Esther 4:2
Esther 4:2 in Multiple Translations
But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate.
And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.
and he came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter within the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.
And he came even before the king's doorway; for no one might come inside the king's door clothed in haircloth.
He went as far as the palace gate, because no one was allowed to enter the palace gate wearing sackcloth.
And he came euen before the Kings gate, but he might not enter within the Kings gate, being clothed with sackecloth.
and he cometh in unto the front of the gate of the king, but none is to come in unto the gate of the king with a sackcloth-garment.
He came even before the king’s gate, for no one is allowed inside the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.
And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.
And he came lamenting in this manner even to the gate of the palace: for no one clothed with sackcloth might enter the king’s court.
He stood outside the gate of the palace, because no one who was wearing sackcloth was allowed to enter the palace.
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 4:2
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 4:2 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יָּב֕וֹא
עַ֖ד
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
שַֽׁעַר
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
כִּ֣י
אֵ֥ין
לָ/ב֛וֹא
אֶל
שַׁ֥עַר
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
בִּ/לְב֥וּשׁ
שָֽׂק
וַ/יָּב֕וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
till
Prep
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
face
Prep | N-cp
שַֽׁעַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
כִּ֣י
kîy
H3588
for
Conj
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
nothing
Part
לָ/ב֛וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
Lebo
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
שַׁ֥עַר
shaʻar
H8179
gate
N-ms
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
בִּ/לְב֥וּשׁ
lᵉbûwsh
H3830
clothing
Prep | N-ms
שָֽׂק
saq
H8242
sackcloth
N-ms
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 4:2
וַ/יָּב֕וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
עַ֖ד
ʻad
H5704
"till"
Prep
This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.
Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)
Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.
לִ/פְנֵ֣י
pânîym
H6440
"face"
Prep | N-cp
This word means face or presence, like being in front of someone or something. It's used in many contexts, like in Genesis, Exodus, and Psalms, to describe interactions and relationships.
Definition: : face 1) face 1a) face, faces 1b) presence, person 1c) face (of seraphim or cherubim) 1d) face (of animals) 1e) face, surface (of ground) 1f) as adv of loc/temp 1f1) before and behind, toward, in front of, forward, formerly, from beforetime, before 1g) with prep 1g1) in front of, before, to the front of, in the presence of, in the face of, at the face or front of, from the presence of, from before, from before the face of
Usage: Occurs in 1891 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] accept, a-(be-) fore(-time), against, anger, [idiom] as (long as), at, [phrase] battle, [phrase] because (of), [phrase] beseech, countenance, edge, [phrase] employ, endure, [phrase] enquire, face, favour, fear of, for, forefront(-part), form(-er time, -ward), from, front, heaviness, [idiom] him(-self), [phrase] honourable, [phrase] impudent, [phrase] in, it, look(-eth) (-s), [idiom] me, [phrase] meet, [idiom] more than, mouth, of, off, (of) old (time), [idiom] on, open, [phrase] out of, over against, the partial, person, [phrase] please, presence, propect, was purposed, by reason of, [phrase] regard, right forth, [phrase] serve, [idiom] shewbread, sight, state, straight, [phrase] street, [idiom] thee, [idiom] them(-selves), through ([phrase] -out), till, time(-s) past, (un-) to(-ward), [phrase] upon, upside ([phrase] down), with(-in, [phrase] -stand), [idiom] ye, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 43:31; Exodus 30:16.
שַֽׁעַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ
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.
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.
אֵ֥ין
ʼayin
H369
"nothing"
Part
This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.
Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.
לָ/ב֛וֹא
bôwʼ
H935
"Lebo"
Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
שַׁ֥עַר
shaʻar
H8179
"gate"
N-ms
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means a gate or door, often referring to city entrances or temple doors, like in Genesis and Exodus. It can also symbolize a meeting place or marketplace. The word is used to describe important locations in the Bible.
