King James Version

What Does Esther 9:15 Mean?

Esther 9:15 in the King James Version says “For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew th...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.”

Esther 9:15 · KJV

Context

13

Then said Esther, If it please the king, let it be granted to the Jews which are in Shushan to do to morrow also according unto this day's decree, and let Haman's ten sons be hanged upon the gallows. let Haman's: Heb. let men hang, etc

14

And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons.

15

For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.

16

But the other Jews that were in the king's provinces gathered themselves together, and stood for their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew of their foes seventy and five thousand, but they laid not their hands on the prey,

17

On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. of the same: Heb. in it

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand. Shushan's Jews received permission for a second day of defense (v. 13), slaying 300 more enemies on Adar 14. The repetition "but on the prey they laid not their hand" (echoing v. 10, 16) emphasizes that Jewish motive was self-defense, not enrichment. This restraint distinguished them from their enemies (who sought plunder, 3:13) and demonstrated righteousness. The double emphasis on refusing spoils makes this a central point—Jews fought for survival and justice, not greed. This restraint honored God and distinguished their actions from mere violence or vengeance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The two-day battle in Shushan (Adar 13-14) contrasted with the single day in the provinces (Adar 13 only), explaining why Purim is celebrated on different days (14th in most places, 15th in Shushan/walled cities). The extra day suggests Shushan faced more intense opposition or larger enemy forces requiring extended conflict. Archaeological evidence confirms Shushan's size and significance as imperial capital would have concentrated both Jewish population and potential enemies. The 300 killed on the second day, added to the 500 on the first (v. 12), made 800 total in Shushan—proportionally high compared to the 75,000 throughout all provinces (v. 16), suggesting intense urban conflict.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the repeated emphasis on refusing plunder demonstrate that righteousness in victory requires purity of motive and restraint in action?
  2. What does this teach about distinguishing legitimate self-defense from exploitation or revenge?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 20 words
וַיִּֽקָּהֲל֞וּ1 of 20

“gathered themselves together”

H6950

to convoke

הַיְּהוּדִ֣יים2 of 20

“For the Jews”

H3064

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

אֲשֶׁר3 of 20
H834

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

בְשׁוּשָׁ֔ן4 of 20

“at Shushan”

H7800

shushan, a place in persia

גַּ֠ם5 of 20
H1571

properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and

בְּי֣וֹם6 of 20

“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

אַרְבָּעָ֤ה7 of 20

“on the fourteenth”

H702

four

עָשָׂר֙8 of 20
H6240

ten (only in combination), i.e., -teen; also (ordinal) -teenth

לְחֹ֣דֶשׁ9 of 20

“also of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

אֲדָ֔ר10 of 20

“Adar”

H143

adar, the 12th hebrew month

וַיַּֽהַרְג֣וּ11 of 20

“and slew”

H2026

to smite with deadly intent

בְשׁוּשָׁ֔ן12 of 20

“at Shushan”

H7800

shushan, a place in persia

שְׁלֹ֥שׁ13 of 20

“three”

H7969

three; occasionally (ordinal) third, or (multiple) thrice

מֵא֖וֹת14 of 20

“hundred”

H3967

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

אִ֑ישׁ15 of 20

“men”

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)

וּבַ֨בִּזָּ֔ה16 of 20

“but on the prey”

H961

booty

לֹ֥א17 of 20
H3808

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

שָֽׁלְח֖וּ18 of 20

“they laid”

H7971

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

אֶת19 of 20
H853

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

יָדָֽם׃20 of 20

“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 9:15 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 9:15 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 8:11Esther 9:10Hebrews 13:5Esther 9:16Esther 9:13Esther 9:2

Places in This Verse

SusaSettlement · Modern: Shush · 32.19°N, 48.26°E20 verses across 4 books
View all places in Esther 9 →

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