Esther 4:14

Esther 4:14 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

King James Version KJV

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

American Standard Version ASV

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then will relief and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place, but thou and thy father’s house will perish: and who knoweth whether thou art not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Bible in Basic English BBE

If at this time you say nothing, then help and salvation will come to the Jews from some other place, but you and your father's family will come to destruction: and who is to say that you have not come to the kingdom even for such a time as this?

Free Bible Version FBV

If you stay silent right now, help and rescue will come to the Jews from some other place, and you and your relatives will die. Who knows—it could be you came to be queen for such a time as this!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For if thou holdest thy peace at this time, comfort and deliuerance shall appeare to the Iewes out of another place, but thou and thy fathers house shall perish: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdome for such a time?

Young's Literal Translation YLT

but if thou keep entirely silent at this time, respite and deliverance remaineth to the Jews from another place, and thou and the house of thy fathers are destroyed; and who knoweth whether for a time like this thou hast come to the kingdom?'

World English Bible WEB

For if you remain silent now, then relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. Who knows if you haven’t come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For if thou shalt altogether hold thy peace at this time, then will there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house will be destroyed: and who knoweth, whether thou hast come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For if thou wilt now hold thy peace, the Jews shall be delivered by some other occasion: and thou, and thy father’s house shall perish. And who knoweth whether thou art not therefore come to the kingdom, that thou mightest be ready in such a time as this?

Translation for Translators T4T

If you say nothing now, someone from some other place will rescue many of us Jews, but you and your relatives will be killed. Furthermore, ◄perhaps God/who knows if God► has put you here as queen ◄for a situation like this/to prevent this from happening to us►!' ” [RHQ]

Study Highlights

Key words in the translations above are automatically highlighted. Names of God and Jesus are marked in purple, the Holy Spirit in orange, divine action verbs are underlined, and repeated key words are highlighted in yellow.

Enable Study Highlights

God & Jesus

Holy Spirit

Divine Actions

Repeated Words

Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 4:14

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 4:14 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB כִּ֣י אִם הַחֲרֵ֣שׁ תַּחֲרִישִׁי֮ בָּ/עֵ֣ת הַ/זֹּאת֒ רֶ֣וַח וְ/הַצָּלָ֞ה יַעֲמ֤וֹד לַ/יְּהוּדִים֙ מִ/מָּק֣וֹם אַחֵ֔ר וְ/אַ֥תְּ וּ/בֵית אָבִ֖י/ךְ תֹּאבֵ֑דוּ וּ/מִ֣י יוֹדֵ֔עַ אִם לְ/עֵ֣ת כָּ/זֹ֔את הִגַּ֖עַתְּ לַ/מַּלְכֽוּת

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 for Conj

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

הַחֲרֵ֣שׁ chârash H2790 to plow/plot V-Hiphil-Ptc

תַּחֲרִישִׁי֮ chârash H2790 to plow/plot V-Hiphil-Imperf-2fs

בָּ/עֵ֣ת ʻêth H6256 time Prep | N-cs

הַ/זֹּאת֒ zôʼth H2063 this Art | Pron

רֶ֣וַח revach H7305 space N-ms

וְ/הַצָּלָ֞ה hatstsâlâh H2020 deliverance Conj | N-fs

יַעֲמ֤וֹד ʻâmad H5975 to stand V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

לַ/יְּהוּדִים֙ Yᵉhûwdîy H3064 of Judah Prep | Ngmpa

מִ/מָּק֣וֹם mâqôwm H4725 place Prep | N-ms

אַחֵ֔ר ʼachêr H312 another Adj

וְ/אַ֥תְּ ʼattâh H859 you(m.s.) Conj | Pron

וּ/בֵית bayith H1004 place Conj | N-ms

אָבִ֖י/ךְ ʼâb H1 father N-ms | Suff

תֹּאבֵ֑דוּ ʼâbad H6 to perish V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

וּ/מִ֣י mîy H4310 who? Conj | Part

יוֹדֵ֔עַ yâdaʻ H3045 to know V-Qal

אִם ʼim H518 if Conj

לְ/עֵ֣ת ʻêth H6256 time Prep | N-cs

כָּ/זֹ֔את zôʼth H2063 this Prep | Pron

הִגַּ֖עַתְּ nâgaʻ H5060 to touch V-Hiphil-Perf-2fs

לַ/מַּלְכֽוּת malkûwth H4438 royalty Prep | N-fs

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

Use ← → arrow keys to navigate between words.

Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 4:14

כִּ֣י kîy H3588 "for" Conj

A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.

Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore

Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

This Hebrew word is used to express conditions or questions, like if or whether. It can also be used to make oaths or express wishes, as in Oh that! It appears in various forms in the KJV, including if, though, and when.

Definition: : if/whether_or/though 1) if 1a) conditional clauses 1a1) of possible situations 1a2) of impossible situations 1b) oath contexts 1b1) no, not 1c) if...if, whether...or, whether...or...or 1d) when, whenever 1e) since 1f) interrogative particle 1g) but rather

Usage: Occurs in 931 OT verses. KJV: (and, can-, doubtless, if, that) (not), [phrase] but, either, [phrase] except, [phrase] more(-over if, than), neither, nevertheless, nor, oh that, or, [phrase] save (only, -ing), seeing, since, sith, [phrase] surely (no more, none, not), though, [phrase] of a truth, [phrase] unless, [phrase] verily, when, whereas, whether, while, [phrase] yet. See also: Genesis 4:7; Exodus 22:3; Leviticus 27:27.

הַחֲרֵ֣שׁ chârash H2790 "to plow/plot" V-Hiphil-Ptc

This verb can mean to be quiet or silent, but also to scratch or engrave, like a farmer plowing a field. It is used in various contexts, including being silent or deaf. The KJV translates it in different ways, including 'cease' or 'hold peace'.

Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil

Usage: Occurs in 65 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] altogether, cease, conceal, be deaf, devise, ear, graven, imagine, leave off speaking, hold peace, plow(-er, man), be quiet, rest, practise secretly, keep silence, be silent, speak not a word, be still, hold tongue, worker. See also: Genesis 24:21; Psalms 28:1; Psalms 32:3.

תַּחֲרִישִׁי֮ chârash H2790 "to plow/plot" V-Hiphil-Imperf-2fs

Definition: 1) to cut in, plough, engrave, devise 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to cut in, engrave 1a2) to plough 1a3) to devise 1b) (Niphal) to be ploughed 1c) (Hiphil) to plot evil

בָּ/עֵ֣ת ʻêth H6256 "time" Prep | N-cs

Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.

Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion

Usage: Occurs in 258 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (al-) ways, [idiom] certain, [phrase] continually, [phrase] evening, long, (due) season, so (long) as, (even-, evening-, noon-) tide, (meal-), what) time, when. See also: Genesis 8:11; 2 Chronicles 35:17; Psalms 1:3.

הַ/זֹּאת֒ zôʼth H2063 "this" Art | Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 570 OT verses. KJV: hereby (-in, -with), it, likewise, the one (other, same), she, so (much), such (deed), that, therefore, these, this (thing), thus. See also: Genesis 2:23; Numbers 7:88; Judges 1:27.

רֶ֣וַח revach H7305 "space" N-ms

This Hebrew word means space or room, and can also refer to a time of relief or deliverance, as seen in the book of Exodus.

Definition: 1) space 1a) space, interval 1b) respite, relief

Usage: Occurs in 2 OT verses. KJV: enlargement, space. See also: Genesis 32:17; Esther 4:14.

וְ/הַצָּלָ֞ה hatstsâlâh H2020 "deliverance" Conj | N-fs

This word means rescue or deliverance, like the salvation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, as told in Exodus 14:13.

