Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version “If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.” New Living Translation And Esther replied, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a banquet I have prepared for the king.” English Standard Version And Esther said, “If it please the king, let the king and Haman come today to a feast that I have prepared for the king.” Berean Standard Bible “If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.” Berean Literal Bible And Esther said, “If upon the king it is good, let the king come, and Haman, today, to the feast that I have made for him.” King James Bible And Esther answered, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him. New King James Version So Esther answered, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.” New American Standard Bible Esther said, “If it pleases the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.” NASB 1995 Esther said, “If it pleases the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.” NASB 1977 And Esther said, “If it please the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.” Legacy Standard Bible And Esther said, “If it seems good to the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the feast that I have prepared for him.” Amplified Bible Esther said, “If it pleases the king, may the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him.” Berean Annotated Bible “If it pleases the king, Esther (star) replied, “may the king and Haman (magnificent) come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king. Christian Standard Bible “If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for them.” Holman Christian Standard Bible If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for them.” American Standard Version And Esther said, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him. Contemporary English Version Esther answered, "Your Majesty, please come with Haman to a dinner I will prepare for you later today." English Revised Version And Esther said, If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him. GOD'S WORD® Translation So Esther answered, "If it pleases you, Your Majesty, come today with Haman to a dinner I have prepared for you." Good News Translation Esther replied, "If it please Your Majesty, I would like you and Haman to be my guests tonight at a banquet I am preparing for you." International Standard Version Esther replied, "If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet I've prepared for him." NET Bible Esther replied, "If the king is so inclined, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him." New Heart English Bible Esther said, "If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him." Webster's Bible Translation And Esther answered, If it shall seem good to the king, let the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.” World English Bible Esther said, “If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Esther says, “If to the king [it be] good, the king comes in, and Haman, today, to the banquet that I have made for him”; Berean Literal Bible And Esther said, “If upon the king it is good, let the king come, and Haman, today, to the feast that I have made for him.” Young's Literal Translation And Esther saith, 'If unto the king it be good, the king doth come in, and Haman, to-day, unto the banquet that I have made for him;' Smith's Literal Translation And Esther will say, If good to the king, will the king come, and Haman, this day, to the drinking which I made for him? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut she answered: If it please the king. I beseech thee to come to me this day, and Aman with thee to the banquet which I have prepared. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Esther replied, “If it please your majesty, come today with Haman to a banquet I have prepared.” New Revised Standard Version Then Esther said, “If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to a banquet that I have prepared for the king.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Esther answered, If it please the king, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I have pre pared for him. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Esthir said: “If it is good unto the King, let the King and Haman come to the banquet that I have made for him.” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Esther said: 'If it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And Esther said, To-day is my great day: if then it seem good to the king, let both him and Aman come to the feast which I will prepare this day. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Esther Goes Before the King…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 “If it pleases the king,” Esther 1:19 So if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree, and let it be recorded in the laws of Persia and Media so that it cannot be repealed, that Vashti shall never again enter the presence of King Xerxes, and that her royal position shall be given to a woman better than she. Esther 7:3 Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request. Esther 8:5 “If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. Esther replied, Esther 8:6 For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?” Esther 9:13 Esther replied, “If it pleases the king, may the Jews in Susa also have tomorrow to carry out today’s edict, and may the bodies of Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.” Esther 4:16 “Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!” “may the king and Haman come today Esther 7:1 So the king and Haman went to dine with Esther the queen, Esther 6:14 While they were still speaking with Haman, the king’s eunuchs arrived and rushed him to the banquet that Esther had prepared. Luke 14:17 When it was time for the banquet, he sent his servant to tell those who had been invited, ‘Come, for everything is now ready.’ to the banquet I have prepared for the king.” 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.” Esther 2:18 Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and servants. He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty. Proverbs 9:2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; she has also set her table. Esther 1:3-5 In the third year of his reign, Xerxes held a feast for all his officials and servants. The military leaders of Persia and Media were there, along with the nobles and princes of the provinces. / And for a full 180 days he displayed the glorious riches of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness. / At the end of this time, in the garden court of the royal palace, the king held a seven-day feast for all the people in the citadel of Susa, from the least to the greatest. Esther 3:15 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. Esther 7:7-8 In his fury, the king arose from drinking his wine and went to the palace garden, while Haman stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life, for he realized that the king was planning a terrible fate for him. / Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Would he actually assault the queen while I am in the palace?” As soon as the words had left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. Esther 8:17 In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them. Treasury of Scripture And Esther answered, If it seem good to the king, let the king and Haman come this day to the banquet that I have prepared for him. If it seem. Esther 5:8 If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said. Proverbs 29:11 A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards. the banquet. Esther 5:8 If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said. Esther 3:15 The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed. Genesis 27:25 And he said, Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son's venison, that my soul may bless thee. And he brought it near to him, and he did eat: and he brought him wine, and he drank. Jump to Previous Banquet Dinner Esther Feast Good Haman Please Pleases Prepared Ready Seem Seems Today To-Day TogetherJump to Next Banquet Dinner Esther Feast Good Haman Please Pleases Prepared Ready Seem Seems Today To-Day TogetherEsther 5 1. Esther, adventuring on the king's favor, obtains the grace of the golden sceptre, 4. and invites the king and Haman to a banquet. 6. She, being encouraged by the king in her suit, invites them to another banquet. 9. Haman, proud of his advancement, repines at the contempt of Mordecai. 14. By the counsel of Zeresh he prepares for him a gallows. If it pleases the king, Esther approaches the king with humility and respect, a common practice in ancient royal courts. This phrase indicates her awareness of the king's authority and her tactful approach to gain his favor. In the context of the Persian Empire, where the king's word was law, such deference was crucial. This approach is reminiscent of Nehemiah's respectful request to King Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 2:5). Esther replied, may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king. Persons / Places / Events 1. EstherA Jewish queen of Persia, known for her courage and wisdom. She is the central figure in the Book of Esther, and her actions are pivotal in saving her people from destruction. 2. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) The Persian king who is Esther's husband. He is depicted as a powerful yet somewhat capricious ruler. 3. Haman The antagonist in the Book of Esther, a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire who plots to annihilate the Jewish people. 4. The Banquet A strategic event organized by Esther to reveal her petition to the king and to expose Haman's plot against the Jews. 5. The Persian Empire The setting of the Book of Esther, a vast and diverse empire where the events unfold. Teaching Points Wisdom in TimingEsther demonstrates the importance of choosing the right moment to make a request. Believers should seek God's guidance for the right timing in their own decisions. Courage and Faith Esther's approach to the king required great courage and faith. Christians are encouraged to trust God and act boldly when standing for righteousness. Strategic Planning Esther's preparation of the banquet shows the value of planning and strategy in achieving goals. Believers can learn to be intentional and thoughtful in their actions. Intercession and Advocacy Esther's role as an intercessor for her people is a powerful example of advocacy. Christians are called to intercede for others in prayer and action. God's Sovereignty The unfolding events in Esther's account remind believers of God's control over circumstances, encouraging trust in His divine plan. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Esther 5:4?2. How does Esther 5:4 demonstrate the importance of seeking God's timing in plans? 3. What can we learn from Esther's approach to influence authority figures today? 4. How does Esther 5:4 connect to Proverbs 21:1 about God directing leaders' hearts? 5. How can Esther's courage in Esther 5:4 inspire us to face challenges? 6. What role does humility play in Esther's request to the king in Esther 5:4? 7. Why did Esther invite Haman to the banquet in Esther 5:4? 8. How does Esther 5:4 demonstrate Esther's courage and wisdom? 9. What is the significance of Esther's approach to the king in Esther 5:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 5? 11. Esther 5:4–8 – Why are these banquets and intrigues not mentioned in any historical or archaeological records of Persia? 