Esther 3:5
New International Version
When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged.

New Living Translation
When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage.

English Standard Version
And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or pay homage to him, Haman was filled with fury.

Berean Standard Bible
When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage.

King James Bible
And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.

New King James Version
When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath.

New American Standard Bible
When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage to him, Haman was filled with rage.

NASB 1995
When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage to him, Haman was filled with rage.

NASB 1977
When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage to him, Haman was filled with rage.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Haman saw that Mordecai was not bowing down or prostrating himself before him. So Haman was filled with wrath.

Amplified Bible
When Haman saw that Mordecai neither bowed down nor paid homage to him, he was furious.

Christian Standard Bible
When Haman saw that Mordecai was not bowing down or paying him homage, he was filled with rage.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
When Haman saw that Mordecai was not bowing down or paying him homage, he was filled with rage.

American Standard Version
And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.

Contemporary English Version
Haman was furious to learn that Mordecai refused to kneel down and honor him.

English Revised Version
And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When Haman saw that Mordecai did not kneel and bow to him, Haman was infuriated.

Good News Translation
Haman was furious when he realized that Mordecai was not going to kneel and bow to him,

International Standard Version
When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel and bow down to him, he flew into a rage.

Majority Standard Bible
When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage.

NET Bible
When Haman saw that Mordecai was not bowing or paying homage to him, he was filled with rage.

New Heart English Bible
When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down, nor pay him homage, Haman was full of wrath.

Webster's Bible Translation
And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.

World English Bible
When Haman saw that Mordecai didn’t bow down nor pay him homage, Haman was full of wrath.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Haman sees that Mordecai is not bowing and doing homage to him, and Haman is full of fury,

Young's Literal Translation
And Haman seeth that Mordecai is not bowing and doing obeisance to him, and Haman is full of fury,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Haman will see that Mordecai bowed not, and not worshiping to him, and Haman will be filled with wrath.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Now when Aman had heard this, and had proved by experience that Mardochai did not bend his knee to him, nor worship him, he was exceeding angry.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Now when Haman had heard this, and had proved by a test that Mordecai did not bend his knee to him, nor adore him, he was very angry.

New American Bible
When Haman observed that Mordecai would not kneel and bow down to him, he was filled with anger.

New Revised Standard Version
When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down or do obeisance to him, Haman was infuriated.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow down nor do him obeisance, then Haman was full of wrath against Mordecai.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Haman saw that Murdacai was not kneeling and worshiping him, and Haman was filled with anger against Murdacai.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not down, nor prostrated himself before him, then was Haman full of wrath.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And when Aman understood that Mardochaeus did not obeisance to him, he was greatly enraged,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Haman Plots Against the Jews
4Day after day they warned him, but he would not comply. So they reported it to Haman to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew. 5When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage. 6And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the notion of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes.…

Cross References
Daniel 3:19
At this, Nebuchadnezzar was filled with rage, and the expression on his face changed toward Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. He gave orders to heat the furnace seven times hotter than usual,

Genesis 4:5-8
but He had no regard for Cain and his offering. So Cain became very angry, and his countenance fell. / “Why are you angry,” said the LORD to Cain, “and why has your countenance fallen? / If you do what is right, will you not be accepted? But if you refuse to do what is right, sin is crouching at your door; it desires you, but you must master it.” ...

1 Samuel 18:8-9
And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” / And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David.

Proverbs 6:34
For jealousy enrages a husband, and he will show no mercy in the day of vengeance.

Proverbs 27:4
Wrath is cruel and anger is like a flood, but who can withstand jealousy?

Matthew 2:16
When Herod saw that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was filled with rage. Sending orders, he put to death all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, according to the time he had learned from the Magi.

Acts 7:9
Because the patriarchs were jealous of Joseph, they sold him as a slave into Egypt. But God was with him

Acts 13:45
But when the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy, and they blasphemously contradicted what Paul was saying.

Acts 17:5
The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people.

James 3:14-16
But if you harbor bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast in it or deny the truth. / Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. / For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.

James 4:5
Or do you think the Scripture says without reason that the Spirit He caused to dwell in us yearns with envy?

1 John 3:12
Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did Cain slay him? Because his own deeds were evil, while those of his brother were righteous.

Genesis 37:4-5
When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father loved him more than any of them, they hated him and could not speak a kind word to him. / Then Joseph had a dream, and when he told it to his brothers, they hated him even more.

1 Kings 21:4
So Ahab went to his palace, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had told him, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and refused to eat.

Nehemiah 4:1
Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews


Treasury of Scripture

And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.

that Mordecai.

Esther 3:2
And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence.

Esther 5:9
Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.

full of wrath.

Esther 1:12
But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.

