New International Version The king and his nobles were pleased with this advice, so the king did as Memukan proposed. New Living Translation The king and his nobles thought this made good sense, so he followed Memucan’s counsel. English Standard Version This advice pleased the king and the princes, and the king did as Memucan proposed. Berean Standard Bible The king and his princes were pleased with this counsel; so the king did as Memucan advised. Berean Literal Bible And the word was good in the eyes of the king and the officials, and the king did according to the word of Memucan, King James Bible And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan: New King James Version And the reply pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan. New American Standard Bible Now this word pleased the king and the officials, and the king did as Memucan proposed. NASB 1995 This word pleased the king and the princes, and the king did as Memucan proposed. NASB 1977 And this word pleased the king and the princes, and the king did as Memucan proposed. Legacy Standard Bible And this word was good in the eyes of the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan. Amplified Bible This statement (advice) pleased the king and the officials, and the king did what Memucan proposed. Berean Annotated Bible The king and his princes were pleased with this counsel; so the king did as Memucan (dignified) advised. Christian Standard Bible The king and his counselors approved the proposal, and he followed Memucan’s advice. Holman Christian Standard Bible The king and his counselors approved the proposal, and he followed Memucan’s advice. American Standard Version And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan: Contemporary English Version King Xerxes and his officials liked what Memucan had said, English Revised Version And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan: GOD'S WORD® Translation The king and his officials approved of this, and so the king did as Memucan suggested. Good News Translation The king and his officials liked this idea, and the king did what Memucan suggested. International Standard Version This seemed like a good idea to the king and his officials, so the king did what Memucan suggested. NET Bible The matter seemed appropriate to the king and the officials. So the king acted on the advice of Memucan. New Heart English Bible And this advice pleased the king and the officials, and the king did according to the word of Memucan: Webster's Bible Translation And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe king and his princes were pleased with this counsel; so the king did as Memucan advised. World English Bible This advice pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan: Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the thing is good in the eyes of the king, and of the princes, and the king does according to the word of Memucan, Berean Literal Bible And the word was good in the eyes of the king and the officials, and the king did according to the word of Memucan, Young's Literal Translation And the thing is good in the eyes of the king, and of the princes, and the king doth according to the word of Memucan, Smith's Literal Translation And the word will be good in the eyes of the king and the chiefs; and the king will do according to the word of Memucan. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHis counsel pleased the king, and the princes: and the king did according to the counsel of Mamuchan. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible This proposal pleased the king and the officials, and the king acted on the advice of Memucan. New Revised Standard Version This advice pleased the king and the officials, and the king did as Memucan proposed; Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Meaucan; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And this answer was pleasing in the eyes of the King and of his Princes, and the King did according to the word of Mukan. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And the word pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan; Brenton Septuagint Translation And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did as Muchaeus had said, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Queen Vashti Deposed…20The edict the king issues will be heard throughout his vast kingdom—and so all women, from the least to the greatest, will honor their husbands.” 21The king and his princes were pleased with this counsel; so the king did as Memucan had advised. 22He sent letters to all the provinces of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be master of his own household.… Cross References The king and his princes were pleased with this counsel; 2 Samuel 17:4 This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all the elders of Israel. Proverbs 15:22 Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed. Proverbs 11:14 For lack of guidance, a nation falls, but with many counselors comes deliverance. so the king did as Memucan advised. Daniel 6:9 Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. 1 Kings 12:14 and spoke to them as the young men had advised, saying, “Whereas my father made your yoke heavy, I will add to your yoke. Whereas my father scourged you with whips, I will scourge you with scorpions.” Proverbs 20:18 Set plans by consultation, and wage war under sound guidance. 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. Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. 1 Kings 12:6-11 Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be a servant to these people and serve them this day, and if you will respond by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. … Romans 13:1-2 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. 1 Peter 2:13-14 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. 1 Samuel 8:4-7 So all the elders of Israel gathered together and came to Samuel at Ramah. / “Look,” they said, “you are old, and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now appoint a king to judge us like all the other nations.” / But when they said, “Give us a king to judge us,” their demand was displeasing in the sight of Samuel; so he prayed to the LORD. … Acts 5:29 But Peter and the other apostles replied, “We must obey God rather than men. 2 Chronicles 10:6-8 Then King Rehoboam consulted with the elders who had served his father Solomon during his lifetime. “How do you advise me to respond to these people?” he asked. / They replied, “If you will be kind to these people and please them by speaking kind words to them, they will be your servants forever.” / But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the elders; instead, he consulted the young men who had grown up with him and served him. 