Thus the Jews smote all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they would unto those that hated them.

ESTHER 9:5KJV
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Esther 9:5 (KJV)

What does Esther 9:5 mean?

Esther 9:5 describes how the Jews defended themselves by striking down their enemies with the sword, causing great destruction to those who hated them, and acting as they saw necessary against their attackers. The verse highlights the Jews’ ability to fully overcome those who had planned to harm them.

This verse comes after the king’s new decree allowed the Jews throughout the Persian Empire to protect themselves from those who wanted to destroy them. The story is set in the time of Queen Esther and King Ahasuerus, and the verse reports the outcome: the Jews successfully fought back, turning the tables on their enemies, and were not limited in how they responded to those who hated them.

The Hebrew behind Esther 9:5

  • "Smote" (נָכָה, nakah) means to strike or hit, often with deadly force. In this context, it emphasizes that the Jews were not just defending but actively defeating their enemies.
  • "Stroke" (מַכָּה, makkah) refers to a blow or wound, often from a weapon. This word underlines the violence and seriousness of the conflict.
  • "Would" (רָצוֹן, ratzon) means will or desire. The phrase "did what they would" suggests the Jews had freedom to act as they saw fit in dealing with their enemies, not being held back by previous restrictions.
  • "Hated" (שָׂנֵא, sane) describes those who had deep hostility toward the Jews. This word shows that the conflict was not random but directed at those who had shown hatred.

Why Esther 9:5 matters

  • Esther 9:5 makes clear that the Jews were not aggressors but were responding to a real threat from those who hated them, which helps prevent misunderstanding about the nature of their actions.
  • The verse shows the complete reversal of fortune for the Jews, connecting to the larger theme of deliverance and survival in the book of Esther.
  • By mentioning that the Jews did "what they would," the verse highlights the extent of the king’s permission and the seriousness of the threat they faced, helping readers understand the gravity of the situation.

Where else these words appear

“slaughter” Hebrew H2027 · used in 5 verses

  • Proverbs 24:11 If thou forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain;
  • Isaiah 27:7 Hath he smitten him, as he smote those that smote him? or is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him?
  • Isaiah 30:25 And there shall be upon every high mountain, and upon every high hill, rivers and streams of waters in the day of the great slaughter, when the towers fall.

“stroke” Hebrew H4347 · used in 46 verses

  • Leviticus 26:21 And if ye walk contrary unto me, and will not hearken unto me; I will bring seven times more plagues upon you according to your sins.
  • 1 Samuel 19:8 And there was war again: and David went out, and fought with the Philistines, and slew them with a great slaughter; and they fled from him.
  • Isaiah 27:7 Hath he smitten him, as he smote those that smote him? or is he slain according to the slaughter of them that are slain by him?

“would” Hebrew H7522 · used in 56 verses

  • Genesis 49:6 O my soul, come not thou into their secret; unto their assembly, mine honour, be not thou united: for in their anger they slew a man, and in their selfwill they digged down a wall.
  • Psalms 30:5 For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.
  • Proverbs 14:9 Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous there is favour.

“Jews” Hebrew H3064 · used in 70 verses

  • 2 Kings 16:6 At that time Rezin king of Syria recovered Elath to Syria, and drave the Jews from Elath: and the Syrians came to Elath, and dwelt there unto this day.
  • Esther 6:10 Then the king said to Haman, Make haste, and take the apparel and the horse, as thou hast said, and do even so to Mordecai the Jew, that sitteth at the king's gate: let nothing fail of all that thou hast spoken.
  • Esther 9:20 And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,