Definition: deliverance, escape

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: deliverance. See also: Esther 4:14.

יַעֲמ֤וֹד ʻâmad H5975 "to stand" V-Qal-Imperf-3ms

Means 'to stand' in a strong sense, like in Exodus 17:12 where Moses stood with his arms up to help Israel win a battle.

Definition: : stand/stop/establish 1) to stand, remain, endure, take one's stand 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to stand, take one's stand, be in a standing attitude, stand forth, take a stand, present oneself, attend upon, be or become servant of 1a2) to stand still, stop (moving or doing), cease 1a3) to tarry, delay, remain, continue, abide, endure, persist, be steadfast 1a4) to make a stand, hold one's ground 1a5) to stand upright, remain standing, stand up, rise, be erect, be upright 1a6) to arise, appear, come on the scene, stand forth, appear, rise up or against 1a7) to stand with, take one's stand, be appointed, grow flat, grow insipid 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to station, set 1b2) to cause to stand firm, maintain 1b3) to cause to stand up, cause to set up, erect 1b4) to present (one) before (king) 1b5) to appoint, ordain, establish 1c) (Hophal) to be presented, be caused to stand, be stood before

Usage: Occurs in 497 OT verses. KJV: abide (behind), appoint, arise, cease, confirm, continue, dwell, be employed, endure, establish, leave, make, ordain, be (over), place, (be) present (self), raise up, remain, repair, [phrase] serve, set (forth, over, -tle, up), (make to, make to be at a, with-) stand (by, fast, firm, still, up), (be at a) stay (up), tarry. See also: Genesis 18:8; Joshua 21:44; 1 Chronicles 6:17.

לַ/יְּהוּדִים֙ Yᵉhûwdîy H3064 "of Judah" Prep | Ngmpa

This term refers to people from the tribe of Judah, including Judah himself, who was the son of Israel and Leah. It is used to describe the descendants of Judah, who are also known as Jews.

Definition: People descended from Judah, living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.29.35; son of: Israel (H3478) and Leah (H3812); brother of: Reuben (H7205), Simeon (H8095), Levi (H3878), Issachar (H3485), Zebulun (H2074) and Dinah (H1783); half-brother of: Dan (H1835H), Naphtali (H5321), Gad (H1410), Asher (H0836), Joseph (H3130) and Benjamin (H1144); married to Bath-shua (H1323I) and Tamar (H8559); father of: Er (H6147), Onan (H0209), Shelah (H7956), Perez (H6557) and Zerah (H2226I) Group of ye.hu.dah (יְהוּדָה "Judah" H3063) § Jew

Usage: Occurs in 69 OT verses. KJV: Jew. See also: 2 Kings 16:6; Esther 8:17; Jeremiah 32:12.

מִ/מָּק֣וֹם mâqôwm H4725 "place" Prep | N-ms

Maqom means a place or location, like a city or a region. It can also refer to a condition of the body or mind. This term is used to describe a wide range of locations and situations.

Definition: 1) standing place, place 1a) standing place, station, post, office 1b) place, place of human abode 1c) city, land, region 1d) place, locality, spot 1e) space, room, distance 1f) region, quarter, direction 1g) give place to, instead of

Usage: Occurs in 379 OT verses. KJV: country, [idiom] home, [idiom] open, place, room, space, [idiom] whither(-soever). See also: Genesis 1:9; Deuteronomy 12:3; 1 Kings 20:24.

אַחֵ֔ר ʼachêr H312 "another" Adj

Means another or next in the original Hebrew, often referring to someone or something that follows or is different. It appears in various contexts, including descriptions of people and events in the Bible.

Definition: 1) another, other, following 1a) following, further 1b) other, different

Usage: Occurs in 161 OT verses. KJV: (an-) other man, following, next, strange. See also: Genesis 4:25; 1 Kings 13:10; Psalms 16:4.

