Now in the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them,(though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;)

ESTHER 9:1KJV
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Esther 9:1 (KJV)

What does Esther 9:1 mean?

Esther 9:1 describes the day when the king’s order to destroy the Jews was supposed to be carried out, but instead, the situation was reversed and the Jews gained power over those who hated them. The verse highlights a dramatic turning point, showing that what their enemies hoped for was turned upside down.

This verse is set in the Persian Empire, where a decree had been issued (through Haman) for the destruction of the Jews on a specific day, the thirteenth of the month Adar. However, because of Esther’s courage and the king’s new decree, the Jews were allowed to defend themselves. The verse marks the moment when the expected defeat of the Jews became their victory, setting the stage for the events of Purim.

The Hebrew behind Esther 9:1

  • The word for “power” and “rule” is שָׁלַט (shalat), which means to have dominion or authority. The same word is used for both what the enemies hoped to do to the Jews and what actually happened—the Jews ruled over their enemies. This highlights the complete reversal of fortunes.
  • The word for “turned” is הָפַךְ (haphakh), meaning to turn, overturn, or reverse. The use of this word emphasizes that the situation was not just changed, but completely flipped.
  • The word for “enemies” is אֹיֵב (oyev), which specifically refers to those who are hostile or adversarial, making clear that this was not just a general conflict but a confrontation with those who actively hated the Jews.

Why Esther 9:1 matters

  • Esther 9:1 clarifies that the day meant for the Jews’ destruction became the day of their deliverance, which is central to the story’s theme of reversal and rescue.
  • The verse sets up the reason for the Jewish festival of Purim, which celebrates this unexpected turn of events and survival.
  • By using the same word for “rule” for both sides, the verse underscores that the victory was not partial but total—the Jews gained the very power their enemies had hoped to use against them.