Esther 7:2 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 7:2 ►

New International Version
and as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”

New Living Translation
On this second occasion, while they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, “Tell me what you want, Queen Esther. What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!”

English Standard Version
And on the second day, as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king again said to Esther, “What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.”

Berean Standard Bible
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.”

King James Bible
And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.

New King James Version
And on the second day, at the banquet of wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!”

New American Standard Bible
And the king said to Esther on the second day also as they drank their wine at the banquet, “What is your request, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your wish? Up to half of the kingdom it shall be done.”

NASB 1995
And the king said to Esther on the second day also as they drank their wine at the banquet, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it shall be done.”

NASB 1977
And the king said to Esther on the second day also as they drank their wine at the banquet, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it shall be done.”

Legacy Standard Bible
And the king said to Esther on the second day also as they drank their wine at the feast, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be given you. And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it shall be done.”

Amplified Bible
And the king said to Esther on the second day also as they drank their wine, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted to you. And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom, it shall be done.”

Christian Standard Bible
Once again, on the second day while drinking wine, the king asked Esther, “Queen Esther, whatever you ask will be given to you. Whatever you seek, even to half the kingdom, will be done.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Once again, on the second day while drinking wine, the king asked Esther, “Queen Esther, whatever you ask will be given to you. Whatever you seek, even to half the kingdom, will be done.”

American Standard Version
And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

Contemporary English Version
and drinking wine during the second dinner, when the king again said, "Esther, what can I do for you? Just ask, and I will give you as much as half of my kingdom!"

English Revised Version
And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall he granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
On the second day, while they were drinking wine, the king asked Esther, "What is your request, Queen Esther? It will be granted to you. And what would you like? Even if it is up to half of the kingdom, it will be granted."

Good News Translation
for a second time. Over the wine the king asked her again, "Now, Queen Esther, what do you want? Tell me and you shall have it. I'll even give you half the empire."

International Standard Version
On the second day the king again told Esther as they drank wine, "What's your petition, Queen Esther? It will be given to you. What's your request? Up to half of the kingdom, and it will be done."

Majority Standard Bible
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.?

NET Bible
On the second day of the banquet of wine the king asked Esther, "What is your request, Queen Esther? It shall be granted to you. And what is your petition? Ask up to half the kingdom, and it shall be done!"

New Heart English Bible
The king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, "What is your petition, queen Esther? It shall be granted you. What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed."

Webster's Bible Translation
And the king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.

World English Bible
The king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, “What is your petition, queen Esther? It shall be granted you. What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and the king says to Esther also on the second day, during the banquet of wine, “What [is] your petition, Esther, O queen? And it is given to you; and what [is] your request? To the half of the kingdom—and it is done.”

Young's Literal Translation
and the king saith to Esther also on the second day, during the banquet of wine, 'What is thy petition, Esther, O queen? and it is given to thee; and what thy request? unto the half of the kingdom -- and it is done.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king will say to Esther also in the second day at the drinking of wine, What thy asking, queen Esther? and it shall be given to thee: and what thy seeking? even to the half of the kingdom and it shall be done.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the king said to her again the second day, after he was warm with wine: What is thy petition, Esther, that it may be granted thee? and what wilt thou have done: although thou ask the half of my kingdom, thou shalt have it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the king said to her again on the second day, after he was warmed with wine, “What is your request, Esther, so that it may be given to you? And what do you want done? Even if you ask for half of my kingdom, you will obtain it.”

New American Bible
Again, on this second day, as they were drinking wine, the king said to Esther, “Whatever you ask, Queen Esther, shall be granted you. Whatever request you make, even for half the kingdom, shall be honored.”

New Revised Standard Version
On the second day, as they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the king said again to Esther on the second day of the banquet of wine, What is your petition and what is your request? It shall be granted you, even to the half of the kingdom.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King said to Esthir also on that day of the banquet of wine: “What is your request and your supplication? Unto the half of my kingdom, it shall be done for you!”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine: 'Whatever thy petition, queen Esther, it shall be granted thee; and whatever thy request, even to the half of the kingdom, it shall be performed.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king said to Esther at the banquet on the second day, What is it, queen Esther? and what is thy request, and what is thy petition? and it shall be done for thee, to the half of my kingdom.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Esther Pleads for Her People
1So the king and Haman went to dine with Esther the queen, 2and 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.” 3Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Esther 5:3
“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.”

Esther 5:6
And as they drank their wine, the king said to 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 9:12
who said to Queen Esther, “In the citadel of Susa the Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men, including Haman’s ten sons. What have they done in the rest of the royal provinces? Now what is your petition? It will be given to you. And what further do you request? It will be fulfilled.”

Esther 8:5
“If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces.

Esther 9:13
Esther replied, “If it pleases the king, may the Jews in Susa also have tomorrow to carry out today’s edict, and may the bodies of Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.”

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 4:11
“All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the gold scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.”

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 8:3
And once again, Esther addressed the king. She fell at his feet weeping and begged him to revoke the evil scheme of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews.

Esther 9:25
But when it came before the king, he commanded by letter that the wicked scheme which Haman had devised against the Jews should come back upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

Matthew 7:7
Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.

Mark 6:23
And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!”

John 14:13-14
And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. / If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.

John 15:7
If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.

John 16:23-24
In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. Truly, truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. / Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

Treasury of Scripture

And the king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is your petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted you: and what is your request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.

the king said.

Esther 5:6
And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.

