Esther 5:14
New International Version
His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a pole set up, reaching to a height of fifty cubits, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai impaled on it. Then go with the king to the banquet and enjoy yourself.” This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the pole set up.

New Living Translation
So Haman’s wife, Zeresh, and all his friends suggested, “Set up a sharpened pole that stands seventy-five feet tall, and in the morning ask the king to impale Mordecai on it. When this is done, you can go on your merry way to the banquet with the king.” This pleased Haman, and he ordered the pole set up.

English Standard Version
Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows fifty cubits high be made, and in the morning tell the king to have Mordecai hanged upon it. Then go joyfully with the king to the feast.” This idea pleased Haman, and he had the gallows made.

Berean Standard Bible
His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed.

King James Bible
Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

New King James Version
Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows be made, fifty cubits high, and in the morning suggest to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it; then go merrily with the king to the banquet.” And the thing pleased Haman; so he had the gallows made.

New American Standard Bible
Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, “Have a wooden gallows fifty cubits high made, and in the morning ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it; then go joyfully with the king to the banquet.” And the advice pleased Haman, so he had the wooden gallows made.

NASB 1995
Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, “Have a gallows fifty cubits high made and in the morning ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it; then go joyfully with the king to the banquet.” And the advice pleased Haman, so he had the gallows made.

NASB 1977
Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, “Have a gallows fifty cubits high made and in the morning ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it, then go joyfully with the king to the banquet.” And the advice pleased Haman, so he had the gallows made.

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, “Have a gallows fifty cubits high made and in the morning say to the king that Mordecai should be hanged on it; then go gladly with the king to the feast.” And the word was good to Haman, so he had the gallows made.

Amplified Bible
Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a gallows fifty cubits high made, and in the morning ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it; then go joyfully to the banquet with the king.” And the advice pleased Haman, so he had the gallows made.

Christian Standard Bible
His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows seventy-five feet tall. Ask the king in the morning to hang Mordecai on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, so he had the gallows constructed.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows 75 feet high. Ask the king in the morning to hang Mordecai on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, so he had the gallows constructed.

American Standard Version
Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

Contemporary English Version
Haman's wife and friends said to him, "Have a gallows built about 22 meters high, and tomorrow morning ask the king to hang Mordecai there. Then later, you can have dinner with the king and enjoy yourself." This seemed like a good idea to Haman, and he had the gallows built.

English Revised Version
Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, "Have a pole set up, 75 feet high, and in the morning ask the king to have Mordecai's [dead body] hung on it. Then go with the king to the dinner in good spirits." Haman liked the idea, so he had the pole set up.

Good News Translation
So his wife and all his friends suggested, "Why don't you have a gallows built, seventy-five feet tall? Tomorrow morning you can ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on it, and then you can go to the banquet happy." Haman thought this was a good idea, so he had the gallows built.

International Standard Version
Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said, "Have a pole made 50 cubits high, and then in the morning speak to the king and have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go with the king to the banquet happy." This advice pleased Haman, and he had the pole made.

Majority Standard Bible
His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, ?Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.? The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed.

NET Bible
Haman's wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, "Have a gallows seventy-five feet high built, and in the morning tell the king that Mordecai should be hanged on it. Then go with the king to the banquet contented." It seemed like a good idea to Haman, so he had the gallows built.

New Heart English Bible
Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, "Let a gallows be made seventy-three feet eight inches high, and in the morning speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on it. Then go in merrily with the king to the banquet." This pleased Haman, so he had the gallows made.

Webster's Bible Translation
Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends to him, Let a gallows be made fifty cubits high, and to-morrow speak thou to the king that Mordecai may be hanged upon it: then go thou in merrily with the king to the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

World English Bible
Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows be made fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on it. Then go in merrily with the king to the banquet.” This pleased Haman, so he had the gallows made.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And his wife Zeresh says to him, and all his friends, “Let them prepare a tree, in height fifty cubits, and in the morning speak to the king, and they hang Mordecai on it, and go in with the king to the banquet rejoicing”; and the thing is good before Haman, and he prepares the tree.

