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.

Where else these words appear

“power” Hebrew H7980 · used in 7 verses

  • Nehemiah 5:15 But the former governors that had been before me were chargeable unto the people, and had taken of them bread and wine, beside forty shekels of silver; yea, even their servants bare rule over the people: but so did not I, because of the fear of God.
  • Ecclesiastes 2:19 And who knoweth whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? yet shall he have rule over all my labour wherein I have laboured, and wherein I have shewed myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity.
  • Ecclesiastes 6:2 A man to whom God hath given riches, wealth, and honour, so that he wanteth nothing for his soul of all that he desireth, yet God giveth him not power to eat thereof, but a stranger eateth it: this is vanity, and it is an evil disease.

“Adar” Hebrew H143 · used in 8 verses

  • Esther 3:7 In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.
  • Esther 8:12 Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
  • Esther 9:17 On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

“hoped” Hebrew H7663 · used in 8 verses

  • Ruth 1:13 Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? would ye stay for them from having husbands? nay, my daughters; for it grieveth me much for your sakes that the hand of the LORD is gone out against me.
  • Nehemiah 2:15 Then went I up in the night by the brook, and viewed the wall, and turned back, and entered by the gate of the valley, and so returned.
  • Psalms 119:166 LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments.

“decree” Hebrew H1881 · used in 21 verses

  • Deuteronomy 33:2 And he said, The LORD came from Sinai, and rose up from Seir unto them; he shined forth from mount Paran, and he came with ten thousands of saints: from his right hand went a fiery law for them.
  • Esther 2:8 So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
  • Esther 4:11 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.