable nature: worldly success and honor cannot satisfy when ego is pricked. Mordecai's principled refusal (likely based on not bowing to Agagite royalty descended from Amalek, Israel's ancient enemy—Exodus 17:14, 1 Samuel 15) enraged Haman, leading to genocidal plot (3:5-6). Pride provokes disproportionate vengeance; wounded pride is dangerous. Proverbs 16:18 warns: 'Pride goeth before destruction, and an haughty spirit before a fall.'

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Haman the Agagite was likely descended from Agag, Amalekite king whom Saul spared and Samuel executed (1 Samuel 15). The Amalekites were Israel's perpetual enemies, first attacking them after the Exodus (Exodus 17:8-16). God commanded their complete destruction, which Saul failed to accomplish. Mordecai, a Benjamite descendant of Saul's family (Esther 2:5), may have refused homage to Amalekite descendant on theological/historical grounds. Haman's rage mirrors the ancient Amalek-Israel enmity. His genocidal plot (chapter 3) attempted to finish what Amalek began. Yet God's providence reversed the scheme: Haman was hanged on the gallows he prepared for Mordecai (7:10), fulfilling the principle that 'he that diggeth a pit shall fall into it' (Ecclesiastes 10:8).

Reflection Questions

  1. How does pride poison my ability to enjoy legitimate blessings because of perceived slights?
  2. What ancestral or ideological conflicts do I harbor that could lead to disproportionate hostility toward others?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words
וַיֵּצֵ֤א1 of 23

Then went

H3318

to go (causatively, bring) out, in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively, direct and proxim

הָמָ֛ן2 of 23

Haman

H2001

haman, a persian vizier

בַּיּ֣וֹם3 of 23

that day

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הַה֔וּא4 of 23
H1931

he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo

שָׂמֵ֖חַ5 of 23

joyful

H8056

blithe or gleeful

וְט֣וֹב6 of 23

and with a glad

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

לֵ֑ב7 of 23

heart

H3820

the heart; also used (figuratively) very widely for the feelings, the will and even the intellect; likewise for the center of anything

וְכִרְאוֹת֩8 of 23

saw

H7200

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

הָמָ֛ן9 of 23

Haman

H2001

haman, a persian vizier

אֶֽת10 of 23
H853

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

מָרְדֳּכַ֖י11 of 23

Mordecai

H4782

mordecai, an israelite

בְּשַׁ֣עַר12 of 23

gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ13 of 23

in the king's

H4428

a king

וְלֹא14 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

קָם֙15 of 23

that he stood not up

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וְלֹא16 of 23
H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

זָ֣ע17 of 23

nor moved

H2111

properly, to shake off, i.e., (figuratively) to agitate (as with fear)

מִמֶּ֔נּוּ18 of 23
H4480

properly, a part of; hence (prepositionally), from or out of in many senses

וַיִּמָּלֵ֥א19 of 23

was full

H4390

to fill or (intransitively) be full of, in a wide application (literally and figuratively)

הָמָ֛ן20 of 23

Haman

H2001

haman, a persian vizier

עַֽל21 of 23
H5921

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

מָרְדֳּכַ֖י22 of 23

Mordecai

H4782

mordecai, an israelite

חֵמָֽה׃23 of 23

of indignation

H2534

heat; figuratively, anger, poison (from its fever)


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 5:9 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 5:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study