וְ/אַ֥תְּ ʼattâh H859 "you(m.s.)" Conj | Pron

You is the translation of a Hebrew word used to address someone directly, like when God says you to someone in the Bible. It can be singular or plural, and is often translated as thee, thou, or ye.

Definition: you (second pers. sing. masc.)

Usage: Occurs in 997 OT verses. KJV: thee, thou, ye, you. See also: Genesis 3:11; Exodus 23:9; Deuteronomy 14:1.

וּ/בֵית bayith H1004 "place" Conj | N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

אָבִ֖י/ךְ ʼâb H1 "father" N-ms | Suff

In Hebrew, this word means father, whether literal or figurative. It is used to describe God as the father of his people, as well as human fathers like Abraham. The word is about a paternal relationship or authority.

Definition: 1) father of an individual 2) of God as father of his people 3) head or founder of a household, group, family, or clan 4) ancestor 4a) grandfather, forefathers - of person 4b) of people 5) originator or patron of a class, profession, or art 6) of producer, generator (fig.) 7) of benevolence and protection (fig.) 8) term of respect and honour 9) ruler or chief (spec.) Also means: av (אַב "father" H0002)

Usage: Occurs in 1060 OT verses. KJV: chief, (fore-) father(-less), [idiom] patrimony, principal. Compare names in 'Abi-'. See also: Genesis 2:24; Genesis 42:37; Leviticus 19:3.

תֹּאבֵ֑דוּ ʼâbad H6 "to perish" V-Qal-Imperf-2mp

To perish means to be destroyed or lost, whether it's a person, animal, or thing, like the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19.

Definition: 1) perish, vanish, go astray, be destroyed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) perish, die, be exterminated 1a2) perish, vanish (fig.) 1a3) be lost, strayed 1b) (Piel) 1b1) to destroy, kill, cause to perish, to give up (as lost), exterminate 1b2) to blot out, do away with, cause to vanish, (fig.) 1b3) cause to stray, lose 1c) (Hiphil) 1c1) to destroy, put to death 1c1a) of divine judgment 1c2) object name of kings (fig.) Aramaic equivalent: a.vad (אֲבַד "to destroy" H0007)

Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: break, destroy(-uction), [phrase] not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, [idiom] and surely, take, be undone, [idiom] utterly, be void of, have no way to flee. See also: Exodus 10:7; Psalms 112:10; Psalms 1:6.

וּ/מִ֣י mîy H4310 "who?" Conj | Part

This word is used to ask questions like who, whose, or whom. It can also be used to express a wish, like would that or whoever. It appears in many forms throughout the Bible, often in phrases like O that or what.

Definition: who?, whose?, whom?, would that, whoever, whosoever

Usage: Occurs in 342 OT verses. KJV: any (man), [idiom] he, [idiom] him, [phrase] O that! what, which, who(-m, -se, -soever), [phrase] would to God. See also: Genesis 3:11; 2 Samuel 15:4; Psalms 4:7.

יוֹדֵ֔עַ yâdaʻ H3045 "to know" V-Qal

The Hebrew word for to know means to ascertain by seeing, and is used in many senses, including to learn, perceive, and recognize, as seen in various KJV translations.

Definition: 1) to know 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to know 1a1a) to know, learn to know 1a1b) to perceive 1a1c) to perceive and see, find out and discern 1a1d) to discriminate, distinguish 1a1e) to know by experience 1a1f) to recognise, admit, acknowledge, confess 1a1g) to consider 1a2) to know, be acquainted with 1a3) to know (a person carnally) 1a4) to know how, be skilful in 1a5) to have knowledge, be wise 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be made known, be or become known, be revealed 1b2) to make oneself known 1b3) to be perceived 1b4) to be instructed 1c) (Piel) to cause to know 1d) (Poal) to cause to know 1e) (Pual) 1e1) to be known 1e2) known, one known, acquaintance (participle) 1f) (Hiphil) to make known, declare 1g) (Hophal) to be made known 1h) (Hithpael) to make oneself known, reveal oneself Aramaic equivalent: ye.da (יְדַע "to know" H3046)