Young's Literal Translation
And Zeresh his wife saith to him, and all his friends, 'Let them prepare a tree, in height fifty cubits, and in the morning speak to the king, and they hang Mordecai on it, and go thou in with the king unto the banquet rejoicing;' and the thing is good before Haman, and he prepareth the tree.

Smith's Literal Translation
And Zeresh his wife will say to him, and all his friends, Make ye a tree high fifty cubits, and in the morning say thou to the king, and they shall hang Mordecai upon it: and go thou in with the king to the drinking, being glad. And the word will be good before Haman; and he will make the tree.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Then Zares his wife, and the rest of his friends answered him: Order a great beam to be prepared, fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak to the king, that Mardochai may be hanged upon it, and so thou shalt go full of joy with the king to the banquet. The counsel pleased him, and he commanded a high gibbet to be prepared.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Zeresh his wife and his other friends answered him, “Order a great beam to be prepared, having a height of fifty cubits, and in the morning speak to the king, so that Mordecai may be hanged from it, and so you will go joyfully with the king to the feast.” This advice pleased him, and so he ordered a high cross to be prepared.

New American Bible
His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Have a stake set up, fifty cubits in height, and in the morning ask the king to have Mordecai impaled on it. Then go to the banquet with the king in good spirits.” This suggestion pleased Haman, and he had the stake erected.

New Revised Standard Version
Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows fifty cubits high be made, and in the morning tell the king to have Mordecai hanged on it; then go with the king to the banquet in good spirits.” This advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows made.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends to him, Let a gallows be made fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak to the king that Mordecai may be hanged upon it; then go in merrily with the king to the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman exceedingly; and he had the gallows made.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Zaresh his wife said to him and all his friends: “Let them make a cross whose height is fifty cubits, and at dawn speak to the King, and they shall hang Murdacai upon it, and enter the banquet with the King as you are rejoicing!” And the matter was very pleasing in his eyes of Haman, and he made the cross.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him: 'Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and in the morning speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon; then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet.' And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Zosara his wife and his friends said to him, Let there be a gallows made for thee of fifty cubits, and in the morning do thou speak to the king, and let Mardochaeus be hanged on the gallows: but do thou go in to the feast with the king, and be merry. And the saying pleased Aman, and the gallows was prepared.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Haman's Plot Against Mordecai
13Yet none of this satisfies me as long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.” 14His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed.

Cross References
Esther 7:9-10
Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king. / So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.

Proverbs 26:27
He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

Psalm 7:15-16
He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. / His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head.

Daniel 6:24
At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return.

Matthew 7:2
For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Psalm 9:15-16
The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. / The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah

Proverbs 11:5-6
The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. / The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the faithless are trapped by their own desires.

Job 18:7-10
His vigorous stride is shortened, and his own schemes trip him up. / For his own feet lead him into a net, and he wanders into its mesh. / A trap seizes his heel; a snare grips him. ...

Ecclesiastes 10:8
He who digs a pit may fall into it, and he who breaches a wall may be bitten by a snake.

Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Romans 2:1
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on another. For on whatever grounds you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.

1 Samuel 25:23-31
When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him. / 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. ...

1 Peter 3:9
Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.

2 Samuel 17:23
When Ahithophel saw that his advice had not been followed, he saddled his donkey and set out for his house in his hometown. He put his affairs in order and hanged himself. So he died and was buried in his father’s tomb.


Treasury of Scripture

Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends to him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak you to the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go you in merrily with the king to the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

said Zeresh.

2 Samuel 13:3-5
But Amnon had a friend, whose name was Jonadab, the son of Shimeah David's brother: and Jonadab was a very subtil man…

1 Kings 21:7,25
And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite…

2 Chronicles 22:3,4
He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab: for his mother was his counseller to do wickedly…

Let a gallows.

