King James Version

What Does Esther 9:17 Mean?

Esther 9:17 in the King James Version says “On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feastin...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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”

Esther 9:17 · KJV

Context

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

18

But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

19

Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. After defeating their enemies on Adar 13, provincial Jews rested on Adar 14 and celebrated. The transition from mortal danger to festive celebration happened overnight—the day appointed for their destruction became instead the day of rest and rejoicing. The verbs "rested" (nuach, נוּחַ) and "made it a day of feasting and gladness" (mishteh ve-simchah, מִשְׁתֶּה וְשִׂמְחָה) signal completion and triumph. Rest after victory echoes Sabbath rest after creation—God's redemptive work completed, His people can rest. The feasting celebrates deliverance God provided. This established Purim's date (Adar 14) for Jews in unwalled cities.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The immediate celebration following victory demonstrates Jewish confidence that the threat had ended—no fear of renewed attacks. The royal support (Mordecai's position, the king's favor, Persian officials' assistance, v. 3-4) assured safety. The transformation from mourning to joy fulfilled Mordecai's prophecy that the month would be "turned from sorrow to joy" (v. 22). Ancient Jewish celebration included feasting, wine, and communal joy—practices maintained in Purim observance. Archaeological evidence shows ancient Near Eastern cultures celebrated military victories with feasts, public celebration, and religious observance. The date (Adar 14 in provinces, 15 in Shushan) became fixed annual celebration.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the immediate transition from mortal danger to festive celebration illustrate God's power to transform circumstances completely?
  2. What does the rest and celebration teach about how God's completed redemptive work allows His people to rest and rejoice?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 14 words
י֖וֹם1 of 14

“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

שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה2 of 14

“On the thirteenth”

H7969

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

עָשָׂ֖ר3 of 14
H6240

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

לְחֹ֣דֶשׁ4 of 14

“of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

אֲדָ֑ר5 of 14

“Adar”

H143

adar, the 12th hebrew month

וְנ֗וֹחַ6 of 14
H5117

to rest, i.e., settle down; used in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, intransitive, transitive and causative (to dwell, stay, l

בְּאַרְבָּעָ֤ה7 of 14

“and on the fourteenth”

H702

four

עָשָׂר֙8 of 14
H6240

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

בּ֔וֹ9 of 14
H0
וְעָשֹׂ֣ה10 of 14

“they and made”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

אֹת֔וֹ11 of 14
H853

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

י֖וֹם12 of 14

“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

מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה13 of 14

“of feasting”

H4960

drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast

וְשִׂמְחָֽה׃14 of 14

“and gladness”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

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 9:17 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 9:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 9:1Esther 9:21Esther 9:18Esther 8:9Esther 3:12

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