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. Genesis 41:37-40 This proposal pleased Pharaoh and all his officials. / So Pharaoh asked them, “Can we find anyone like this man, in whom the Spirit of God abides?” / Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has made all this known to you, there is no one as discerning and wise as you. … Treasury of Scripture And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan: pleased the king. Esther 1:19 If it please the king, let there go a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, That Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she. Esther 2:4 And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so. Genesis 41:37 And the thing was good in the eyes of Pharaoh, and in the eyes of all his servants. Jump to Previous Advice Captains Eyes Good Memucan Memu'can Nobles Pleased Princes Proposed Seemed Suggestion WordJump to Next Advice Captains Eyes Good Memucan Memu'can Nobles Pleased Princes Proposed Seemed Suggestion WordEsther 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. The king and his princes were pleased with this counsel; Memucan’s proposal gained the approval of Xerxes and the leading officials of Persia. Their agreement reflects the concern to preserve royal authority and public order throughout the empire. 2Sa 17:4 This proposal seemed good to Absalom and all… so the king did as Memucan advised. Xerxes accepted Memucan’s counsel and removed Vashti from her position as queen. His decree would lead to the search for a new queen and prepare the way for Esther’s rise, through which God would preserve His people. Dan 6:9 Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. Persons / Places / Events 1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)The Persian king who ruled over 127 provinces from India to Cush. He is central to the events of the Book of Esther. 2. Memucan One of the seven princes of Persia and Media who had access to the king's presence and sat first in the kingdom. He advised the king on matters of state, including the situation with Queen Vashti. 3. Princes of Persia and Media High-ranking officials who served as advisors to King Ahasuerus. They played a role in the decision-making process regarding Queen Vashti. 4. Queen Vashti The queen who refused the king's command to appear before him and his guests, leading to her removal from her position. 5. Susa (Shushan) The capital of the Persian Empire where the events of the Book of Esther take place. Teaching Points The Importance of Wise CounselSeeking advice from trusted and wise individuals is crucial in making sound decisions. As believers, we should surround ourselves with godly counsel. The Influence of Leadership Leaders have a significant impact on the direction and morale of their people. It is vital for leaders to act with integrity and wisdom, as their decisions affect many. The Consequences of Decisions Every decision has consequences, both immediate and long-term. We must consider the potential outcomes of our actions and seek God's guidance in our choices. Respect and Authority The account highlights the dynamics of respect and authority within relationships. Understanding and respecting roles can prevent conflict and promote harmony. God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs Even in secular settings, God's hand is at work. The events in Esther demonstrate that God can use any situation to fulfill His purposes. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Esther 1:21?2. How does Esther 1:21 illustrate the importance of wise counsel in decision-making? 3. What role does submission to authority play in Esther 1:21's context? 4. How can Esther 1:21 guide us in respecting leadership within the church? 5. In what ways does Esther 1:21 connect with Romans 13:1 on authority? 6. How can we apply the principle of unity from Esther 1:21 today? 7. How does Esther 1:21 reflect the cultural norms of ancient Persia? 8. What does Esther 1:21 reveal about the role of women in the biblical narrative? 9. How does Esther 1:21 align with the overall theme of authority in the Book of Esther? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 1? Verse 21. - The king did according to the word of Memucan. This expression must not be pressed too closely. It does not imply more than that Memucan's advice was followed in a general way - Vashti disgraced, and the grounds of her disgrace published throughout the provinces. We cannot be sure that the decree was "written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes." Even if it was, it was always possible for a Persian king to give himself a dispensation from the law (see Herod., 3:58). Esther 1:21 records an empire-wide agreement: Xerxes and his princes gladly adopt Memucan’s proposal, illustrating how consensual yet flawed human judgment can harden into irreversible policy. The verse warns against uncritically embracing worldly counsel, underscores the responsibility of leaders to seek godly wisdom, and sets the stage for God’s providence in raising up Esther amid the consequences of this very decree. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew The kingהַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king and his princes וְהַשָּׂרִ֑ים (wə·haś·śā·rîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince were pleased וַיִּיטַב֙ (way·yî·ṭaḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing with this counsel; הַדָּבָ֔ר (had·dā·ḇār) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause so the king הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king did וַיַּ֥עַשׂ (way·ya·‘aś) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make as Memucan מְמוּכָֽן׃ (mə·mū·ḵān) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4462: Memucan -- a prince of Persia and Media had advised. כִּדְבַ֥ר (kiḏ·ḇar) Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause Additonal Resources Esther 1:21 Blue Letter BibleEsther 1:21 Bible Gateway Esther 1:21 Bible.com Esther 1:21 NIV |



