Esther 5:4
New International Version
“If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.”

New Living Translation
And Esther replied, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a banquet I have prepared for the king.”

English Standard Version
And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.”

Berean Standard Bible
“If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.”

King James Bible
And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

New King James Version
So Esther answered, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”

New American Standard Bible
Esther said, “If it pleases the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”

NASB 1995
Esther said, “If it pleases the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”

NASB 1977
And Esther said, “If it please the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And Esther said, “If it seems good to the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the feast that I have prepared for him.”

Amplified Bible
Esther said, “If it pleases the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”

Christian Standard Bible
“If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for them.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for them.”

American Standard Version
And Esther said, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

Contemporary English Version
Esther answered, "Your Majesty, please come with Haman to a dinner I will prepare for you later today."

English Revised Version
And Esther said, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Esther answered, "If it pleases you, Your Majesty, come today with Haman to a dinner I have prepared for you."

Good News Translation
Esther replied, "If it please Your Majesty, I would like you and Haman to be my guests tonight at a banquet I am preparing for you."

International Standard Version
Esther replied, "If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet I've prepared for him."

Majority Standard Bible
?If it pleases the king,? Esther replied, ?may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.?

NET Bible
Esther replied, "If the king is so inclined, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him."

New Heart English Bible
Esther said, "If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Esther answered, If it shall seem good to the king, let the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.

World English Bible
Esther said, “If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Esther says, “If to the king [it be] good, the king comes in, and Haman, today, to the banquet that I have made for him”;

Young's Literal Translation
And Esther saith, 'If unto the king it be good, the king doth come in, and Haman, to-day, unto the banquet that I have made for him;'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Esther will say, If good to the king, will the king come, and Haman, this day, to the drinking which I made for him?
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But she answered: If it please the king. I beseech thee to come to me this day, and Aman with thee to the banquet which I have prepared.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But she responded, “If it pleases the king, I beg you to come with me today, and Haman with you, to the feast that I have prepared.”

New American Bible
Esther replied, “If it please your majesty, come today with Haman to a banquet I have prepared.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then Esther said, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to a banquet that I have prepared for the king.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Esther answered, If it please the king, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I have pre pared for him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Esthir said: “If it is good unto the King, let the King and Haman come to the banquet that I have made for him.”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Esther said: 'If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Esther said, To-day is my great day: if then it seem good to the king, let both him and Aman come to the feast which I will prepare this day.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Esther Goes Before the King
3“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.” 4“If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.” 5“Hurry,” commanded the king, “and bring Haman, so we can do as Esther has requested.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.…

Cross References
Esther 7:1-2
So the king and Haman went to dine with Esther the queen, / and as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.”

Esther 1:3-5
In the third year of his reign, Xerxes held a feast for all his officials and servants. The military leaders of Persia and Media were there, along with the nobles and princes of the provinces. / And for a full 180 days he displayed the glorious riches of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness. / At the end of this time, in the garden court of the royal palace, the king held a seven-day feast for all the people in the citadel of Susa, from the least to the greatest.

Esther 2:18
Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and servants. He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty.

Esther 3:15
The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion.

Esther 6:14
While they were still speaking with Haman, the king’s eunuchs arrived and rushed him to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Esther 7:7-8
In his fury, the king arose from drinking his wine and went to the palace garden, while Haman stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life, for he realized that the king was planning a terrible fate for him. / Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Would he actually assault the queen while I am in the palace?” As soon as the words had left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.

Esther 8:17
In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.

Esther 9:17-18
This was done on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth day they rested, making it a day of feasting and joy. / The Jews in Susa, however, had assembled on the thirteenth and the fourteenth days of the month. So they rested on the fifteenth day, making it a day of feasting and joy.

Genesis 40:20
On the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, he held a feast for all his officials, and in their presence he lifted up the heads of the chief cupbearer and the chief baker.

1 Kings 3:15
Then Solomon awoke, and indeed it had been a dream. So he returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he held a feast for all his servants.

1 Kings 10:5
the food at his table, the seating of his servants, the service and attire of his attendants, his cupbearers, and the burnt offerings he presented at the house of the LORD, it took her breath away.

2 Kings 6:23
So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again.

Daniel 5:1
Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them.

Matthew 22:2-4
“The kingdom of heaven is like a king who prepared a wedding banquet for his son. / He sent his servants to call those he had invited to the banquet, but they refused to come. / Again, he sent other servants and said, ‘Tell those who have been invited that I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and fattened cattle have been killed, and everything is ready. Come to the wedding banquet.’

