Esther 3:11
Esther 3:11 in Multiple Translations
“Keep your money,” said the king to Haman. “These people are given to you to do with them as you please.”
And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
And the king said to Haman, The money is yours, and the people, to do with them whatever seems right to you.
The king told Haman, “You can have the money, and do to the people whatever you want.”
And the King sayde vnto Haman, Let the siluer be thine, and the people to doe with them as it pleaseth thee.
and the king saith to Haman, 'The silver is given to thee, and the people, to do with it as [it is] good in thine eyes.'
The king said to Haman, “The silver is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you.”
And the king said to Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
And he said to him: As to the money which thou promisest, keep it for thyself: and as to the people, do with them as seemeth good to thee.
The king told Haman, “Keep your money, but do what you want to with those people whom you talked about!”
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 3:11
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Esther 3:11 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
לְ/הָמָ֔ן
הַ/כֶּ֖סֶף
נָת֣וּן
לָ֑/ךְ
וְ/הָ/עָ֕ם
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
בּ֖/וֹ
כַּ/טּ֥וֹב
בְּ/עֵינֶֽי/ךָ
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
to say
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
לְ/הָמָ֔ן
Hâmân
H2001
Haman
Prep | N-proper
הַ/כֶּ֖סֶף
keçeph
H3701
silver
Art | N-ms
נָת֣וּן
nâthan
H5414
to give
V-Qal-Inf-c
לָ֑/ךְ
Prep | Suff
וְ/הָ/עָ֕ם
ʻam
H5971
Amaw
Conj | Art | N-ms
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
to make
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
בּ֖/וֹ
Prep | Suff
כַּ/טּ֥וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
pleasant
Prep | Adj
בְּ/עֵינֶֽי/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
eye
Prep | N-cd | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 3:11
וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר
ʼâmar
H559
"to say"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.
Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)
Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.
הַ/מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙
melek
H4428
"King's"
Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
לְ/הָמָ֔ן
Hâmân
H2001
"Haman"
Prep | N-proper
Haman was a powerful Persian official who opposed the Jews, as told in the book of Esther. He was the son of Hammedatha and the enemy of Mordecai, and his story is a significant part of the biblical narrative.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.3.1; son of: Hammedatha (H4099); married to Zeresh (H2238); father of: Parshandatha (H6577), Dalphon (H1813), Aspatha (H0630), Poratha (H6334), Adalia (H0118), Aridatha (H0743), Parmashta (H6534), Arisai (H0747), Aridai (H0742), Vaizatha (H2055) § Haman = "magnificent" chief minister of Ahasuerus, enemy of Mordecai and the Jews, who plotted to kill the Jews but, being foiled by Esther, was hanged, with his family, on the gallows he had made for Mordecai
Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: Haman. See also: Esther 3:1; Esther 6:6; Esther 9:24.
הַ/כֶּ֖סֶף
keçeph
H3701
"silver"
Art | N-ms
Silver or money, often referring to payment or wealth, like the silver talents in Matthew 25. It can also describe silver as a valuable metal or ornament.
Definition: : money/payment/silver 1) silver, money 1a) silver 1a1) as metal 1a2) as ornament 1a3) as colour 1b) money, shekels, talents
Usage: Occurs in 343 OT verses. KJV: money, price, silver(-ling). See also: Genesis 13:2; Numbers 22:18; 2 Chronicles 1:17.
נָת֣וּן
nâthan
H5414
"to give"
V-Qal-Inf-c
This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.
Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon
Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.
לָ֑/ךְ
""
Prep | Suff
וְ/הָ/עָ֕ם
ʻam
H5971
"Amaw"
Conj | Art | N-ms
A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.
Definition: This name means nation, people
Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.
לַ/עֲשׂ֥וֹת
ʻâsâh
H6213
"to make"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.
Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made
Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.
בּ֖/וֹ
""
Prep | Suff
כַּ/טּ֥וֹב
ṭôwb
H2896
"pleasant"
Prep | Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.
Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)
Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.
בְּ/עֵינֶֽי/ךָ
ʻayin
H5869
"eye"
Prep | N-cd | Suff
This word can mean a spring or fountain, but also refers to the eye or a source of something. It is often translated as affliction, outward appearance, or countenance, and is used in various contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : eye 1) eye 1a) eye 1a1) of physical eye 1a2) as showing mental qualities 1a3) of mental and spiritual faculties (fig.)