12. Esther 5 - Why does this chapter, like the rest of the book, omit any direct mention of God, leaving room for skepticism about its religious significance? 13. What challenges did Esther face in her life? 14. Esther 7:7 - Why would King Ahasuerus suddenly abandon the feast in anger without prior indications of Haman's treachery in earlier records of Persian court life? What Does Esther 5:4 Mean If it pleases the king,• Esther opens with the courtly formula of deference, recognizing that ultimate authority rests with the monarch (cf. Nehemiah 2:5; Genesis 18:3). • Such respectful language models the biblical call to honor governing authorities while trusting God’s sovereignty over them—“The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). • By seeking the king’s pleasure first, Esther aligns herself with passages like Romans 13:1–2 and 1 Peter 2:13 that urge believers to submit to earthly leadership as an act of obedience to God. Esther replied, • The narrative notes her verbal response after three days of fasting (Esther 4:16). Her words flow from deliberate spiritual preparation, not impulse. • Scripture often highlights that a timely, Spirit-guided answer carries power: “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply” (Proverbs 15:23) and Jesus’ assurance that the Spirit will supply words when His people stand before rulers (Matthew 10:19–20). • Esther’s calm composure under pressure reminds us that courage is exercised, not in reckless defiance, but in measured, faith-filled speech (Joshua 1:9). may the king and Haman come today • She requests the presence of both the monarch and the very enemy of her people, signaling strategic wisdom—“be as shrewd as serpents and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). • The urgency of “today” keeps momentum on her side, mirroring Joseph’s insistence on acting swiftly when God’s hand is moving (Genesis 41:32). • Including Haman sets the stage for divine reversal, much like God brought Pharaoh into close proximity with Moses so His glory could be displayed (Exodus 9:16). to the banquet I have prepared for the king. • Esther has already acted in faith by preparing a feast, confident God would open the king’s heart (James 2:17; Proverbs 16:3). • Banquets in Scripture often precede pivotal revelations—think of Joseph’s table with his brothers (Genesis 43:31–34) or Jesus’ Last Supper (Luke 22:14–16). • Her hospitality honors the king while placing Haman in an environment where God will later expose evil—“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies” (Psalm 23:5). summary Esther 5:4 showcases humble respect, Spirit-directed courage, strategic wisdom, and faith-filled preparation. By pleasing the king, replying after prayer, inviting both ruler and foe, and hosting a banquet already set in place, Esther positions herself for God’s sovereign deliverance of His covenant people, proving once again that He rules over kings and conspirators alike. (4) Let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet.--It was natural enough that, with so much depending on her request, the queen should show some hesitation: if anything took an untoward turn (for, in spite of the king's promise, she evidently felt uneasy) it might mean total ruin. She therefore temporises; she at any rate gains time, she secures a specially favourable opportunity for bringing forward the request, and the king clearly sees that she has kept her real petition in reserve by himself again raising the question. It will be noticed that so long as Esther is working her way up to the due vantage-ground, the king is addressed in the third person, let the king come," but when she makes the decisive appeal, in the second, "in thy sight, O king."Verse 4. - Let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that l have prepared. Such an invitation as this was very unusual. Ordinarily the king and queen dined separately, each in their own apartments; family gatherings, however, not being unknown (Plut., 'Vit. Artaxerx.,' § 5; Athen., 'Deipnsoph.,' 4. p. 145, A). But for the queen to invite not only the king, but also another male guest, not a relation, was a remarkable innovation, and must have seemed to the fortunate recipient of the invitation a high act of favour.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Ifאִם־ (’im-) Conjunction Strong's 518: Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, not it pleases עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against the king,” הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Esther אֶסְתֵּ֔ר (’es·têr) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 635: Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel replied, וַתֹּ֣אמֶר (wat·tō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “may the king הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king and Haman וְהָמָן֙ (wə·hā·mān) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2001: Haman -- to rage, be turbulent come יָב֨וֹא (yā·ḇō·w) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go today הַיּ֔וֹם (hay·yō·wm) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to the banquet הַמִּשְׁתֶּ֖ה (ham·miš·teh) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4960: Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast I have prepared עָשִׂ֥יתִי (‘ā·śî·ṯî) Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular Strong's 6213: To do, make for [the king].” לֽוֹ׃ (lōw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's Hebrew Links Esther 5:4 NIVEsther 5:4 NLT Esther 5:4 ESV Esther 5:4 NASB Esther 5:4 KJV Esther 5:4 BibleApps.com Esther 5:4 Biblia Paralela Esther 5:4 Chinese Bible Esther 5:4 French Bible Esther 5:4 Catholic Bible OT History: Esther 5:4 Esther said If it seems good (Est Esth. 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