Therefore the Jews of the villages, that dwelt in the unwalled towns, made the fourteenth day of the month Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions one to another.

ESTHER 9:19KJV
Know the Bible

Esther 9:19 (KJV)

What does Esther 9:19 mean?

Esther 9:19 describes how the Jewish people living in villages and unwalled towns established the fourteenth day of the month Adar as a day of celebration, feasting, and sharing gifts with each other. This verse explains the origin of a joyful holiday for these communities, marking their relief and victory.

The verse is set after the Jews have defended themselves from their enemies, as told in the Book of Esther. It highlights that those living outside the main city of Susa (in smaller, unwalled towns) celebrated their deliverance on a different day than those in the capital. The verse also mentions the practice of sending portions (gifts of food) to one another, showing how the celebration included generosity and community.

The Hebrew behind Esther 9:19

  • "Villages" (פְּרָזוֹת, perazot): This word means open or unwalled settlements, emphasizing that these were less protected places compared to fortified cities. It shows that even those in vulnerable locations participated in the celebration.
  • "Sending portions" (מִשְׁלוֹחַ מָנוֹת, mishloach manot): This phrase refers to the custom of sending gifts of food to friends and neighbors, which is still practiced during the Jewish festival of Purim. The original Hebrew highlights the communal and generous spirit of the holiday.

Why Esther 9:19 matters

  • Esther 9:19 clarifies that the celebration of deliverance was not limited to the main city but was also established among rural and less-defended Jewish communities.
  • The verse explains the origin of the Purim custom of sharing food, which remains a central part of the holiday today.
  • This detail connects to the broader theme of unity and shared joy among the Jewish people, regardless of where they lived.

Where else these words appear

“villages” Hebrew H6521 · used in 3 verses

  • Deuteronomy 3:5 All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars; beside unwalled towns a great many.
  • 1 Samuel 6:18 And the golden mice, according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fenced cities, and of country villages, even unto the great stone of Abel, whereon they set down the ark of the LORD: which stone remaineth unto this day in the field of Joshua, the Bethshemite.

“unwalled” Hebrew H6519 · used in 3 verses

  • Ezekiel 38:11 And thou shalt say, I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to them that are at rest, that dwell safely, all of them dwelling without walls, and having neither bars nor gates,
  • Zechariah 2:4 And said unto him, Run, speak to this young man, saying, Jerusalem shall be inhabited as towns without walls for the multitude of men and cattle therein:

“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 9:15 For the Jews that were in Shushan gathered themselves together on the fourteenth day also of the month Adar, and slew three hundred men at Shushan; but on the prey they laid not their hand.

“sending” Hebrew H4916 · used in 10 verses

  • Deuteronomy 12:7 And there ye shall eat before the LORD your God, and ye shall rejoice in all that ye put your hand unto, ye and your households, wherein the LORD thy God hath blessed thee.
  • Deuteronomy 23:20 Unto a stranger thou mayest lend upon usury; but unto thy brother thou shalt not lend upon usury: that the LORD thy God may bless thee in all that thou settest thine hand to in the land whither thou goest to possess it.
  • Esther 9:22 As the days wherein the Jews rested from their enemies, and the month which was turned unto them from sorrow to joy, and from mourning into a good day: that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor.