Esther 9:22
New International Version
as the time when the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy and their mourning into a day of celebration. He wrote them to observe the days as days of feasting and joy and giving presents of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

New Living Translation
He told them to celebrate these days with feasting and gladness and by giving gifts of food to each other and presents to the poor. This would commemorate a time when the Jews gained relief from their enemies, when their sorrow was turned into gladness and their mourning into joy.

English Standard Version
as the days on which the Jews got relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

Berean Standard Bible
as the days on which the Jews gained rest from their enemies and the month in which their sorrow turned to joy and their mourning into a holiday. He wrote that these were to be days of feasting and joy, of sending gifts to one another and to the poor.

King James Bible
As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

New King James Version
as the days on which the Jews had rest from their enemies, as the month which was turned from sorrow to joy for them, and from mourning to a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and joy, of sending presents to one another and gifts to the poor.

New American Standard Bible
because on those days the Jews rid themselves of their enemies, and it was a month which was turned for them from grief into joy, and from mourning into a holiday; that they were to make them days of feasting and rejoicing, and sending portions of food to one another, and gifts to the poor.

NASB 1995
because on those days the Jews rid themselves of their enemies, and it was a month which was turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and rejoicing and sending portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

NASB 1977
because on those days the Jews rid themselves of their enemies, and it was a month which was turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and rejoicing and sending portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

Legacy Standard Bible
because on those days the Jews obtained rest for themselves from their enemies, and it was a month which was turned around for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness and sending portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

Amplified Bible
because on those days the Jews rid themselves of their enemies, and as the month which was turned for them from grief to joy and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and rejoicing and sending choice portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor.

Christian Standard Bible
because during those days the Jews gained relief from their enemies. That was the month when their sorrow was turned into rejoicing and their mourning into a holiday. They were to be days of feasting, rejoicing, and of sending gifts to one another and to the poor.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
because during those days the Jews got rid of their enemies. That was the month when their sorrow was turned into rejoicing and their mourning into a holiday. They were to be days of feasting, rejoicing, and of sending gifts to one another and the poor.

American Standard Version
as the days wherein the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to gladness, and from mourning into a good day; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

Contemporary English Version
the days when we Jews defeated our enemies. Remember this month as a time when our sorrow was turned to joy, and celebration took the place of crying. Celebrate by having parties and by giving to the poor and by sharing gifts of food with each other.

English Revised Version
as the days wherein the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to gladness, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
They were to observe them just like the days when the Jews freed themselves from their enemies. In that month their grief turned to joy and their mourning into a holiday. He declared that these days are to be days for feasting and celebrating and for sending gifts of food to one another, especially gifts to the poor.

Good News Translation
These were the days on which the Jews had rid themselves of their enemies; this was a month that had been turned from a time of grief and despair into a time of joy and happiness. They were told to observe these days with feasts and parties, giving gifts of food to one another and to the poor.

International Standard Version
as the days on which the Jewish people enjoyed relief from their enemies. It was a month when things turned around for them, from sorrow to joy and from mourning to a holiday. They were to celebrate these days as days of feasting and joy, and they were to send presents to one another and gifts to the poor.

Majority Standard Bible
as the days on which the Jews gained rest from their enemies and the month in which their sorrow turned to joy and their mourning into a holiday. He wrote that these were to be days of feasting and joy, of sending gifts to one another and to the poor.

NET Bible
as the time when the Jews gave themselves rest from their enemies--the month when their trouble was turned to happiness and their mourning to a holiday. These were to be days of banqueting, happiness, sending gifts to one another, and providing for the poor.

New Heart English Bible
as the days in which the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was turned to them from sorrow to gladness, and from mourning into a good day; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending presents of food to one another, and gifts to the needy.

Webster's Bible Translation
As the days in which the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned to them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day, that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

World English Bible
as the days in which the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was turned to them from sorrow to gladness, and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending presents of food to one another, and gifts to the needy.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
as days on which the Jews have rested from their enemies, and the month that has been turned to them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning to a good day, to make them days of banquet and of joy, and of sending portions to one another, and gifts to the needy.

Young's Literal Translation
as days on which the Jews have rested from their enemies, and the month that hath been turned to them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning to a good day, to make them days of banquet and of joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the needy.

Smith's Literal Translation
As the days which the Jews rested in them from their enemies, and the month that was turned to them from grief to gladness, and from mourning to a good day, to make them days of drinking and gladness, and sending portions a man to his neighbor, and gifts to the needy.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Because on those days the Jews revenged themselves of their enemies, and their mourning and sorrow were turned into mirth and joy, and that these should be days of feasting and gladness, in which they should send one to another portions of meats; and should give gifts to the poor.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For on those days, the Jews vindicated themselves of their enemies, and their mourning and sorrow were turned into mirth and joy, so that these would be days of feasting and gladness, in which they would send one another portions of their feasts, and would grant gifts to the poor.

