King James Version

What Does Esther 9:18 Mean?

Esther 9:18 in the King James Version says “But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth thereof; and o...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Esther 9:18 · KJV

Context

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.

20

And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
But the Jews that were at Shushan assembled together on the thirteenth day thereof, and on the fourteenth day thereof; and on the fifteenth day of the same they rested, and made it a day of feasting and gladness. Shushan's two-day battle (Adar 13-14) meant they rested and celebrated on Adar 15, one day later than provincial Jews (who fought only on Adar 13 and celebrated on Adar 14). This explains Purim's variable dating: Adar 14 in unwalled cities, Adar 15 in walled cities (following Shushan's precedent). The pattern—fighting, then rest, then celebration—mirrors creation (six days work, seventh day rest, Genesis 1-2) and exodus (deliverance, then rest, then celebration, Exodus 14-15). Rest after redemption enables celebration of God's saving work.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The different celebration dates created practical distinction still observed in Purim traditions—most Jews celebrate Adar 14 (Purim), while Jerusalem and other historically walled cities celebrate Adar 15 (Shushan Purim). The two-day battle in Shushan suggests either more intense opposition or larger forces requiring extended conflict. As imperial capital, Shushan concentrated both Jewish population and potential enemies, explaining prolonged fighting. The immediate transition from victory to celebration demonstrates confidence that threat had ended—governmental support and comprehensive victory assured safety. Archaeological evidence shows ancient celebrations typically included feasting, wine, communal gathering, and rejoicing, all featured in Purim observance.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the pattern of conflict, rest, then celebration mirror creation and exodus themes, showing God's consistent redemptive rhythm?
  2. What does the immediate celebration teach about confidence in God's completed deliverance enabling joyful response?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וְהַיְּהוּדִ֣יים1 of 19

“But the Jews”

H3064

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

אֲשֶׁר2 of 19
H834

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

בְּשׁוּשָׁ֗ן3 of 19

“that were at Shushan”

H7800

shushan, a place in persia

נִקְהֲלוּ֙4 of 19

“assembled together”

H6950

to convoke

בִּשְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה5 of 19

“on the thirteenth”

H7969

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

עָשָׂר֙6 of 19
H6240

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

בּ֔וֹ7 of 19
H0
וּבְאַרְבָּעָ֥ה8 of 19

“day thereof and on the fourteenth”

H702

four

עָשָׂ֖ר9 of 19
H6240

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

בּ֑וֹ10 of 19
H0
וְנ֗וֹחַ11 of 19
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

בַּֽחֲמִשָּׁ֤ה12 of 19

“thereof and on the fifteenth”

H2568

five

עָשָׂר֙13 of 19
H6240

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

בּ֔וֹ14 of 19
H0
וְעָשֹׂ֣ה15 of 19

“and made”

H6213

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

אֹת֔וֹ16 of 19
H853

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

י֖וֹם17 of 19

“it a 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

מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה18 of 19

“of feasting”

H4960

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

וְשִׂמְחָֽה׃19 of 19

“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 9:18 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 9:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 9:21Esther 9:15Esther 9:1Esther 9:13Esther 9:11

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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