Esther 8:12
Esther 8:12 in Multiple Translations
The single day appointed throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.
Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
On one day in every division of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, that is, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month Adar.
This was to happen on one day throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.
Vpon one day in all the prouinces of King Ahashuerosh, euen in the thirteenth day of the twelft moneth, which is the moneth Adar.
In one day, in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth of the twelfth month — it [is] the month of Adar —
on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely , upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar,
And one day of revenge was appointed through all the provinces, to wit, the thirteenth of the twelfth month Adar.
All this was to be done on March 7th of the following year. Mordecai signed the king’s name on the letters, and sealed them with the seal that was on the king’s ring. Then he gave them to messengers, who rode on fast horses that had been raised especially for the king.
Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 8:12
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 8:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
בְּ/י֣וֹם
אֶחָ֔ד
בְּ/כָל
מְדִינ֖וֹת
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ
בִּ/שְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה
עָשָׂ֛ר
לְ/חֹ֥דֶשׁ
שְׁנֵים
עָשָׂ֖ר
הוּא
חֹ֥דֶשׁ
אֲדָֽר
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-ms
אֶחָ֔ד
ʼechâd
H259
one
Adj
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
all
Prep | N-ms
מְדִינ֖וֹת
mᵉdîynâh
H4082
province
N-fp
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
Art | N-ms
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ
ʼĂchashvêrôwsh
H325
Ahasuerus
N-proper
בִּ/שְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
three
Prep | Adj
עָשָׂ֛ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
לְ/חֹ֥דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
month
Prep | N-ms
שְׁנֵים
shᵉnayim
H8147
two
Adj
עָשָׂ֖ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
ten
Adj
הוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
he/she/it
Pron
חֹ֥דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
month
N-ms
אֲדָֽר
ʼĂdâr
H143
Adar
N-proper
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 8:12
בְּ/י֣וֹם
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
אֶחָ֔ד
ʼechâd
H259
"one"
Adj
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means one or united, and is used to describe something that is single or unique. It is often translated as one, first, or alone. For example, in Genesis 1:5, God calls the light day and the darkness night, and separates them into one thing from another.
Definition: 1) one (number) 1a) one (number) 1b) each, every 1c) a certain 1d) an (indefinite article) 1e) only, once, once for all 1f) one...another, the one...the other, one after another, one by one 1g) first 1h) eleven (in combination), eleventh (ordinal)
Usage: Occurs in 739 OT verses. KJV: a, alike, alone, altogether, and, any(-thing), apiece, a certain, (dai-) ly, each (one), [phrase] eleven, every, few, first, [phrase] highway, a man, once, one, only, other, some, together, See also: Genesis 1:5; Exodus 36:26; Numbers 7:70.
בְּ/כָל
kôl
H3605
"all"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.
Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)
Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.
מְדִינ֖וֹת
mᵉdîynâh
H4082
"province"
N-fp
Means a province or district, referring to a region or jurisdiction, like a judgeship or area ruled by a judge.
Definition: 1) province, district 1a) district 1b) province Aramaic equivalent: me.di.nah (מְדִינָה "province" H4083)
Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] every) province. See also: 1 Kings 20:14; Esther 8:5; Daniel 11:24.
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ
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.
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ
ʼĂchashvêrôwsh
H325
"Ahasuerus"
N-proper
Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes, was a powerful king of Persia who ruled during the time of the Israelites' exile. He's mentioned in the book of Ezra and is known for his marriage to Vashti and his role in biblical history. Ahasuerus played a significant part in shaping the fate of the Israelites.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.6; married to Vashti (H2060); father of: Darius (H1868H) § Ahasuerus = "I will be silent and poor" title of the king of Persia, probably Xerxes
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Ahasuerus. See also: Ezra 4:6; Esther 3:7; Daniel 9:1.
בִּ/שְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה
shâlôwsh
H7969
"three"
Prep | Adj
This Hebrew word means three or thrice, and is used to describe quantities or repetitions in the Bible. It appears in various forms, including three, third, and thirteen.
