Esther 1:6
New International Version
The garden had hangings of white and blue linen, fastened with cords of white linen and purple material to silver rings on marble pillars. There were couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and other costly stones.

New Living Translation
The courtyard was beautifully decorated with white cotton curtains and blue hangings, which were fastened with white linen cords and purple ribbons to silver rings embedded in marble pillars. Gold and silver couches stood on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.

English Standard Version
There were white cotton curtains and violet hangings fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rods and marble pillars, and also couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones.

Berean Standard Bible
Hangings 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.

King James Bible
Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.

New King James Version
There were white and blue linen curtains fastened with cords of fine linen and purple on silver rods and marble pillars; and the couches were of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of alabaster, turquoise, and white and black marble.

New American Standard Bible
There were curtains of fine white and violet linen held by cords of fine purple linen on silver rings and marble columns, and couches of gold and silver on a mosaic floor of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and mineral stones.

NASB 1995
There were hangings of fine white and violet linen held by cords of fine purple linen on silver rings and marble columns, and couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and precious stones.

NASB 1977
There were hangings of fine white and violet linen held by cords of fine purple linen on silver rings and marble columns, and couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones.

Legacy Standard Bible
There were hangings of fine white and blue linen held by cords of fine purple linen on silver rings and marble pillars, and couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones.

Amplified Bible
There were curtains (draperies) of fine white and violet linen fastened with cords of fine purple linen to silver rings and marble columns. The couches of gold and silver rested on a mosaic floor of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious colored stones.

Christian Standard Bible
White and blue linen hangings were fastened with fine white and purple linen cords to silver rods on marble columns. Gold and silver couches were arranged on a mosaic pavement of red feldspar, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
White and violet linen hangings were fastened with fine white and purple linen cords to silver rods on marble columns. Gold and silver couches were arranged on a mosaic pavement of red feldspar, marble, mother-of-pearl, and precious stones.

American Standard Version
There were hangings of white cloth, of green, and of blue, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the couches were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and white, and yellow, and black marble.

Contemporary English Version
The area was decorated with blue and white cotton curtains tied back with purple linen cords that ran through silver rings fastened to marble columns. Couches of gold and silver rested on pavement that had all kinds of designs made from costly bright-colored stones and marble and mother-of-pearl.

English Revised Version
There were hangings of white cloth, of green, and of blue, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the couches were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and white, and yellow, and black marble.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The garden had white and violet linen curtains. These curtains were attached to silver rods and marble pillars by cords made of white and purple fine linen. Gold and silver couches were on a mosaic pavement of purple rock, white marble, pearl-like stone, and black marble.

Good News Translation
The courtyard there was decorated with blue and white cotton curtains, tied by cords of fine purple linen to silver rings on marble columns. Couches made of gold and silver had been placed in the courtyard, which was paved with white marble, red feldspar, shining mother-of-pearl, and blue turquoise.

International Standard Version
There were curtains of white and blue linen tied with cords of fine linen and purple material to silver rings on marble columns. There were couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and other precious stones.

Majority Standard Bible
Hangings 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.

NET Bible
The furnishings included linen and purple curtains hung by cords of the finest linen and purple wool on silver rings, alabaster columns, gold and silver couches displayed on a floor made of valuable stones of alabaster, mother-of-pearl, and mineral stone.

New Heart English Bible
There were hangings of white, green, and blue material, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and marble pillars. The couches were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red, white, yellow, and black marble.

Webster's Bible Translation
Where were white, green, and blue hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black marble.

World English Bible
There were hangings of white and blue material, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and marble pillars. The couches were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red, white, yellow, and black marble.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
white linen, white cotton, and blue, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple on rings of silver, and pillars of marble, couches of gold, and of silver, on a pavement of smaragdus, and white marble, and mother-of-pearl, and black marble—

Young's Literal Translation
white linen, white cotton, and blue, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple on rings of silver, and pillars of marble, couches of gold, and of silver, on a pavement of smaragdus, and white marble, and mother-of-pearl, and black marble --

Smith's Literal Translation
Splendid fine white linen, and cerulean purple, made fast with cords of byssus and purple, upon rings of silver and pillars of marble: couches of gold and silver upon a tesselated pavement of marble, and marble and pearl and spotted marble.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And there were hung up on every side sky coloured, and green, and violet hangings, fastened with cords of silk, and of purple, which were put into rings of ivory, and were held up with marble pillars. The beds also were of gold and silver, placed in order upon a floor paved with porphyry and white marble: which was embellished with painting of wonderful variety.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And, in every direction, tents the color of the sky and of flax as well as hyacinth were hung up, suspended by cords of linen and even purple, which had been placed through rings of ivory and were held up with marble columns. The couches also, of gold and silver, had been arranged over a pavement of emerald-green, bearing scattered jewels, which was decorated with a wonderful variety of images.

