The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.

ESTHER 3:14KJV
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Esther 3:14 (KJV)

What does Esther 3:14 mean?

Esther 3:14 describes how an official copy of a royal order was sent out and made public in every province of the Persian Empire, so that all people would be prepared for the day the command was to be carried out. The verse emphasizes the widespread and urgent nature of the decree, making sure everyone knew what was coming.

In the story, this order comes from King Ahasuerus (Xerxes), but it was written at the urging of Haman, who wanted to destroy the Jewish people. The verse shows how the message was not kept secret but was openly announced to every group and region under the king’s rule, setting the stage for the tension and danger that follows in the book.

The Hebrew behind Esther 3:14

  • "Copy" (פַּרְשֶׁגֶן, parshegen) refers to an official duplicate or transcript, highlighting that this was not just a rumor but a formal, authoritative document.
  • "Writing" (כְּתָב, ketav) means a written document, emphasizing the decree’s official and binding nature.
  • "Published" (גָּלָה, galah) means to make something known openly or reveal it, stressing that the command was not hidden but made public to all.
  • "Ready" (עָתִיד, atid) carries the sense of being prepared or on alert, showing that the people were expected to act or respond when the day arrived.

Why Esther 3:14 matters

  • Esther 3:14 shows the seriousness and reach of Haman’s plot by making clear that every province and all people were included, not just a select group.
  • The verse helps explain why the Jewish people in the story felt such fear and urgency, since the threat was officially announced and unavoidable.
  • By describing the open publication of the decree, this verse sets up the dramatic tension that drives the rest of the book, making the need for Esther’s intervention clear.

Where else these words appear

“copy” Hebrew H6572 · used in 4 verses

  • Ezra 7:11 Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave unto Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the LORD, and of his statutes to Israel.
  • Esther 4:8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people.
  • Esther 8:13 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

“ready” Hebrew H6264 · used in 6 verses

  • Deuteronomy 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
  • Esther 8:13 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
  • Job 15:24 Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid; they shall prevail against him, as a king ready to the battle.

“writing” Hebrew H3791 · used in 16 verses

  • 1 Chronicles 28:19 All this, said David, the LORD made me understand in writing by his hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern.
  • Nehemiah 7:64 These sought their register among those that were reckoned by genealogy, but it was not found: therefore were they, as polluted, put from the priesthood.
  • Esther 8:9 Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

“commandment” 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 2:8 So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper 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.