Usage: Occurs in 874 OT verses. KJV: acknowledge, acquaintance(-ted with), advise, answer, appoint, assuredly, be aware, (un-) awares, can(-not), certainly, comprehend, consider, [idiom] could they, cunning, declare, be diligent, (can, cause to) discern, discover, endued with, familiar friend, famous, feel, can have, be (ig-) norant, instruct, kinsfolk, kinsman, (cause to let, make) know, (come to give, have, take) knowledge, have (knowledge), (be, make, make to be, make self) known, [phrase] be learned, [phrase] lie by man, mark, perceive, privy to, [idiom] prognosticator, regard, have respect, skilful, shew, can (man of) skill, be sure, of a surety, teach, (can) tell, understand, have (understanding), [idiom] will be, wist, wit, wot. See also: Genesis 3:5; Leviticus 5:4; Judges 21:12.

אִם ʼim H518 "if" Conj

לְ/עֵ֣ת ʻêth H6256 "time" Prep | N-cs

Eth means time, especially now or when, and can refer to an event, experience, or occasion. It is often used to describe a specific moment or period.

Definition: 1) time 1a) time (of an event) 1b) time (usual) 1c) experiences, fortunes 1d) occurrence, occasion

כָּ/זֹ֔את zôʼth H2063 "this" Prep | Pron

This Hebrew word means this or that, often used to point out something specific. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

הִגַּ֖עַתְּ nâgaʻ H5060 "to touch" V-Hiphil-Perf-2fs

This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.

Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)

Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.

לַ/מַּלְכֽוּת malkûwth H4438 "royalty" Prep | N-fs

Royalty or royal power refers to the authority and dominion of a king or queen, like Solomon's reign in Israel. It can also mean the kingdom or territory ruled by a monarch. The word is used in the Bible to describe sovereign power and authority.

Definition: 1) royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom, sovereign power 1a) royal power, dominion 1b) reign 1c) kingdom, realm Aramaic equivalent: mal.khu (מַלְכוּ "kingdom" H4437)

Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal. See also: Numbers 24:7; Esther 1:9; Psalms 45:7.

Study Notes — Esther 4:14

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Esther 4:14 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Esther 4:14
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 4:14
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 4:14
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 4:14
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 4:14
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 4:14
Cambridge Bible on Esther 4:14
Barnes' Notes on Esther 4:14
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 4:14
Sermons on Esther 4:14

Context — Mordecai Appeals to Esther

12When Esther’s words were relayed to Mordecai, 13he sent back to her this reply: “Do not imagine that because you are in the king’s palace you alone will escape the fate of all the Jews.

14For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

15Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai: 16“Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish! ”

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Genesis 45:4–8	Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you. For the famine has covered the land these two years, and there will be five more years without plowing or harvesting. God sent me before you to preserve you as a remnant on the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. Therefore it was not you who sent me here, but God, who has made me a father to Pharaoh—lord of all his household and ruler over all the land of Egypt.
2	1 Samuel 12:22	Indeed, for the sake of His great name, the LORD will not abandon His people, because He was pleased to make you His own.
3	Deuteronomy 32:36	For the LORD will vindicate His people and have compassion on His servants when He sees that their strength is gone and no one remains, slave or free.
4	Isaiah 54:17	No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.
5	Jeremiah 30:11	For I am with you to save you, declares the LORD. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have scattered you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished.”
6	Acts 7:20–25	At that time Moses was born, and he was beautiful in the sight of God. For three months he was nurtured in his father’s house. When he was set outside, Pharaoh’s daughter took him and brought him up as her own son. So Moses was educated in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was powerful in speech and action. When Moses was forty years old, he decided to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. And when he saw one of them being mistreated, Moses went to his defense and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian who was oppressing him. He assumed his brothers would understand that God was using him to deliver them, but they did not.
7	Matthew 16:18	And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it.
8	Jeremiah 46:28	And you, My servant Jacob, do not be afraid, declares the LORD, for I am with you. Though I will completely destroy all the nations to which I have banished you, I will not completely destroy you. Yet I will discipline you justly, and will by no means leave you unpunished.”
9	Ezra 9:9	Though we are slaves, our God has not forsaken us in our bondage, but He has extended to us grace in the sight of the kings of Persia, giving us new life to rebuild the house of our God and repair its ruins, and giving us a wall of protection in Judah and Jerusalem.
10	Esther 2:15	Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle from whom Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. And when it was her turn to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s trusted official in charge of the harem, had advised. And Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her.