New American Bible
as the days on which the Jews obtained rest from their enemies and as the month which was turned for them from sorrow into joy, from mourning into celebration. They were to observe these days with joyful banqueting, sending food to one another and gifts to the poor.

New Revised Standard Version
as the days on which the Jews gained relief from their enemies, and as the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, days for sending gifts of food to one another and presents to the poor.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
As the days on which the Jews rested from their enemies and the month which was turned for them from sorrow to joy and from mourning to a good day, that they should make them days of feasting and joy and of sending portions of food one to another and gifts to the poor.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
Like the days in which the Jews were given rest from their enemies, the month that was changed from misery to joy, and from grieving to an excellent day, that they would make them days of drinking and of joy and that they would send portions, each man to his neighbor, and gifts to the afflicted.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
the days wherein the Jews had rest from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to gladness, and from mourning into a good day; that they should make them days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
for on these days the Jews obtained rest from their enemies; and as to the month, which was Adar, in which a change was made for them, from mourning to joy, and from sorrow to a good day, to spend the whole of it in good days of feasting and gladness, sending portions to their friends, and to the poor.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Feast of Purim Instituted
21to establish among them an annual celebration on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar 22as the days on which the Jews gained rest from their enemies and the month in which their sorrow turned to joy and their mourning into a holiday. He wrote that these were to be days of feasting and joy, of sending gifts to one another and to the poor. 23So the Jews agreed to continue the custom they had started, as Mordecai had written to them.…

Cross References
Nehemiah 8:10
Then Nehemiah told them, “Go and eat what is rich, drink what is sweet, and send out portions to those who have nothing prepared, since today is holy to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”

Deuteronomy 16:14-15
And you shall rejoice in your feast—you, your sons and daughters, your menservants and maidservants, and the Levite, as well as the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widows among you. / For seven days you shall celebrate a feast to the LORD your God in the place He will choose, because the LORD your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that your joy will be complete.

Psalm 30:11
You turned my mourning into dancing; You peeled off my sackcloth and clothed me with joy,

Psalm 126:2-3
Then our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with shouts of joy. Then it was said among the nations, “The LORD has done great things for them.” / The LORD has done great things for us; we are filled with joy.

Isaiah 25:8-9
He will swallow up death forever. The Lord GOD will wipe away the tears from every face and remove the disgrace of His people from the whole earth. For the LORD has spoken. / And in that day it will be said, “Surely this is our God; we have waited for Him, and He has saved us. This is the LORD for whom we have waited. Let us rejoice and be glad in His salvation.”

Isaiah 61:3
to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.

Jeremiah 31:13
Then the maidens will rejoice with dancing, young men and old as well. I will turn their mourning into joy, and give them comfort and joy for their sorrow.

Zechariah 8:19
“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: The fasts of the fourth, the fifth, the seventh, and the tenth months will become times of joy and gladness, cheerful feasts for the house of Judah. Therefore you are to love both truth and peace.”

1 Samuel 25:8
Ask your young men, and they will tell you. So let my young men find favor with you, for we have come on the day of a feast. Please give whatever you can spare to your servants and to your son David.’”

2 Chronicles 30:21-23
The Israelites who were present in Jerusalem celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with great joy, and the Levites and priests praised the LORD day after day, accompanied by loud instruments of praise to the LORD. / And Hezekiah encouraged all the Levites who performed skillfully before the LORD. For seven days they ate their assigned portion, sacrificing peace offerings and giving thanks to the LORD, the God of their fathers. / The whole assembly agreed to observe seven more days, so they observed seven days with joy.

Acts 2:46-47
With one accord they continued to meet daily in the temple courts and to break bread from house to house, sharing their meals with gladness and sincerity of heart, / praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.

2 Corinthians 9:12
For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

Philippians 4:4
Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Rejoice at all times. / Pray without ceasing. / Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.


Treasury of Scripture

As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned to them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.

Jump to Previous
Enemies Feasting Food Gifts Gladness Good Jews Joy Month Mourning Needy Poor Portions Presents Rest Rested Rid Sending Sorrow Turned Wherein
Jump to Next
Enemies Feasting Food Gifts Gladness Good Jews Joy Month Mourning Needy Poor Portions Presents Rest Rested Rid Sending Sorrow Turned Wherein
Esther 9
1. The Jews slay their enemies, with the ten sons of Haman.
12. Xerxes, at the request of Esther,
14. grants another day of slaughter, and Haman's sons to be hanged.
20. The two days of Purim are instituted.














as the days on which the Jews gained rest from their enemies
The phrase "gained rest" is rooted in the Hebrew word "נוח" (nuach), which means to rest or settle down. This word is significant in the Jewish tradition, as it echoes the Sabbath rest, a time of peace and cessation from labor. Historically, this rest was not merely physical but also spiritual and emotional, as the Jews were delivered from the threat of annihilation. The "enemies" here refer to those who sought to destroy the Jewish people, as recorded in the earlier chapters of Esther. This victory is a testament to God's providence and protection over His chosen people, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament.

