Esther 3:14
New International Version
A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so they would be ready for that day.

New Living Translation
A copy of this decree was to be issued as law in every province and proclaimed to all peoples, so that they would be ready to do their duty on the appointed day.

English Standard Version
A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province by proclamation to all the peoples to be ready for that day.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.

New King James Version
A copy of the document was to be issued as law in every province, being published for all people, that they should be ready for that day.

New American Standard Bible
A copy of the edict to be issued as law in every province was published to all the peoples so that they would be ready for this day.

NASB 1995
A copy of the edict to be issued as law in every province was published to all the peoples so that they should be ready for this day.

NASB 1977
A copy of the edict to be issued as law in every province was published to all the peoples so that they should be ready for this day.

Legacy Standard Bible
A copy of that which was written down to be given as law in every province was revealed to all the peoples so that they should be ready for this day.

Amplified Bible
A copy of the edict to be decreed as law in every province was published to all the peoples, so that they would be ready for this day.

Christian Standard Bible
A copy of the text, issued as law throughout every province, was distributed to all the peoples so that they might get ready for that day.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
A copy of the text, issued as law throughout every province, was distributed to all the peoples so that they might get ready for that day.

American Standard Version
A copy of the writing, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published unto all the peoples, that they should be ready against that day.

English Revised Version
A copy of the writing, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published unto all the peoples, that they should be ready against that day.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A copy of the document was made public in a decree to every province. All the people were to be ready for this day.

Good News Translation
The contents of the proclamation were to be made public in every province, so that everyone would be prepared when that day came.

International Standard Version
A copy of the letter was to be issued as an edict in every province and published to all the people, telling them to be ready for that day.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
A copy of this edict was to be presented as law throughout every province; it was to be made known to all the inhabitants, so that they would be prepared for this day.

New Heart English Bible
A copy of the letter, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published to all the peoples, that they should be ready against that day.

Webster's Bible Translation
The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province, was published to all people, that they should be ready against that day.

World English Bible
A copy of the letter, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published to all the peoples, that they should be ready against that day.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
a copy of the writing to be made law in each and every province is revealed to all the peoples, to be ready for this day.

Young's Literal Translation
a copy of the writing to be made law in every province and province is revealed to all the peoples, to be ready for this day.

Smith's Literal Translation
A copy of the writing to be given an edict in every province and province, being manifested to all peoples to be ready for that day.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the contents of the letters were to this effect, that all provinces might know and be ready against that day.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the effect of the letters was this: that all provinces would know and prepare for the prescribed day.

New American Bible
A copy of the decree to be promulgated as law in every province was published to all the peoples, that they might be prepared for that day.

New Revised Standard Version
A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province by proclamation, calling on all the peoples to be ready for that day.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
The copy of the writing was given in every province, commanding all the people to be ready for that day.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And a copy of the writing was given in every province and city and he commanded all the people that they would be ready on this day.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
The copy of the writing, to be given out for a decree in every province, was to be published unto all peoples, that they should be ready against that day.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the copies of the letters were published in every province; and an order was given to all the nations to be ready against that day.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Haman Plots Against the Jews
13And 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. 14A 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. 15The 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.…

Cross References
Esther 8:13
A 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.

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.

Daniel 6:8
Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.”

Daniel 6:12
So they approached the king and asked about his royal decree: “Did you not sign a decree that for thirty days any man who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions?” The king replied, “According to the law of the Medes and Persians the order stands, and it cannot be repealed.”

Daniel 6:15
Then the men approached the king together and said to him, “Remember, O king, that by the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or ordinance established by the king can be changed.”

Ezra 7:26
If anyone does not keep the law of your God and the law of the king, let a strict judgment be executed against him, whether death, banishment, confiscation of property, or imprisonment.

Nehemiah 8:15
and that they should proclaim this message and spread it throughout their towns and in Jerusalem, saying, “Go out to the hill country and bring back branches of olive, wild olive, myrtle, palm, and other leafy trees, to make booths, as it is written.”

2 Chronicles 30:5
So they established a decree to circulate a proclamation throughout Israel, from Beersheba to Dan, that the people should come to keep the Passover of the LORD, the God of Israel, in Jerusalem. For they had not observed it in great numbers as prescribed.

2 Chronicles 36:22-23
In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, to fulfill the word of the LORD spoken through Jeremiah, the LORD stirred the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia to send a proclamation throughout his kingdom and to put it in writing as follows: / “This is what Cyrus king of Persia says: ‘The LORD, the God of heaven, who has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, has appointed me to build a house for Him at Jerusalem in Judah. Whoever among you belongs to His people, may the LORD his God be with him, and may he go up.’”

Jeremiah 29:1
This is the text of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the surviving elders among the exiles and to the priests, the prophets, and all the others Nebuchadnezzar had carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.

Jeremiah 29:10
For this is what the LORD says: “When Babylon’s seventy years are complete, I will attend to you and confirm My promise to restore you to this place.

Matthew 27:66
So they went and secured the tomb by sealing the stone and posting the guard.

Matthew 28:14
If this report reaches the governor, we will satisfy him and keep you out of trouble.”

Acts 16:4
As they went from town to town, they delivered the decisions handed down by the apostles and elders in Jerusalem for the people to obey.

Acts 23:30
When I was informed that there was a plot against the man, I sent him to you at once. I also instructed his accusers to present their case against him before you.


