King James Version

What Does Esther 9:31 Mean?

“To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry. themselves: Heb. their souls”

Esther 9:31 · KJV

Context

29

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

30

And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,

31

To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry. themselves: Heb. their souls

32

And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry. This verse specifies the letter's purpose and content. "To confirm" (lekayem, לְקַיֵּם) uses the same root as verse 27 ("ordained"), emphasizing formal establishment and binding authority. The phrase "in their times appointed" (bizmaneihem, בִּזְמַנֵּיהֶם) indicates specific dates—14th and 15th of Adar—preventing vagueness that would dilute observance.

The dual authority "according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them" emphasizes both ethnic-religious leadership (Mordecai as representative Jew) and political power (Esther as Persian queen). This combination of spiritual authority with governmental backing ensured compliance across diverse Jewish communities who might otherwise have debated the legitimacy of establishing new festivals. The verb "enjoined" (qiyemu, קִיְּמוּ) means established, ordained, or charged—formal covenant language indicating binding obligation.

The phrase "as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed" indicates Jewish communities' voluntary acceptance beyond mere royal command. The people themselves committed to perpetual observance, making Purim both externally authorized and internally embraced. Finally, "the matters of the fastings and their cry" (divrei hatzomot vezaaqatam, דִּבְרֵי הַצֹּמוֹת וְזַעֲקָתָם) references the mourning and supplication that preceded deliverance (4:1-3, 4:16), integrating both celebration of rescue and remembrance of the threat that necessitated it.

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Historical & Cultural Context

The reference to fasting as part of Purim observance became formalized in Jewish tradition as the Fast of Esther (Ta'anit Esther), observed on 13 Adar—the day before Purim begins. This fast commemorates the Jewish people's preparation for their defensive battle (9:1-2) and Esther's three-day fast before approaching the king (4:16). The integration of fasting with feasting creates pedagogical balance: remembering peril deepens appreciation for deliverance.

The phrase "their cry" (zaaqatam, זַעֲקָתָם) recalls the Jewish people's outcry upon learning of Haman's decree (4:1-3) and connects to Israel's cry in Egyptian bondage (Exodus 2:23, 3:7, 3:9). This linguistic connection links Purim deliverance to Exodus redemption, positioning the Esther events within Israel's ongoing salvation history. Just as God heard Israel's cry in Egypt and delivered them, He heard their cry under Persian persecution and rescued them through Esther and Mordecai.

Rabbinic tradition developed extensive Purim liturgy and practices around themes of this verse: reading the Megillah (Esther scroll) publicly, sending food gifts to friends (mishloach manot), giving to the poor (matanot la'evyonim), and festive meals. These practices create multi-dimensional observance engaging Scripture reading, community generosity, and joyful celebration—ensuring Purim's perpetuation across generations through participatory, memorable activities.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does integrating remembrance of crisis (fasting, cry) with celebration of deliverance create more meaningful thanksgiving?
  2. In what ways can personal and communal spiritual commitments be structured to ensure transmission to future generations?
  3. What practices help believers maintain awareness of spiritual danger while celebrating God's faithfulness and protection?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 22 words
קִיְּמ֥וּ1 of 22

“To confirm”

H6965

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

אֵת2 of 22
H853

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

יְמֵי֩3 of 22

“these 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

הַפֻּרִ֨ים4 of 22

“of Purim”

H6332

a lot (as by means of a broken piece)

הָאֵ֜לֶּה5 of 22
H428

these or those

בִּזְמַנֵּיהֶ֗ם6 of 22

“in their times”

H2165

an appointed occasion

כַּֽאֲשֶׁר֩7 of 22
H834

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

קִיְּמ֥וּ8 of 22

“To confirm”

H6965

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

עֲלֵיהֶ֜ם9 of 22
H5921

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

מָרְדֳּכַ֤י10 of 22

“appointed according as Mordecai”

H4782

mordecai, an israelite

הַיְּהוּדִי֙11 of 22

“the Jew”

H3064

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

וְאֶסְתֵּ֣ר12 of 22

“and Esther”

H635

ester, the jewish heroine

הַמַּלְכָּ֔ה13 of 22

“the queen”

H4436

a queen

וְכַֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר14 of 22
H834

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

קִיְּמ֥וּ15 of 22

“To confirm”

H6965

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

עַל16 of 22
H5921

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

נַפְשָׁ֖ם17 of 22

“for themselves”

H5315

properly, a breathing creature, i.e., animal of (abstractly) vitality; used very widely in a literal, accommodated or figurative sense (bodily or ment

וְעַל18 of 22
H5921

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

זַרְעָ֑ם19 of 22

“and for their seed”

H2233

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

דִּבְרֵ֥י20 of 22

“the matters”

H1697

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

הַצֹּמ֖וֹת21 of 22

“of the fastings”

H6685

a fast

וְזַֽעֲקָתָֽם׃22 of 22

“and their cry”

H2201

a shriek or outcry

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 9:31 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 9:31 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Esther 4:3Esther 4:16Jonah 3:2-9

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