Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply. Therefore they told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, for he had told them he was a Jew. New Living Translation They spoke to him day after day, but still he refused to comply with the order. So they spoke to Haman about this to see if he would tolerate Mordecai’s conduct, since Mordecai had told them he was a Jew. English Standard Version And when they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand, for he had told them that he was a Jew. Berean Standard Bible Day after day they warned him, but he would not comply. So they reported it to Haman to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew. Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass, in their speaking to him day by day, and he would not listen to them. And they declared it to Haman, to see if the words of Mordecai would stand, for he had declared to them that he was a Jew. King James Bible Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. New King James Version Now it happened, when they spoke to him daily and he would not listen to them, that they told it to Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand; for Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew. New American Standard Bible Now it was when they had spoken daily to him and he would not listen to them, that they told Haman to see whether Mordecai’s reason would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew. NASB 1995 Now it was when they had spoken daily to him and he would not listen to them, that they told Haman to see whether Mordecai’s reason would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew. NASB 1977 Now it was when they had spoken daily to him and he would not listen to them, that they told Haman to see whether Mordecai’s reason would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew. Legacy Standard Bible Now it happened when they had spoken daily to him and he would not listen to them, that they told Haman to see whether Mordecai’s words would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew. Amplified Bible Now it happened when they had spoken to him day after day and he would not listen to them, that they told Haman to see whether Mordecai’s reason [for his behavior] would stand [as valid]; for he had told them that he was a Jew. Berean Annotated Bible Day after day they warned him, but he would not comply. So they reported it to Haman (magnificent) to see whether Mordecai’s (little man) behavior would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew. Christian Standard Bible When they had warned him day after day and he still would not listen to them, they told Haman in order to see if Mordecai’s actions would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew. Holman Christian Standard Bible When they had warned him day after day and he still would not listen to them, they told Haman to see if Mordecai’s actions would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew. American Standard Version Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. Contemporary English Version he said, "Because I am a Jew." They spoke to him for several days about kneeling down, but he still refused to obey. Finally, they reported this to Haman, to find out if he would let Mordecai get away with it. English Revised Version Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. GOD'S WORD® Translation Although they asked him day after day, he paid no attention to them. So they informed Haman to see if Mordecai's actions would be tolerated, since Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew. Good News Translation day after day they urged him to give in, but he would not listen to them. "I am a Jew," he explained, "and I cannot bow to Haman." So they told Haman about this, wondering if he would tolerate Mordecai's conduct. International Standard Version They asked him this day after day, and he would not listen to them, so they told Haman to see whether or not Mordecai would get away with his disobedience, since he also had told them that he was Jewish. NET Bible And after they had spoken to him day after day without his paying any attention to them, they informed Haman to see whether this attitude on Mordecai's part would be permitted. Furthermore, he had disclosed to them that he was a Jew. New Heart English Bible Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily to him, and he did not listen to them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's reason would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew. Webster's Bible Translation Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily to him, and he hearkened not to them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleDay after day they warned him, but he would not comply. So they reported it to Haman to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew. World English Bible Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily to him, and he didn’t listen to them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s reason would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it comes to pass, in their speaking to him, day by day, and he has not listened to them, that they declare [it] to Haman, to see whether the words of Mordecai stand, for he has declared to them that he [is] a Jew. Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass, in their speaking to him day by day, and he would not listen to them. And they declared it to Haman, to see if the words of Mordecai would stand, for he had declared to them that he was a Jew. Young's Literal Translation And it cometh to pass, in their speaking unto him, day by day, and he hath not hearkened unto them, that they declare it to Haman, to see whether the words of Mordecai do stand, for he hath declared to them that he is a Jew. Smith's Literal Translation And it will be in their saying to him day and day, and he will not hear to them, and they will announce to Haman to see whether the words of Mordecai will stand: for he announced to them that he was a Jew. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when they were saying this often, and he would not hearken to them; they told Aman, desirous to know whether he would continue in his resolution: for he had told them that he was a Jew. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible When they had reminded him day after day and he would not listen to them, they informed Haman, to see whether Mordecai’s explanation would prevail, since he had told them that he was a Jew. New Revised Standard Version When they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mordecai’s words would avail; for he had told them that he was a Jew. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow it came to pass when they spoke daily to him and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, to know whether Mordecai's words were the truth; for he had told them that he was a Jew. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And as they were speaking every day and he was not listening to them, they told Haman that they would know if the words of Murdacai were true, because he had told them that he was a Jew. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's words would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew. Brenton Septuagint Translation Thus they spoke daily to him, but he hearkened not unto them; so they represented to Aman that Mardochaeus resisted the commands of the king: and Mardochaeus had shewn to them that he was a Jew. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Haman Plots Against the Jews…3Then the royal servants at the king’s gate asked Mordecai, “Why do you disobey the command of the king?” 4 Day after day they warned him, but he would not comply. So they reported it to Haman to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated, since he had told them he was a Jew. 5When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage.… Cross References Day after day they warned him 2 Chronicles 36:15 Again and again the LORD, the God of their fathers, sent word to His people through His messengers because He had compassion on them and on His dwelling place. Jeremiah 7:13 And now, because you have done all these things, declares the LORD, and because I have spoken to you again and again but you would not listen, and I have called to you but you would not answer, Jeremiah 25:3 “From the thirteenth year of Josiah son of Amon king of Judah until this very day—twenty-three years—the word of the LORD has come to me, and I have spoken to you again and again, but you have not listened. but he would not comply Daniel 3:18 But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” Deuteronomy 1:26 But you were unwilling to go up; you rebelled against the command of the LORD your God. Jeremiah 44:16-17 “As for the word you have spoken to us in the name of the LORD, we will not listen to you! / Instead, we will do everything we vowed to do: We will burn incense to the Queen of Heaven and offer drink offerings to her, just as we, our fathers, our kings, and our officials did in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. At that time we had plenty of food and good things, and we saw no disaster. So they reported it to Haman Esther 2:22 When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she informed the king on Mordecai’s behalf. Daniel 3:8 At this time some astrologers came forward and maliciously accused the Jews, 1 Samuel 22:9-10 But Doeg the Edomite, who had stationed himself with Saul’s servants, answered: “I saw the son of Jesse come to Ahimelech son of Ahitub at Nob. / Ahimelech inquired of the LORD for him and gave him provisions. He also gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated Daniel 1:12-15 “Please test your servants for ten days. Let us be given only vegetables to eat and water to drink. / Then compare our appearances with those of the young men who are eating the royal food, and deal with your servants according to what you see.” / So he consented to this and tested them for ten days. … Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge someone else’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. And he will stand, for the Lord is able to make him stand. Acts 5:38-39 So in the present case I advise you: Leave these men alone. Let them go! For if their purpose or endeavor is of human origin, it will fail. / But if it is from God, you will not be able to stop them. You may even find yourselves fighting against God.” since he had told them he was a Jew Acts 16:20-21 They brought them to the magistrates and said, “These men are Jews and are throwing our city into turmoil / by promoting customs that are unlawful for us Romans to adopt or practice.” Daniel 3:12 But there are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who have ignored you, O king, and have refused to serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” Daniel 6:13 Then they told the king, “Daniel, one of the exiles from Judah, shows no regard for you, O king, or for the decree that you have signed. He still makes his petition three times a day.” Daniel 3:16-18 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. / If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. / But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.” Treasury of Scripture Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily to him, and he listened not to them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. when they spake. Genesis 39:10 And it came to pass, as she spake to Joseph day by day, that he hearkened not unto her, to lie by her, or to be with her. that they told. Daniel 3:8,9 Wherefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews… Daniel 6:13 Then answered they and said before the king, That Daniel, which is of the children of the captivity of Judah, regardeth not thee, O king, nor the decree that thou hast signed, but maketh his petition three times a day. he had told. Ezra 1:3 Who is there among you of all his people? his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the LORD God of Israel, (he is the God,) which is in Jerusalem. Daniel 3:12,16-18,23-30 There are certain Jews whom thou hast set over the affairs of the province of Babylon, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; these men, O king, have not regarded thee: they serve not thy gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up… Daniel 6:20-28 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice unto Daniel: and the king spake and said to Daniel, O Daniel, servant of the living God, is thy God, whom thou servest continually, able to deliver thee from the lions? … Jump to Previous Attention Avail Behavior Behaviour Comply Daily Haman Hearkened Informed Jew Matters Mordecai's News Order Overlooked Reason Refused Speaking Stand Whether WordsJump to Next Attention Avail Behavior Behaviour Comply Daily Haman Hearkened Informed Jew Matters Mordecai's News Order Overlooked Reason Refused Speaking Stand Whether WordsEsther 3 1. Haman, advanced by the king, and despised by Mordecai, seeks revenge upon the Jews.7. He casts lots. 8. He obtains by false accusations a decree of the king to put the Jews to death. Day after day they warned him This phrase indicates persistence and ongoing pressure from Mordecai's colleagues at the king's gate. The repetition of warnings suggests a significant cultural or social expectation that Mordecai was defying. In the Persian Empire, where this story is set, adherence to royal decrees and customs was expected, and deviation could lead to severe consequences. This persistence also highlights the tension between Mordecai's faith and the surrounding culture, a common theme in the lives of biblical figures who remain faithful to God amidst pagan societies. but he would not comply So they reported it to Haman to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated since he had told them he was a Jew Persons / Places / Events 1. MordecaiA Jew living in the Persian Empire, specifically in the citadel of Susa. He is a key figure in the Book of Esther, known for his refusal to bow to Haman, which sets off a chain of events leading to the deliverance of the Jewish people. 2. Haman An Agagite and high-ranking official in the Persian Empire under King Xerxes. He becomes enraged by Mordecai's refusal to bow to him and plots to destroy all the Jews in the empire. 3. Susa The capital of the Persian Empire where the events of the Book of Esther take place. It is a significant location as the center of political power and intrigue. 4. The King's Servants These are the officials at the king's gate who question Mordecai about his refusal to bow to Haman. Their role is pivotal as they report Mordecai's behavior to Haman. 5. The Jewish People The ethnic and religious group to which Mordecai belongs. They are under threat due to Haman's plot, which is a central conflict in the account. Teaching Points Faithfulness to God Over Human AuthorityMordecai's refusal to bow to Haman is a powerful example of prioritizing obedience to God over compliance with human demands that contradict God's commandments. Courage in the Face of Persecution Mordecai's actions remind believers that standing firm in faith may lead to persecution, but God is sovereign and can use such situations for His purposes. The Power of Influence The king's servants play a crucial role in escalating the situation. This highlights the impact of seemingly minor actions and words in influencing larger events. Identity and Conviction Mordecai's steadfastness is rooted in his identity as a Jew and his commitment to God's laws. Believers are encouraged to ground their actions in their identity in Christ. God's Sovereignty in Adversity The unfolding events in Esther demonstrate God's control and providence, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned, encouraging trust in His unseen hand. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Esther 3:4?2. Why did Mordecai refuse to comply with the king's command in Esther 3:4? 3. How does Mordecai's faithfulness inspire us to stand firm in our beliefs? 4. What Old Testament laws might have influenced Mordecai's actions in Esther 3:4? 5. How can we apply Mordecai's courage in our daily challenges today? 6. What does Esther 3:4 teach about the consequences of standing for God's truth? 