King James Version

What Does Esther 6:7 Mean?

Esther 6:7 in the King James Version says “And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, whom the king: Heb. in whose honour the kin...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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

Esther 6:7 · KJV

Context

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

8

Let the royal apparel be brought which the king useth to wear, and the horse that the king rideth upon, and the crown royal which is set upon his head: Let: Heb. Let them bring the royal apparel which the king: Heb. wherewith the king clotheth himself

9

And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour. bring: Heb. cause him to ride

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And Haman answered the king, For the man whom the king delighteth to honour, Haman begins his response with the exact phrase the king used, creating dramatic tension. The threefold repetition of "whom the king delighteth to honour" (verses 6, 7, 9, 11) emphasizes the reversal theme. The Hebrew construction with the participle "delighteth" (chafetz, חָפֵץ) indicates ongoing royal pleasure, not temporary whim.

This verse serves as a literary hinge, suspending the narrative between Haman's question in verse 6 and his elaborate proposal in verses 8-9. The brief statement prolongs dramatic irony—the reader knows Haman's fantasy is about to become his nightmare. The formal protocol of Persian address required such preambles, but the repetition of the king's exact words reveals Haman savoring what he assumes is his moment of glory. Providence turns human pride into the instrument of divine justice.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Persian court protocol demanded elaborate formality in addressing the king. Royal audiences followed strict patterns: waiting for royal recognition, repeating key phrases from the king's question, and structuring responses according to hierarchical conventions. Courtiers competed for royal favor through flattery, conspicuous service, and positioning themselves for rewards. Haman, as second-in-command (3:1), had reached the pinnacle of secular success—yet his pride demanded more. The protocol of repeating the king's phrase "whom the king delighteth to honour" reflects documented Persian court language emphasizing the king's personal pleasure and will as the source of all favor and authority.

Reflection Questions

  1. How can we guard against Haman's assumption that God's questions or opportunities are about our advancement?
  2. What does this dramatic irony teach about God's hidden timing in circumstances that seem to favor the wicked?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 9 words
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר1 of 9

“answered”

H559

to say (used with great latitude)

הָמָ֖ן2 of 9

“And Haman”

H2001

haman, a persian vizier

אֶל3 of 9
H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ4 of 9

“the king”

H4428

a king

אִ֕ישׁ5 of 9

“For the man”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

אֲשֶׁ֥ר6 of 9
H834

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

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ7 of 9

“the king”

H4428

a king

חָפֵ֥ץ8 of 9

“delighteth”

H2654

properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire

בִּֽיקָרֽוֹ׃9 of 9

“to honour”

H3366

value, i.e., (concretely) wealth; abstractly, costliness, dignity

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 6:7 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 6:7 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 6:11Esther 6:9

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