Genesis 4:5,6
But unto Cain and to his offering he had not respect. And Cain was very wroth, and his countenance fell…

Job 5:2
For wrath killeth the foolish man, and envy slayeth the silly one.

Jump to Previous
Bow Bowed Bowing Enraged Filled Full Fury Haman Homage Honor Kneel Mordecai Mor'decai Obeisance Paid Pay Prostrated Rage Reverence Wrath
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Bow Bowed Bowing Enraged Filled Full Fury Haman Homage Honor Kneel Mordecai Mor'decai Obeisance Paid Pay Prostrated Rage Reverence Wrath
Esther 3
1. Haman, advanced by the king, and despised by Mordecai, seeks revenge upon the Jews.
7. He casts lots.
8. He obtains by false accusations a decree of the king to put the Jews to death.














When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage
Haman, an Agagite, held a high position in the Persian Empire under King Xerxes. The Agagites were descendants of Agag, king of the Amalekites, traditional enemies of Israel (1 Samuel 15). Mordecai, a Jew, refused to bow to Haman, which can be seen as an act of defiance rooted in Jewish law and tradition that forbids idolatry and the worship of anyone other than God (Exodus 20:3-5). This refusal highlights the tension between the Jewish people and their oppressors, a recurring theme in the Old Testament. Mordecai's actions can be compared to those of Daniel, who also refused to bow to foreign powers (Daniel 3:12).

he was filled with rage
Haman's reaction is one of intense anger, which is significant in the context of the Persian court, where honor and respect were paramount. His rage can be seen as a reflection of his pride and desire for power, traits that are often condemned in Scripture (Proverbs 16:18). This anger sets the stage for Haman's plot against the Jews, echoing the enmity between the descendants of Esau (Amalekites) and Jacob (Israelites). Haman's wrath is reminiscent of other biblical figures who sought to destroy God's people, such as Pharaoh in Exodus. This narrative foreshadows the ultimate deliverance of the Jews, pointing to God's sovereignty and protection over His chosen people, a theme that culminates in the New Testament with the salvation offered through Jesus Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Haman
A high-ranking official in the Persian Empire, appointed by King Xerxes. He is an Agagite, which may indicate a historical enmity with the Jewish people.

2. Mordecai
A Jew living in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire. He is Esther's cousin and guardian, and he refuses to bow to Haman, which is a pivotal act of defiance.

3. Susa
The capital city of the Persian Empire, where the events of the Book of Esther take place. It is a center of political power and intrigue.

4. King Xerxes (Ahasuerus)
The Persian king during this time, who has elevated Haman to a position of authority.

5. The Persian Empire
The ruling empire during the time of Esther, known for its vastness and diversity of peoples and cultures.
Teaching Points
Faithfulness to God Over Man
Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman is a powerful example of prioritizing obedience to God over compliance with human authority when the two are in conflict.

Courage in the Face of Persecution
Mordecai's actions remind believers of the importance of standing firm in their convictions, even when facing potential persecution or backlash.

The Consequences of Pride and Anger
Haman's rage at Mordecai's refusal to bow highlights the destructive nature of pride and anger, which can lead to irrational and harmful decisions.

Historical Enmity and Spiritual Warfare
The tension between Haman and Mordecai can be seen as a reflection of the ongoing spiritual battle between God's people and their adversaries.

God's Sovereignty in Adversity
The unfolding events in Esther demonstrate God's providence and sovereignty, even when His presence is not overtly mentioned.Verse 5. - When Haman saw. Apparently Mordecai's disrespect had not been observed by Haman until the "king's servants" called his attention to it. Then, naturally enough, he was greatly offended, and felt exceedingly angry at what seemed to him a gross impertinence. Mordecai's excuse did not pacify him - perhaps seemed to him to make the matter worse, since, if allowed, it would justify all the Jews in the empire in withholding from him the respect that he considered his due.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
When Haman
הָמָ֔ן (hā·mān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2001: Haman -- to rage, be turbulent

saw
וַיַּ֣רְא (way·yar)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

that
כִּי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

Mordecai
מָרְדֳּכַ֔י (mā·rə·do·ḵay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4782: Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther

would not
אֵ֣ין (’ên)
Adverb
Strong's 369: A non-entity, a negative particle

bow down
כֹּרֵ֥עַ (kō·rê·a‘)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3766: To bend the knee, to sink, to prostrate

or pay him homage,
וּמִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה (ū·miš·ta·ḥă·weh)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 7812: To depress, prostrate

he
הָמָ֖ן (hā·mān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2001: Haman -- to rage, be turbulent

was filled
וַיִּמָּלֵ֥א (way·yim·mā·lê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 4390: To fill, be full of

with rage.
חֵמָֽה׃ (ḥê·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 2534: Heat, anger, poison


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OT History: Esther 3:5 When Haman saw that Mordecai didn't bow (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 3:4
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