Esther 1:17
New International Version
For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women, and so they will despise their husbands and say, ‘King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she would not come.’

New Living Translation
Women everywhere will begin to despise their husbands when they learn that Queen Vashti has refused to appear before the king.

English Standard Version
For the queen’s behavior will be made known to all women, causing them to look at their husbands with contempt, since they will say, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, and she did not come.’

Berean Standard Bible
For the conduct of the queen will become known to all women, causing them to despise their husbands and say, ‘King Xerxes ordered Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she did not come.’

King James Bible
For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.

New King James Version
For the queen’s behavior will become known to all women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when they report, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in before him, but she did not come.’

New American Standard Bible
For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women so as to make their own husbands despicable in their sight, when they say, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded that Queen Vashti be brought in to his presence, but she did not come.’

NASB 1995
“For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women causing them to look with contempt on their husbands by saying, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in to his presence, but she did not come.’

NASB 1977
“For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women causing them to look with contempt on their husbands by saying, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought in to his presence, but she did not come.’

Legacy Standard Bible
For the word about the queen will get out to all the women causing them to despise their husbands in their eyes by saying, ‘King Ahasuerus said for Queen Vashti to be brought in to his presence, but she did not come.’

Amplified Bible
For the queen’s conduct will become known to all women, causing them to look on their husbands with contempt (disrespect), since they will say, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she did not come.’

Christian Standard Bible
For the queen’s action will become public knowledge to all the women and cause them to despise their husbands and say, ‘King Ahasuerus ordered Queen Vashti brought before him, but she did not come.’

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For the queen’s action will become public knowledge to all the women and cause them to despise their husbands and say, ‘King Ahasuerus ordered Queen Vashti brought before him, but she did not come.’

American Standard Version
For this deed of the queen will come abroad unto all women, to make their husbands contemptible in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.

Contemporary English Version
The women in the kingdom will hear about this, and they will refuse to respect their husbands. They will say, "If Queen Vashti doesn't obey her husband, why should we?"

English Revised Version
For this deed of the queen shall come abroad unto all women, to make their husbands contemptible in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The news of what the queen has done will spread to all women, and they will despise their husbands. They will say, 'King Xerxes ordered Queen Vashti to be brought to him, but she would not come.'

Good News Translation
Every woman in the empire will start looking down on her husband as soon as she hears what the queen has done. They'll say, 'King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to come to him, and she refused.'

International Standard Version
When the report about the queen goes out to all the women, it will cause them to despise their husbands. They'll say, 'King Ahasuerus ordered Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she wouldn't come.'

Majority Standard Bible
For the conduct of the queen will become known to all women, causing them to despise their husbands and say, ‘King Xerxes ordered Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she did not come.’

NET Bible
For the matter concerning the queen will spread to all the women, leading them to treat their husbands with contempt, saying, 'When King Ahasuerus gave orders to bring Queen Vashti into his presence, she would not come.'

New Heart English Bible
For this deed of the queen will become known to all women, causing them to show contempt for their husbands, when it is reported, 'King Achshayarsh commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she did not come.'

Webster's Bible Translation
For this deed of the queen will come abroad to all women, so that they will despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.

World English Bible
For this deed of the queen will become known to all women, causing them to show contempt for their husbands when it is reported, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she didn’t come.’
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for the word of the queen goes forth to all the women, to render their husbands contemptible in their eyes, in their saying, King Ahasuerus commanded to bring in Vashti the queen before him, and she did not come;

Young's Literal Translation
for go forth doth the word of the queen unto all the women, to render their husbands contemptible in their eyes, in their saying, The king Ahasuerus said to bring in Vashti the queen before him, and she did not come;

Smith's Literal Translation
For the word of the queen will go forth ball the women to cause their husbands to be despised in their eyes, in their saying, The king Ahasuerus said to bring in Vashti the queen before him, and she came not.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For this deed of the queen will go abroad to all women, so that they will despise their husbands, and will say: King Assuerus commanded that queen Vasthi should come in to him, and she would not.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For word about the queen will go out to all the women, so that they will show contempt for they husbands, and they will say, ‘King Artaxerxes ordered that queen Vashti should enter before him, and she would not.’

