Esther 1:15
New International Version
“According to law, what must be done to Queen Vashti?” he asked. “She has not obeyed the command of King Xerxes that the eunuchs have taken to her.”

New Living Translation
“What must be done to Queen Vashti?” the king demanded. “What penalty does the law provide for a queen who refuses to obey the king’s orders, properly sent through his eunuchs?”

English Standard Version
“According to the law, what is to be done to Queen Vashti, because she has not performed the command of King Ahasuerus delivered by the eunuchs?”

Berean Standard Bible
“According to law,” he asked, “what should be done with Queen Vashti, since she refused to obey the command of King Xerxes delivered by the eunuchs?”

King James Bible
What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?

New King James Version
“What shall we do to Queen Vashti, according to law, because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus brought to her by the eunuchs?”

New American Standard Bible
“According to law, what is to be done with Queen Vashti, since she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus delivered by the eunuchs?”

NASB 1995
“According to law, what is to be done with Queen Vashti, because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus delivered by the eunuchs?”

NASB 1977
“According to law, what is to be done with Queen Vashti, because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus delivered by the eunuchs?”

Legacy Standard Bible
“According to law, what is to be done with Queen Vashti, because she did not do the declaration of King Ahasuerus delivered by the hand of the eunuchs?”

Amplified Bible
[He said,] “According to the law, what is to be done with Queen Vashti because she did not obey the command of King Ahasuerus which was conveyed by the eunuchs?”

Christian Standard Bible
The king asked, “According to the law, what should be done with Queen Vashti, since she refused to obey King Ahasuerus’s command that was delivered by the eunuchs? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The king asked, “According to the law, what should be done with Queen Vashti, since she refused to obey King Ahasuerus’s command that was delivered by the eunuchs?”

American Standard Version
What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not done the bidding of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?

Contemporary English Version
The king said to them, "Queen Vashti refused to come to me when I sent my servants for her. What does the law say I should do about that?"

English Revised Version
What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not done the bidding of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
"According to the royal decrees, what must we do with Queen Vashti since she did not obey King Xerxes' command, which the eunuchs delivered?"

Good News Translation
He said to these men, "I, King Xerxes, sent my servants to Queen Vashti with a command, and she refused to obey it! What does the law say that we should do with her?"

International Standard Version
The king inquired, "According to law, what should be done to Queen Vashti because she did not obey the order of King Ahasuerus that was delivered by the eunuchs?"

Majority Standard Bible
?According to law,? he asked, ?what should be done with Queen Vashti, since she refused to obey the command of King Xerxes delivered by the eunuchs??

NET Bible
The king asked, "By law, what should be done to Queen Vashti in light of the fact that she has not obeyed the instructions of King Ahasuerus conveyed through the eunuchs?"

New Heart English Bible
"What shall we do to the queen Vashti according to law, because she has not done the bidding of the King Achshayarsh by the eunuchs?"

Webster's Bible Translation
What shall we do to the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?

World English Bible
“What shall we do to Queen Vashti according to law, because she has not done the bidding of the King Ahasuerus by the eunuchs?”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
“According to law, what should [I] do with Queen Vashti, because that she has not done the saying of King Ahasuerus by the hand of the eunuchs?”

Young's Literal Translation
'According to law, what -- to do with queen Vashti, because that she hath not done the saying of the king Ahasuerus by the hand of the eunuchs?'

Smith's Literal Translation
According to the edict what to do against the queen Vashti, for that she did not the word of the king Ahasuerus by the hand of the eunuchs?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
What sentence ought to pass upon Vasthi the queen, who had refused to obey the commandment of king Assuerus, which he had sent to her by the eunuchs?

Catholic Public Domain Version
as to what sentence should fall upon Vashti the queen, who had refused to do the commandment of king Artaxerxes, which he had delivered to her by the eunuchs.

New American Bible
and asked them, “What is to be done by law with Queen Vashti for disobeying the order of King Ahasuerus issued through the eunuchs?”

New Revised Standard Version
“According to the law, what is to be done to Queen Vashti because she has not performed the command of King Ahasuerus conveyed by the eunuchs?”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And he said, What shall we do to Queen Vashti, according to law, because she has not performed the command of King Akhshirash by the eunuchs?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
They said, “What ought to be done to Queen Vashti, because she has not done the word of King Akhashiresh who sent by the hand of the Eunuchs?”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, forasmuch as she hath not done the bidding of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
and reported to him according to the laws how it was proper to do to queen Astin, because she had not done the things commanded of the king by the chamberlains.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Queen Vashti Deposed
14His closest advisors were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media who had personal access to the king and ranked highest in the kingdom. 15“According to law,” he asked, “what should be done with Queen Vashti, since she refused to obey the command of King Xerxes delivered by the eunuchs?” 16And in the presence of the king and his princes, Memucan replied, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king, but all the princes and the peoples in all the provinces of King Xerxes.…

Cross References
Daniel 6:8-15
Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” / Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. / Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before. ...

Ezra 7:26
If anyone does not keep the law of your God and the law of the king, let a strict judgment be executed against him, whether death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment.

Romans 13:1-2
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.

1 Peter 2:13-14
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.

Proverbs 31:4-5
It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for rulers to crave strong drink, / lest they drink and forget what is decreed, depriving all the oppressed of justice.

Ecclesiastes 8:2-4
Keep the king’s command, I say, because of your oath before God. / Do not hasten to leave his presence, and do not persist in a bad cause, for he will do whatever he pleases. / For the king’s word is supreme, and who can say to him, “What are you doing?”

Matthew 22:21
“Caesar’s,” they answered. So Jesus told them, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s.”

Acts 5:29
But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men.

1 Timothy 2:1-2
First of all, then, I urge that petitions, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be offered for everyone— / for kings and all those in authority—so that we may lead tranquil and quiet lives in all godliness and dignity.