New American Bible
There were white cotton draperies and violet hangings, held by cords of fine crimson linen from silver rings on marble pillars. Gold and silver couches were on a mosaic pavement, which was of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and colored stones.

New Revised Standard Version
There were white cotton curtains and blue hangings tied with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and marble pillars. There were couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and colored stones.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
There were curtains of white cotton and wool, and hangings of violet, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble; the couches were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of marble, and the carpets were of fine white linen and silk.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the curtains of wool, of cotton and blue fringes were drawn, and they were extended with cords of fine white linen and of purple on rings of silver, and upon pillars of box tree wood, and couches of gold and of silver laid on pavement of marble, and carpets of fine white linen and of silk.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
there were hangings of white, fine cotton, and blue, bordered with cords of fine linen and purple, upon silver rods and pillars of marble; the couches were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of green, and white, and shell, and onyx marble.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
which was adorned with hangings of fine linen and flax on cords of fine linen and purple, fastened to golden and silver studs, on pillars of Parian marble and stone: there were golden and silver couches on a pavement of emerald stone, and of pearl, and of Parian stone, and open-worked coverings variously flowered, having roses worked round about;

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Xerxes' Royal Feast
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. 7Beverages were served in an array of goblets of gold, each with a different design, and the royal wine flowed freely, according to the king’s bounty.…

Cross References
Revelation 21:18-21
The wall was made of jasper, and the city itself of pure gold, as pure as glass. / The foundations of the city walls were adorned with every kind of precious stone: The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third chalcedony, the fourth emerald, / the fifth sardonyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. ...

1 Kings 7:18-20
Likewise, he made the pillars with two rows of pomegranates around each grating to cover each capital atop the pillars. / And the capitals atop the pillars in the portico were shaped like lilies, four cubits high. / On the capitals of both pillars, just above the rounded projection next to the network, were the two hundred pomegranates in rows encircling each capital.

2 Chronicles 3:5-7
He paneled the main room with cypress, which he overlaid with fine gold and decorated with palm trees and chains. / He adorned the temple with precious stones for beauty, and its gold was from Parvaim. / He overlaid its beams, thresholds, walls, and doors with gold, and he carved cherubim on the walls.

Ezekiel 1:26-28
Above the expanse over their heads was the likeness of a throne with the appearance of sapphire, and on the throne high above was a figure like that of a man. / From what seemed to be His waist up, I saw a gleam like amber, with what looked like fire within it all around. And from what seemed to be His waist down, I saw what looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded Him. / The appearance of the brilliant light all around Him was like that of a rainbow in a cloud on a rainy day. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the LORD. And when I saw it, I fell facedown and heard a voice speaking.

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 10:18-20
Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. / The throne had six steps, and its back had a rounded top. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest. / Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom.

2 Chronicles 9:17-19
Additionally, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. / The throne had six steps, and a footstool of gold was attached to it. There were armrests on both sides of the seat, with a lion standing beside each armrest. / Twelve lions stood on the six steps, one at either end of each step. Nothing like this had ever been made for any kingdom.

Isaiah 54:11-12
“O afflicted city, lashed by storms, without solace, surely I will set your stones in antimony and lay your foundations with sapphires. / I will make your pinnacles of rubies, your gates of sparkling jewels, and all your walls of precious stones.

Exodus 28:17-20
And mount on it a setting of gemstones, four rows of stones: In the first row there shall be a ruby, a topaz, and an emerald; / in the second row a turquoise, a sapphire, and a diamond; / in the third row a jacinth, an agate, and an amethyst; ...

1 Kings 6:18-20
The cedar paneling inside the temple was carved with gourds and open flowers. Everything was cedar; not a stone could be seen. / Solomon also prepared the inner sanctuary within the temple to set the ark of the covenant of the LORD there. / The inner sanctuary was twenty cubits long, twenty cubits wide, and twenty cubits high. He overlaid the inside with pure gold, and he also overlaid the altar of cedar.