New American Bible
For the queen’s conduct will become known to all the women, and they will look with disdain upon their husbands when it is reported, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded that Queen Vashti be ushered into his presence, but she would not come.’

New Revised Standard Version
For this deed of the queen will be made known to all women, causing them to look with contempt on their husbands, since they will say, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, and she did not come.’
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For this deed of the queen shall reach all women, so that their husbands shall be despised in their eyes, and they shall say, King Akhshirash commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she did not come.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when the report of this matter will come forth to all women, their husbands will be scorned and despised in their eyes, and they shall be saying: ‘King Akhashiresh commanded to bring Vashti the queen before him and she did not enter!'.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
For this deed of the queen will come abroad unto all women, to make their husbands contemptible in their eyes, when it will be said: The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
for he has told them the words of the queen, and how she disobeyed the king. As then, said he, she refused to obey king Artaxerxes,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Queen Vashti Deposed
16And in the presence of the king and his princes, Memucan replied, “Queen Vashti has wronged not only the king, but all the princes and the peoples in all the provinces of King Xerxes. 17For the conduct of the queen will become known to all women, causing them to despise their husbands and say, ‘King Xerxes ordered Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she did not come.’ 18This very day the noble women of Persia and Media who have heard about the queen’s conduct will say the same thing to all the king’s officials, resulting in much contempt and wrath.…

Cross References
Ephesians 5:22-24
Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. / For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. / Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.

Colossians 3:18
Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

1 Peter 3:1-6
Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives / when they see your pure and reverent demeanor. / Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, ...

1 Corinthians 11:3
But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.

Genesis 3:16
To the woman He said: “I will sharply increase your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”

1 Timothy 2:11-12
A woman must learn in quietness and full submissiveness. / I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet.

Proverbs 31:10-12
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life.

Titus 2:4-5
In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, / to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.

1 Corinthians 14:34-35
Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. / If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in the church.

1 Samuel 25:19-25
and said to her young men, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal. / As Abigail came riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, she saw David and his men coming down toward her, and she met them. / Now David had just said, “In vain I have protected all that belonged to this man in the wilderness. Nothing that belongs to him has gone missing, yet he has paid me back evil for good. ...

Numbers 30:3-8
And if a woman in her father’s house during her youth makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a pledge, / and her father hears about her vow or pledge but says nothing to her, then all the vows or pledges by which she has bound herself shall stand. / But if her father prohibits her on the day he hears about it, then none of the vows or pledges by which she has bound herself shall stand. The LORD will absolve her because her father has prohibited her. ...

1 Kings 21:25
(Surely there was never one like Ahab, who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the LORD, incited by his wife Jezebel.

Proverbs 12:4
A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown, but she who causes shame is like decay in his bones.

1 Peter 3:7
Husbands, in the same way, treat your wives with consideration as a delicate vessel, and with honor as fellow heirs of the gracious gift of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

Ephesians 5:33
Nevertheless, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.


Treasury of Scripture

For this deed of the queen shall come abroad to all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.

despise.

2 Samuel 6:16
And as the ark of the LORD came into the city of David, Michal Saul's daughter looked through a window, and saw king David leaping and dancing before the LORD; and she despised him in her heart.

Ephesians 5:33
Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.

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Abroad Ahasuerus Causing Commanded Conduct Contempt Contemptible Deed Despise Eyes Husbands Queen Queen's Reported Show Vashti Women
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Abroad Ahasuerus Causing Commanded Conduct Contempt Contemptible Deed Despise Eyes Husbands Queen Queen's Reported Show Vashti Women
Esther 1
1. Xerxes makes royal feasts.
10. Vashti, sent for, refuses to come.
13. Xerxes, by the counsel of Memucan, puts away Vashti, and decrees men's sovereignty.














