Esther 1:22

Verse

He sent letters to all the provinces of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be master of his own household.

American Standard Version (1901)

for he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and should speak according to the language of his people.

Bible in Basic English

And sent letters to all the divisions of the kingdom, to every division in the writing commonly used there, and to every people in the language which was theirs, saying that every man was to be the ruler in his house, and that this order was to be given out in the language of his people.

Free Bible Version

He sent letters to all provinces in the empire, in each province's script and language, that every man should rule his own home, and use his own mother tongue.

Geneva Bible 1599

For he sent letters into all the prouinces of the King, into euery prouince according to the writing thereof, and to euery people after their language, that euery man should beare rule in his owne house, and that he should publish it in the language of that same people.

King James (Authorized) Version

For he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.

Translation for Translators

Then he sent letters to all the provinces, stating that all men should have complete authority over their wives and their children. He wrote the letters in every language and type of writing/alphabet that was used in each province.

Unlocked Literal Bible

He sent out letters to all the royal provinces, to each province in its own writing, and to each people in their own language. He ordered that every man should be master of his own household. This decree was given in the language of each people in the empire.

Noah Webster Bible

For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing of it, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.

World English Bible

for he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to its writing, and to every people in their language, that every man should rule his own house, speaking in the language of his own people.

Young's Literal Translation

and sendeth letters unto all provinces of the king, unto province and province according to its writing, and unto people and people according to its tongue, for every man being head in his own house — and speaking according to the language of his people.

Context

Queen Vashti Deposed

²¹The king and his princes were pleased with this counsel; so the king did as Memucan had advised. ²²He sent letters to all the provinces of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be master of his own household.

Sermons

That Every Man Should Bear Rule In

F.B. Meyer

Summary

This verse reveals King Xerxes' decree to be proclaimed throughout his vast empire, stating that every man should be ruler over his own household. The king's decision stemmed from his anger and humiliation after Queen Vashti disobeyed his command, setting a precedent for male dominance in the Persian culture. The verse reflects the consequences of Vashti's actions and the societal norms of the time, illustrating the power dynamics and expectations within the royal court. It sets the stage for the events that follow in the book of Esther, showcasing the themes of authority, obedience, and the consequences of defying the king's orders.

Commentary

Adam Clarke
John Gill
Tyndale

Adam Clarke Bible Commentary

That every man should bear rule in his own house - Both God's law and common sense taught this from the foundation of the world. And is it possible that this did not obtain in the Persian empire, previously to this edict? The twentieth verse has another clause, That all wives shall give to their husbands honor, both to great and small. This also was universally understood. This law did nothing. I suppose the parade of enactment was only made to deprive honest Vashti of her crown. The Targum adds, "That each woman should speak the language of her husband." If she were even a foreigner, she should be obliged to learn and speak the language of the king. Perhaps there might be some common sense in this, as it would oblige the foreigner to devote much time to study and improvement; and, consequently, to make her a better woman, and a better wife. But there is no proof that this was a part of the decree. But there are so many additions to this book in the principal versions, that we know not what might have made a part of it originally.