Definition: : gate 1) gate 1a) gate (of entrance) 1b) gate (of space inside gate, i.e. marketplace, public meeting place) 1b1) city, town 1c) gate (of palace, royal castle, temple, court of tabernacle) 1d) heaven
Usage: Occurs in 302 OT verses. KJV: city, door, gate, port ([idiom] -er). See also: Genesis 19:1; 1 Chronicles 9:18; Psalms 9:14.
הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ
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.
בִּ/לְב֥וּשׁ
lᵉbûwsh
H3830
"clothing"
Prep | N-ms
This word refers to clothing or garments, and sometimes even a wife. It is used in descriptions of how people dress, like in the book of Matthew. The KJV translates it as apparel or clothing.
Definition: clothing, garment, apparel, raiment Aramaic equivalent: le.vush (לְבוּשׁ "garment" H3831)
Usage: Occurs in 33 OT verses. KJV: apparel, clothed with, clothing, garment, raiment, vestment, vesture. See also: Genesis 49:11; Job 41:5; Psalms 22:19.
שָֽׂק
saq
H8242
"sackcloth"
N-ms
This term refers to a coarse cloth or sack used for mourning or carrying grain. People wore sackcloth to show humility or grief, like in the book of Esther. It symbolized repentance and sorrow.
Definition: 1) mesh, sackcloth, sack, sacking 1a) sack (for grain) 1b) sackcloth 1b1) worn in mourning or humiliation 1b2) same material spread out to lie on
Usage: Occurs in 46 OT verses. KJV: sack(-cloth, -clothes). See also: Genesis 37:34; Psalms 69:12; Psalms 30:12.
Study Notes — Esther 4:2
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Esther 4:2 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Esther 4:2
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 4:2
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 4:2
- Trapp's Commentary on Esther 4:2
- Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 4:2
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 4:2
- Cambridge Bible on Esther 4:2
- Barnes' Notes on Esther 4:2
- Whedon's Commentary on Esther 4:2
Context — Mordecai Appeals to Esther
1When Mordecai learned of all that had happened, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the middle of the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.
2But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering that gate.
3In every province to which the king’s command and edict came, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and lamented, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. 4When Esther’s maidens and eunuchs came and told her about Mordecai, the queen was overcome with distress. She sent clothes for Mordecai to wear instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.Esther 4:2 Summary
This verse tells us that Mordecai, who was very upset about the king's decree against the Jews, went to the king's gate but didn't go inside because he was wearing sackcloth, which was not allowed. This shows how much Mordecai was mourning and how he was willing to follow the rules, even when it was hard. We can learn from his example to trust in God and follow His laws, even when things seem difficult or unfair, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7. By trusting in God and following His laws, we can find peace and comfort, even in the midst of challenging circumstances, just like Mordecai did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mordecai stop at the king's gate?
Mordecai stopped at the king's gate because the law prohibited anyone wearing sackcloth from entering the gate, as stated in Esther 4:2. This law was likely in place to maintain the dignity and majesty of the king's court, as seen in Exodus 28:2-5, where the priests were instructed to wear specific garments to maintain holiness and dignity.
What is the significance of sackcloth in the Bible?
Sackcloth is a symbol of mourning, repentance, and humility in the Bible, as seen in Jonah 3:5-8, where the people of Nineveh wore sackcloth to show their repentance. In Esther 4:2, Mordecai wears sackcloth to mourn the decree against the Jews, demonstrating his deep emotional response to the situation.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Esther?
This verse sets the stage for Esther's involvement in the story, as she learns about Mordecai's distress and begins to take action, as seen in Esther 4:4-17. It highlights the tension between the Jewish people and the king's decree, and sets the stage for the events that will unfold to save the Jewish people.
What can we learn from Mordecai's actions in this verse?
Mordecai's actions demonstrate his commitment to following the law, even in the midst of great personal distress, as seen in Romans 13:1-2, where we are instructed to submit to governing authorities. We can learn from his example to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, even when faced with difficult circumstances, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7.
Reflection Questions
- How do I respond to difficult news or circumstances, and what can I learn from Mordecai's example of mourning and prayer?