Esther 7:9
And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.

speak thou.

Esther 3:8-15
And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them…

Esther 6:4
And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

go thou in.

Esther 3:15
The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

1 Kings 21:7
And Jezebel his wife said unto him, Dost thou now govern the kingdom of Israel? arise, and eat bread, and let thine heart be merry: I will give thee the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.

Amos 6:4-6
That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall; …

the thing.

2 Samuel 16:21-23
And Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Go in unto thy father's concubines, which he hath left to keep the house; and all Israel shall hear that thou art abhorred of thy father: then shall the hands of all that are with thee be strong…

2 Samuel 17:1-4
Moreover Ahithophel said unto Absalom, Let me now choose out twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night: …

Mark 14:10,11
And Judas Iscariot, one of the twelve, went unto the chief priests, to betray him unto them…

he caused.

Esther 7:10
So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then was the king's wrath pacified.

Psalm 7:13-16
He hath also prepared for him the instruments of death; he ordaineth his arrows against the persecutors…

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Banquet Cubits Fifty Friends Gallows Haman Hanged Hanging High Mordecai Morning Morrow Pleased Speak Thereon To-Morrow Wife Zeresh
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Banquet Cubits Fifty Friends Gallows Haman Hanged Hanging High Mordecai Morning Morrow Pleased Speak Thereon To-Morrow Wife Zeresh
Esther 5
1. Esther, adventuring on the king's favor, obtains the grace of the golden sceptre,
4. and invites the king and Haman to a banquet.
6. She, being encouraged by the king in her suit, invites them to another banquet.
9. Haman, proud of his advancement, repines at the contempt of Mordecai.
14. By the counsel of Zeresh he prepares for him a gallows.














His wife Zeresh and all his friends
This phrase introduces the influential figures in Haman's life, particularly his wife Zeresh and his friends. In the ancient Persian context, family and close associates played a significant role in decision-making. Zeresh, whose name may mean "gold" or "splendor," symbolizes the worldly wisdom and counsel that often leads individuals astray from godly principles. The collective advice of his friends and wife reflects a consensus that is not rooted in righteousness but in personal vendetta and pride.

told him
The act of telling or advising here is crucial. In Hebrew, the word used for "told" can imply a directive or command, indicating the strong influence these individuals had over Haman. This highlights the danger of surrounding oneself with counselors who do not fear God, as their advice can lead to destructive paths.

Have them build a gallows seventy-five feet high
The suggestion to build a gallows of such an extraordinary height (literally "fifty cubits") is significant. In the ancient world, the height of the gallows was not just for the act of execution but also for public humiliation and a display of power. The number fifty in biblical numerology often symbolizes fullness or completion, which in this context, tragically underscores the completeness of Haman's pride and malice. The gallows' height also serves as a metaphor for Haman's inflated ego and the extent of his hatred for Mordecai.

in the morning ask the king
This phrase indicates the urgency and premeditated nature of Haman's plan. The morning, often seen as a time of new beginnings, is here twisted into a time for plotting death. The suggestion to approach the king first thing in the morning shows Haman's confidence in his influence over the king and his belief in the righteousness of his cause, despite its wickedness.

to have Mordecai hanged on it
The specific targeting of Mordecai reveals the personal vendetta Haman harbors. Mordecai, a Jew who refused to bow to Haman, represents the righteous who stand firm in their faith. The act of hanging, in ancient Near Eastern cultures, was not only a method of execution but also a means of public disgrace. This reflects Haman's desire not just to kill Mordecai but to utterly humiliate him.

Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself
This phrase highlights the callousness and moral blindness of Haman and his advisors. The juxtaposition of planning a murder and then attending a banquet underscores the depth of Haman's depravity. It reflects a heart hardened to sin, where the pursuit of pleasure and status blinds one to the gravity of their actions.

