Esther 5:3

Esther 5:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.”

King James Version KJV

Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

American Standard Version ASV

Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Then the king said, What is your desire, Queen Esther, and what is your request? I will give it to you, even to the half of my kingdom.

Free Bible Version FBV

The king asked her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What do you want? I'll give it to you, as much as half my empire!”

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Then saide the King vnto her, What wilt thou, Queene Ester? and what is thy request? it shall be euen giuen thee to the halfe of ye kingdome.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And the king saith to her, 'What — to thee Esther, O queen? and what thy request? unto the half of the kingdom — and it is given to thee.'

World English Bible WEB

Then the king asked her, “What would you like, queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom.”

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then said the king to her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And the king said to her: What wilt then, queen Esther? what is thy request? if thou shouldst even ask one half of the kingdom, it shall be given to thee.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then the king asked her, “Esther, what do you want? Tell me, and I will give you what you want, even if you ask me to give you half of my kingdom!”

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 5:3

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 5:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר לָ/הּ֙ הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ מַה לָּ֖/ךְ אֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַ/מַּלְכָּ֑ה וּ/מַה בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛/ךְ עַד חֲצִ֥י הַ/מַּלְכ֖וּת וְ/יִנָּ֥תֵֽן לָֽ/ךְ

וַ/יֹּ֤אמֶר ʼâmar H559 to say Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms

לָ/הּ֙ Prep | Suff

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

מַה mâh H4100 what? Part

לָּ֖/ךְ Prep | Suff

אֶסְתֵּ֣ר ʼEçtêr H635 Esther N-proper

הַ/מַּלְכָּ֑ה malkâh H4436 queen Art | N-fs

וּ/מַה mâh H4100 what? Conj | Part

בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛/ךְ baqqâshâh H1246 request N-fs | Suff

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

חֲצִ֥י chêtsîy H2677 half N-ms

הַ/מַּלְכ֖וּת malkûwth H4438 royalty Art | N-fs

וְ/יִנָּ֥תֵֽן nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Niphal-Juss-3ms

לָֽ/ךְ Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 5:3

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.

לָ/הּ֙ "" Prep | Suff

הַ/מֶּ֔לֶךְ 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.

מַה mâh H4100 "what?" Part

This Hebrew word means what or how, often used to ask questions or express surprise, like in Genesis when God asks Adam what he has done. It can also mean why or when, and is used in various ways throughout the Old Testament. It appears in many KJV translations, including how or what.

Definition: interr pron 1) what, how, of what kind 1a) (interrogative) 1a1) what? 1a2) of what kind 1a3) what? (rhetorical) 1a4) whatsoever, whatever, what 1b) (adverb) 1b1) how, how now 1b2) why 1b3) how! (exclamation) 1c) (with prep) 1c1) wherein?, whereby?, wherewith?, by what means? 1c2) because of what? 1c3) the like of what? 1c3a) how much?, how many?, how often? 1c3b) for how long? 1c4) for what reason?, why?, to what purpose? 1c5) until when?, how long?, upon what?, wherefore? indef pron 2) anything, aught, what may

Usage: Occurs in 655 OT verses. KJV: how (long, oft, (-soever)), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby(-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why. See also: Genesis 2:19; Numbers 21:5; 1 Samuel 19:5.

לָּ֖/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

אֶסְתֵּ֣ר ʼEçtêr H635 "Esther" N-proper

Esther was a brave Jewish woman who became queen of Persia, as told in the book of Esther. She was adopted by her cousin Mordecai and later helped save the Jewish people from persecution.

Definition: A woman living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.2.7; daughter of: Abihail (H0032K); also called Hadassah at Est.2.7; Also named: ha.das.sah (הֲדַסָּה "Hadassah" H1919) § Esther = "star" the queen of Persia, heroine of the book of Esther-daughter of Abihail, cousin and adopted daughter of Mordecai, of the tribe of Benjamin, made queen by king Ahasuerus to replace divorced queen, Vashti.

Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: Esther. See also: Esther 2:7; Esther 5:4; Esther 9:32.

הַ/מַּלְכָּ֑ה malkâh H4436 "queen" Art | N-fs

A queen is a female ruler of a kingdom, like the Queen of Sheba who visited Solomon. The word refers to a woman with royal authority and power. It is used in the Bible to describe female monarchs.

Definition: queen Aramaic equivalent: mal.kah (מַלְכָּה "queen" H4433)

Usage: Occurs in 34 OT verses. KJV: queen. See also: 1 Kings 10:1; Esther 5:2; Song of Solomon 6:9.

