Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times,(for so was the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:

ESTHER 1:13KJV
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Esther 1:13 (KJV)

What does Esther 1:13 mean?

Esther 1:13 describes how King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) turned to his advisors—men known for their wisdom and understanding of the times—when he needed to make a decision. The verse notes that it was the king’s usual practice to consult those who were familiar with law and judgment in such matters.

In this setting, King Ahasuerus is facing a dilemma after Queen Vashti refuses his command, and he seeks guidance from his trusted counselors. The verse highlights the importance placed on wisdom, experience, and knowledge of legal matters in the Persian royal court, showing that decisions were not made impulsively but with counsel from those considered experts.

The Hebrew behind Esther 1:13

  • מֶלֶךְ (melekh; "king"): This word refers specifically to the ruler, emphasizing Ahasuerus’s authority and the formal setting of the consultation.
  • חֲכָמִים (chakamim; "wise men"): This term means those who are skilled or wise, often used for advisors or sages, showing that the king valued expertise.
  • יֹדְעֵי (yod'ei; "knew"): This word means "those who know" or "are knowledgeable," stressing that these men had recognized understanding, especially about "the times"—likely referring to customs, laws, or appropriate actions.
  • דָּת (dat; "law") and דִּין (din; "judgment"): These words point to the legal and judicial knowledge expected from the king’s counselors, underlining their role in interpreting and applying the law.

Why Esther 1:13 matters

  • Esther 1:13 clarifies that Persian royal decisions were not made in isolation but involved consultation with experts, which helps explain the process behind later events in the story.
  • The verse shows the high value placed on wisdom and legal knowledge in the Persian court, providing context for the authority and influence of the king’s advisors.
  • Understanding this background helps the reader see why the king’s next actions, including the fate of Queen Vashti, are shaped by the advice of these counselors rather than by the king’s personal feelings alone.

Where else these words appear

“judgment” Hebrew H1779 · used in 17 verses

  • Deuteronomy 17:8 If there arise a matter too hard for thee in judgment, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within thy gates: then shalt thou arise, and get thee up into the place which the LORD thy God shall choose;
  • Psalms 76:8 Thou didst cause judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared, and was still,
  • Proverbs 31:5 Lest they drink, and forget the law, and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted.

“law” Hebrew H1881 · used in 21 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:2 And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.
  • Esther 2:12 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women,(for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
  • Esther 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.

“men” Hebrew H2450 · used in 133 verses

  • Genesis 41:8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt, and all the wise men thereof: and Pharaoh told them his dream; but there was none that could interpret them unto Pharaoh.
  • Proverbs 3:35 The wise shall inherit glory: but shame shall be the promotion of fools.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool for ever; seeing that which now is in the days to come shall all be forgotten. And how dieth the wise man? as the fool.