And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces:

ESTHER 8:5KJV
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Esther 8:5 (KJV)

What does Esther 8:5 mean?

Esther 8:5 shows Queen Esther respectfully asking King Ahasuerus to undo the decree that Haman had written to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. Esther appeals to the king’s favor and sense of justice, requesting that he officially reverse Haman’s letters so her people can be saved.

In this verse, Esther is speaking directly to the king after Haman’s plot has been exposed. She uses careful, humble language, making her request conditional on the king’s approval and her standing with him. Esther’s plea is not just personal but also legal, asking for a new written order to counteract the previous one that threatened her people’s lives.

The Hebrew behind Esther 8:5

  • "please" (טוֹב, tov): This word means "good" or "pleasing." Esther uses it twice, emphasizing her hope that her request will be seen as both agreeable and right in the king’s eyes.
  • "reverse" (שׁוּב, shuv): This verb means "to turn back" or "to reverse." Esther is asking for a complete undoing of Haman’s decree, not just a softening of its effects.
  • "letters" (סֵפֶר, sefer): This word refers to official written documents. Esther’s request is specific—she wants the king to issue new written orders, not just give a verbal command.

Why Esther 8:5 matters

  • Esther’s approach shows her wisdom and courage; she does not demand, but appeals to the king’s sense of justice and personal connection to her.
  • The verse highlights the seriousness of royal decrees in the Persian Empire—once written, they could not simply be ignored, so Esther must ask for a formal reversal.
  • This moment is a turning point in the story, as Esther moves from pleading for her own life to advocating for all her people, using her influence to seek justice.

Where else these words appear

“right” Hebrew H3787 · used in 3 verses

  • Ecclesiastes 10:10 If the iron be blunt, and he do not whet the edge, then must he put to more strength: but wisdom is profitable to direct.
  • Ecclesiastes 11:6 In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

“Hammedatha” Hebrew H4099 · used in 5 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 3:10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.
  • Esther 9:10 The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand.

“Agagite” Hebrew H91 · used in 5 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 3:10 And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews' enemy.
  • Esther 8:3 And Esther spake yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and besought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.

“provinces” Hebrew H4082 · used in 40 verses

  • 1 Kings 20:14 And Ahab said, By whom? And he said, Thus saith the LORD, Even by the young men of the princes of the provinces. Then he said, Who shall order the battle? And he answered, Thou.
  • Esther 2:18 Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.
  • Esther 9:3 And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.