Esther 6:4 "Who is in the court?" the king asked. Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to ask the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had prepared for him.

◄ Esther 6:4 ►

New International Version
The king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to speak to the king about impaling Mordecai on the pole he had set up for him.

New Living Translation
“Who is that in the outer court?” the king inquired. As it happened, Haman had just arrived in the outer court of the palace to ask the king to impale Mordecai on the pole he had prepared.

English Standard Version
And the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

Berean Standard Bible
“Who is in the court?” the king asked. Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to ask the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had prepared for him.

King James Bible
And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

New King James Version
So the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace to suggest that the king hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

New American Standard Bible
So the king said, “Who is in the courtyard?” Now Haman had just entered the outer courtyard of the king’s palace in order to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the wooden gallows which he had prepared for him.

NASB 1995
So the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace in order to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows which he had prepared for him.

NASB 1977
So the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace in order to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows which he had prepared for him.

Legacy Standard Bible
So the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had entered the outer court of the king’s house in order to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows which he had set up for him.

Amplified Bible
So the king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace to ask the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows which he had prepared for him.

Christian Standard Bible
The king asked, “Who is in the court? ” Now Haman was just entering the outer court of the palace to ask the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had prepared for him.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The king asked, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman was just entering the outer court of the palace to ask the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had prepared for him.

American Standard Version
And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

Contemporary English Version
About this time, Haman came in to ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on the gallows he had built. The king saw him and asked, "Who is that man waiting in front of the throne room?"

English Revised Version
And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The king asked, "Who is in the courtyard?" At that moment, Haman came through the courtyard to the king's palace to ask the king about hanging Mordecai on the pole he had prepared for him.

Good News Translation
"Are any of my officials in the palace?" the king asked. Now Haman had just entered the courtyard; he had come to ask the king to have Mordecai hanged on the gallows that was now ready.

International Standard Version
The king said, "Who is in the courtyard?" Now Haman had just entered the outer courtyard of the palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on the pole he had set up.

Majority Standard Bible
?Who is in the court?? the king asked. Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to ask the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had prepared for him.

NET Bible
Then the king said, "Who is that in the courtyard?" Now Haman had come to the outer courtyard of the palace to suggest that the king hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had constructed for him.

New Heart English Bible
The king said, "Who is in the court?" Now Haman had come into the outer court of the king's house, to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman had come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak to the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

World English Bible
The king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had come into the outer court of the king’s house, to speak to the king about hanging Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And the king says, “Who [is] in the court?” And Haman has come into the outer court of the house of the king, to say to the king to hang Mordecai on the tree that he had prepared for him.

Young's Literal Translation
And the king saith, 'Who is in the court?' -- and Haman hath come in to the outer court of the house of the king, to say to the king to hang Mordecai on the tree that he had prepared for him --

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king will say, Who is in the enclosure? And Haman came to the enclosure of the king's house the exterior, to say to the king to hang Mordecai upon the tree which he prepared for him.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the king said immediately: Who is in the court? for Aman was coming in to the inner court of the king's house, to speak to the king, that he might order Mardochai to be hanged upon the gibbet which was prepared for him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And immediately the king said, “Who is in the atrium?” For, you see, Haman was entering the inner atrium of the king’s house to suggest to the king that he should order Mordecai to be hanged on the gallows, which had been prepared for him.

New American Bible
“Who is in the court?” the king asked. Now Haman had entered the outer court of the king’s palace to suggest to the king that Mordecai should be impaled on the stake he had raised for him.

New Revised Standard Version
The king said, “Who is in the court?” Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king’s palace to speak to the king about having Mordecai hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outer court of the king's house to speak to the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King said: “Who is in the court?” And Haman came to the house of the King to the outer courtyard to say to the King that he would hang Murdacai on the cross that he had constructed for him.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the king said: 'Who is in the court?'--Now Haman was come into the outer court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.--

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And while the king was enquiring about the kindness of Mardochaeus, behold, Aman was in the court. And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Aman was come in to speak to the king, that he should hang Mardochaeus on the gallows, which he had prepared.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Mordecai is Honored
…3The king inquired, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this act?” “Nothing has been done for him,” replied the king’s attendants. 4“Who is in the court?” the king asked. Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to ask the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had prepared for him. 5So the king’s attendants answered him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” “Bring him in,” ordered the king.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.

Daniel 4:37
Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.

Psalm 75:6-7
For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, / but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.

James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Luke 14:11
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Genesis 41:14
So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh.

1 Samuel 2:7-8
The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts. / He raises the poor from the dust and lifts the needy from the ash heap. He seats them among princes and bestows on them a throne of honor. For the foundations of the earth are the LORD’s, and upon them He has set the world.

Isaiah 2:11-12
The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day. / For the Day of the LORD of Hosts will come against all the proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled—

Isaiah 14:13-15
You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. / I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” / But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.

Ezekiel 28:2
“Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.’ Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god.

Daniel 5:20
But when his heart became arrogant and his spirit was hardened with pride, he was deposed from his royal throne, and his glory was taken from him.

Acts 12:21-23
On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people. / And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” / Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.

Treasury of Scripture

And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak to the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.

Who is in the court.

Proverbs 3:27,28
Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it…

Ecclesiastes 9:10
Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

the outward.