and as the month when their sorrow was turned into joy
The transformation from "sorrow" to "joy" is a powerful theme in the Bible, often associated with God's intervention and deliverance. The Hebrew word for "sorrow" is "אֵבֶל" (evel), which denotes mourning or lamentation. In contrast, "joy" is "שִׂמְחָה" (simchah), a term that conveys gladness and celebration. This change signifies a divine reversal of fortune, a hallmark of God's redemptive work. The month referred to is Adar, the twelfth month in the Jewish calendar, which became a time of national celebration and remembrance of God's faithfulness.

and their mourning into a day of celebration
"Mourning" in Hebrew is "אֵבֶל" (evel), similar to "sorrow," indicating a period of grief and lament. The "day of celebration" is a translation of "יוֹם טוֹב" (yom tov), meaning a good or festive day. This transformation underscores the theme of redemption and hope, as God turns despair into rejoicing. The historical context is the Jewish people's deliverance from Haman's plot, which is celebrated annually as the festival of Purim. This celebration is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to bring about justice and joy from situations of deep distress.

These were to be days of feasting, joy
"Feasting" is derived from the Hebrew "מִשְׁתֶּה" (mishteh), which refers to a banquet or festive meal. Feasting is a common biblical expression of joy and gratitude, often associated with God's blessings and provision. "Joy" here reiterates the Hebrew "שִׂמְחָה" (simchah), emphasizing the communal and exuberant nature of the celebration. The days of feasting and joy are not only a response to deliverance but also an act of worship and thanksgiving to God for His miraculous intervention.

and sending portions of food to one another and to the poor
The practice of "sending portions" is rooted in the Hebrew "מִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת" (mishloach manot), which involves giving gifts of food. This tradition fosters community, generosity, and unity among the Jewish people. The inclusion of "the poor" highlights the biblical mandate to care for the less fortunate, a principle deeply embedded in Jewish law and Christian teaching. This act of charity and kindness reflects God's heart for justice and compassion, reminding believers of their responsibility to love and serve others, especially those in need.

Verse 22. - The month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy. This was the key-note of Purina, the dominant idea, to which all else was secondary and sub-ordinate - sorrow turned into joy, "mourning into dancing," utter destruction into a signal triumph. Psalm 30. might well have been written at this time.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
as the days
כַּיָּמִ֗ים (kay·yā·mîm)
Preposition-k, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

on which
אֲשֶׁר־ (’ă·šer-)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

the Jews
הַיְּהוּדִים֙ (hay·yə·hū·ḏîm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3064: Jews -- Jewish

had rid themselves
נָ֨חוּ (nā·ḥū)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 5117: To rest, settle down

of their enemies
מֵא֣וֹיְבֵיהֶ֔ם (mê·’ō·wy·ḇê·hem)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 341: Hating, an adversary

and the month
וְהַחֹ֗דֶשׁ (wə·ha·ḥō·ḏeš)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month

in which
אֲשֶׁר֩ (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

their sorrow
מִיָּגוֹן֙ (mî·yā·ḡō·wn)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3015: Grief, sorrow

had turned
נֶהְפַּ֨ךְ (neh·paḵ)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2015: To turn about, over, to change, overturn, return, pervert

to joy
לְשִׂמְחָ֔ה (lə·śim·ḥāh)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8057: Blithesomeness, glee

and their mourning
וּמֵאֵ֖בֶל (ū·mê·’ê·ḇel)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 60: Lamentation

into a holiday.
לְי֣וֹם (lə·yō·wm)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day

[He wrote] that these were to be
לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

days
יְמֵי֙ (yə·mê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 3117: A day

of feasting
מִשְׁתֶּ֣ה (miš·teh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4960: Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast

and joy,
וְשִׂמְחָ֔ה (wə·śim·ḥāh)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8057: Blithesomeness, glee

of sending
וּמִשְׁל֤וֹחַ (ū·miš·lō·w·aḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4916: A sending out, presentation, seizure

gifts
מָנוֹת֙ (mā·nō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4490: Something weighed out, a division, a ration, a lot

to one
אִ֣ישׁ (’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

another
לְרֵעֵ֔הוּ (lə·rê·‘ê·hū)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7453: Friend, companion, fellow

[and]
וּמַתָּנ֖וֹת (ū·mat·tā·nō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4979: A present, a sacrificial offering, a bribe

to the poor.
לָֽאֶבְיוֹנִֽים׃ (lā·’eḇ·yō·w·nîm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 34: In want, needy, poor


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OT History: Esther 9:22 As the days in which the Jews (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 9:21
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