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.

ESTHER 8:13KJV
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Esther 8:13 (KJV)

What does Esther 8:13 mean?

Esther 8:13 describes how an official copy of a new royal order was sent out to every province, telling all people that the Jews were now allowed and expected to defend themselves and take action against those who would attack them on a specific day. This verse shows that the Jews were given legal permission to stand up to their enemies throughout the Persian Empire.

In the story, Mordecai and Esther have just received the king’s approval to write a new decree after Haman’s earlier order put the Jews in danger. The verse highlights the urgency and seriousness of the situation: the message had to reach every province and every people group, making sure the Jews would be prepared to protect themselves when the day came.

The Hebrew behind Esther 8:13

  • "Copy" (פַּרְשֶׁגֶן, parshegen) refers to an official duplicate or transcript, stressing that this was an exact, authoritative version of the decree sent everywhere.
  • "Published" (גָּלָה, galah) means to make something known openly or reveal it, showing that the decree was not secret but widely announced so everyone would be aware.
  • "Ready" (עָתִיד, atid) carries the sense of being prepared or equipped, highlighting that the Jews were not just allowed but expected to be actively prepared for what was coming.
  • "Avenge" (נָקַם, naqam) means to take action in response to wrongs done, often with the sense of justice or retribution, clarifying that the Jews were given the right to defend themselves and respond to their enemies’ threats.

Why Esther 8:13 matters

  • Esther 8:13 clears up that the Jews were not just passively protected by the king but were given the authority to act and defend themselves, which was a major shift from their earlier helplessness.
  • The verse emphasizes the thoroughness of the decree: every province and every people had to know, showing the vast reach and seriousness of the king’s new order.
  • This verse connects to the wider story by showing how Esther and Mordecai’s actions reversed Haman’s deadly plot, turning a day of fear into a day of hope and empowerment for the Jewish people.

Where else these words appear

“ready” Hebrew H6259 · used in 2 verses

  • Isaiah 10:13 For he saith, By the strength of my hand I have done it, and by my wisdom; for I am prudent: and I have removed the bounds of the people, and have robbed their treasures, and I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man:

“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 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.

“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 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.
  • 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 8:8 Write ye also for the Jews, as it liketh you, in the king's name, and seal it with the king's ring: for the writing which is written in the king's name, and sealed with the king's ring, may no man reverse.