Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.

ESTHER 2:18KJV
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Esther 2:18 (KJV)

What does Esther 2:18 mean?

Esther 2:18 describes how King Ahasuerus celebrated Esther’s selection as queen by holding a large feast for his officials and servants, declaring a release (likely some kind of tax remission or holiday) for the provinces, and distributing gifts in a manner fitting for a king. The verse highlights the public and generous nature of the king’s response to Esther’s new royal status.

The setting is the Persian royal court, with King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes) having just chosen Esther as queen after a lengthy search. The king’s actions—hosting a feast, granting a release, and giving gifts—emphasize the importance of Esther’s elevation and signal goodwill to both the court and the wider empire. This verse shows the king’s desire to mark the occasion with celebration and generosity, reinforcing Esther’s acceptance and honor.

The Hebrew behind Esther 2:18

  • The word for "feast" is מִשְׁתֶּה (mishteh), which means a banquet or drinking feast. This term often implies a festive gathering with food and drink, underlining the celebratory mood.
  • The word translated "release" is הֲנָחָה (hanachah), which can mean relief, remission, or a holiday. It suggests the king granted some kind of temporary relief or benefit to the provinces, possibly suspending taxes or labor.
  • The word for "gifts" is מַשְׂאֵת (maset), which refers to portions or presents. This word can imply generous distributions, not just token gifts, highlighting the king’s largesse.
  • The phrase "according to the state of the king" uses יָד (yad, meaning "hand"), which in this context refers to the king’s capacity or wealth, indicating that the gifts matched the king’s royal status.

Why Esther 2:18 matters

  • Esther 2:18 clarifies that Esther’s rise to queenship was not just a private event but a public celebration, affecting the entire empire.
  • The verse shows the king’s political savvy, using the occasion to win favor with both his officials and the provinces through generosity and relief.
  • This public recognition of Esther sets the stage for her later influence in the story, showing her acceptance and honor at the highest level of the Persian empire.

Where else these words appear

“gifts” Hebrew H4864 · used in 14 verses

  • Genesis 43:34 And he took and sent messes unto them from before him: but Benjamin's mess was five times so much as any of theirs. And they drank, and were merry with him.
  • 2 Chronicles 24:6 And the king called for Jehoiada the chief, and said unto him, Why hast thou not required of the Levites to bring in out of Judah and out of Jerusalem the collection, according to the commandment of Moses the servant of the LORD, and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?
  • Jeremiah 40:5 Now while he was not yet gone back, he said, Go back also to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon hath made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people: or go wheresoever it seemeth convenient unto thee to go. So the captain of the guard gave him victuals and a reward, and let him go.

“provinces” Hebrew H4082 · used in 40 verses

  • 1 Kings 20:14 And Ahab said, By whom? And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Even by the young men of the princes of the provinces. Then he said, Who shall order the battle? And he answered, Thou.
  • Esther 3:8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.
  • Esther 9:3 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.

“feast” Hebrew H4960 · used in 43 verses

  • Genesis 19:3 And he pressed upon them greatly; and they turned in unto him, and entered into his house; and he made them a feast, and did bake unleavened bread, and they did eat.
  • Esther 1:9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
  • Esther 9:19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

“Esther's” Hebrew H635 · used in 45 verses

  • Esther 2:7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
  • Esther 4:12 And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.
  • Esther 7:3 Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: