Esther 9:3
New International Version
And all the nobles of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because fear of Mordecai had seized them.

New Living Translation
And all the nobles of the provinces, the highest officers, the governors, and the royal officials helped the Jews for fear of Mordecai.

English Standard Version
All the officials of the provinces and the satraps and the governors and the royal agents also helped the Jews, for the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them.

Berean Standard Bible
And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them.

King James Bible
And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.

New King James Version
And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king’s work, helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.

New American Standard Bible
Even all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and those who were doing the king’s business were supporting the Jews, because the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them.

NASB 1995
Even all the princes of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and those who were doing the king’s business assisted the Jews, because the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them.

NASB 1977
Even all the princes of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and those who were doing the king’s business assisted the Jews, because the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them.

Legacy Standard Bible
Even all the princes of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and those who were doing the king’s work advanced the Jews, because the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them.

Amplified Bible
Even all the officials of the provinces and the chief rulers (satraps) and the governors and those who attended to the king’s business supported the Jews [in defeating their enemies], because the fear of Mordecai [and his God’s power] had fallen on them.

Christian Standard Bible
All the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the royal civil administrators aided the Jews because they feared Mordecai.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
All the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the royal civil administrators aided the Jews because they were afraid of Mordecai.

American Standard Version
And all the princes of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governors, and they that did the king's business, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai was fallen upon them.

Contemporary English Version
The leaders of the provinces, the rulers, the governors, and the court officials were afraid of Mordecai and took sides with the Jews.

English Revised Version
And all the princes of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governors, and they that did the king's business, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai was fallen upon them.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
All the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the king's treasurers assisted the Jews because they were terrified of Mordecai.

Good News Translation
In fact, all the provincial officials--governors, administrators, and royal representatives--helped the Jews because they were all afraid of Mordecai.

International Standard Version
All the provincial officials, the regional authorities, the governors, and those doing the king's work supported the Jewish people because the fear of Mordecai had come over them.

Majority Standard Bible
And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them.

NET Bible
All the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and those who performed the king's business were assisting the Jews, for the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them.

New Heart English Bible
And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and those who did the king's business helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them.

Webster's Bible Translation
And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them.

World English Bible
All the princes of the provinces, the local governors, the governors, and those who did the king’s business helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And all heads of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the governors, and those doing the work that the king has, are lifting up the Jews, for a fear of Mordecai has fallen on them;

Young's Literal Translation
And all heads of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the governors, and those doing the work that the king hath, are lifting up the Jews, for a fear of Mordecai hath fallen upon them;

Smith's Literal Translation
And all the chiefs of the provinces, and the satraps, and the prefects, and those doing the work that was for the king, were lifting up with the Jews; for the fear of Mordecai fell upon them:
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And the judges of the provinces, and the governors, and lieutenants, and every one in dignity, that presided over every place and work, extolled the Jews for fear of Mardochai:

Catholic Public Domain Version
For even the judges of the provinces, and the rulers, and the procurators, and everyone of dignity, who presided over every place and work, extolled the Jews for fear of Mordecai.

New American Bible
Moreover, all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, governors, and royal procurators supported the Jews out of fear of Mordecai;

New Revised Standard Version
All the officials of the provinces, the satraps and the governors, and the royal officials were supporting the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And all the princes of the provinces and the commanders of the armies and the governors and those who were employed in the king's work honored the Jews because the fear of the king fell upon them.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And all the Princes of the cities and the Generals of the armies and the Lords and the workers of the of the King’s work honored the Jews, because the fear of the King had fallen upon them.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And all the princes of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governors, and they that did the king's business, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai was fallen upon them.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
For the chiefs of the satraps, and the princes and the royal scribes, honoured the Jews; for the fear of Mardochaeus lay upon them.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Jews Destroy Their Enemies
2In each of the provinces of King Xerxes, the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who sought to harm them. No man could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples. 3And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them. 4For Mordecai exercised great power in the palace, and his fame spread throughout the provinces as he became more and more powerful.…

Cross References
Nehemiah 2:9
Then I went to the governors west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me.

Daniel 6:1-3
Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, / and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss. / Soon, by his extraordinary spirit, Daniel distinguished himself among the administrators and satraps. So the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom.

Ezra 7:21-23
I, King Artaxerxes, decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it must be provided promptly, / up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred baths of olive oil, and salt without limit. / Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for His house. For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons?

2 Chronicles 17:12-19
Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah / and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah. He also had warriors in Jerusalem who were mighty men of valor. / These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor; ...

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

Daniel 3:30
Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.

1 Samuel 18:5
So David marched out and prospered in everything Saul sent him to do, and Saul set him over the men of war. And this was pleasing in the sight of all the people, and of Saul’s officers as well.

Genesis 39:2-4
And the LORD was with Joseph, and he became a successful man, serving in the household of his Egyptian master. / When his master saw that the LORD was with him and made him prosper in all he did, / Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned.

1 Kings 10:24-25
The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. / Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules.

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.’”

Romans 13:1-4
Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which is from God. The authorities that exist have been appointed by God. / Consequently, whoever resists authority is opposing what God has set in place, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. / For rulers are not a terror to good conduct, but to bad. Do you want to be unafraid of the one in authority? Then do what is right, and you will have his approval. ...