Treasury of Scripture

The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published to all people, that they should be ready against that day.

The copy.

Esther 8:13,14
The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies…

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Commandment Copy Decree Document Edict Issued Kingdom Letter Nationality Part Peoples Proclamation Province Public Published Ready Revealed Text Writing
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Commandment Copy Decree Document Edict Issued Kingdom Letter Nationality Part Peoples Proclamation Province Public Published Ready Revealed Text Writing
Esther 3
1. Haman, advanced by the king, and despised by Mordecai, seeks revenge upon the Jews.
7. He casts lots.
8. He obtains by false accusations a decree of the king to put the Jews to death.














A copy of the text of the edict
This phrase refers to the written decree issued by King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) at the instigation of Haman, his prime minister. In the ancient Persian Empire, written edicts were a common method of communication and governance, often inscribed on clay tablets or papyrus. The use of written decrees ensured that the king's commands were preserved and could be referenced as authoritative. This practice is seen throughout the Bible, such as in the book of Daniel, where decrees were also issued by the king (Daniel 6:8-9).

was to be issued in every province
The Persian Empire was vast, stretching from India to Ethiopia, comprising 127 provinces (Esther 1:1). The issuance of the edict in every province highlights the extensive reach and centralized power of the Persian administration. This also underscores the seriousness of the decree, as it was meant to affect the entire empire. The logistical challenge of disseminating such an edict across diverse regions with different languages and cultures is significant, reflecting the empire's sophisticated communication network.

and published to all the people
The publication of the edict to all the people indicates the intent for widespread awareness and compliance. In the Persian Empire, public announcements were often made in the city gates or public squares, where people gathered. This ensured that the decree reached not only the local officials but also the general populace. The public nature of the announcement is reminiscent of other biblical instances where proclamations were made to ensure communal knowledge and response, such as the reading of the Law in Nehemiah 8:1-3.

so that they would be ready on that day
This phrase implies a specific day set for the execution of the edict, which in this context was the planned annihilation of the Jewish people (Esther 3:13). The preparation for a future event is a recurring theme in the Bible, often associated with divine judgment or deliverance. The call to readiness can be seen as a parallel to the eschatological themes in the New Testament, where believers are urged to be prepared for the return of Christ (Matthew 24:44). The urgency and gravity of the edict in Esther foreshadow the ultimate deliverance that God provides through His providence, as seen later in the narrative.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)
The Persian king who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. He is known for his opulent lifestyle and impulsive decisions, which play a significant role in the events of the Book of Esther.

2. Haman
The antagonist of the account, an Agagite who held a high position in the king's court. He harbored a deep hatred for the Jews, particularly Mordecai, and orchestrated a plan to annihilate them.

3. The Citadel of Susa
The fortified palace complex in the city of Susa, which served as the administrative center of the Persian Empire. It is the setting for much of the Book of Esther.

4. The Edict
A royal decree issued by King Ahasuerus, instigated by Haman, calling for the destruction of all Jews in the empire. This edict was distributed throughout the provinces, causing widespread fear and confusion.

5. The Couriers
Messengers who were tasked with delivering the king's edict to all parts of the empire. Their swift delivery ensured that the decree reached every province quickly.
Teaching Points
The Power of Influence
Haman's influence over King Ahasuerus led to a decree that threatened an entire people. We must be cautious about who influences our decisions and ensure that our actions align with God's will.

God's Sovereignty in Chaos
Even when the city of Susa was in confusion, God was at work behind the scenes. In our lives, we can trust that God is sovereign and working for our good, even in times of uncertainty.

The Importance of Standing Firm
Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman set off a chain of events that led to the Jews' deliverance. Standing firm in our faith, even when it is unpopular, can lead to God's greater purposes being fulfilled.

The Role of Prayer and Fasting
As the account unfolds, Esther calls for prayer and fasting. This highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and intervention in times of crisis.(14) Copy.--Heb., pathshegen. A Persian word, only occurring here and in Esther 4:8; Esther 8:13.

Verse 14. - The exact import of this verse is uncertain. Some suppose it to be a mere heading to a copy of the decree, which was originally inserted in the text between verses 14 and 15. In this case the translation should be Ñ "A copy of the writing for giving commandment to every province, published to all peoples, that they should be ready against that day."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
A copy
פַּתְשֶׁ֣גֶן (paṯ·še·ḡen)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6572: A transcript

of the text
הַכְּתָ֗ב (hak·kə·ṯāḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3791: Something written, a writing, record, book

of the edict
דָּת֙ (dāṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1881: A royal edict, statute

was to be issued
לְהִנָּ֤תֵֽן (lə·hin·nā·ṯên)
Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

in every
בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

province
מְדִינָ֣ה (mə·ḏî·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4082: A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region

and published
גָּל֖וּי (gā·lui)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 1540: To denude, to exile, to reveal

to all
לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the people,
הָֽעַמִּ֑ים (hā·‘am·mîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

so that they would be ready
עֲתִדִ֖ים (‘ă·ṯi·ḏîm)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 6264: Prepared, skilful, treasure

for that
הַזֶּֽה׃ (haz·zeh)
Article | Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088: This, that

day.
לַיּ֥וֹם (lay·yō·wm)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117: A day


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OT History: Esther 3:14 A copy of the letter that (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 3:13
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