And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.

ESTHER 5:4KJV
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Esther 5:4 (KJV)

What does Esther 5:4 mean?

Esther 5:4 shows Queen Esther inviting King Ahasuerus and Haman to a special banquet she has prepared, after the king asks what she wants. Esther responds carefully, suggesting the king and Haman come that very day to her banquet, rather than making her main request right away.

Esther is speaking directly to the king in his court, with Haman present. The situation is tense: Esther, a Jewish queen, is seeking a way to save her people from a plot Haman has set in motion. Instead of revealing her true request immediately, Esther invites both men to a private meal, showing wisdom and caution in how she approaches the king.

The Hebrew behind Esther 5:4

  • "Banquet" (מִשְׁתֶּה, mishteh) means a drinking feast or banquet, often associated with important decisions or celebrations in Persian culture. Esther’s choice to invite the king and Haman to such an event signals that something significant is about to happen.
  • "Prepared" (עָשָׂה, asah) means to make or do, emphasizing that Esther herself has arranged this banquet. This highlights her active role and careful planning in the unfolding events.
  • "Good" (טוֹב, tov) is used as “if it seem good unto the king,” expressing deference and respect. Esther is careful to let the king feel in control, which was important in the Persian court.

Why Esther 5:4 matters

  • Esther’s invitation sets the stage for the dramatic events that follow, showing her strategic thinking and patience in dealing with a dangerous situation.
  • The verse highlights Esther’s courage and wisdom, as she takes initiative while still respecting royal protocol.
  • Understanding the cultural weight of a banquet in this context helps explain why Esther chooses this method to approach the king, rather than making a direct plea in public.

Where else these words appear

“good” Hebrew H2895 · used in 33 verses

  • Numbers 10:29 And Moses said unto Hobab, the son of Raguel the Midianite, Moses' father in law, We are journeying unto the place of which the LORD said, I will give it you: come thou with us, and we will do thee good: for the LORD hath spoken good concerning Israel.
  • 1 Samuel 20:12 And Jonathan said unto David, O LORD God of Israel, when I have sounded my father about to morrow any time, or the third day, and, behold, if there be good toward David, and I then send not unto thee, and shew it thee;
  • Job 10:3 Is it good unto thee that thou shouldest oppress, that thou shouldest despise the work of thine hands, and shine upon the counsel of the wicked?

“banquet” 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” 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 4:10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
  • 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:

“Haman” Hebrew H2001 · used in 45 verses

  • Esther 3:1 After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.
  • Esther 5:9 Then went Haman forth that day joyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
  • Esther 7:6 And Esther said, The adversary and enemy is this wicked Haman. Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.