Acts 13:7-12
an attendant of the proconsul, Sergius Paulus. The proconsul, a man of intelligence, summoned Barnabas and Saul because he wanted to hear the word of God. / But Elymas the sorcerer (for that is what his name means) opposed them and tried to turn the proconsul from the faith. / Then Saul, who was also called Paul, filled with the Holy Spirit, looked directly at Elymas ...

Philippians 1:12-14
Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel. / As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. / And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear.

1 Peter 2:13-15
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority, / or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. / For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorance of foolish men.

Acts 18:12-17
While Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews coordinated an attack on Paul and brought him before the judgment seat. / “This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways contrary to the law,” they said. / But just as Paul was about to speak, Gallio told the Jews, “If this matter involved a wrongdoing or vicious crime, O Jews, it would be reasonable for me to hear your complaint. ...


Treasury of Scripture

And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell on them.

the rulers.

Esther 3:12
Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring.

Esther 8:9
Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

Ezra 8:36
And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God.

officers of the king.

Esther 3:2-6
And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence…

Esther 8:5
And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces:

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Administrators Assisted Business Captains Chiefs Deputies Dread Fallen Fear Fell Governors Helped Jews King's Lieutenants Mordecai Mor'decai Nobles Officers Officials Princes Provinces Royal Rulers Satraps Seized Support
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Administrators Assisted Business Captains Chiefs Deputies Dread Fallen Fear Fell Governors Helped Jews King's Lieutenants Mordecai Mor'decai Nobles Officers Officials Princes Provinces Royal Rulers Satraps Seized Support
Esther 9
1. The Jews slay their enemies, with the ten sons of Haman.
12. Xerxes, at the request of Esther,
14. grants another day of slaughter, and Haman's sons to be hanged.
20. The two days of Purim are instituted.














And all the officials of the provinces
This phrase indicates the widespread influence and reach of the Persian Empire, which was divided into provinces, each governed by officials. Historically, the Persian Empire was vast, stretching from India to Ethiopia, and its administration was complex. The mention of "all the officials" underscores the comprehensive nature of the support the Jews received, highlighting God's providence in orchestrating events for the protection of His people.

the satraps
Satraps were provincial governors in the ancient Persian Empire, responsible for the administration, justice, and security of their regions. The term "satrap" comes from the Old Persian "khshathrapavan," meaning "protector of the province." Their inclusion in this verse signifies the high level of governmental support for the Jews, reflecting the divine favor and the influence Mordecai wielded within the empire.

the governors
Governors were officials who had authority over smaller regions within the provinces. Their role was crucial in maintaining order and implementing the king's decrees. The cooperation of the governors with the Jews illustrates the pervasive impact of Mordecai's rise to power and the fear of God that had spread throughout the empire, ensuring the safety and success of the Jewish people.

and the king’s administrators
These were the king's officials who managed various aspects of the empire's affairs. Their assistance to the Jews indicates a top-down influence, where even those directly serving the king were compelled to support the Jewish cause. This reflects the divine orchestration at play, where God uses even secular authorities to fulfill His purposes.

helped the Jews
The assistance provided to the Jews was not merely passive but active support. This help was crucial in the Jews' defense against their enemies, as decreed by King Ahasuerus. The historical context shows that the Jews were in a precarious position, and this divine intervention through human agents was essential for their survival and victory.

because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them
The "fear of Mordecai" signifies the respect and awe that Mordecai commanded due to his position and character. Mordecai's rise to power, as recorded in the Book of Esther, was a direct result of God's intervention. The Hebrew root for "fear" (פחד, pachad) can imply both reverence and dread, suggesting that Mordecai's influence was both respected and feared. This fear was not merely of Mordecai as a person but of the God whom he served, demonstrating how God can use individuals to accomplish His divine purposes and instill His fear among nations.

(3) Helped.--Literally, lifted up. The same Hebrew verb is rendered furthered (Ezra 8:36).

Verse 3. - All the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies. Compare Esther 3:12 and Esther 8:9, where the same enumeration is made, though not quite in the same order. And officers of the king. Literally, "they who did the work of the king." The Septuagint renders by βασιλικοὶ γραμματεῖς, "royal scribes;" but officials of all classes seem to be intended. Helped the Jews. Rather, "upheld, supported" Active physical help does not seem to be meant, but rather the moral aid and support that a government easily gives to the side which it favours in a civil disturbance. The fear of Mordecai fell upon them. It would give the sense better to translate "had fallen."

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And all
וְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the officials
שָׂרֵ֨י (śā·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

of the provinces,
הַמְּדִינ֜וֹת (ham·mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 4082: A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region

the satraps,
וְהָאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנִ֣ים (wə·hā·’ă·ḥaš·dar·pə·nîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 323: A satrap, governor, of a, main province

the governors,
וְהַפַּח֗וֹת (wə·hap·pa·ḥō·wṯ)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 6346: A governor

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

administrators
וְעֹשֵׂ֤י (wə·‘ō·śê)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

helped
מְנַשְּׂאִ֖ים (mə·naś·śə·’îm)
Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

the Jews,
הַיְּהוּדִ֑ים (hay·yə·hū·ḏîm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3064: Jews -- Jewish

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

the fear
פַּֽחַד־ (pa·ḥaḏ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6343: A, alarm

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

had fallen
נָפַ֥ל (nā·p̄al)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

upon them.
עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃ (‘ă·lê·hem)
Preposition | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against


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OT History: Esther 9:3 All the princes of the provinces (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 9:2
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