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 4:8KJV
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Esther 4:8 (KJV)

What does Esther 4:8 mean?

Esther 4:8 describes how Mordecai gave Hathach, Esther’s servant, a copy of the official decree that ordered the destruction of the Jews in Shushan, instructing him to show it to Esther and urge her to go to the king to plead for her people. Mordecai wanted Esther to understand the seriousness of the situation and to act on behalf of the Jewish people.

In this moment, Mordecai is outside the palace and cannot speak to Esther directly, so he uses Hathach as a messenger. The verse shows the urgency and gravity of the crisis, as well as Mordecai’s hope that Esther, as queen, might be able to intervene with the king. The written decree makes the threat real and undeniable, pushing Esther toward a difficult but crucial decision.

The Hebrew behind Esther 4:8

  • "Decree" (דָּת, dat, H1881) refers to an official law or edict. This word highlights that the threat against the Jews was not just a rumor but a binding royal command.
  • "Destroy" (שָׁמַד, shamad, H8045) means to completely wipe out or annihilate. The use of this word shows the totality of the threat facing the Jewish people.
  • "Supplication" (חָנַן, chanan, H2603) carries the sense of begging or earnestly seeking favor. Mordecai is asking Esther not just to speak, but to plead deeply and personally with the king.
  • "Request" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash, H1245) means to seek or ask for something specific. This word shows that Esther’s approach to the king would need to be both heartfelt and direct.

Why Esther 4:8 matters

  • Esther 4:8 clarifies that Mordecai’s request was not vague—he wanted Esther to take a specific, dangerous action by approaching the king uninvited, which was risky even for a queen.
  • The verse connects the personal story of Esther to the fate of the entire Jewish people, showing how one person’s courage could change the outcome for many.
  • By including the detail of the written decree, the verse emphasizes the seriousness of the threat and the importance of acting with urgency and clarity.

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 3:14 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 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.

“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.

“Shushan” Hebrew H7800 · used in 19 verses

  • Nehemiah 1:1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace,
  • Esther 3:15 The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
  • Esther 9:12 And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done.

“decree” 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.