Esther 4:8
New International Version
He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.

New Living Translation
Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the decree issued in Susa that called for the death of all Jews. He asked Hathach to show it to Esther and explain the situation to her. He also asked Hathach to direct her to go to the king to beg for mercy and plead for her people.

English Standard Version
Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her and command her to go to the king to beg his favor and plead with him on behalf of her people.

Berean Standard Bible
Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people.

King James Bible
Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.

New King James Version
He also gave him a copy of the written decree for their destruction, which was given at Shushan, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her, and that he might command her to go in to the king to make supplication to him and plead before him for her people.

New American Standard Bible
He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict which had been issued in Susa for their annihilation, so that he might show Esther and inform her, and to order her to go in to the king to implore his favor and plead with him for her people.

NASB 1995
He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict which had been issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show Esther and inform her, and to order her to go in to the king to implore his favor and to plead with him for her people.

NASB 1977
He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict which had been issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show Esther and inform her, and to order her to go in to the king to implore his favor and to plead with him for her people.

Legacy Standard Bible
He also gave him a copy of the written law which had been given in Susa for their destruction, in order to show Esther and to tell her and to command her to go in to the king to implore his favor and to seek him out for her people.

Amplified Bible
Mordecai also gave him a copy of the text of the decree which had been issued in Susa for the Jews destruction, so that he might show Esther and explain it to her, and order her to go in to the king to seek his favor and plead with him for [the lives of] her people.

Christian Standard Bible
Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa ordering their destruction, so that Hathach might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and command her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead with him personally for her people.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa ordering their destruction, so that Hathach might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and command her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead with him personally for her people.

American Standard Version
Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him, for her people.

Contemporary English Version
Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the orders for the murder of the Jews and told him that these had been read in Susa. He said, "Show this to Esther and explain what it means. Ask her to go to the king and beg him to have pity on her people, the Jews!"

English Revised Version
Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her; and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him, for her people.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
He also gave him a copy of the decree that was issued in Susa. The decree gave permission to exterminate the Jews. Hathach was supposed to show it to Esther to inform and command her to go to the king, beg him for mercy, and appeal to him for her people.

Good News Translation
He gave Hathach a copy of the proclamation that had been issued in Susa, ordering the destruction of the Jews. Mordecai asked him to take it to Esther, explain the situation to her, and have her go and plead with the king and beg him to have mercy on her people.

International Standard Version
Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the written decree ordering the Jews' destruction that had been issued in Susa. Mordecai wanted him to show it to Esther, to explain it to her, and then to instruct her to go in to the king to seek his favor and plead with him for her people.

Majority Standard Bible
Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people.

NET Bible
He also gave him a written copy of the law that had been disseminated in Susa for their destruction so that he could show it to Esther and talk to her about it. He also gave instructions that she should go to the king to implore him and petition him on behalf of her people.

New Heart English Bible
He also gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to urge her to go in to the king, to make petition to him, and to make request before him, for her people.

Webster's Bible Translation
Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to charge her that she should go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to make request before him for her people.

World English Bible
He also gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Susa to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to urge her to go in to the king to make supplication to him, and to make request before him for her people.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and the copy of the writing of the law that had been given in Shushan to destroy them he has given to him, to show Esther, and to declare [it] to her, and to lay a charge on her to go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to seek from before him, for her people.

Young's Literal Translation
and the copy of the writing of the law that had been given in Shushan to destroy them he hath given to him, to shew Esther, and to declare it to her, and to lay a charge on her to go in unto the king, to make supplication to him, and to seek from before him, for her people.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the copy of the writing of the edict which was given in Shushan to destroy them, he gave to him to cause Esther to see, and to announce to her, and to charge upon her to go in to the king to implore mercy, and to seek from before him for her people.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
He gave him also a copy of the edict which was hanging up in Susan, that he should shew it to the queen, and admonish her to go in to the king, and to en- treat him for her people.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Also, he gave him a copy of the edict that was hanging up in Susa, so that he would show it to the queen and advise her to go in to the king and beg him on behalf of her people.

New American Bible
He also gave him a copy of the written decree for their destruction that had been promulgated in Susa, to show and explain to Esther. Hathach was to instruct her to go to the king and to plead and intercede with him on behalf of her people.