John 16:24
Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full.

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Esther 7

1. Esther, entertaining the king and Haman, pleads for her own life, and her people's.
5. She accuses Haman.
7. The king in his anger, understanding of the gallows Haman had made for Mordecai,
10. causes Haman to be hanged thereon.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

and as they drank their wine on that second day
This phrase indicates the continuation of a banquet, a common setting for royal decisions in the Persian Empire. Banquets were significant in Persian culture, often used for political and social purposes. The "second day" suggests a period of deliberation and anticipation, highlighting the gravity of Esther's request. This setting is reminiscent of other biblical feasts where significant events unfold, such as the Last Supper in the New Testament.

the king asked once more
The repetition of the king's question underscores his genuine interest and willingness to grant Esther's request. It reflects the king's favor towards Esther, which is crucial given the hierarchical and patriarchal nature of Persian society. This persistence also mirrors the biblical theme of persistence in prayer and petition, as seen in the parable of the persistent widow in Luke 18:1-8.

“Queen Esther, what is your petition?
Addressing her as "Queen Esther" acknowledges her royal status and the respect she commands. Esther's position as queen is pivotal, as it provides her the platform to intercede for her people. This mirrors the intercessory role of Christ, who advocates on behalf of humanity before God, as seen in Hebrews 7:25.

It will be given to you.
The king's assurance reflects the absolute power he holds and his readiness to exercise it in Esther's favor. This promise of fulfillment echoes God's promises to His people throughout Scripture, where faith and obedience lead to divine provision and intervention, as seen in Philippians 4:19.

What is your request?
The king's inquiry invites Esther to speak boldly, highlighting the importance of timing and wisdom in making requests. This moment parallels the biblical principle of approaching God with confidence, as encouraged in Hebrews 4:16, where believers are urged to come boldly to the throne of grace.

Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.”
This hyperbolic expression was a common royal idiom, indicating generosity and willingness to grant significant requests. It underscores the king's favor and the potential impact of Esther's petition. This phrase can be seen as a type of Christ's kingdom, where believers are co-heirs with Christ, as stated in Romans 8:17, sharing in the riches of His grace and glory.

Persons / Places / Events

1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)
The Persian king who is hosting the banquet. He is known for his wealth and power, and his willingness to grant Esther's request shows his favor towards her.

2. Queen Esther
A Jewish queen of Persia, who is strategically using her position to save her people. Her courage and wisdom are central to the account.

3. The Banquet
This is the second banquet Esther has prepared for the king and Haman. It is a setting of both celebration and tension, as Esther plans to reveal Haman's plot.

4. Haman
Although not mentioned in this specific verse, he is present at the banquet. He is the antagonist who has plotted against the Jews, and his fate is about to be sealed.

5. The Persian Empire
The setting of the account, representing a vast and diverse kingdom where the events unfold.

Teaching Points

The Power of Influence
Esther's position as queen gives her a unique opportunity to influence the king. We should recognize and use our own positions and opportunities to advocate for justice and righteousness.

Courage in the Face of Danger
Esther's willingness to risk her life for her people is a powerful example of courage. We are called to stand up for what is right, even when it is risky.

God's Sovereignty and Timing
The timing of Esther's request is crucial. We should trust in God's perfect timing and be patient as we wait for His plans to unfold.

The Importance of Preparation
Esther's careful preparation of the banquets shows the importance of planning and wisdom in achieving our goals. We should seek God's guidance in our preparations.

The Role of Prayer and Fasting
Although not mentioned in this verse, Esther's earlier call for prayer and fasting (Esther 4:16) underscores the importance of seeking God's help in times of need.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

VII.

(2) What is thy petition?--The king takes for granted that Esther's invitations to her banquets do not constitute her real request, but merely prepare the way for it.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 2. - And the king said again. Esther had promised to let her real request be known at this banquet (Esther 5:8). The king therefore once more gives her the opportunity. On the second day. On the second occasion of being entertained by Esther.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

and as they drank
בְּמִשְׁתֵּ֣ה (bə·miš·têh)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4960: Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast

their wine
הַיַּ֔יִן (hay·ya·yin)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3196: Wine, intoxication

on the second
הַשֵּׁנִי֙ (haš·šê·nî)
Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 8145: Second (an ordinal number)

day,
בַּיּ֤וֹם (bay·yō·wm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

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

asked
וַיֹּאמֶר֩ (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

once more,
גַּ֣ם (gam)
Conjunction
Strong's 1571: Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and

“Queen
הַמַּלְכָּ֖ה (ham·mal·kāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4436: Queen -- a queen

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

what [is]
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

your petition?
שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֛ךְ (šə·’ê·lā·ṯêḵ)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 7596: Request, thing asked for

It will be given
וְתִנָּ֣תֵֽן (wə·ṯin·nā·ṯên)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

to you.
לָ֑ךְ (lāḵ)
Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew

What [is]
וּמַה־ (ū·mah-)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

your request?
בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ (baq·qā·šā·ṯêḵ)
Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 1246: Request, entreaty

Even up to
עַד־ (‘aḏ-)
Preposition
Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while

half
חֲצִ֥י (ḥă·ṣî)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2677: The half, middle

the kingdom,
הַמַּלְכ֖וּת (ham·mal·ḵūṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4438: Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom

it will be fulfilled.”
וְתֵעָֽשׂ׃ (wə·ṯê·‘āś)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

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OT History: Esther 7:2 The king said again to Esther (Est Esth. Es)