Esther 4:14 Summary

This verse means that if Esther doesn't speak up for the Jews, God will still find a way to save them, but Esther and her family will suffer. It's like when Joseph was in Egypt, and God used him to save many people, as seen in Genesis 41:38-40. Mordecai is telling Esther that she has a special role to play in this situation, and if she doesn't take it, she will miss an opportunity that God has given her (Romans 8:28). Esther must decide whether to trust God and take a risk or stay silent and face the consequences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of Mordecai's warning to Esther in this verse?

Mordecai's warning emphasizes that Esther's silence would not only fail to help the Jews but also lead to her own downfall, as seen in Esther 4:14, and this is reminiscent of the principle found in Proverbs 24:23-25, where silence in the face of injustice can have severe consequences.

Does this verse imply that God would save the Jews regardless of Esther's actions?

Yes, Esther 4:14 suggests that God would save the Jews even if Esther remained silent, which aligns with the promise in Jeremiah 31:35-37, where God affirms His covenant with His people, ensuring their preservation and restoration.

What is the meaning of 'such a time as this' in this context?

The phrase 'such a time as this' in Esther 4:14 implies that Esther's position in the kingdom is not a coincidence, but rather, she has been placed there by God for a specific purpose, similar to how Joseph was elevated to a position of power in Egypt, as seen in Genesis 41:38-40, to save his family and many others.

How does this verse relate to the concept of divine providence?

Esther 4:14 illustrates divine providence, where God works through human events and positions people in specific roles to fulfill His plans, as also seen in Romans 8:28, which states that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him.

Reflection Questions

What are the potential consequences of remaining silent in the face of injustice, and how can I apply this lesson to my own life?
In what ways can I, like Esther, recognize and utilize the opportunities and positions God has given me to serve others and fulfill His purposes?
How does the concept of divine providence, as seen in this verse, impact my understanding of God's sovereignty and involvement in my life?
What role does faith and trust in God play in my decision-making, especially when faced with difficult choices or uncertain outcomes, as Esther was in this situation?

Gill's Exposition on Esther 4:14

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time,.... And will not speak to the king in favour of the Jews, because of the danger she would be exposed to in doing it: then shall there

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 4:14

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 4:14

From another place; from another hand, and by another means; which God can, and I am fully persuaded will, raise up. Thou and thy father’ s house shall be destroyed, by the righteous and dreadful judgment of God, punishing thy cowardice and self-seeking, and thy want of love to God, and to his and thy own people. Who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this? It is probable God hath raised thee to this honour for this very season; and therefore go on courageously, and doubt not of the success.