New Revised Standard Version
Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king to make supplication to him and entreat him for her people.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
He also gave him a copy of the writing of the decree that was is sued in Shushan the palace, to show it to Esther, and to charge her to go in to the king to make supplication to him and to make request be fore him for her people.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the copy that was put in Shushan the Palace he gave him to show Esthir and to order her, ”You shall enter to the presence of the King and you shall beg of him and you shall make earnest supplication to him for the people!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her; and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him, for her people.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And he gave him the copy of the writing that was published in Susa concerning their destruction, to shew to Esther; and told him to charge her to go in and intreat the king, and to beg him for the people, remembering, said he, the days of thy low estate, how thou wert nursed by my hand: because Aman who holds the next place to the king has spoken against us for death. Do thou call upon the Lord, and speak to the king concerning us, to deliver us from death.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Mordecai Appeals to Esther
7and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money that Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury in order to destroy the Jews. 8 Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people. 9So Hathach went back and relayed Mordecai’s response to Esther.…

Cross References
Nehemiah 2:3-5
and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” / “What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven / and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.”

Daniel 6:10
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 4:15-16
that a search should be made of the record books of your fathers. In these books you will discover and verify that the city is a rebellious city, harmful to kings and provinces, inciting sedition from ancient times. That is why this city was destroyed. / We advise the king that if this city is rebuilt and its walls are restored, you will have no dominion west of the Euphrates.

1 Samuel 25:24-31
She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant. / My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. / Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has held you back from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, may your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal. ...

Genesis 44:18-34
Then Judah approached Joseph and said, “Sir, please let your servant speak personally to my lord. Do not be angry with your servant, for you are equal to Pharaoh himself. / My lord asked his servants, ‘Do you have a father or a brother?’ / And we answered, ‘We have an elderly father and a younger brother, the child of his old age. The boy’s brother is dead. He is the only one of his mother’s sons left, and his father loves him.’ ...

2 Kings 19:1-4
On hearing this report, King Hezekiah tore his clothes, put on sackcloth, and entered the house of the LORD. / And he sent Eliakim the palace administrator, Shebna the scribe, and the leading priests, all wearing sackcloth, to the prophet Isaiah son of Amoz / to tell him, “This is what Hezekiah says: Today is a day of distress, rebuke, and disgrace; for children have come to the point of birth, but there is no strength to deliver them. ...

Jeremiah 36:7
Perhaps they will bring their petition before the LORD, and each one will turn from his wicked way; for great are the anger and fury that the LORD has pronounced against this people.”

Exodus 32:11-14
But Moses sought the favor of the LORD his God, saying, “O LORD, why does Your anger burn against Your people, whom You brought out of the land of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand? / Why should the Egyptians declare, ‘He brought them out with evil intent, to kill them in the mountains and wipe them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce anger and relent from doing harm to Your people. / Remember Your servants Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, to whom You swore by Your very self when You declared, ‘I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky, and I will give your descendants all this land that I have promised, and it shall be their inheritance forever.’” ...

2 Chronicles 20:3-4
Jehoshaphat was alarmed and set his face to seek the LORD. And he proclaimed a fast throughout Judah. / So the people of Judah gathered to seek the LORD, and indeed, they came from all the cities of Judah to seek Him.

Jonah 3:6-9
When word reached the king of Nineveh, he got up from his throne, took off his royal robe, covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. / Then he issued a proclamation in Nineveh: “By the decree of the king and his nobles: Let no man or beast, herd or flock, taste anything at all. They must not eat or drink. / Furthermore, let both man and beast be covered with sackcloth, and have everyone call out earnestly to God. Let each one turn from his evil ways and from the violence in his hands. ...

Acts 4:19-20
But Peter and John replied, “Judge for yourselves whether it is right in God’s sight to listen to you rather than God. / For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”

Romans 9:1-3
I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit. / I have deep sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. / For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, my own flesh and blood,

Philippians 1:20-21
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have complete boldness so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. / For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.

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.

Hebrews 11:25-26
He chose to suffer oppression with God’s people rather than to experience the fleeting enjoyment of sin. / He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward.


Treasury of Scripture

Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to charge her that she should go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to make request before him for her people.

the copy.

Esther 3:14,15
The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day…

to charge.

Esther 2:20
Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

1 Timothy 6:13,17
I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; …

to make supplication.

Job 9:15
Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge.

Proverbs 16:14,15
The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it…

Ecclesiastes 10:4
If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences.

request.

Esther 7:3,4
Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: …

Esther 8:6
For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?

Nehemiah 2:3-5
And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? …

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Charge Copy Declare Decree Destroy Edict Esther Request Shew Show Shushan Supplication Text Urge Writing
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Charge Copy Declare Decree Destroy Edict Esther Request Shew Show Shushan Supplication Text Urge Writing
Esther 4
1. The great mourning of Mordecai and the Jews.
4. Esther, understanding it, sends to Mordecai,
7. who shows the cause, and advises her to undertake the suit.
10. She, excusing herself, is threatened by Mordecai.
15. She, appointing a fast, undertakes the suit.














Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree
The phrase highlights Mordecai's strategic and proactive approach. The Hebrew root for "copy" (פַּתְשֶׁגֶן, pathegen) suggests an official document, underscoring the gravity of the situation. Mordecai's action reflects his deep concern and responsibility for his people, emphasizing the importance of being informed and prepared in times of crisis. Historically, the Persian Empire was known for its bureaucratic efficiency, and written decrees were a common method of communication, ensuring that the message was clear and authoritative.

issued in Susa for their destruction
"Susa" was one of the principal cities of the Persian Empire, serving as a royal capital. The decree's issuance in such a significant location underscores the widespread and official nature of the threat against the Jews. The word "destruction" (הַשְׁמָדָה, hashmadah) conveys total annihilation, reflecting the severity of Haman's plot. This historical context reminds us of the recurring theme of existential threats faced by the Jewish people throughout history and God's providential care in delivering them.

to show to Esther and explain it to her
Mordecai's intention to "show" and "explain" the decree to Esther indicates the necessity of understanding and awareness. The Hebrew word for "explain" (בָּאַר, ba'ar) implies making something clear or plain. Mordecai recognizes Esther's unique position and influence, emphasizing the importance of using one's God-given position and resources for the greater good. This reflects the biblical principle of stewardship and the call to act justly and courageously.

He told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence
The phrase "instruct her" (צִוָּה, tzivah) carries the weight of a command, highlighting the urgency and necessity of Esther's intervention. Entering "the king’s presence" was a perilous act, as Persian law prohibited approaching the king unsummoned, under penalty of death. This underscores Esther's bravery and the theme of sacrificial leadership. It serves as a reminder of the courage required to stand for righteousness, even at great personal risk.

to beg for mercy and plead before him for her people
The dual actions of "beg for mercy" and "plead" (חָנַן, chanan and בָּקַשׁ, baqash) emphasize the desperation and earnestness of the situation. These terms reflect a posture of humility and supplication, recognizing the king's authority while appealing to his compassion. This highlights the biblical theme of intercession, where individuals stand in the gap for others, seeking divine intervention and favor. It serves as an inspirational call to prayer and advocacy, trusting in God's sovereignty and justice.

Verse 8. - Also he gave him the copy. In the original it is "a copy." Mordecai had had a copy made for the purpose of handing it to Esther. To make request to him for her people. If this was the phrase used by Mordecai to Hatach, Esther's nationality must now have ceased to be a secret, at any rate so far as her immediate attendants were concerned. Probably Mordecai felt that the truth must now be declared. It was only as the compatriots of the queen that he could expect to get the Jews spared.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Mordecai also gave [Hathach]
נִתַּ֨ן (nit·tan)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

a copy
פַּתְשֶׁ֣גֶן (paṯ·še·ḡen)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6572: A transcript

of the written
כְּתָֽב־ (kə·ṯāḇ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3791: Something written, a writing, record, book

decree
הַ֠דָּת (had·dāṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1881: A royal edict, statute

issued
נָ֣תַן (nā·ṯan)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

in Susa
בְּשׁוּשָׁ֤ן (bə·šū·šān)
Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7800: Susa -- residence of person kings

for the destruction [of the Jews],
לְהַשְׁמִידָם֙ (lə·haš·mî·ḏām)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 8045: To be exterminated or destroyed

to show
לְהַרְא֥וֹת (lə·har·’ō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200: To see

and explain
וּלְהַגִּ֣יד (ū·lə·hag·gîḏ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

to
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

Esther,
אֶסְתֵּ֖ר (’es·têr)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 635: Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel

urging her
וּלְצַוּ֣וֹת (ū·lə·ṣaw·wō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

to approach
לָב֨וֹא (lā·ḇō·w)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

the king,
הַמֶּ֧לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

implore his favor,
לְהִֽתְחַנֶּן־ (lə·hiṯ·ḥan·nen-)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct
Strong's 2603: To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore

and plead
וּלְבַקֵּ֥שׁ (ū·lə·ḇaq·qêš)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

before him
מִלְּפָנָ֖יו (mil·lə·p̄ā·nāw)
Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

for
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

her
עָלֶ֗יהָ (‘ā·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

people.
עַמָּֽהּ׃ (‘am·māh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock


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OT History: Esther 4:8 He also gave him the copy (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 4:7
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