Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When these days were over, the king gave a banquet, lasting seven days, in the enclosed garden of the king’s palace, for all the people from the least to the greatest who were in the citadel of Susa. New Living Translation When it was all over, the king gave a banquet for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were in the fortress of Susa. It lasted for seven days and was held in the courtyard of the palace garden. English Standard Version And when these days were completed, the king gave for all the people present in Susa the citadel, both great and small, a feast lasting for seven days in the court of the garden of the king’s palace. Berean Standard Bible 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. Berean Literal Bible And in the fullness of these days, the king made for all the people, the ones found in Susa the citadel, from great even to small, a feast for seven days in the court of the garden of the palace of the king. King James Bible And when these days were expired, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both unto great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace; New King James Version And when these days were completed, the king made a feast lasting seven days for all the people who were present in Shushan the citadel, from great to small, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace. New American Standard Bible When these days were finished, the king held a banquet lasting seven days for all the people who were present at the citadel in Susa, from the greatest to the least, in the courtyard of the garden of the king’s palace. NASB 1995 When these days were completed, the king gave a banquet lasting seven days for all the people who were present at the citadel in Susa, from the greatest to the least, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace. NASB 1977 And when these days were completed, the king gave a banquet lasting seven days for all the people who were present in Susa the capital, from the greatest to the least, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace. Legacy Standard Bible And when these days were fulfilled, the king held a feast lasting seven days for all the people who were present at the citadel in Susa, from the greatest to the least, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace. Amplified Bible When these days were completed, the king held a banquet for all the people who were present at the citadel in Susa [the capital], from the greatest [in importance] to the least, a seven-day feast in the courtyard of the garden of the king’s palace. Berean Annotated Bible 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 (lily), from the least to the greatest. Christian Standard Bible At the end of this time, the king held a week-long banquet in the garden courtyard of the royal palace for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were present in the fortress of Susa. Holman Christian Standard Bible At the end of this time, the king held a week-long banquet in the garden courtyard of the royal palace for all the people, from the greatest to the least, who were present in the fortress of Susa. American Standard Version And when these days were fulfilled, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace. Contemporary English Version At the end of this time, King Xerxes gave another dinner and invited everyone in the city of Susa, no matter who they were. The eating and drinking lasted seven days in the beautiful palace gardens. English Revised Version And when these days were fulfilled, he king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace; GOD'S WORD® Translation When those days were over, the king held a banquet lasting seven days. This banquet was held in the enclosed garden of the king's palace for all people in the fortress of Susa, whatever their rank. Good News Translation After that, the king gave a banquet for all the people in the capital city of Susa, rich and poor alike. It lasted a whole week and was held in the gardens of the royal palace. International Standard Version When those days were over, the king held a seven-day banquet in the courtyard of the garden of his palace for all the people who were present in Susa the capital, from the greatest to the least important. NET Bible When those days were completed, the king then provided a seven-day banquet for all the people who were present in Susa the citadel, for those of highest standing to the most lowly. It was held in the court located in the garden of the royal palace. New Heart English Bible When these days were fulfilled, the king made a seven day feast for all the people who were present in Shushan the palace, both great and small, in the court of the garden of the king's palace. Webster's Bible Translation And when these days had expired, the king made a feast for all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both for great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace; Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAt 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. World English Bible When these days were fulfilled, the king made a seven day feast for all the people who were present in Susa the palace, both great and small, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd at the fullness of these days the king has made a banquet to all the people who are found in Shushan the palace, from great even to