1 Samuel 15:22-23
But Samuel declared: “Does the LORD delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obedience to His voice? Behold, obedience is better than sacrifice, and attentiveness is better than the fat of rams. / For rebellion is like the sin of divination, and arrogance is like the wickedness of idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the LORD, He has rejected you as king.”

Deuteronomy 17:12
But the man who acts presumptuously, refusing to listen either to the priest who stands there to serve the LORD your God, or to the judge, must be put to death. You must purge the evil from Israel.

Titus 3:1
Remind the believers to submit to rulers and authorities, to be obedient and ready for every good work,

Colossians 3:18
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

Ephesians 5:22-24
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. / For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. / Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

1 Corinthians 14:34-35
Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. / If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in the church.


Treasury of Scripture

What shall we do to the queen Vashti according to law, because she has not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?

What shall we do.

Esther 6:6
So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?

Jump to Previous
Ahasuerus Ahasu-E'rus Bidding Chamberlains Command Commandment Conveyed Delivered Eunuchs Forasmuch Hand Law Obey Obeyed Orders Performed Queen Servants Vashti Xerxes
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Ahasuerus Ahasu-E'rus Bidding Chamberlains Command Commandment Conveyed Delivered Eunuchs Forasmuch Hand Law Obey Obeyed Orders Performed Queen Servants Vashti Xerxes
Esther 1
1. Xerxes makes royal feasts.
10. Vashti, sent for, refuses to come.
13. Xerxes, by the counsel of Memucan, puts away Vashti, and decrees men's sovereignty.














According to law,
In the Persian Empire, the law was considered unchangeable and was often used to maintain order and authority. The king's decrees were binding, and any disobedience was seen as a challenge to his rule. This reflects the broader biblical theme of the importance of law and order, as seen in Romans 13:1-2, where believers are instructed to submit to governing authorities.

he asked,
King Xerxes, also known as Ahasuerus, sought counsel from his advisors, demonstrating the practice of consulting wise men or counselors, a common practice in ancient monarchies. This mirrors the biblical principle of seeking wisdom from others, as seen in Proverbs 11:14, which states that there is safety in a multitude of counselors.

what should be done with Queen Vashti,
Queen Vashti's refusal to appear before the king was unprecedented and posed a significant challenge to royal authority. Her actions could set a precedent for other women in the empire, potentially leading to widespread disobedience. This situation highlights the cultural expectations of women in ancient Persia, where they were expected to be obedient and subservient to their husbands.

since she refused to obey the command of King Xerxes
Vashti's refusal is a pivotal moment in the narrative, setting the stage for Esther's rise. It underscores the theme of divine providence, as God uses human actions, even those of disobedience, to fulfill His purposes. This can be compared to Joseph's story in Genesis 50:20, where God uses what was meant for evil for good.

delivered by the eunuchs?
Eunuchs were trusted servants in the royal court, often tasked with carrying out sensitive duties. Their involvement in delivering the king's command underscores the hierarchical structure of the Persian court. This reflects the broader biblical theme of servanthood and the role of intermediaries, as seen in the role of angels as messengers of God in Hebrews 1:14.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Xerxes (Ahasuerus)
The Persian king who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. He is known for his opulent lifestyle and the grand feast he hosted, which sets the stage for the events in Esther.

2. Queen Vashti
The queen who defied King Xerxes' command to appear before him and his guests, leading to a pivotal moment in the account of Esther.

3. The Eunuchs
Servants of the king who were tasked with delivering his command to Queen Vashti. Their role highlights the communication and hierarchy within the Persian court.

4. The Law of the Persians and Medes
The legal system that governed the empire, known for its unchangeable decrees. This context is crucial for understanding the gravity of Vashti's defiance.

5. The Royal Court
The setting where the king and his advisors deliberate on the consequences of Vashti's actions, reflecting the political and social dynamics of the time.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Obedience and Authority
The account highlights the significance of obedience to authority, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. It challenges us to consider our own responses to authority figures in our lives.

The Role of Law and Justice
The Persian legal system's rigidity serves as a reminder of the need for justice tempered with mercy, a balance that is perfectly embodied in God's character.

Courage and Consequences
Vashti's actions, whether seen as courageous or rebellious, remind us that our choices have consequences. We are called to weigh our decisions carefully, considering both earthly and divine laws.

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Even in a pagan empire, God's hand is at work, setting the stage for Esther's rise. This encourages us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when circumstances seem unfavorable.Verse 15. - What shall we do to queen Vashti according to law? Literally, "According to law, what is there to do to queen Vashti?" Law is given the prominent place, as though the king would say, Let us put aside feeling, and simply consider what the law is. If a queen disobeys the king openly in the face of his court, what, according to law, is to be done to her?

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“According to law,”
כְּדָת֙ (kə·ḏāṯ)
Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1881: A royal edict, statute

he asked, “what
מַֽה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

should be done
לַּעֲשׂ֔וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

with Queen
בַּמַּלְכָּ֖ה (bam·mal·kāh)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4436: Queen -- a queen

Vashti,
וַשְׁתִּ֑י (waš·tî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2060: Vashti -- queen of Pers

since
עַ֣ל ׀ (‘al)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

she refused to obey
לֹֽא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

the command
מַאֲמַר֙ (ma·’ă·mar)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3982: Something, said, an edict

of King
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Xerxes
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ (’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 325: Ahasuerus -- king of Persia

delivered by
בְּיַ֖ד (bə·yaḏ)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027: A hand

the eunuchs?”
הַסָּרִיסִֽים׃ (has·sā·rî·sîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5631: A eunuch, valet, a minister of state


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OT History: Esther 1:15 What shall we do to the queen (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 1:14
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