King James Version

What Does Esther 9:10 Mean?

Esther 9:10 in the King James Version says “The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.”

Esther 9:10 · KJV

Context

8

And Poratha, and Adalia, and Aridatha,

9

And Parmashta, and Arisai, and Aridai, and Vajezatha,

10

The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.

11

On that day the number of those that were slain in Shushan the palace was brought before the king. was: Heb. came

12

And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand. This verse marks the complete reversal of Haman's genocidal plot against the Jews. The execution of Haman's ten sons eliminates the possibility of blood vengeance continuing across generations—a common ancient Near Eastern practice. The repetition of "the enemy of the Jews" (tsorar ha-Yehudim, צֹרֵר הַיְּהוּדִים) emphasizes that this was not random violence but just judgment against those who sought Israel's destruction.

The phrase "but on the spoil laid they not their hand" appears three times in Esther 9 (verses 10, 15, 16), creating emphatic repetition that demands attention. While King Ahasuerus's decree permitted the Jews to "take the spoil" (Esther 8:11), they deliberately refused. This restraint demonstrates several crucial truths: (1) their motive was self-defense, not enrichment; (2) they sought justice, not plunder; (3) they distinguished themselves from their enemies' greed; (4) they avoided even the appearance of fighting for material gain.

This restraint recalls King Saul's failure with the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15), where taking spoil led to his rejection as king. The Jews in Esther learned from Israel's past failures. Their refusal of plunder also parallels Abraham's refusal of spoils from the King of Sodom (Genesis 14:22-23), demonstrating that God's deliverance, not material wealth, was their true prize. This establishes Purim as a celebration of divine salvation, not military conquest.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Esther 9 describes events occurring in the twelfth month (Adar) of the Persian King Ahasuerus's reign, likely Xerxes I (486-465 BCE). The execution of Haman's sons took place in Shushan (Susa), the Persian winter capital, whose ruins have been excavated in modern-day Iran. Persian legal custom, reflected in the immutability of royal decrees (Esther 1:19, 8:8), meant that Haman's edict could not be revoked, necessitating a counter-decree allowing Jewish self-defense.

Ancient Near Eastern warfare typically included plundering as a primary motive and reward for soldiers. The Code of Hammurabi and other ancient legal texts assumed that victors would seize enemy property. The Persian Empire's vast wealth made Shushan particularly lucrative for plundering. The Jews' restraint would have been culturally shocking and noteworthy, marking their actions as distinctly motivated by survival rather than greed.

The hanging of Haman's sons' bodies (Esther 9:13-14) served as public warning, a common Persian practice. Herodotus and other ancient historians describe Persian methods of public execution and display. The establishment of Purim as an annual festival (Esther 9:20-32) created a perpetual memorial to God's deliverance. Jewish communities worldwide still celebrate Purim, reading the Megillah (Esther scroll) and commemorating how sorrow turned to joy, mourning to celebration. The refusal of spoils became central to Purim's meaning—celebrating deliverance, not conquest.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does the Jews' refusal to take plunder reveal about the purity of their motives and their desire to honor God even in victory?
  2. How does the execution of Haman's sons, though seemingly harsh, reflect both divine justice and the prevention of ongoing cycles of vengeance?
  3. In what ways can we demonstrate, like the Jews in Esther, that our actions are motivated by principle rather than personal gain?
  4. How does God's deliverance of the Jews in Esther foreshadow His ultimate deliverance through Christ from spiritual enemies?
  5. What lessons about restraint in victory and avoiding the appearance of improper motives can we apply to conflicts and victories in our own lives?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 13 words
עֲ֠שֶׂרֶת1 of 13

“The ten”

H6235

ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)

בֶּֽן2 of 13

“sons”

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

הָמָ֧ן3 of 13

“of Haman”

H2001

haman, a persian vizier

בֶּֽן4 of 13

“sons”

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

הַמְּדָ֛תָא5 of 13

“of Hammedatha”

H4099

medatha, the father of haman

צֹרֵ֥ר6 of 13

“the enemy”

H6887

to cramp, literally or figuratively, transitive or intransitive

הַיְּהוּדִ֖ים7 of 13

“of the Jews”

H3064

a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)

הָרָ֑גוּ8 of 13

“slew”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

וּבַ֨בִּזָּ֔ה9 of 13

“they but on the spoil”

H961

booty

לֹ֥א10 of 13
H3808

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

שָֽׁלְח֖וּ11 of 13

“laid”

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

אֶת12 of 13
H853

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

יָדָֽם׃13 of 13

“they not their hand”

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

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 9:10 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 9:10 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 8:11Esther 5:11Genesis 14:23Job 27:13-15Job 18:18-19Esther 7:6

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