On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles; and they were read before the king.

ESTHER 6:1KJV
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Esther 6:1 (KJV)

What does Esther 6:1 mean?

Esther 6:1 describes a night when King Ahasuerus could not sleep, so he ordered that the official records—the book of chronicles—be brought and read aloud to him. This event sets the stage for a significant turning point in the story, as what is read from the records will soon affect the fate of key characters.

The verse takes place in the Persian royal palace, with King Ahasuerus as the main figure. No one is directly speaking to another person; instead, the king gives a command to his attendants. The book mentioned is an official record of events and decisions made during the king’s reign. The king’s sleeplessness and his decision to have the records read are presented as ordinary actions, but they lead to unexpected consequences in the narrative.

The Hebrew behind Esther 6:1

  • לַיְלָה (laylah, "night") — The word emphasizes that this event happens at night, a time usually associated with rest, highlighting the unusual nature of the king’s wakefulness.
  • שֵׁנָה (shenah, "sleep") — The verse says the king could not find sleep, underlining that his restlessness is central to what follows.
  • סֵפֶר (sefer, "book") and זִכְרוֹנוֹת (zikhronot, "records") — These words refer to the official written chronicles of the kingdom, not just any book, showing the formal and historical nature of what is being read.
  • דִּבְרֵי הַיָּמִים (divrei hayamim, "chronicles" or "events of the days") — This phrase points to a detailed record of daily royal affairs, suggesting that what is about to be read is part of the official memory of the kingdom.

Why Esther 6:1 matters

  • Esther 6:1 shows that seemingly small or random events—like a king’s sleepless night—can have major consequences in the unfolding story.
  • The verse highlights the importance of official records in the Persian court, which could influence decisions and change people’s fortunes.
  • This moment marks a turning point in the book of Esther, as what the king hears next will directly impact the fate of Mordecai and Haman, shifting the direction of the narrative.

Where else these words appear

“records” Hebrew H2146 · used in 22 verses

  • Exodus 12:14 And this day shall be unto you for a memorial; and ye shall keep it a feast to the LORD throughout your generations; ye shall keep it a feast by an ordinance for ever.
  • Leviticus 23:24 Speak unto the children of Israel, saying, In the seventh month, in the first day of the month, shall ye have a sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, an holy convocation.
  • Nehemiah 2:20 Then answered I them, and said unto them, The God of heaven, he will prosper us; therefore we his servants will arise and build: but ye have no portion, nor right, nor memorial, in Jerusalem.

“sleep” Hebrew H8142 · used in 23 verses

  • Genesis 28:16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the LORD is in this place; and I knew it not.
  • Psalms 127:2 It is vain for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows: for so he giveth his beloved sleep.
  • Proverbs 24:33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep:

“not” Hebrew H5074 · used in 26 verses

  • Genesis 31:40 Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes.
  • Psalms 68:12 Kings of armies did flee apace: and she that tarried at home divided the spoil.
  • Isaiah 22:3 All thy rulers are fled together, they are bound by the archers: all that are found in thee are bound together, which have fled from far.