King James Version

What Does Esther 9:19 Mean?

Esther 9:19 in the King James Version says “Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Esther 9:19 · KJV

Context

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,

21

To stablish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same, yearly ,

Read Esther 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. This verse establishes Purim observance for provincial Jews: Adar 14 as a day of celebration including feasting and "sending portions one to another" (sharing food gifts). The practice of sending food portions (mishloach manot, מִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת) created community solidarity and ensured all could celebrate, including those who couldn't afford feasts. The "unwalled towns" distinction connects to ancient conquest cities (cities existing when Joshua entered Canaan were walled; later settlements weren't). This detail links Purim to Israel's historical geography and earlier redemptive history.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

The food-sharing practice ensured comprehensive celebration—wealthy shared with poor, creating community-wide festivity. Ancient sources describe similar practices in various cultures where celebrations included redistributing food to ensure universal participation. The walled/unwalled distinction referenced ancient city categorization, with "walled cities" meaning those fortified during Joshua's conquest (13th-11th century BCE). This connected Purim to Israel's deep history, incorporating the new deliverance into the pattern of God's ancient redemptive acts. Archaeological evidence shows ancient Jewish communities observed Purim with feasting, public gathering, Megillah (Esther scroll) reading, and gift-giving—practices continuing today.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the food-sharing practice demonstrate that true celebration includes ensuring all community members can participate regardless of resources?
  2. What does connecting Purim to ancient conquest cities teach about how new redemptive acts join the ongoing narrative of God's faithfulness?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
עַל1 of 22
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

כֵּ֞ן2 of 22
H3651

properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

הַיְּהוּדִ֣ים3 of 22

“Therefore the Jews”

H3064

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

הַפְּרָוזִ֗ים4 of 22

“of the villages”

H6521

a rustic

הַיֹּֽשְׁבִים֮5 of 22

“that dwelt”

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּעָרֵ֣י6 of 22

“towns”

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

הַפְּרָזוֹת֒7 of 22

“in the unwalled”

H6519

an open country

עֹשִׂ֗ים8 of 22

“made”

H6213

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

אֵ֠ת9 of 22
H853

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

וְי֣וֹם10 of 22

“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

אַרְבָּעָ֤ה11 of 22

“the fourteenth”

H702

four

עָשָׂר֙12 of 22
H6240

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

לְחֹ֣דֶשׁ13 of 22

“of the month”

H2320

the new moon; by implication, a month

אֲדָ֔ר14 of 22

“Adar”

H143

adar, the 12th hebrew month

שִׂמְחָ֥ה15 of 22

“a day of gladness”

H8057

blithesomeness or glee, (religious or festival)

וּמִשְׁתֶּ֖ה16 of 22

“and feasting”

H4960

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

וְי֣וֹם17 of 22

“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

ט֑וֹב18 of 22

“and a good”

H2896

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

וּמִשְׁל֥וֹחַ19 of 22

“and of sending”

H4916

a sending out, i.e., (abstractly) presentation (favorable), or seizure (unfavorable); also (concretely) a place of dismissal, or a business to be disc

מָנ֖וֹת20 of 22

“portions”

H4490

properly, something weighed out, i.e., (generally) a division; specifically (of food) a ration; also a lot

אִ֥ישׁ21 of 22

“one”

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)

לְרֵעֵֽהוּ׃22 of 22

“to another”

H7453

an associate (more or less close)

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 9:19 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 9:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 8:17Esther 9:22Deuteronomy 16:14Nehemiah 8:10-12Revelation 11:10Deuteronomy 16:11

Test Your Knowledge

Esther 9 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEsther Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

Read Esther 9 with CommentaryAll Esther ChaptersComplete Esther QuizBible CharactersNave's Topical BibleAll Bible Quizzes