Esther 4:11
All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

Esther 5:1
Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.

to speak.

Esther 3:8-11
And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them…

Esther 5:14
Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

Esther 7:9
And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.

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Authority Court Entered Erected Gallows Haman Hang Hanged Hanging House King's Mordecai Mor'decai Order Outer Outward Palace Pillar Prepared Room Speak Tree

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Authority Court Entered Erected Gallows Haman Hang Hanged Hanging House King's Mordecai Mor'decai Order Outer Outward Palace Pillar Prepared Room Speak Tree

Esther 6

1. Xerxes, reading of the good service done by Mordecai, takes care for his reward.
4. Haman, coming to ask that Mordecai might be hanged,
10. gives counsel that he might do him honor.
12. Complaining of this, his friends tell him of his final destiny.

Berean Study Bible

Who is in the court?
This phrase reflects the king's immediate curiosity and need for counsel. In the Persian royal court, access to the king was highly restricted, and only those with specific permission could enter. The king's question indicates a moment of divine orchestration, as God uses the king's inquiry to set the stage for the unfolding of His plan. The Hebrew context suggests a sense of urgency and divine timing, as the king's question leads to a pivotal moment in the narrative.

the king asked
The king, Ahasuerus, is portrayed as a central figure whose decisions impact the fate of the Jewish people. His inquiry is not just a casual question but a divinely inspired moment that aligns with God's providential plan. The king's authority and his role as a decision-maker are crucial in the unfolding events, highlighting the theme of God's sovereignty over earthly rulers.

Now Haman had just entered
Haman's entrance at this precise moment is a significant turning point. The Hebrew text emphasizes the immediacy and timing of Haman's arrival, underscoring the theme of divine intervention. Haman, the antagonist, is unaware that his plans are about to be thwarted by God's providence. This moment serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that God can turn the schemes of the wicked to fulfill His purposes.

the outer court of the palace
The outer court was a place where those seeking an audience with the king would wait. It symbolizes the threshold between human intention and divine intervention. Haman's presence in the outer court, poised to execute his plan against Mordecai, contrasts with the unseen hand of God orchestrating events for the deliverance of His people. The historical context of the Persian court system adds depth to the understanding of the narrative's tension and drama.

to speak to the king
Haman's intention to speak to the king about Mordecai reveals his arrogance and confidence in his influence over the king. The phrase highlights the theme of pride and its consequences, as Haman's plans are about to be overturned. In the broader scriptural context, this serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and the ultimate authority of God over human affairs.

about hanging Mordecai on the gallows
The gallows, or more accurately, a stake for impalement, was a method of execution that Haman had prepared for Mordecai. This phrase underscores the severity of Haman's hatred and the peril facing Mordecai. However, it also foreshadows the reversal of fortunes that is central to the account of Esther. The historical and cultural context of Persian execution methods adds gravity to the narrative, while the scriptural theme of divine justice is powerfully illustrated.

he had prepared for him
Haman's preparation of the gallows for Mordecai is an act of premeditated malice. Yet, in the providence of God, the very instrument of intended harm becomes the means of Haman's downfall. This phrase encapsulates the biblical theme of retributive justice, where the wicked are ensnared by their own devices. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to protect and vindicate His people, turning evil intentions into opportunities for His glory.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(4) Haman was come.--It being at length morning, Haman had come to the palace in due course, and was waiting in the outer court till the king should call for him. The king in the inner court ponders what recompense to bestow upon Mordecai, Haman in the outer court stands ready primed with a request that he may be hanged.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 4. - The king said, Who is in the court? Probably some high officer of state was required to be always in attendance upon the monarch, to take his orders at any moment. Now Haman was come. Early morning is a common time for the transaction of business at an Eastern court. Haman was so anxious to get the business on which he was bent despatched, that he had come perhaps even before daybreak, and was waiting in the outer court, to get, if possible, the first audience. This haste of his to effect Mordecai's destruction led to his being the person deputed to do him the highest honour.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

“Who
מִ֣י (mî)
Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

is in the court?”
בֶחָצֵ֑ר (ḇe·ḥā·ṣêr)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 2691: A yard, a hamlet

the king
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

asked.
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

Now Haman
וְהָמָ֣ן (wə·hā·mān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2001: Haman -- to rage, be turbulent

had [just] entered
בָּ֗א (bā)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

the outer
הַחִ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה (ha·ḥî·ṣō·w·nāh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 2435: The, wall side, exterior, secular

court
לַחֲצַ֤ר (la·ḥă·ṣar)
Preposition-l | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 2691: A yard, a hamlet

of the palace
בֵּית־ (bêṯ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

to ask
לֵאמֹ֣ר (lê·mōr)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 559: To utter, say

the king
לַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (lam·me·leḵ)
Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

to hang
לִתְלוֹת֙ (liṯ·lō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8518: To suspend

Mordecai
מָרְדֳּכַ֔י (mā·rə·do·ḵay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4782: Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther

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

the gallows
הָעֵ֖ץ (hā·‘êṣ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

he had prepared
הֵכִ֥ין (hê·ḵîn)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3559: To be erect

for him.
לֽוֹ׃ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

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OT History: Esther 6:4 The king said Who (Est Esth. Es)