וּ/מַה mâh H4100 "what?" Conj | Part

בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛/ךְ baqqâshâh H1246 "request" N-fs | Suff

This Hebrew word means a request or petition. In 1 Samuel 1:27, Hannah makes a request to God for a son. It's also used in Psalm 106:44 where God hears the requests of his people.

Definition: request, entreaty, petition

Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: request. See also: Ezra 7:6; Esther 5:8; Esther 9:12.

עַד 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.

חֲצִ֥י chêtsîy H2677 "half" N-ms

This word means half or middle, describing a division or a part of something. It is used to talk about physical things or time, like half of the day. The Bible uses it in various contexts.

Definition: 1) half 1a) half 1b) middle

Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: half, middle, mid(-night), midst, part, two parts. See also: Exodus 12:29; Ruth 3:8; Psalms 102:25.

הַ/מַּלְכ֖וּת malkûwth H4438 "royalty" Art | 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.

וְ/יִנָּ֥תֵֽן nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Niphal-Juss-3ms

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.

לָֽ/ךְ "" Prep | Suff

Study Notes — Esther 5:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Esther 5:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Esther 5:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 5:3
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 5:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 5:3
Cambridge Bible on Esther 5:3
Barnes' Notes on Esther 5:3
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 5:3
Sermons on Esther 5:3

Context — Esther Approaches the King

1On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. 2As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

3“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.”

4“If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.” 5“Hurry,” commanded the king, “and bring Haman, so we can do as Esther has requested.” So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Mark 6:23	And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!”
2	Esther 7:2	and as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.”
3	Esther 5:6	And as they drank their wine, the king said to Esther, “What is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.”
4	Esther 9:12	who said to Queen Esther, “In the citadel of Susa the Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men, including Haman’s ten sons. What have they done in the rest of the royal provinces? Now what is your petition? It will be given to you. And what further do you request? It will be fulfilled.”
5	1 Kings 3:5	One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!”
6	1 Kings 2:20	“I have just one small request of you,” she said. “Do not deny me.” “Make your request, my mother,” the king replied, “for I will not deny you.”
7	Luke 18:41	“What do you want Me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “let me see again.”
8	Matthew 20:20–22	Then the mother of Zebedee’s sons came to Jesus with her sons and knelt down to make a request of Him. “What do you want?” He inquired. She answered, “Declare that in Your kingdom one of these two sons of mine may sit at Your right hand, and the other at Your left.” “You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I am going to drink?” “We can,” the brothers answered.

Esther 5:3 Summary

[In Esther 5:3, the king shows his love and favor for Queen Esther by offering to give her up to half the kingdom, which is a remarkable gesture of generosity and devotion. This reminds us of the even greater love and generosity of God towards us, as seen in John 3:16, where God gives us the gift of eternal life through Jesus Christ. The king's offer also shows that he values Esther's thoughts and opinions, and is willing to listen to her requests, much like God listens to our prayers and desires, as promised in Psalm 145:18.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the king offering Queen Esther up to half the kingdom?

This gesture shows the king's favor and love for Esther, as seen in Esther 5:2, and is reminiscent of the generous offers made by King Solomon in 1 Kings 3:5, where God offers to grant him anything he desires.

Is the king's offer to give Esther up to half the kingdom just a figure of speech?

While it might seem like an exaggeration, the king's offer is a genuine expression of his willingness to grant Esther's request, much like the promise made by God to Abraham in Genesis 15:1, where God tells Abraham that his reward will be very great.

What does this verse reveal about the king's character?

The king's words in Esther 5:3 show that he is a generous and loving ruler, willing to go to great lengths to please his queen, much like the love and devotion of God for His people, as described in Psalm 103:13.

How does Esther's request relate to the king's offer?

Esther's humble request in Esther 5:4, to have the king and Haman come to a banquet, is a wise and strategic move, as it allows her to gain the king's favor and set the stage for her later request to save the Jewish people, as seen in Esther 7:3-4.

Reflection Questions

What are some areas in your life where you are seeking favor and blessing from God, and how can you approach Him with boldness and humility, like Esther?
How does the king's generosity in this verse reflect the even greater generosity and love of God towards us, and what implications does this have for your daily life?
In what ways can you, like Esther, use your position and influence to bring about positive change and blessing for those around you?
What can you learn from the king's willingness to listen to Esther's request, and how can you apply this to your relationships with others, particularly in regards to active listening and empathy?

Gill's Exposition on Esther 5:3

Then said the king unto her, what wilt thou, Queen Esther?.... He supposed she had some business with him, some suit to make to him, by her coming in this manner: and what is thy request?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 5:3

Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. It shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.