Usage: Occurs in 828 OT verses. KJV: affliction, outward appearance, [phrase] before, [phrase] think best, colour, conceit, [phrase] be content, countenance, [phrase] displease, eye((-brow), (-d), -sight), face, [phrase] favour, fountain, furrow (from the margin), [idiom] him, [phrase] humble, knowledge, look, ([phrase] well), [idiom] me, open(-ly), [phrase] (not) please, presence, [phrase] regard, resemblance, sight, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them, [phrase] think, [idiom] us, well, [idiom] you(-rselves). See also: Genesis 3:5; Exodus 34:9; Deuteronomy 28:67.
Study Notes — Esther 3:11
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Esther 3:11 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 3:11
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 3:11
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 3:11
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 3:11
- Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 3:11
- Cambridge Bible on Esther 3:11
- Barnes' Notes on Esther 3:11
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 3:11
- Sermons on Esther 3:11
Context — Haman’s Plot against the Jews
9If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will deposit ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury to pay those who carry it out.”
10So the king removed the signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.
11“Keep your money,” said the king to Haman. “These people are given to you to do with them as you please.”
12On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring. 13And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke 23:25 | As they had requested, he released the one imprisoned for insurrection and murder, and handed Jesus over to their will. |
| 2 | Jeremiah 40:4 | But now, behold, I am freeing you today from the chains that were on your wrists. If it pleases you to come with me to Babylon, then come, and I will take care of you. But if it seems wrong to you to come with me to Babylon, go no farther. Look, the whole land is before you. Wherever it seems good and right to you, go there.” |
| 3 | Jeremiah 26:14 | As for me, here I am in your hands; do to me what you think is good and right. |
| 4 | Psalms 73:7 | From their prosperity proceeds iniquity; the imaginations of their hearts run wild. |
Esther 3:11 Summary
[In Esther 3:11, King Xerxes gives Haman full authority to do as he pleases with the Jewish people, which shows how quickly things can turn against God's people when those in power are influenced by hatred and greed, similar to what happened in Matthew 27:18. This verse reminds us that our actions have consequences and that we should seek to please God rather than men, as Galatians 1:10 encourages. By trusting in God's sovereignty, we can have hope even in difficult circumstances, like the Jewish people in Esther 4:14.]
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did King Xerxes tell Haman to keep his money?
King Xerxes told Haman to keep his money because he was more interested in pleasing Haman and getting rid of the Jews than in gaining financially, as seen in Esther 3:11, similar to how King Herod sought to please the crowd in Acts 12:3.
Did King Xerxes realize the severity of his actions?
It appears King Xerxes did not fully understand the severity of his actions, as he gave Haman full authority to do as he pleased with the Jewish people, much like how Pharaoh hardened his heart in Exodus 8:15.
What can we learn from King Xerxes' decision?
We can learn that our actions have consequences, and as followers of God, we should seek wisdom and guidance from Him before making decisions, as Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our heart.
How does this verse relate to God's sovereignty?
Although King Xerxes' decision seemed to be in opposition to God's people, we can trust that God is still sovereign, as seen in Esther 4:14 and Romans 8:28, where God works all things for the good of those who love Him.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways I can trust in God's sovereignty when faced with difficult circumstances, just like the Jewish people in Esther 3:11?
- How can I ensure that my actions align with God's will, rather than seeking to please others or gain personal benefits?
- In what ways can I use my authority or influence to bless others, rather than seeking to harm or destroy them, as Haman did in Esther 3:11?
- What can I learn from King Xerxes' example about the importance of seeking wise counsel before making decisions, especially when it affects others?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 3:11
And the king said unto Haman, the silver is given unto thee,.... The 10,000 talents of silver Haman proposed to pay into the treasury were returned to him, or the king out of his great munificence
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 3:11
And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 3:11
The silver is given to thee; keep it to thy own use, I do not desire it, I accept thy offer for the deed.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 3:11
Esther 3:11 And the king said unto Haman, The silver [is] given to thee, the people also, to do with them as it seemeth good to thee.Ver. 11. And the king said unto Haman] Whom he looked upon as an honest, prudent, public spirited man, and therefore so easily empowered him to do what he would. O vanas hominum mentes! O pectora caeca! The silver is given unto thee] i.e. The ten thousand talents that thou hast proffered, and which Haman likely purposed to raise out of the spoil of the Jews; all this is remitted, and returned to Haman as a gift again. Sic ex alieno corie gigantes isti latissimas corrigias secant, saith an interpreter here, Such large thongs cut these giants out of other men’ s hides. But what meant they thus to sell the hide before they had taken the beast? He that sat in heaven (and had otherwise determined it) laughed at them, the Lord had them in derision, Psalms 2:4. "With him" (alone) "is strength and wisdom: the deceived and the deceiver are his.