small, [for] seven days, in the court of the garden of the house of the king— Berean Literal Bible And in the fullness of these days, the king made for all the people, the ones found in Susa the citadel, from great even to small, a feast for seven days in the court of the garden of the palace of the king. Young's Literal Translation And at the fulness of these days hath the king made to all the people who are found in Shushan the palace, from great even unto small, a banquet, seven days, in the court of the garden of the house of the king -- Smith's Literal Translation And in these days being completed the king made to all the people being found in Shushan the fortress, a drinking to the great and even to the small, seven days, in the enclosure of the garden of the king's house; Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when the days of the feast were expired, he invited all the people that were found in Susan, from the greatest to the least: and commanded a feast to be made seven days in the court of the garden, and of the wood, which was planted by the care and the hand of the king. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible At the end of this time the king gave a feast of seven days in the garden court of the royal palace for all the people, great and small, who were in the royal precinct of Susa. New Revised Standard Version When these days were completed, the king gave for all the people present in the citadel of Susa, both great and small, a banquet lasting for seven days, in the court of the garden of the king’s palace. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when these days were completed, the king made a feast to all the people who were present in Shushan the palace, both great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace; Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And when those days were finished, the King made a feast seven days for all the people that were found in Shushan the Palace, from the little one and unto the great, in the court of the garden of the palace of the King. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And when these days were fulfilled, the king made a feast unto all the people that were present in Shushan the castle, both great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace; Brenton Septuagint Translation when, I say, the days of the marriage feast were completed, the king made a banquet to the nations who were present in the city six days, in the court of the king's house, Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Xerxes' Royal Feast…4And for a full 180 days he displayed the glorious riches of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness. 5At 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. 6Hangings of white and blue linen were fastened with cords of fine white and purple material to silver rings on the marble pillars. Gold and silver couches were arranged on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.… Cross References At the end of this time, Exodus 12:41 At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the LORD’s divisions went out of the land of Egypt. Galatians 4:4 But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in the garden court of the royal palace, Esther 7:7 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. 2 Kings 25:4 Then the city was breached; and though the Chaldeans had surrounded the city, all the men of war fled by night by way of the gate between the two walls near the king’s garden. They headed toward the Arabah, Jeremiah 39:4 When Zedekiah king of Judah and all the soldiers saw them, they fled. They left the city at night by way of the king’s garden, through the gate between the two walls, and they went out along the route to the Arabah. the king held a seven-day feast 1 Kings 8:65 So at that time Solomon and all Israel with him—a great assembly of people from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt—kept the feast before the LORD our God for seven days and seven more days—fourteen days in all. 2 Chronicles 7:8 So at that time Solomon and all Israel with him—a very great assembly of people from Lebo-hamath to the Brook of Egypt—kept the feast for seven days. Judges 14:17 She wept the whole seven days of the feast, and finally on the seventh day, because she had pressed him so much, he told her the answer. And in turn she explained the riddle to her people. for all the people in the citadel of Susa, Nehemiah 1:1 These are the words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: In the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, while I was in the citadel of Susa, Daniel 8:2 And in the vision I saw myself in the citadel of Susa, in the province of Elam. I saw in the vision that I was beside the Ulai Canal. Esther 2:3 and let the king appoint commissioners in each province of his kingdom to assemble all the beautiful young women into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the women, and let them be given beauty treatments. from the least to the greatest. Jeremiah 6:13 “For from the least of them to the greatest, all are greedy for gain; from prophet to priest, all practice deceit. Jeremiah 31:34 No longer will each man teach his neighbor or his brother, saying, ‘Know the LORD,’ because they will all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the LORD. For I will forgive their iniquities and will remember their sins no more.” Deuteronomy 1:17 Show no partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God. And bring to me any case too difficult for you, and I will hear it.” Daniel 5:1-4 Later, King Belshazzar held a great feast for a thousand of his nobles, and he drank wine with them. / Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. / Thus they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king drank from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. … 1 Kings 3:15 Then Solomon awoke, and indeed it had been a dream. So he returned to Jerusalem, stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. Then he held a feast for all his servants. Treasury of Scripture And when these days were expired, the king made a feast to all the people that were present in Shushan the palace, both to great and small, seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace; present. 2 Chronicles 7:8,9 Also at the same time Solomon kept the feast seven days, and all Israel with him, a very great congregation, from the entering in of Hamath unto the river of Egypt… 2 Chronicles 30:21-25 And the children of Israel that were present at Jerusalem kept the feast of unleavened bread seven days with great gladness: and the Levites and the priests praised the LORD day by day, singing with loud instruments unto the LORD… Jump to Previous Banquet Citadel Completed Court Enclosed Expired Feast Fulfilled Garden Great Greatest King's Lasting Palace Present Seven Shushan Small SusaJump to Next Banquet Citadel Completed Court Enclosed Expired Feast Fulfilled Garden Great Greatest King's Lasting Palace Present Seven Shushan Small SusaEsther 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. At the end of this time This phrase refers to the conclusion of the 180-day display of King Xerxes' wealth and splendor. The timing indicates a strategic moment for the king to further solidify his power and influence. The lengthy celebration underscores the vastness of the Persian Empire and the king's desire to impress his subjects and officials. 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 Persons / Places / Events 1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)The Persian king who ruled over 127 provinces from India to Cush. He is known for his opulent lifestyle and grand feasts. 2. The Feast A lavish banquet held by King Ahasuerus, initially lasting 180 days for his officials and servants, followed by a seven-day feast for all people in the citadel of Susa. 3. The Citadel of Susa The fortified palace complex where the king resided, located in the ancient city of Susa, which was one of the capitals of the Persian Empire. 4. The Courtyard of the Palace Garden The specific location within the citadel where the seven-day banquet took place, symbolizing the king's wealth and hospitality. 5. The People of Susa The attendees of the seven-day feast, ranging from the least to the greatest, indicating the inclusivity of the king's hospitality. Teaching Points The Dangers of Excessive IndulgenceThe grandeur of Ahasuerus' feast serves as a reminder of the potential pitfalls of excessive indulgence and pride. Believers are called to practice moderation and humility. Inclusivity in Community The king's invitation to all people, from the least to the greatest, can inspire Christians to practice inclusivity and hospitality within their communities, reflecting God's love for all. The Temporary Nature of Earthly Glory The fleeting nature of the king's feast reminds us that earthly glory and wealth are temporary. Christians are encouraged to seek eternal treasures in heaven. Leadership and Responsibility As leaders, whether in the church or community, we must be mindful of how we use our resources and influence, ensuring they align with God's purposes and serve others. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Esther 1:5?2. How does Esther 1:5 illustrate the importance of hospitality in Christian life? 3. What can we learn about leadership from the king's actions in Esther 1:5? 4. How does Esther 1:5 connect to other biblical teachings on community and fellowship? 5. How can we apply the generosity shown in Esther 1:5 to our lives? 6. What does the king's feast in Esther 1:5 teach about celebrating God's blessings? 7. What does Esther 1:5 reveal about King Xerxes' leadership style and priorities? 8. How does the feast in Esther 1:5 reflect Persian cultural and political practices? 9. What theological significance does the feast in Esther 1:5 hold for understanding God's providence? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 1? 11. Could Queen Vashti's refusal (Esther 1:12) and subsequent banishment be supported by Persian royal court records or historical precedents? 12. Esther 5:1 - How plausible is it that a Jewish foreigner could have risen to queen with no corroborating Persian records? 13. 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? 14. Why is there no external historical or archaeological evidence confirming the events in Esther 1? What Does Esther 1:5 Mean At the end of this time• The phrase ties us back to the prior six-month display of royal splendor (Esther 1:4: “For a full 180 days he displayed the glorious riches of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness.”). • Scripture records real sequences; nothing is random. God oversees history’s timing just as surely as He governs kings (Proverbs 21:1). • The conclusion of the 180-day event sets the stage for God to move the narrative toward Esther’s rise and Israel’s preservation (Romans 8:28). in the garden court of the royal palace • A change of venue—from vast halls to a lavish garden—suggests intimacy and extravagance combined. Palatial gardens often served as settings for pivotal decisions (Daniel 4:29–31; 2 Kings 25:4). • Gardens in Scripture frequently highlight both beauty and vulnerability (Genesis 3:8). Here, what looks like mere luxury will soon become a backdrop for divine intervention. • The mention of the royal palace underscores that God can work right in the heart of worldly power (Psalm 2:1–4). the king held a seven-day feast • Seven days echo God’s established pattern of completeness (Genesis 2:2–3). • Israel’s own calendar features week-long celebrations such as Unleavened Bread (Exodus 13:6) and Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:34), showing how God often communicates through sevens. • The length invites everyone to experience the king’s generosity—yet it also foreshadows the excess that leads to Vashti’s dismissal (Esther 1:10–12). God will use even human indulgence for His purposes (Psalm 33:10–11). for all the people in the citadel of Susa • Unlike the earlier banquet limited to officials (Esther 1:3), this feast embraces the common population. • The language recalls nationwide gatherings in Israel’s history when leaders summoned entire communities (2 Chronicles 30:13; Jonah 3:5). • God’s providence touches every layer of society; the climactic deliverance in Esther will likewise encompass the whole Jewish population in the empire (Esther 9:16-19). from the least to the greatest • The phrase highlights social inclusivity, announcing that rank is irrelevant before the king—an earthly picture of the impartiality God requires (James 2:1). • Similar wording appears when Josiah read the Law “to all the people, from the least to the greatest” (2 Chronicles 34:30), reminding us that revelation and responsibility reach everyone. • The detail hints that God’s forthcoming rescue will display His concern for every individual, not merely the elite (Acts 10:34-35). summary Esther 1:5 records a real, historical feast that rounds off six months of royal pomp, shifts into a lavish garden setting, lasts a perfect seven days, and welcomes every resident of Susa without social distinction. Behind the grandeur, God is quietly positioning people and events so that His covenant people will be protected. What looks like Persian pageantry is actually Providence in motion. (5) All the people.--So we find Cyrus feasting "all the Persians" (Herod. i. 126).Verse 5. - A feast unto all the people that were found in Susa. The males only are intended, as appears from ver. 9. So Cyrus on one occasion feasted "the entire Persian army," slaughtering for them all his father's flocks, sheep, goats, and oxen (Herod., 1:126). In the court of the garden. The "court of the garden" is probably the entire space surrounding the central hall of thirty-six pillars at Susa, including the three detached porticoes of twelve pillars each, described by Mr. Loftus in his 'Chaldaea and Susiana' (pp. 365-372). This is a space nearly 350 feet long by 250 wide, with a square of 145 feet taken out of it for the central building. The area exceeds 60,000 square feet.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew At the endוּבִמְל֣וֹאת ׀ (ū·ḇim·lō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 4390: To fill, be full of of this הָאֵ֗לֶּה (hā·’êl·leh) Article | Pronoun - common plural Strong's 428: These, those time, הַיָּמִ֣ים (hay·yā·mîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 3117: A day in the garden גִּנַּ֥ת (gin·naṯ) Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1594: A garden courtyard בַּחֲצַ֕ר (ba·ḥă·ṣar) Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct Strong's 2691: A yard, a hamlet of the royal הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king palace, בִּיתַ֖ן (bî·ṯan) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 1055: House, palace the king הַמֶּ֡לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king held עָשָׂ֣ה (‘ā·śāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 6213: To do, make a seven-day שִׁבְעַ֣ת (šiḇ·‘aṯ) Number - masculine singular construct Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number feast מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה (miš·teh) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4960: Drink, drinking, a banquet, feast for all לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the people הָעָ֣ם (hā·‘ām) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock in the citadel הַבִּירָ֜ה (hab·bî·rāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1002: A castle, palace of Susa, בְּשׁוּשַׁ֨ן (bə·šū·šan) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7800: Susa -- residence of person kings from the least קָטָ֛ן (qā·ṭān) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6996: Small, young, unimportant to וְעַד־ (wə·‘aḏ-) Conjunctive waw | Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while the greatest. לְמִגָּ֧דוֹל (lə·mig·gā·ḏō·wl) Preposition-l, Preposition-m | Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 1419: Great, older, insolent Links Esther 1:5 NIVEsther 1:5 NLT Esther 1:5 ESV Esther 1:5 NASB Esther 1:5 KJV Esther 1:5 BibleApps.com Esther 1:5 Biblia Paralela Esther 1:5 Chinese Bible Esther 1:5 French Bible Esther 1:5 Catholic Bible OT History: Esther 1:5 When these days were fulfilled the king (Est Esth. 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