- In what ways can I demonstrate humility and repentance in my own life, like the people of Nineveh in Jonah 3:5-8?
- How can I balance my desire to take action in the face of injustice with the need to trust in God's sovereignty and providence, as seen in Esther 4:2 and Romans 13:1-2?
- What are some ways I can show solidarity with others who are suffering or in distress, like Esther showed with Mordecai in Esther 4:4-17?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 4:2
And came even before the king's gate,.... Or court, that Esther might if possible be made acquainted with this dreadful calamity coming upon her people: for none might enter into the king's gate
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 4:2
And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 4:2
None might enter into the king’ s gate; and therefore he might not sit there, as he had hitherto done. Clothed with sackcloth, lest it should give the king any occasion of grief or trouble.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 4:2
Esther 4:2 And came even before the king’ s gate: for none [might] enter into the king’ s gate clothed with sackcloth. Ver. 2. And came even before the king’ s gate] Which should have been always open to poor petitioners (as the gate of the Roman Aedilis was), but was now shut against such mourners as Mordecai. A night cap was an ill sight at Court; jolly spirits cannot endure sadness; so great enemies they are to it, that they banish all seriousness; like as the Nicopolites so hated the braying of an ass, that for that cause they would not abide to hear the sound of a trumpet. For none might enter into the king’ s gate clothed with sackcloth] Behold, they that wear softs are in king’ s houses, Matthew 11:8, and those that are altogether set upon the merry pin. Jannes and Jambres, those magicians, are gracious with Pharaoh when Moses and Aaron are frowned upon. Baal’ s prophets are fed at Jezebel’ s table when Elias is almost pined in the desert. The dancing damsel trippeth on the toe, Wρχησατο, Matthew 14:6, and triumpheth in Herod’ s hall, when the rough coated Baptist lieth in cold irons; and Christ’ s company there is neither cared for, nor called for, unless it be to show tricks, and do miracles for a pastime, Luke 23:8. The kings and courtiers of Persia must see no sad sight, lest their mirth should be marred, and themselves surprised with heaviness and horror. But if mourners might not be suffered to come to court, why did those proud princes so seclude up themselves, and not appear abroad for the relief of the poor oppressed?
How much better the modern kings of Persia, whom I have seen, saith a certain traveller, to alight from their horses, to do justice to a poor body! How much better the Great Turk, who, whensoever he goeth forth by land, doth always ride on horseback, upon the Friday especially, which is their Sabbath, when he goeth to the temple. At which times they that go along by his stirrup have charge to take all petitions that are preferred to his Majesty, and many poor men, who dare not presume by reason of their ragged apparel to approach near, stand afar off with fire upon their heads, holding up their petitions in their hands; the which the Grand Signor seeing, who never despiseth, but rather encourageth the poor, sends immediately to take the petitions, and being returned home into his seraglio, harem and reads them all, and then gives order for redress as he thinks fit. By reason of which complaints, the king ofttimes taketh occasion suddenly to punish his greatest officers, either with death or loss of place, which maketh the bashaws and other great officers that they care not how seldom the Grand Signor stirs abroad in public, for fear lest in that manner their bribery and injustice should come to his ears.
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 4:2
(2) None might enter . . .—That nothing sad or ill-omened might meet the monarch’s gaze, as though by shutting his eyes, as it were, to the presence of sorrow, or sickness, or death, he might suppose that he was successfully evading them.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 4:2
Verse 2. Before the king's gate] He could not enter into the gate, of the place where the officers waited, because he was in the habit of a mourner; for this would have been contrary to law.
Cambridge Bible on Esther 4:2
2. and he came even before the king’s gate] either as being his usual place of resort, or with the hope that in this time of distress he might have some chance of communication with Esther, even though his garb precluded him from nearer approach.
Barnes' Notes on Esther 4:2
None might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth - This law is not elsewhere mentioned; but its principle - that nothing of evil omen is to be obtruded on the monarch - has been
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 4:2
2. None might enter… with sackcloth — For that would bear the semblance of an evil omen to the king.