Definition: 1) three, triad 1a) 3, 300, third Aramaic equivalent: te.lat (תְּלָת "three" H8532)
Usage: Occurs in 381 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] fork, [phrase] often(-times), third, thir(-teen, -teenth), three, [phrase] thrice. Compare H7991 (שָׁלִישׁ). See also: Genesis 5:22; Joshua 1:11; 2 Kings 9:32.
עָשָׂ֛ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
לְ/חֹ֥דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
"month"
Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
שְׁנֵים
shᵉnayim
H8147
"two"
Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
עָשָׂ֖ר
ʻâsâr
H6240
"ten"
Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
הוּא
hûwʼ
H1931
"he/she/it"
Pron
This word is a pronoun meaning 'he', 'she', or 'it', used to refer to a person or thing. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a subject or make it clear who is being talked about.
Definition: pron 3p s 1) he, she, it 1a) himself (with emphasis) 1b) resuming subj with emphasis 1c) (with minimum emphasis following predicate) 1d) (anticipating subj) 1e) (emphasising predicate) 1f) that, it (neuter) demons pron 2) that (with article)
Usage: Occurs in 1693 OT verses. KJV: he, as for her, him(-self), it, the same, she (herself), such, that (...it), these, they, this, those, which (is), who. See also: Genesis 2:11; Genesis 32:19; Exodus 21:3.
חֹ֥דֶשׁ
chôdesh
H2320
"month"
N-ms
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
אֲדָֽר
ʼĂdâr
H143
"Adar"
N-proper
Adar is the 12th month of the Hebrew calendar, which falls in March or April. It means 'glorious' and is mentioned in the Bible as a time for certain events. The KJV translates it as 'Adar'.
Definition: Adar = "glorious" twelfth month, corresponding to modern March-April Also named: a.dar (אֲדָר "Adar" H0144)
Usage: Occurs in 8 OT verses. KJV: Adar. See also: Esther 3:7; Esther 9:15; Esther 9:21.
Study Notes — Esther 8:12
Show Verse Quote Highlights
Context — The Decree of Xerxes
10Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes and sealed it with the royal signet ring. He sent the documents by mounted couriers riding on swift horses bred from the royal mares.
11By these letters the king permitted the Jews in each and every city the right to assemble and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province hostile to them, including women and children, and to plunder their possessions.
12The single day appointed throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.
13A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. 14The couriers rode out in haste on their royal horses, pressed on by the command of the king. And the edict was also issued in the citadel of Susa.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Esther 9:1 | On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the king’s command and edict were to be executed. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but their plan was overturned and the Jews overpowered those who hated them. |
| 2 | Esther 3:13–15 | And 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. A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that they would be ready on that day. The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion. |
| 3 | Exodus 15:9–10 | The enemy declared, ‘I will pursue, I will overtake. I will divide the spoils; I will gorge myself on them. I will draw my sword; my hand will destroy them.’ But You blew with Your breath, and the sea covered them. They sank like lead in the mighty waters. |
| 4 | Judges 1:6–7 | As Adoni-bezek fled, they pursued him, seized him, and cut off his thumbs and big toes. Then Adoni-bezek said, “Seventy kings with their thumbs and big toes cut off have gathered the scraps under my table. As I have done to them, so God has repaid me.” And they brought him to Jerusalem, where he died. |
Esther 8:12 Summary
Esther 8:12 tells us that King Xerxes appointed a single day for the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies, which was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar. This day was a turning point in the story of Esther, as it marked the beginning of the Jews' deliverance from their enemies, as seen in Esther 9:1-10:3. Just like the Jews, we can trust in God's providence and timing, knowing that He is sovereign over all things, as noted in Isaiah 46:10 and Psalm 121:2-8. By remembering this, we can have hope and confidence in the face of challenges, just like the Jews did in Esther 8:12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, in Esther 8:12?