For the conduct of the queen
This phrase highlights the central issue of Queen Vashti's behavior, which is pivotal in the narrative. The Hebrew word for "conduct" here can be understood as "deed" or "action," emphasizing the significance of her refusal to appear before King Xerxes. In the historical context of the Persian Empire, a queen's actions were not merely personal but had public and political implications. Vashti's conduct challenges the established norms and authority of the king, setting the stage for the events that follow in the Book of Esther.

will become known
The phrase underscores the inevitability of Vashti's actions being widely reported. In the ancient world, news of royal affairs would spread quickly, especially in a vast empire like Persia. The Hebrew root here suggests a spreading or making known, indicating that Vashti's defiance would not remain a private matter. This reflects the interconnectedness of the royal court and the broader society, where the actions of leaders were closely watched and discussed.

to all the women
This phrase points to the broader societal impact of Vashti's actions. In the patriarchal society of ancient Persia, women were expected to be submissive to their husbands. The mention of "all the women" suggests a fear that Vashti's example could inspire other women to challenge their husbands' authority, potentially leading to widespread social upheaval. This highlights the tension between individual actions and societal norms, a theme that resonates throughout the Book of Esther.

causing them to despise their husbands
The word "despise" here is strong, indicating a deep disrespect or contempt. The Hebrew root conveys a sense of looking down upon or treating with disdain. In the context of the narrative, there is a concern that Vashti's refusal could lead to a breakdown in marital relationships, as women might follow her example and reject their husbands' authority. This reflects the cultural values of the time, where maintaining order in the household was seen as essential to the stability of society.

and say, 'King Xerxes commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, but she did not come.'
This direct quote within the verse serves as a summary of the incident and its potential repercussions. The repetition of the king's command and Vashti's refusal highlights the gravity of the situation. In the Persian court, the king's word was law, and disobedience was not taken lightly. The phrase captures the essence of the conflict: a clash between royal authority and personal agency. It sets the stage for the unfolding drama in the Book of Esther, where themes of power, obedience, and courage are explored.

Verse 17. - They shall despise their husbands. Literally, "their lords," but the word is the one ordinarily used for "husband." When it shall be reported. Rather, "while they say," or "and shall say." (So the Vulgate - "ut contemnant et dicant.")

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
For
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the conduct
דְבַר־ (ḏə·ḇar-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of the queen
הַמַּלְכָּה֙ (ham·mal·kāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4436: Queen -- a queen

will become known
יֵצֵ֤א (yê·ṣê)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3318: To go, bring, out, direct and proxim

to
עַל־ (‘al-)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

women,
הַנָּשִׁ֔ים (han·nā·šîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

causing them to despise
לְהַבְז֥וֹת (lə·haḇ·zō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 959: To disesteem

their husbands
בַּעְלֵיהֶ֖ן (ba‘·lê·hen)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine plural
Strong's 1167: A master, a husband, owner

and say,
בְּאָמְרָ֗ם (bə·’ā·mə·rām)
Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 559: To utter, say

‘King
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Xerxes
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֡וֹשׁ (’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 325: Ahasuerus -- king of Persia

ordered
אָמַ֞ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

Queen
הַמַּלְכָּ֛ה (ham·mal·kāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4436: Queen -- a queen

Vashti
וַשְׁתִּ֧י (waš·tî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2060: Vashti -- queen of Pers

to be brought
לְהָבִ֨יא (lə·hā·ḇî)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

before him,
לְפָנָ֖יו (lə·p̄ā·nāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

but she did not
וְלֹא־ (wə·lō-)
Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

come.’
בָֽאָה׃ (ḇā·’āh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go


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OT History: Esther 1:17 For this deed of the queen will (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 1:16
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