Revelation 4:2-6
At once I was in the Spirit, and I saw a throne standing in heaven, with someone seated on it. / The One seated there looked like jasper and carnelian, and a rainbow that gleamed like an emerald encircled the throne. / Surrounding the throne were twenty-four other thrones, and on these thrones sat twenty-four elders dressed in white, with golden crowns on their heads. ...

Song of Solomon 3:9-10
King Solomon has made his carriage out of the timber of Lebanon. / He has made its posts of silver, its base of gold, its seat of purple fabric. Its interior is inlaid with love by the daughters of Jerusalem.

1 Kings 10:21
All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon.

2 Chronicles 9:20
All King Solomon’s drinking cups were gold, and all the utensils of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were pure gold. There was no silver, because it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon.

Isaiah 60:17-19
Instead of bronze I will bring you gold; I will bring silver in place of iron, bronze instead of wood, and iron instead of stones. I will appoint peace as your governor and righteousness as your ruler. / No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders. But you will name your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. / No longer will the sun be your light by day, nor the brightness of the moon shine on your night; for the LORD will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your splendor.


Treasury of Scripture

Where were white, green, and blue, hangings, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.

white.

Exodus 26:1,31,32,36,37
Moreover thou shalt make the tabernacle with ten curtains of fine twined linen, and blue, and purple, and scarlet: with cherubims of cunning work shalt thou make them…

blue.

Esther 8:15
And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.

the beds.

Esther 7:8
Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.

Ezekiel 23:41
And satest upon a stately bed, and a table prepared before it, whereupon thou hast set mine incense and mine oil.

Amos 2:8
And they lay themselves down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god.

red, etc.

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Beds Black Blue Bordered Columns Cords Cotton Couches Fastened Fine Gold Green Hangings Held Linen Marble Material Pavement Pillars Precious Purple Red Rings Shell Silver Stones White Yellow
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Beds Black Blue Bordered Columns Cords Cotton Couches Fastened Fine Gold Green Hangings Held Linen Marble Material Pavement Pillars Precious Purple Red Rings Shell Silver Stones White Yellow
Esther 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.














Hangings of white and blue linen
The use of "white and blue linen" in the Persian court reflects the opulence and grandeur of King Xerxes' palace. White often symbolizes purity and holiness in biblical texts, while blue is associated with divinity and the heavens. The Hebrew word for blue, "tekeleth," is also used in the description of the Tabernacle, indicating a connection to sacredness and divine presence. This choice of colors underscores the king's attempt to project an image of divine authority and splendor.

Fastened with cords of fine purple linen
Purple, derived from the Hebrew word "argaman," was a color of royalty and wealth, as the dye was rare and expensive. The use of "fine purple linen" signifies the king's immense wealth and status. In the ancient world, purple was often reserved for the elite, and its presence here emphasizes the luxurious and exclusive nature of the event. The cords symbolize the binding together of wealth and power, creating an atmosphere of majesty and exclusivity.

To silver rings on marble pillars
The "silver rings" and "marble pillars" further illustrate the extravagance of the setting. Silver, a precious metal, represents value and purity, while marble, known for its beauty and durability, signifies strength and permanence. The combination of these materials in the construction of the palace highlights the king's desire to create an environment that reflects his enduring power and the stability of his reign. The use of such materials would have been a testament to the architectural and artistic achievements of the Persian Empire.

Gold and silver couches
The presence of "gold and silver couches" indicates the lavishness of the furnishings provided for the guests. Gold, often associated with divinity and kingship, and silver, with its reflective quality, symbolize the wealth and opulence of the Persian court. These couches would have been a luxury, offering comfort and a sense of privilege to those in attendance. The use of precious metals in the furniture underscores the king's ability to provide for his guests in abundance, reflecting his power and generosity.

Arranged on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones
The "mosaic pavement" composed of "porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones" is a testament to the artistic and cultural sophistication of the Persian Empire. Porphyry, a purple stone, was highly prized in antiquity, often associated with imperial power. Marble, known for its elegance, and mother-of-pearl, with its iridescent beauty, add to the visual splendor of the setting. The use of "costly stones" reflects the king's desire to impress and awe his guests, showcasing the empire's wealth and the king's ability to command the finest resources. This setting serves as a backdrop for the unfolding events in the Book of Esther, highlighting the contrast between the king's earthly power and the divine providence that ultimately guides the narrative.