Trapp's Commentary on Esther 4:14

Esther 4:14 For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, [then] shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father’ s house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this?Ver. 14. But if thou altogether boldest thy peace] And so make thyself guilty of a sinful silence, nay, of the death of so many innocents; for not to do good when it is in the power of a man’ s hand is to do evil, and not to save is to destroy, as our Saviour showeth, Mark 3:14. Qui non cum potest, servat; occidit. Passive wickedness is deeply taxed in some of those seven Churches, Rev. ii., iii. In a storm at sea it is a shame to sit still, or to be asleep, with Jonah, in the sides of the ship, when it is in danger of drowning. Every man cannot sit at the stern; but then he may handle the ropes, or manage the oars, &c. The self-seeker, the private spirited man, may he be but warm in is own feathers, regards not the danger of the house; he is totus in se, entirely in himself, like the snail, still within doors and at home; like the squirrel, he ever digs his hole towards the sunrising; his care is to keep on the warm side of the hedge, to sleep in a whole skin, to save one, whatever become of the many. From doing thus, Mordecai deterreth Esther by a heap of holy arguments; discovering a heroical faith and a well-knit resolution. At this time] There is indeed a time to keep silence, and a time to speak, Ecclesiastes 3:7. But if ever a man will speak, let him do it when the enemies are ready to devour the Church: as Croesus’ s dumb son burst out into, Kill not King Croesus. "For Zion’ s sake will I not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’ s sake I will not rest," &c., Isaiah 62:1. "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning. If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth," &c., Psalms 137:5-6. That noble Terentius (general to Valens the emperor) being bidden to ask what he would, asked nothing, but that the Church might be freed from Arians; and when the emperor, upon a defeat by the Goths, upbraided him with cowardice and sloth as the causes of the overthrow, he boldly replied, Yourself have lost the day, by your warring against God, and persecuting his people (Niceph.). Then shall their enlargement] Heb. Respiration, a day of refreshing should come from the presence of the Lord. Confer Job 9:18. At present they could hardly breathe, for bitterness of spirit. And deliverance arise] Heb. stand up, as on its basis or bottom, so as none shall be able to withstand.

Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 4:14

(14) Enlargement.—Literally, a breathing-space.From another place.—Although he does not explain his meaning, and, indeed, seems to be speaking with studied reserve, still we may suppose that Mordecai here refers to Divine help, which he asserts will be vouchsafed in this extremity. It does not necessarily follow that we are to see in this declaration a proof of the earnestness of Mordecai’s faith; probably had his faith been like that of many of his countrymen he would not have been in Persia at all, but with the struggling band in Judæa. Thou and thy father’s house shall be destroyed.—That is, by the hand of God, who having raised thee to this pitch of glory and power will require it from thee, if thou fail in that which it plainly devolves upon thee to do. It is clear there is a good deal of force in these last words of Mordecai. Esther’s rise had been so marvellous that one might well see in it the hand of God, and if so there was clearly a very special object in view, which it must be her anxious care to work for. In the whole tone of the conversation, however, there seems a lack of higher and more noble feelings, an absence of any suggestion of turning for aid to God; and thus in return, when God carries out His purpose, and grants deliverance, it seems done indirectly, without the conferring of any special blessing on the human instruments.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 4:14

Verse 14. Then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise] He had a confidence that deliverance would come by some means; and he thought that Esther would be the most likely; and that, if she did not use the influence which her providential station gave her, she would be highly culpable. And who knoweth whether thou art come] As if he had said, "Is it likely that Divine providence would have so distinguished thee, and raised thee from a state of abject obscurity, merely for thy own sake? Must it not have been on some public account! Did not he see what was coming? and has he not put thee in the place where thou mayest counteract one of the most ruinous purposes ever formed?" Is there a human being who has not some particular station by an especial providence, at some particular time, in which he can be of some essential service to his neighbour, in averting evil or procuring good, if he be but faithful to the grace and opportunity afforded by this station? Who dares give a negative to these questions? We lose much, both in reference to ourselves and others, by not adverting to our providental situation and circumstances. While on this subject, I will give the reader two important sayings, from two eminent men, both keen observers of human nature, and deeply attentive in all such cases to the operations of Divine providence: - "To every thing there is a season; and a time to every purpose under heaven. Therefore withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thy hand to do it. SOLOMON. There is a tide in the affairs of men, Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune; Omitted, all the voyage of their life Is bound in shallows, and in miseries. SHAKESPEARE. Has there not been a case, within time of memory, when evil was designed against a whole people, through the Hamans who had poisoned the ears of well-intentioned men; in which one poor man, in consequence of a situation into which he was brought by an astonishing providence, used the influence which his situation gave him; and, by the mercy of his God, turned the whole evil aside? By the association of ideas the following passage will present itself to the reader's memory, who may have any acquaintance with the circumstance:- "There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it. Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man!" "Then said, I, Ah, Lord God! They say of me, DOTH HE NOT SPEAK PARABLES?" Rem acu tetigi.