This day was appointed by King Xerxes as the single day for the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies, as seen in Esther 8:11, and it is a testament to God's providence and timing, as noted in Ecclesiastes 3:1 and Isaiah 46:10.
Why was it important for the day of defense to be the same throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes?
Having a unified day of defense allowed the Jews to coordinate their efforts and protect themselves more effectively, as they were scattered throughout the kingdom, as mentioned in Esther 8:11 and Esther 3:8.
How does Esther 8:12 relate to the rest of the story of Esther?
Esther 8:12 is a pivotal point in the story, as it marks the turning point where the Jews are empowered to defend themselves against their enemies, ultimately leading to their deliverance, as seen in Esther 9:1-10:3, and it is a reminder of God's faithfulness and sovereignty, as noted in Romans 8:28 and Psalm 121:2-8.
What can we learn from the fact that the king's edict was sent to all the provinces?
The fact that the king's edict was sent to all the provinces highlights the importance of communication and unity in times of crisis, as seen in Esther 8:13-14, and it reminds us of the value of spreading the message of hope and salvation, as noted in Matthew 28:19-20 and Acts 1:8.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's providence and timing, just like the Jews in Esther 8:12?
- How can I use my circumstances to defend my faith and share the message of hope with others, just like the Jews were empowered to do in Esther 8:11?
- What are some ways that I can coordinate with other believers to protect and support one another, just like the Jews did in Esther 8:12?
- How can I remember to trust in God's faithfulness and sovereignty, even in difficult times, as seen in Esther 8:12 and Romans 8:28?
Gill's Exposition on Esther 8:12
Upon one day, in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. The day appointed and fixed in the former letters for the destruction of the Jews, Es 3:13.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 8:12
Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. No JFB commentary on these verses.
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 8:12
Esther 8:12 Upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, [namely], upon the thirteenth [day] of the twelfth month, which [is] the month Adar.Ver. 12. Upon one day in all the provinces, &c.] That once fatal day, but henceforth (the brunt once past) festival. That long-looked-for day, wherein the enemy hoped to revel in the Church’ s ruins; to frame comedies out of her tragedies; to wash their feet in her blood, yea, to ride their horses up to the saddle skirts therein, as Farnesius, the pope’ s champion, threatened to do in Germany, and Minerius in France, and the Papists here in England, at the death of Queen Elizabeth, and again upon the good success of the gunpowder plot, that great crack and black day, as they called it. For the speeding and furthering whereof, they had a devilish ditty, consisting of a seven-fold psalmody, which secretly they passed from hand to hand with tunes set to be sung for the cheering up of their wicked hearts with an expectation (as they called it) of their day of Jubilee. This is one passage therein, Confirm your hearts with hope, for the day of your redemption is not far off. The year of visitation draweth to an end, and jubilation is at hand, &c. (Spec. Bell. Sacr. xx. 2). The psalter is hard to be had, for they are taken up by the Papists, as other books be that discover their shame.
But do what they can, shame shall be the promotion of fools (as it was of Haman), but the wise (as Mordecai) shall inherit glory, Proverbs 3:35.
Sermons on Esther 8:12
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Story of Esther by David Guzik | In this sermon, the speaker begins by asking the congregation what God has been arranging in their lives and what they are being set up for. He emphasizes the importance of being i |
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(Through the Bible) Nehemiah & Esther by Zac Poonen | This sermon delves into the stories of Nehemiah and Esther, highlighting the contrast between those who are willing to sacrifice for God's work and those who seek comfort and compr |
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The Jews Had Rule Over Them That Hated Them. by F.B. Meyer | F.B. Meyer emphasizes the impending reversal of power where the current rulers, who oppose God's people, will be overthrown. He draws parallels between the historical plight of the |
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The Journey From Prayer to Obedience by Carter Conlon | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the introduction of a new law in the book of Esther that gave the enemies of God's people the power to kill, steal, and destroy. The response |
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Dedication Realized by Devern Fromke | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the concept of dedication in the context of the word of God. He emphasizes the challenges faced by those who dare to step out of line and pio |