And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king's most noble princes, that they may array the man withal whom the king delighteth to honour, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honour.

ESTHER 6:9KJV
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Esther 6:9 (KJV)

What does Esther 6:9 mean?

Esther 6:9 describes how the king’s most noble prince is to dress the man whom the king wants to honor in royal clothes, place him on the king’s horse, and lead him through the city streets while proclaiming his honor to everyone. This verse lays out a public display of recognition and celebration for someone the king wishes to show special favor.

In this scene, Haman is speaking to King Ahasuerus, suggesting an elaborate way to honor someone, not realizing the king means to honor Mordecai. The verse details the specific steps for this honor: the involvement of a high-ranking prince, royal garments, the king’s own horse, and a public announcement. The focus is on making the honor unmistakable and widely seen in the city.

The Hebrew behind Esther 6:9

  • "apparel" (לְבוּשׁ, levush): This word refers to special clothing, often associated with royalty or high status. Here, it emphasizes that the honored person is to be dressed in garments that clearly mark him as favored by the king.
  • "noble" (פַּרְתְּמִים, partemim): This term points to someone of high rank or nobility. The involvement of such a person in the ceremony shows the importance and prestige of the honor being given.
  • "proclaim" (קָרָא, qara): This verb means to call out or announce publicly. The public proclamation ensures that everyone knows exactly why the person is being honored and by whose authority.
  • "delighteth" (חָפֵץ, chaphets): This word means to take pleasure in or desire. It highlights that the honor is not random but is given to someone the king personally values.

Why Esther 6:9 matters

  • Esther 6:9 clarifies that the honor is meant to be unmistakably public and prestigious, involving both royal symbols and the city’s attention.
  • The verse shows the king’s authority and the seriousness of royal favor, as even the highest nobles must participate in honoring the chosen person.
  • Understanding this verse helps explain the dramatic irony in the story: Haman, who suggests this honor for himself, is soon ordered to do all of this for his rival, Mordecai.