What is the context of Esther 9:27?

Esther 9:27 is part of Esther chapter 9, which contains 32 verses. This verse has 6 cross-references to other scriptures, showing its connections throughout the Bible.

King James Version

What Does Esther 9:27 Mean?

Esther 9:27 in the King James Version says “The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it s...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 9 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year ; fail: Heb. pass”

Esther 9:27 · KJV

Context

But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. when: Heb. when she came

Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them, Pur: that is, Lot

And that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city; and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews, nor the memorial of them perish from their seed. fail: Heb. pass perish: Heb. be ended

Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim. authority: Heb. strength

Read Esther 9 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary

The Jews ordained, and took upon them, and upon their seed, and upon all such as joined themselves unto them, so as it should not fail, that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year. This verse establishes Purim as perpetual covenant obligation for Jewish people and proselytes. The verb "ordained" (qiymu, קִיְמוּ) means to establish, confirm, or make binding—this is formal covenant language. "Took upon them" (viqibelu, וְקִבְּלוּ) means to receive or accept willingly, indicating voluntary commitment rather than imposed duty.

The scope extends across three groups: the present generation ("them"), future descendants ("their seed," zaram, זַרְעָם), and Gentile converts ("all such as joined themselves unto them," kol-hanilvim aleihem, כָּל־הַנִּלְוִים עֲלֵיהֶם). This inclusive formulation parallels covenant language elsewhere in Scripture, particularly the Abrahamic and Mosaic covenants that bound not only the original recipients but their descendants. The mention of proselytes reflects both historical reality—Gentiles converting to Judaism (8:17)—and theological principle that covenant blessings and responsibilities extend to all who join God's people.

"So as it should not fail" (velo yaavor, וְלֹא יַעֲבוֹר) literally means "and it shall not pass away"—emphatic language ensuring perpetuity. The specificity regarding "these two days" (14th and 15th of Adar), "according to their writing" (Esther and Mordecai's letters), and "according to their appointed time every year" establishes precise parameters preventing the commemoration from becoming vague or neglected. This detailed prescription demonstrates wisdom: without specific requirements, commemorations fade into forgetfulness.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Purim became one of the most beloved Jewish festivals, celebrated continuously from the Persian period through the present day—over 2,500 years. Unlike biblically mandated festivals (Passover, Pentecost, Tabernacles), Purim originated from historical deliverance rather than Mosaic law, yet achieved equal or greater popular devotion. The Mishnah (Megillah tractate) and Talmud extensively discuss Purim observance, demonstrating its centrality in Second Temple and rabbinic Judaism.

The reference to proselytes ("all such as joined themselves") reflects significant Gentile conversion following Jewish deliverance. Fear of the Jews (8:17) led many to identify with them, and these converts assumed full covenant obligations including festival observance. This pattern appears throughout Scripture: divine deliverance attracts Gentiles to Israel's God (see Rahab, Ruth, Naaman). Purim thus became a witness to God's faithfulness, drawing outsiders to covenant relationship.

The survival of Purim observance despite millennia of diaspora, persecution, and attempted genocide testifies to the vow's effectiveness. Even secular Jews who abandon other practices often maintain Purim celebration, demonstrating the festival's profound role in Jewish identity. The Nazi regime specifically targeted Purim celebrations, recognizing that the festival commemorating Jewish survival from attempted extermination directly challenged their genocidal ideology.

Reflection Questions

How does the binding of future generations to remember God's deliverance speak to the importance of transmitting faith to children?
In what ways do Christian remembrance practices (baptism, communion) parallel the perpetual covenant obligation of Purim?
How should the church respond to God's faithfulness to Jewish people and the ongoing significance of their covenant identity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 23 words

קִיְּמ֣וּ1 of 23

“ordained”

H6965

to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)

וְקִבְּלּ֣2 of 23

“and took”

H6901

to admit, i.e., take (literally or figuratively)

הַיְּהוּדִים֩׀3 of 23

“The Jews”

H3064

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

עֲלֵיהֶ֨ם׀4 of 23

H5921

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

וְעַל5 of 23

H5921

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

זַרְעָ֜ם6 of 23

“upon them and upon their seed”

H2233

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

וְעַ֨ל7 of 23

H5921

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

כָּל8 of 23

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

הַנִּלְוִ֤ים9 of 23

“and upon all such as joined”

H3867

properly, to twine; also to borrow (as a form of obligation) or (causative) to lend

עֲלֵיהֶם֙10 of 23

H5921

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

וְלֹ֣א11 of 23

H3808

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

יַֽעֲב֔וֹר12 of 23

“themselves unto them so as it should not fail”

H5674

to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in

לִֽהְי֣וֹת13 of 23

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

עֹשִׂ֗ים14 of 23

“that they would keep”

H6213

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

אֵ֣ת15 of 23

H853

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

שְׁנֵ֤י16 of 23

“these two”

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

הַיָּמִים֙17 of 23

“days”

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

הָאֵ֔לֶּה18 of 23

H428

these or those

כִּכְתָבָ֖ם19 of 23

“according to their writing”

H3791

something written, i.e., a writing, record or book

וְכִזְמַנָּ֑ם20 of 23

“and according to their appointed time”

H2165

an appointed occasion

בְּכָל21 of 23

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

וְשָׁנָֽה׃22 of 23

“every year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

וְשָׁנָֽה׃23 of 23

“every year”

H8141

a year (as a revolution of time)

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 9:27 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 9:27 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 56:6 Zechariah 2:11 Isaiah 56:3 Esther 8:17 Deuteronomy 29:14-15 Deuteronomy 5:3

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