Esther 1:21 (KJV)

What does Esther 1:21 mean?

Esther 1:21 describes how King Ahasuerus and his officials were pleased with Memucan’s advice about Queen Vashti, and the king decided to act on Memucan’s suggestion. The verse shows that the king accepted this counsel and put it into action.

In this scene, Memucan, one of the king’s advisors, has just recommended that Queen Vashti be removed from her position for refusing the king’s command. The king and the princes (his high officials) agree with this advice, and the king chooses to follow through. This decision sets the stage for the search for a new queen, which is central to the story of Esther.

The Hebrew behind Esther 1:21

• "Pleased" (וַיִּיטַב, vayyitav): This word often means "was good" or "was pleasing." Here, it shows that Memucan’s advice was not just accepted but was seen as wise or beneficial by both the king and his officials.
• "Princes" (הַשָּׂרִים, hasarim): This word refers to the king’s top officials or nobles. Their agreement highlights that the decision was not just the king’s alone but had the support of his leadership circle.
• "Did" (וַיַּעַשׂ, vaya’as): This verb means "to do" or "to make." The king’s action here is decisive—he does not just consider the advice but actually implements it.

Why Esther 1:21 matters

• Esther 1:21 clarifies that the king’s decision to remove Vashti was not made in isolation but was supported by his advisors, showing the importance of counsel in royal decisions.
• The verse marks a turning point in the story, as this action directly leads to the events that bring Esther into the king’s court.
• By showing the king’s willingness to act on advice, the verse highlights the influence that advisors like Memucan could have in the Persian court, setting up the political dynamics seen throughout the book.