And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

ESTHER 9:32KJV
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Esther 9:32 (KJV)

What does Esther 9:32 mean?

Esther 9:32 states that Queen Esther’s official order made the celebration of Purim a permanent practice for the Jewish people, and this decision was formally recorded in writing. The verse highlights that Esther’s authority and the written record together established Purim as a lasting tradition.

In the story’s setting, Queen Esther is confirming the instructions about Purim, a festival marking the Jews’ deliverance from danger in Persia. The verse shows that Esther’s command was not just a suggestion but a binding decree, and it was written down (“in the book”) to ensure it would be remembered and followed by future generations.

The Hebrew behind Esther 9:32

  • "decree" (פִּתְגָּם, pitgam): This word often refers to an official proclamation or edict, emphasizing that Esther’s words had legal force, not just personal advice.
  • "confirmed" (קוּם, qum): This verb means to establish or make something stand. Here, it shows that Esther’s action gave lasting authority to the celebration of Purim.
  • "Purim" (פּוּרִים, purim): The name of the festival itself comes from the word for “lots,” recalling how Haman cast lots to decide the day to attack the Jews. Naming the festival this way ties the celebration directly to the story’s key event.
  • "written" (כָּתַב, kathav) and "book" (סֵפֶר, sefer): These words stress that the decree was recorded in an official document, not just passed down by word of mouth, which gave it a sense of permanence and public authority.

Why Esther 9:32 matters

  • Esther 9:32 clarifies that the celebration of Purim was not just a spontaneous event but was established by royal authority and written record, which gave it lasting significance for Jewish communities.
  • The verse shows the unique role of Esther as a leader whose decisions shaped the religious and social life of her people, highlighting her influence beyond the immediate crisis.
  • By mentioning the writing “in the book,” the verse connects the story of Purim to the broader tradition of recording important events, ensuring that the memory and meaning of Purim would not be lost over time.

Where else these words appear

“decree” Hebrew H3982 · used in 3 verses

  • Esther 1:15 What shall we do unto the queen Vashti according to law, because she hath not performed the commandment of the king Ahasuerus by the chamberlains?
  • Esther 2:20 Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

“Purim” Hebrew H6332 · used in 7 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 9:26 Wherefore they called these days Purim after the name of Pur. Therefore for all the words of this letter, and of that which they had seen concerning this matter, and which had come unto them,
  • Esther 9:29 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority, to confirm this second letter of Purim.

“Esther” Hebrew H635 · used in 45 verses

  • Esther 2:7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.
  • Esther 4:10 Again Esther spake unto Hatach, and gave him commandment unto Mordecai;
  • Esther 7:2 And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.