He leadeth counsellors away spoiled, and maketh the judges fools. He leadeth princes away spoiled, and overthroweth the mighty," Job 12:16-17; Job 12:19. The people also, to do with them] Here Haman was made, here he had more than heart could wish, as Psalms 73:7, and holdeth himself, therefore, no doubt, the happiest man under heaven. But nihil sane infelicius est felicitate peccantium, saith Jerome, There cannot befall a man a greater misery than to prosper in sin: for such a one is ripening for ruin, as fatting cattle are fitting for the butcher. They prosper and live at ease, saith God, yet I am extremely displeased with them, Zechariah 1:15. As they say of the metal they make glass of, it is nearest melting when it shineth brightest; so are the wicked nearest destruction when at greatest lustre. Meanwhile see here what, many times, is the condition of God’ s dearest children, viz. to fall into the power and paws of lions, leopards, boars, bears, tigers; of men more savage than any of these, whose tender mercies are mere cruelties. Poor blind men they are that offer violence to the saints, as Samson laid bands upon the pillars, to pluck the house upon their own heads. To do with them as it seemeth good to thee] Oh bloody sentence! Such words as these Leniter volant, sed non leniter violant.
So Dioclesian gave leave to people to kill up Christians, without more ado, wherever they met them; the like was done by authority in the French Massacre; but though tyrants restrain not their agents, yet God will, Psalms 76:10. And though they bandy together and bend all their forces to root out true religion; yet are they bounded by him, and shall not do what themselves please, but what he hath appointed. My times are in thine hand, saith David; and Pilate had no more power to crucify Christ than what was given him from above, John 19:11.
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 3:11
(11) And the king said . . .—With indifference which seems incredible, but which is quite in accordance with what we otherwise know of Xerxes, the king simply hands over to his minister the whole nation and their possessions to do with as he will. The king perhaps was glad to throw the cares of government on his minister, and, too indolent to form an opinion for himself, was content to believe that the Jews were a worthless, disloyal people.
Cambridge Bible on Esther 3:11
11. In the East, confiscation of goods is the invariable accompaniment of capital punishment, and they are forfeited to the crown. At first sight the words seem to mean that the king declines Haman’s offer, and gives him free leave to massacre the Jews, and plunder them for his own benefit. But probably it is implied that the promised payment to the king was to be made out of the spoils. It is clear that the information which Mordecai obtained assured him that the king’s treasuries were to receive the booty (Esther 4:7).
Barnes' Notes on Esther 3:11
The silver is given to thee - Some understand this to mean that Xerxes refused the silver which Haman had offered to him; but the passage is better explained as a grant to him of all the property of
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 3:11
11. The silver is given to thee — Instead of bringing the spoil of silver into the royal treasury, Haman is permitted to keep it for himself.
Sermons on Esther 3:11
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Crowd the Broad Road by Peter Orasuk | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the power of the word of God to touch people's hearts and provoke them to trust in Christ. He expresses his frustration with people who atte |
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Barabbas' Theory of Atonement by C.I. Scofield | C.I. Scofield preaches on the powerful story of Barabbas, a rebel, robber, and murderer condemned to die, who was miraculously set free as Jesus took his place on the cross. Barabb |
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The Manner in Which the Salvation of the Soul Is to Be Sought by Jonathan Edwards | Jonathan Edwards preaches about the importance of undertaking great endeavors for our own salvation, using Noah's obedience in building the ark as an example. He emphasizes the tho |
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Spiritual Sickness and Health by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on the importance of soul-prosperity, drawing from 3 John 2 where John wishes Gaius to prosper and be in health as his soul prospers. Philpot explains the dif |
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1 Corinthians 3:1-3 by St. John Chrysostom | John Chrysostom preaches to the Corinthians about the dangers of being carnal and not spiritual, highlighting the need to grow in faith and knowledge of God's wisdom. He emphasizes |