Cambridge Bible on Esther 4:14

14. relief] A.V. enlargement, a word now obsolete in the sense of relief or deliverance. It does not occur elsewhere in the A.V., but we find the corresponding verb, meaning to set at large, to give freedom to move without obstruction, in 2 Samuel 22:37 (= Psalms 18:36) (‘Thou hast enlarged my steps under me’); Psalms 4:1 (‘Thou hast enlarged me when I was in distress’). For the same use of the verb in Old English compare “Thrice hath this Hotspur … Discomfited great Douglas, ta’en him once, Enlarged him.…” I Henry IV. iii. 2. 115. “Enlarge the man committed yesterday.” Henry V. ii. 2. 40. from another place] not meaning simply from some human source, as when Judas Maccabaeus sent an embassy to Rome to ask aid against Greek oppression (1Ma 8:17), or later, when his brother Jonathan applied in the same quarter and for the same object (1Ma 12:1). The reference here, though veiled after the reticent fashion of this Book, is to the Divine agency, whether working through earthly means or not. Israel cannot perish. but thou and thy father’s house shall perish] Her inactivity would involve not only herself but her family in ruin. Thus she has nothing to hope from that alternative. It ensures her death; the other course but risks it. who knoweth whether] = perhaps. Cp. the same expression in Joe 2:14; Jonah 3:9. whether thou art not come] A.V. whether thou art come. It is true that the ‘not’ has no literal equivalent in the original Hebrew, but still the R.V. is a more accurate translation of the exact sense. Mordecai means, We cannot say that Providence has not shaped thy fortunes to this very end, and given thee a position enabling thee to deliver thy whole nation in the impending crisis.

Barnes' Notes on Esther 4:14

From another place - i. e. “from some other quarter.” Mordecai probably concluded from the prophetic Scriptures that God would NOT allow His people to be destroyed before His purposes with respect to

Whedon's Commentary on Esther 4:14

14. Enlargement — øåç, breathing room; freedom from restraint. Compare the kindred word rendered respite in Exodus 8:15. Deliverance arise… another place — Note the faith of Mordecai. He is confident his nation cannot perish.

Sermons on Esther 4:14

	Sermon	Description
	(Gospel in the Book of Esther) 1. the Doom of the People by Roy Hession	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the theme of redemption and foreshadowing in the word of God. He emphasizes that even though the nation of Israel faced discipline and conseq
	Esther 5 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the book of Esther and highlights the hand of God in shaping the events of history for the benefit of His people. The speaker emphasizes tha
	The Cross and Eternal Glory - Part 6 by T. Austin-Sparks	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of understanding the word of God and its spiritual principles that apply to us today. They urge the audience to focus on God's
	Is God Calling You to Be a Deliverer by Teresa Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Esther in the Bible, specifically in Esther Chapter 4. The speaker emphasizes the need for believers to recognize the bigger pic
	Esther-for Such a Time as This by Teresa Conlon	In this sermon, the speaker begins by expressing the joy and hope that comes from being a follower of Jesus. He emphasizes the fear of growing old that the world has, but highlight
	Awake to Your Purpose by Brian Long	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of committing oneself fully to God's purpose. He uses the example of Esther, who was willing to risk her life for the sake of
	Your Keys Please - the Power of the Human Will by Joe Root	This sermon emphasizes the importance of surrendering our will to God, using examples of biblical figures who struggled with their wills. It challenges listeners to consider areas