Trapp's Commentary on Esther 5:3

Esther 5:3 Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what [is] thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.Ver. 3. Then said the king unto her] He perceived both by this her bold adventure, and also by her countenance and habit, that she had some very great suit to him. He therefore accosteth her (as the Lord did the angel, Zechariah 1:13) with good words and comfortable words. And this way one man may be an angel, nay, a god, to another, Genesis 33:10. Indeed, it is God that comforteth by the creature, as by a conduit-pipe. The air yieldeth light as an instrument; the water may heat, but not of itself. The Lord put it into the heart of Ahasuerus to cheer up Esther in this sort; wherein also he did but his duty, for no man ever yet hated his own flesh, but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the Church: so ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself, Ephesians 5:28-29. What wilt thou, queen Esther?] That he called her by her name, and with such an honourable attribution, was a sign of no small favour. The hearts of Joseph’ s brethren were so big swollen with spite and spleen, that they could not call him by his name, but said, "Behold, this dreamer," Genesis 37:19. So the Pharisees called our Saviour, This fellow, Eκεινος, John 7:11. And the Jews sought him at the feast, and said, Where is he? they could not find in their hearts to say, Where is Jesus? So Saul asked not for David, much less for his son-in-law David, but for the son of Jesse, by way of contempt. Christ tells his disciples that their enemies shall cast out their names for naught, Luke 6:22, and chargeth them courteously to salute their enemies, calling them friendly by their names, Matthew 5:47. And what is thy request?] q.d. Fear not to utter it, I am very earnest to know it, and fully resolved to grant it. It was more troublesome to Severus the emperor to be asked nothing than to give much. When any of his courtiers had not made bold with him, he would call him and say, Quid est cur nihil petes? What meanest thou to ask me nothing? Hitherto ye have asked me nothing (saith the King of saints to his beloved Esther); ask, that your joy may be full, John 16:24. He is worthily miserable that will not make himself happy by asking. It shall be given thee to the half of the kingdom] A proverbial rather than a prodigal speech, and much in this king’ s mouth. If some ambitious Semiramis had had such an offer, what ill use might she soon have made of it! The dancing damsel made no good use of the like from Herod.

Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 5:3

(3) To the half of the kingdom.—This tremendous offer occurs in further promises of Ahasuerus (Esther 5:6; Esther 7:2). The same reckless promise is made by Herod Antipas to the daughter of Herodias (Mark 6:23).

Cambridge Bible on Esther 5:3

3. it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom] The order of the words in the Heb. indicates the eagerness belonging to a rapid and authoritative declaration: to the half of the kingdom, yea, it shall be given thee. Cp. Herod’s promise to the daughter of Herodias (Mark 6:23). In Herod. ix. 109 we find Xerxes undertaking beforehand to grant whatever should be asked by his consort Amestris in return for a beautifully worked mantle which she had presented to him. He further tells us (Herod. ix. 110, 111) that on a certain day in the year a guest at the king’s table might make any request and that the king was bound to grant it.

Barnes' Notes on Esther 5:3

It shall be even given thee ... - Xerxes, on another occasion, when pleased with one of his wives, offered to grant her any request whatever, without limitation. Compare the margin reference.

Whedon's Commentary on Esther 5:3

3. The half of the kingdom — Compare Mark 6:23. Herodotus (ix, 109) relates that Xerxes, having fallen in love with a woman named Artayute, promised and swore to give her whatsoever she might ask of him.

Sermons on Esther 5:3

	Sermon	Description
	What Is Thy Petition, and It Shall Be Granted Thee: by F.B. Meyer	F.B. Meyer emphasizes the profound connection between Esther and King Ahasuerus, illustrating how a noble character can awaken a higher nature within others. He draws parallels to
	How Quickly We Turn Aside by David Wilkerson	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the dangers of idolatry and how it can lead people away from God. He emphasizes that idols can take many forms, such as sports, entertainment
	The Captivity of the Righteous Part 1 by Phil Beach Jr.	Phil Beach Jr. shares a profound message about the longing of God for a genuine relationship with His people, illustrated through the story of a king who disguises himself as a pau
	Manifest Presence of God - Part 13 by Walter Beuttler	Walter Beuttler preaches on the importance of hearing and responding to the Lord's knocking at the door of our hearts, emphasizing that this opportunity is available to all who lov
	The Blind Beggar by C.H. Spurgeon	In this sermon, the preacher tells the story of a blind man who had his eyes opened by Jesus. The blind man was fixated on the idea of someone being able to open the eyes of the bl
	One of the Best Prayers Ever - Keswick Convention by Billy Strachan	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice, which often comes in a still small voice rather than through dramatic events. He shares the stor
	What Wilt Thou? by Andrew Murray	Andrew Murray emphasizes the importance of specific and intentional prayer in his sermon 'What Wilt Thou?'. He illustrates how Jesus asked the blind man to articulate his need, hig