This suggestion pleased Haman
The pleasure Haman derives from this suggestion reveals his character. In Hebrew, the word for "pleased" can also mean "good" or "right," indicating that Haman saw this plan as not only satisfying but justified. This self-deception is a common theme in Scripture, where individuals convince themselves of the righteousness of their sinful actions.

and he had the gallows constructed
The immediate action taken by Haman to construct the gallows demonstrates his resolve and the depth of his hatred. It also foreshadows the biblical principle that those who set traps for others often fall into them themselves (Proverbs 26:27). The construction of the gallows becomes a pivotal moment in the narrative, setting the stage for the dramatic reversal that God orchestrates in the account of Esther.

(14) Gallows.--Literally, tree; the Hebrew word, as well as the corresponding Greek word used by the LXX., standing both for the living tree and the artificial structure. Doubtless the punishment intended for Mordecai was crucifixion, for hanging, in the common sense of the term, does not seem to have been in use among the Persians. The same Hebrew word occurring above (Esther 2:23) is rendered tree. The Greek word employed is the same as that used in the New Testament for our Saviour's cross (Acts 5:30; Acts 10:39, &c). The Latin Vulgate here actually renders the word on its last occurrence by crucem.

Fifty cubits high.--That is, about seventy-five feet; the great height being to call as much attention as possible to the execution, that thereby Haman's glory might be proportionately increased.

Verse 14. - Let a gallows be made. Rather, "a pale" or "cross." The Persians did not hang men, as we do, but ordinarily executed them by impalement (see the comment on Esther 2:23). Fifty cubits high. This is a very improbable height, and we may suspect a corruption of the number. It occurs, however, again in Esther 7:9. Speak thou unto the king. Haman's wife and friends assume that so trifling a matter as the immediate execution of one Jew will be of course allowed at the request of the chief minister, who has already obtained an edict for the early destruction of the entire people. It certainly would seem to be highly probable that Xerxes would have granted Haman's petition but for the accident of his sleeplessness, as narrated in the next chapter.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
His wife
אִשְׁתּ֜וֹ (’iš·tōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

Zeresh
זֶ֨רֶשׁ (ze·reš)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2238: Zeresh -- wife of Haman

and all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

his friends
אֹֽהֲבָ֗יו (’ō·hă·ḇāw)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f

told
וַתֹּ֣אמֶר (wat·tō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

him,
לוֹ֩ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

“Have them build
יַֽעֲשׂוּ־ (ya·‘ă·śū-)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 6213: To do, make

a gallows
עֵץ֮ (‘êṣ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

fifty
חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים (ḥă·miš·šîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 2572: Fifty

cubits
אַמָּה֒ (’am·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520: A mother, a cubit, a door-base

high,
גָּבֹ֣הַּ (gā·ḇō·ah)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1364: Elevated, powerful, arrogant

and ask
אֱמֹ֣ר (’ĕ·mōr)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

the king
לַמֶּ֗לֶךְ (lam·me·leḵ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

in the morning
וּבַבֹּ֣קֶר ׀ (ū·ḇab·bō·qer)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1242: Dawn, morning

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

hanged
וְיִתְל֤וּ (wə·yiṯ·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 8518: To suspend

on it.
עָלָ֔יו (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

Then go
וּבֹֽא־ (ū·ḇō-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to
אֶל‪‬‪‬ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the banquet
הַמִּשְׁתֶּ֖ה (ham·miš·teh)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4960: Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast

with
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

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

and enjoy yourself.?
שָׂמֵ֑חַ (śā·mê·aḥ)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 8056: Glad, joyful, merry

The advice
הַדָּבָ֛ר (had·dā·ḇār)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

pleased
וַיִּיטַ֧ב (way·yî·ṭaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing

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

and he had the gallows
הָעֵֽץ׃ (hā·‘êṣ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

constructed.
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make


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OT History: Esther 5:14 Then Zeresh his wife and all his (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 5:13
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