7. Why did Mordecai refuse to bow to Haman in Esther 3:4? 8. How does Esther 3:4 challenge the concept of obedience to authority? 9. What historical context explains Mordecai's actions in Esther 3:4? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 3? 11. What did Esther mean by 'If I perish, I perish'? 12. How did Esther save the Jews from Haman's plot? 13. Who was Mordecai in the Bible? 14. Why does the Book of Esther lack references to known historical Persian rulers? What Does Esther 3:4 Mean Day after day they warned him• The palace officials repeatedly pressed Mordecai to bow to Haman, establishing a pattern of relentless social pressure (cf. Genesis 39:10; Daniel 6:13). • Their daily warnings reveal how an ungodly culture seeks conformity, echoing Paul’s caution: “Do not be conformed to this world” (Romans 12:2). • Mordecai’s situation reminds us that tests of faith often come not as one-time events but as ongoing challenges. but he would not comply • Mordecai’s refusal was steady and deliberate, mirroring the resolve of Daniel’s friends who would not worship Nebuchadnezzar’s image (Daniel 3:16-18) and the apostles who declared, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29). • His stand flowed from loyalty to God’s command against idolatry (Exodus 20:3-5). • Persevering obedience, even when costly, is a hallmark of genuine faith (Hebrews 11:24-27). So they reported it to Haman • Instead of respecting Mordecai’s conviction, the officials escalated the matter—much like the Chaldeans who accused the Jews before King Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 3:8-12). • This reveals how personal grudges or curiosity can weaponize authority against God’s people (Psalm 119:23). • It also sets the stage for God’s providential intervention, highlighting how He works through—even against—human schemes (Proverbs 21:30). to see whether Mordecai’s behavior would be tolerated • The officials sought an official ruling, reflecting the empire’s legalistic culture (Esther 1:19). • Their question underscores a timeless tension: Will God’s people be allowed to live out their convictions openly? (Acts 4:18-20). • When earthly powers test the boundaries of faith, the Lord remains sovereign, turning trials into opportunities for His glory (Philippians 1:12-13). since he had told them he was a Jew • Mordecai’s open declaration of identity echoes Joseph’s and Daniel’s bold confessions in foreign courts (Genesis 40:15; Daniel 1:8). • By identifying himself, he linked his stance to covenant loyalty, not personal stubbornness (Deuteronomy 6:12). • His transparency foreshadows Christ’s call: “Whoever is ashamed of Me and My words… the Son of Man will be ashamed of him” (Luke 9:26). • This moment also exposes latent anti-Semitism, preparing the narrative for Haman’s genocidal plot (Esther 3:6), yet God will preserve His people (Jeremiah 31:35-37). summary Esther 3:4 portrays a steady clash between worldly pressure and covenant faithfulness. Daily warnings could not sway Mordecai because his identity and obedience were anchored in the Lord. The officials’ report to Haman highlights how opposition often escalates, yet even this serves God’s larger plan of deliverance. Standing firm in revealed truth, confessing our faith openly, and trusting God’s sovereign hand amid hostility remain as vital today as they were in Persia’s palace courts. (4) Whether Mordecai's matters would stand.--This should be, his words: whether his statement that he belonged to a nation who might only pay such reverence to God, would hold good.Hebrew Dayי֣וֹם (yō·wm) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day after day וָי֔וֹם (wā·yō·wm) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day they warned him, כְּאָמְרָ֤ם (kə·’ā·mə·rām) Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 559: To utter, say but he would not וְלֹ֥א (wə·lō) Conjunctive waw | Adverb - Negative particle Strong's 3808: Not, no comply. שָׁמַ֖ע (šā·ma‘) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 8085: To hear intelligently So they reported it וַיַּגִּ֣ידוּ (way·yag·gî·ḏū) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous to Haman לְהָמָ֗ן (lə·hā·mān) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 2001: Haman -- to rage, be turbulent to see לִרְאוֹת֙ (lir·’ō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7200: To see whether Mordecai's מָרְדֳּכַ֔י (mā·rə·do·ḵay) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4782: Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther behavior דִּבְרֵ֣י (diḇ·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause would be tolerated, הֲיַֽעַמְדוּ֙ (hă·ya·‘am·ḏū) Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine plural Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations since כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction he had told הִגִּ֥יד (hig·gîḏ) Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous them he ה֥וּא (hū) Pronoun - third person masculine singular Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are was a Jew. יְהוּדִֽי׃ (yə·hū·ḏî) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 3064: Jews -- Jewish Links Esther 3:4 NIVEsther 3:4 NLT Esther 3:4 ESV Esther 3:4 NASB Esther 3:4 KJV Esther 3:4 BibleApps.com Esther 3:4 Biblia Paralela Esther 3:4 Chinese Bible Esther 3:4 French Bible Esther 3:4 Catholic Bible OT History: Esther 3:4 Now it came to pass when they (Est Esth. 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