(6) Where were white. . . .--This should be [hangings of] "white cotton and blue." The word translated "cotton" (Heb., carpas) occurs only here. Canon Rawlinson remarks that "white and blue (or violet) were the royal colours of Persia."

Linen.--White linen; so the word is used, e.g., in 2Chronicles 5:12.

Marble.--White marble, as in the last clause of the verse.

Beds.--That is, the couches. The gold is not to be referred simply to the gold- mbroidered coverings, but to the framework of the couch.

Red and blue . . .--These words are not names of colours, but of actual stones, although the meaning of most is doubtful enough. The first (bahat) is rendered by the LXX. as a stone of emerald colour, and may perhaps be malachite. The second (shesh) is white marble, the third (dar) is pearly, and the last (sokhereth) black.

Verse 6. - Where were white, green, and blue hangings. There is nothing in the original corresponding to "green." The "hangings," or rather awning, was of white cotton (karphas) and violet. Mr. Loftus supposes that it was carried across from the central pillared hall to the detached porticoes, thus shading the guests from the intense heat of the sun ('Chaldaea and Susiana,' p. 375). Fastened with cords of fine linen and purple. Very strong cords would be needed to support the awning if it was carried across as above suggested, over a space of nearly sixty feet. To rings of silver. The exact use of the rings is doubtful. Perhaps they were inserted into the stone work in order that the cords might be made fast to them. Pillars of marble. The pillars at Susa are not of marble, but of a dark-blue limestone. Perhaps the Hebrew shesh designated this stone rather than marble. The beds were of gold and silver. The couches on which the guests reclined are intended (comp. Esther 7:8). These were either covered with gold and silver cloth, or had their actual framework of the precious metals, like those which Xerxes took with him into Greece (see Herod., 9:82). Upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black marble. The four words which follow "pavement" are not adjectives denoting colours, but the names of four different materials. One is shesh, the material of the pillars, which accords with the fact that such pavement slabs as have been found at Susa are, like the columns, of a blue limestone. The other materials are unknown to us, and we cannot say what the exact colours were; but no doubt the general result was a mosaic pavement of four different hues.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
[Hangings of] white
ח֣וּר ׀ (ḥūr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2353: White linen

and violet
וּתְכֵ֗לֶת (ū·ṯə·ḵê·leṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 8504: The cerulean mussel, the color, obtained therefrom, stuff dyed therewith

linen
כַּרְפַּ֣ס (kar·pas)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3768: Byssus, fine vegetable wool

were fastened
אָחוּז֙ (’ā·ḥūz)
Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 270: To grasp, take hold, take possession

with cords
בְּחַבְלֵי־ (bə·ḥaḇ·lê-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 2256: A rope, a measuring line, a district, inheritance, a noose, a company, a throe, ruin

of fine white
ב֣וּץ (ḇūṣ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 948: Cotton

and purple
וְאַרְגָּמָ֔ן (wə·’ar·gā·mān)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 713: Purple, red-purple

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

silver
כֶ֖סֶף (ḵe·sep̄)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

rings
גְּלִ֥ילֵי (gə·lî·lê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1550: A valve of a, folding door, a ring

on the marble
שֵׁ֑שׁ (šêš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8336: Bleached stuff, white linen, marble

pillars.
וְעַמּ֣וּדֵי (wə·‘am·mū·ḏê)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5982: A column, a stand, platform

Gold
זָהָ֣ב (zā·hāḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

and silver
וָכֶ֗סֶף (wā·ḵe·sep̄)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3701: Silver, money

couches
מִטּ֣וֹת ׀ (miṭ·ṭō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4296: A bed, for, sleeping, eating, a sofa, litter, bier

were arranged
עַ֛ל (‘al)
Preposition
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

on a mosaic pavement
רִֽצְפַ֥ת (riṣ·p̄aṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 7531: A hot stone, a tessellated pavement

of porphyry,
בַּהַט־ (ba·haṭ-)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 923: White marble, alabaster

marble,
וָשֵׁ֖שׁ (wā·šêš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8336: Bleached stuff, white linen, marble

mother-of-pearl,
וְדַ֥ר (wə·ḏar)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1858: A pearl, pearl-stone, mother-of-pearl, alabaster

and other precious stones.
וְסֹחָֽרֶת׃ (wə·sō·ḥā·reṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5508: A, tile, for, laying borders with


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OT History: Esther 1:6 There were hangings of white green (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 1:5
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