Matthew 25:1-10
“At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And Esther answered, If it seem good to the king, let the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.

If it seem.

Esther 5:8
If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.

Proverbs 29:11
A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.

the banquet.

Esther 5:8
If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.

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.

Genesis 27:25
And he said, Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son's venison, that my soul may bless thee. And he brought it near to him, and he did eat: and he brought him wine, and he drank.

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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.














If it pleases the king,
Esther approaches the king with humility and respect, a common practice in ancient royal courts. This phrase indicates her awareness of the king's authority and her tactful approach to gain his favor. In the context of the Persian Empire, where the king's word was law, such deference was crucial. This approach is reminiscent of Nehemiah's respectful request to King Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 2:5).

Esther replied,
Esther's response is strategic and carefully planned. Her reply is part of a larger narrative where she must navigate the dangerous political landscape of the Persian court. Esther's wisdom and courage are highlighted here, as she takes a proactive role in addressing the threat to her people. Her actions can be seen as a type of Christ, who also intercedes on behalf of His people.

may the king and Haman come today
By inviting both the king and Haman, Esther sets the stage for revealing Haman's plot against the Jews. This invitation is significant because it includes Haman, the antagonist, in a setting where he is unaware of Esther's true intentions. The urgency of "today" suggests the pressing nature of her request, reflecting the immediate danger faced by the Jewish people.

to the banquet I have prepared for the king.
Banquets were significant social and political events in ancient Persia, often used to discuss important matters. Esther's preparation of the banquet demonstrates her initiative and resourcefulness. The setting of a banquet is reminiscent of other biblical feasts, such as the wedding feast in Matthew 22:1-14, symbolizing a place of revelation and decision. Esther's role as a mediator at this banquet prefigures Christ's role as the mediator of the New Covenant.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Esther
A Jewish queen of Persia, known for her courage and wisdom. She is the central figure in the Book of Esther, and her actions are pivotal in saving her people from destruction.

2. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)
The Persian king who is Esther's husband. He is depicted as a powerful yet somewhat capricious ruler.

3. Haman
The antagonist in the Book of Esther, a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire who plots to annihilate the Jewish people.

4. The Banquet
A strategic event organized by Esther to reveal her petition to the king and to expose Haman's plot against the Jews.

5. The Persian Empire
The setting of the Book of Esther, a vast and diverse empire where the events unfold.
Teaching Points
Wisdom in Timing
Esther demonstrates the importance of choosing the right moment to make a request. Believers should seek God's guidance for the right timing in their own decisions.

Courage and Faith
Esther's approach to the king required great courage and faith. Christians are encouraged to trust God and act boldly when standing for righteousness.

Strategic Planning
Esther's preparation of the banquet shows the value of planning and strategy in achieving goals. Believers can learn to be intentional and thoughtful in their actions.

Intercession and Advocacy
Esther's role as an intercessor for her people is a powerful example of advocacy. Christians are called to intercede for others in prayer and action.

God's Sovereignty
The unfolding events in Esther's account remind believers of God's control over circumstances, encouraging trust in His divine plan.(4) Let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet.--It was natural enough that, with so much depending on her request, the queen should show some hesitation: if anything took an untoward turn (for, in spite of the king's promise, she evidently felt uneasy) it might mean total ruin. She therefore temporises; she at any rate gains time, she secures a specially favourable opportunity for bringing forward the request, and the king clearly sees that she has kept her real petition in reserve by himself again raising the question. It will be noticed that so long as Esther is working her way up to the due vantage-ground, the king is addressed in the third person, let the king come," but when she makes the decisive appeal, in the second, "in thy sight, O king."

Verse 4. - Let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that l have prepared. Such an invitation as this was very unusual. Ordinarily the king and queen dined separately, each in their own apartments; family gatherings, however, not being unknown (Plut., 'Vit. Artaxerx.,' § 5; Athen., 'Deipnsoph.,' 4. p. 145, A). But for the queen to invite not only the king, but also another male guest, not a relation, was a remarkable innovation, and must have seemed to the fortunate recipient of the invitation a high act of favour.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
“If
אִם־ (’im-)
Conjunction
Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not

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

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

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

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

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

and Haman
וְהָמָן֙ (wə·hā·mān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2001: Haman -- to rage, be turbulent

come
יָב֨וֹא (yā·ḇō·w)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

today
הַיּ֔וֹם (hay·yō·wm)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

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

I have prepared
עָשִׂ֥יתִי (‘ā·śî·ṯî)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

for [the king].”
לֽוֹ׃ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew


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OT History: Esther 5:4 Esther said If it seems good (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 5:3
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