King James Version

What Does Esther 6:5 Mean?

Esther 6:5 in the King James Version says “And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.” — study this verse from Esther chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.”

Esther 6:5 · KJV

Context

3

And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

4

And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

5

And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in.

6

So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself? whom the king: Heb. in whose honour the king delighteth

7

And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, whom the king: Heb. in whose honour the king delighteth

Read Esther 6 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And the king's servants said unto him, Behold, Haman standeth in the court. And the king said, Let him come in. This verse captures one of Scripture's most dramatic ironies. Haman arrives at the palace early in the morning (mashkim, מַשְׁכִּים, suggesting eager haste) intending to request permission to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had just constructed (5:14). The phrase "standeth in the court" (omed bechatzer, עֹמֵד בֶּחָצֵר) indicates he waits in the outer courtyard, following Persian protocol that prohibited unauthorized entry into the king's presence.

The king's immediate response—"Let him come in" (yavo, יָבוֹא)—reveals his own sleepless urgency to honor Mordecai (6:1-3). Neither man knows the other's purpose. Haman thinks the king will grant his murderous request; the king assumes Haman has come to help honor a deserving subject. God's providence orchestrates this collision of opposing purposes with exquisite timing.

The Hebrew narrative artistry heightens suspense through understatement. The reader knows both men's intentions; the dramatic irony creates tension as these contradictory purposes approach collision. What Haman intends for evil, God redirects for Mordecai's honor and Haman's humiliation—foreshadowing the complete reversal that will save the Jewish people.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This scene occurs during the night of Nisan 13-14 (probably 474 BCE), the very night before Haman planned to execute Mordecai and exactly one year before the date set for destroying all Jews (3:13). Persian court protocol, confirmed by Greek sources, required visitors to wait in outer courtyards until granted audience. The king's accessibility at this early hour suggests his sleeplessness (6:1) and eagerness to resolve the matter of Mordecai's unrewarded service.

Persian palace architecture, excavated at Susa and Persepolis, included multiple courtyards with increasing levels of restricted access. Visitors progressed through outer courts, inner courts, and finally (if granted) into the king's presence chamber. Guards and officials monitored each transition point. Haman's position as chief minister allowed access to inner courts where ordinary subjects could not enter, but even he required permission to approach the king directly.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does this verse demonstrate God's sovereignty over timing and human purposes, even when His name goes unmentioned?
  2. What does Haman's early-morning scheming reveal about how hatred and vengeance consume those who harbor them?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 11 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 11

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

נַֽעֲרֵ֤י2 of 11

“servants”

H5288

(concretely) a boy (as active), from the age of infancy to adolescence; by implication, a servant; also (by interch. of sex), a girl (of similar latit

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ3 of 11

“And the king”

H4428

a king

אֵלָ֔יו4 of 11
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הִנֵּ֥ה5 of 11
H2009

lo!

הָמָ֖ן6 of 11

“unto him Behold Haman”

H2001

haman, a persian vizier

עֹמֵ֣ד7 of 11

“standeth”

H5975

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

בֶּֽחָצֵ֑ר8 of 11

“in the court”

H2691

a yard (as inclosed by a fence); also a hamlet (as similarly surrounded with walls)

וַיֹּ֥אמֶר9 of 11

“said”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ10 of 11

“And the king”

H4428

a king

יָבֽוֹא׃11 of 11

“Let him come in”

H935

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

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

Test Your Knowledge

Esther 6 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEsther Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Esther 6 with CommentaryAll Esther ChaptersComplete Esther QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes