Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to instruct her to go into the king’s presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people. New Living Translation Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the decree issued in Susa that called for the death of all Jews. He asked Hathach to show it to Esther and explain the situation to her. He also asked Hathach to direct her to go to the king to beg for mercy and plead for her people. English Standard Version Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her and command her to go to the king to beg his favor and plead with him on behalf of her people. Berean Standard Bible Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people. Berean Literal Bible And a copy of the writing of the law that was given in Susa to destroy them he gave to him to show Esther, and to tell it to her, and to lay the charge upon her to come in to the king, to implore favor from him, and to seek from before his face concerning her people. King James Bible Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people. New King James Version He also gave him a copy of the written decree for their destruction, which was given at Shushan, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her, and that he might command her to go in to the king to make supplication to him and plead before him for her people. New American Standard Bible He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict which had been issued in Susa for their annihilation, so that he might show Esther and inform her, and to order her to go in to the king to implore his favor and plead with him for her people. NASB 1995 He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict which had been issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show Esther and inform her, and to order her to go in to the king to implore his favor and to plead with him for her people. NASB 1977 He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict which had been issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show Esther and inform her, and to order her to go in to the king to implore his favor and to plead with him for her people. Legacy Standard Bible He also gave him a copy of the written law which had been given in Susa for their destruction, in order to show Esther and to tell her and to command her to go in to the king to implore his favor and to seek him out for her people. Amplified Bible Mordecai also gave him a copy of the text of the decree which had been issued in Susa for the Jews destruction, so that he might show Esther and explain it to her, and order her to go in to the king to seek his favor and plead with him for [the lives of] her people. Berean Annotated Bible Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa (lily) for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther (star), urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people. Christian Standard Bible Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa ordering their destruction, so that Hathach might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and command her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead with him personally for her people. Holman Christian Standard Bible Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa ordering their destruction, so that Hathach might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and command her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead with him personally for her people. American Standard Version Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him, for her people. Contemporary English Version Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the orders for the murder of the Jews and told him that these had been read in Susa. He said, "Show this to Esther and explain what it means. Ask her to go to the king and beg him to have pity on her people, the Jews!" English Revised Version Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to shew it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her; and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him, for her people. GOD'S WORD® Translation He also gave him a copy of the decree that was issued in Susa. The decree gave permission to exterminate the Jews. Hathach was supposed to show it to Esther to inform and command her to go to the king, beg him for mercy, and appeal to him for her people. Good News Translation He gave Hathach a copy of the proclamation that had been issued in Susa, ordering the destruction of the Jews. Mordecai asked him to take it to Esther, explain the situation to her, and have her go and plead with the king and beg him to have mercy on her people. International Standard Version Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the written decree ordering the Jews' destruction that had been issued in Susa. Mordecai wanted him to show it to Esther, to explain it to her, and then to instruct her to go in to the king to seek his favor and plead with him for her people. NET Bible He also gave him a written copy of the law that had been disseminated in Susa for their destruction so that he could show it to Esther and talk to her about it. He also gave instructions that she should go to the king to implore him and petition him on behalf of her people. New Heart English Bible He also gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to urge her to go in to the king, to make petition to him, and to make request before him, for her people. Webster's Bible Translation Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to charge her that she should go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to make request before him for her people. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleMordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people. World English Bible He also gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Susa to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to urge her to go in to the king to make supplication to him, and to make request before him for her people. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the copy of the writing of the law that had been given in Shushan to destroy them he has given to him, to show Esther, and to declare [it] to her, and to lay a charge on her to go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to seek from before him, for her people. Berean Literal Bible And a copy of the writing of the law that was given in Susa to destroy them he gave to him to show Esther, and to tell it to her, and to lay the charge upon her to come in to the king, to implore favor from him, and to seek from before his face concerning her people. Young's Literal Translation and the copy of the writing of the law that had been given in Shushan to destroy them he hath given to him, to shew Esther, and to declare it to her, and to lay a charge on her to go in unto the king, to make supplication to him, and to seek from before him, for her people. Smith's Literal Translation And the copy of the writing of the edict which was given in Shushan to destroy them, he gave to him to cause Esther to see, and to announce to her, and to charge upon her to go in to the king to implore mercy, and to seek from before him for her people. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe gave him also a copy of the edict which was hanging up in Susan, that he should shew it to the queen, and admonish her to go in to the king, and to en- treat him for her people. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible He also gave him a copy of the written decree for their destruction that had been promulgated in Susa, to show and explain to Esther. Hathach was to instruct her to go to the king and to plead and intercede with him on behalf of her people. New Revised Standard Version Mordecai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther, explain it to her, and charge her to go to the king to make supplication to him and entreat him for her people. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleHe also gave him a copy of the writing of the decree that was is sued in Shushan the palace, to show it to Esther, and to charge her to go in to the king to make supplication to him and to make request be fore him for her people. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the copy that was put in Shushan the Palace he gave him to show Esthir and to order her, ”You shall enter to the presence of the King and you shall beg of him and you shall make earnest supplication to him for the people!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Shushan to destroy them, to show it unto Esther, and to declare it unto her; and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him, for her people. Brenton Septuagint Translation And he gave him the copy of the writing that was published in Susa concerning their destruction, to shew to Esther; and told him to charge her to go in and intreat the king, and to beg him for the people, remembering, said he, the days of thy low estate, how thou wert nursed by my hand: because Aman who holds the next place to the king has spoken against us for death. Do thou call upon the Lord, and speak to the king concerning us, to deliver us from death. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Mordecai Appeals to Esther…7and Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money that Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury in order to destroy the Jews. 8 Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, to show and explain to Esther, urging her to approach the king, implore his favor, and plead before him for her people. 9So Hathach went back and relayed Mordecai’s response to Esther.… Cross References Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews, Daniel 6:8-9 Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” / Therefore King Darius signed the written decree. 1 Kings 21:8-10 Then Jezebel wrote letters in Ahab’s name, sealed them with his seal, and sent them to the elders and nobles who lived with Naboth in his city. / In the letters she wrote: “Proclaim a fast and give Naboth a seat of honor among the people. / But seat two scoundrels opposite him and have them testify, ‘You have cursed both God and the king!’ Then take him out and stone him to death.” Exodus 1:22 Then Pharaoh commanded all his people: “Every son born to the Hebrews you must throw into the Nile, but every daughter you may allow to live.” to show and explain to Esther, Nehemiah 8:8 So they read from the Book of the Law of God, explaining it and giving insight, so that the people could understand what was being read. Acts 8:30-31 So Philip ran up and heard the man reading Isaiah the prophet. “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. / “How can I,” he said, “unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him. Luke 24:27 And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He explained to them what was written in all the Scriptures about Himself. urging her to approach the king, 2 Samuel 14:2-5 So Joab sent to Tekoa to bring a wise woman from there. He told her, “Please pretend to be a mourner; put on clothes for mourning and do not anoint yourself with oil. Act like a woman who has mourned for the dead a long time. / Then go to the king and speak these words to him.” And Joab put the words in her mouth. / When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” … 1 Kings 1:11-14 Then Nathan said to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, “Have you not heard that Adonijah son of Haggith has become king, and our lord David does not know it? / Now please, come and let me advise you. Save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. / Go at once to King David and say, ‘My lord the king, did you not swear to your maidservant, “Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne”? Why then has Adonijah become king?’ … Nehemiah 2:4-5 “What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven / and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.” implore his favor, 2 Samuel 14:22 Joab fell facedown in homage and blessed the king. “Today,” said Joab, “your servant knows that he has found favor in your eyes, my lord the king, because the king has granted his request.” Proverbs 16:15 When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. Proverbs 19:12 A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. and plead before him for her people. 2 Samuel 14:12-17 Then the woman said, “Please, may your servant speak a word to my lord the king?” “Speak,” he replied. / The woman asked, “Why have you devised a thing like this against the people of God? When the king says this, does he not convict himself, since he has not brought back his own banished son? / For we will surely die and be like water poured out on the ground, which cannot be recovered. Yet God does not take away a life, but He devises ways that the banished one may not be cast out from Him. … 2 Kings 8:3-6 At the end of seven years, when the woman returned from the land of the Philistines, she went to the king to appeal for her house and her land. / Now the king had been speaking to Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, saying, “Please relate to me all the great things Elisha has done.” / And Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had brought the dead back to life. Just then the woman whose son Elisha had revived came to appeal to the king for her house and her land. So Gehazi said, “My lord the king, this is the woman, and this is the son Elisha restored to life.” … 1 Kings 1:16-21 And Bathsheba bowed down in homage to the king, who asked, “What is your desire?” / “My lord,” she replied, “you yourself swore to your maidservant by the LORD your God: ‘Surely your son Solomon will reign after me, and he will sit on my throne.’ / But now, behold, Adonijah has become king, and you, my lord the king, do not know it. … Nehemiah 2:3-5 and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” / “What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven / and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.” Treasury of Scripture Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to charge her that she should go in to the king, to make supplication to him, and to make request before him for her people. the copy. Esther 3:14,15 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day… to charge. Esther 2:20 Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him. 1 Timothy 6:13,17 I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession; … to make supplication. Job 9:15 Whom, though I were righteous, yet would I not answer, but I would make supplication to my judge. Proverbs 16:14,15 The wrath of a king is as messengers of death: but a wise man will pacify it… Ecclesiastes 10:4 If the spirit of the ruler rise up against thee, leave not thy place; for yielding pacifieth great offences. request. Esther 7:3,4 Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: … Esther 8:6 For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come unto my people? or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred? Nehemiah 2:3-5 And said unto the king, Let the king live for ever: why should not my countenance be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers' sepulchres, lieth waste, and the gates thereof are consumed with fire? … Jump to Previous Charge Copy Declare Decree Destroy Edict Esther Request Shew Show Shushan Supplication Text Urge WritingJump to Next Charge Copy Declare Decree Destroy Edict Esther Request Shew Show Shushan Supplication Text Urge WritingEsther 4 1. The great mourning of Mordecai and the Jews.4. Esther, understanding it, sends to Mordecai, 7. who shows the cause, and advises her to undertake the suit. 10. She, excusing herself, is threatened by Mordecai. 15. She, appointing a fast, undertakes the suit. Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews Mordecai's action of providing a copy of the decree highlights the gravity of the situation. Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, was a significant center of power, and the decree's issuance from there underscores its authority and reach. Historically, the Persian Empire was known for its extensive bureaucracy and record-keeping, which is reflected in the existence of a written decree. The decree for the destruction of the Jews is reminiscent of other biblical instances where God's people faced annihilation, such as Pharaoh's decree in Exodus. This situation foreshadows the ultimate deliverance that God provides, pointing to the salvation found in Jesus Christ. to show and explain to Esther urging her to approach the king implore his favor and plead before him for her people Persons / Places / Events 1. MordecaiA Jew living in Susa, the cousin and guardian of Esther. He is a key figure in the Jewish community and plays a crucial role in the events of the Book of Esther. 2. Hathach A eunuch assigned to attend to Queen Esther. He acts as a messenger between Mordecai and Esther. 3. Esther The Jewish queen of Persia, married to King Xerxes (Ahasuerus). She is in a unique position to influence the king and save her people. 4. Susa The capital of the Persian Empire, where the events of the Book of Esther take place. It is the location of the king's palace and the issuance of the decree against the Jews. 5. The Decree An edict issued by Haman, the king's advisor, calling for the destruction of all Jews in the Persian Empire. This decree sets the stage for the crisis that Esther must address. Teaching Points Courage in CrisisEsther's account teaches us the importance of courage and taking action in times of crisis. We are called to stand up for what is right, even when it is risky. Divine Providence The unseen hand of God is at work in the lives of His people. We can trust that God is in control, even when circumstances seem dire. Intercession Like Esther, we are called to intercede for others. Prayer and advocacy are powerful tools in bringing about change and seeking God's mercy. Obedience and Faith Mordecai's instruction to Esther highlights the importance of obedience and faith. We must be willing to follow God's leading, even when the path is uncertain. Using Our Influence God places us in specific positions for a purpose. We should use our influence and resources to further His kingdom and help those in need. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Esther 4:8?2. How does Esther 4:8 demonstrate the importance of intercessory prayer in crisis? 3. What does Mordecai's request reveal about his faith in God's deliverance? 4. How can we apply Mordecai's courage in Esther 4:8 to our lives today? 5. What scriptural connections exist between Esther 4:8 and standing firm in faith? 6. How does Esther 4:8 encourage us to act boldly for God's purposes? 7. What is the significance of Mordecai's plea in Esther 4:8 for Jewish survival? 8. How does Esther 4:8 reflect God's providence in dire circumstances? 9. Why does Mordecai urge Esther to approach the king despite the risks in Esther 4:8? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 4? 11. How did Esther save the Jews from Haman's plot? 12. How did Esther save her people from Xerxes' decree? 13. How does Esther 8:8 reconcile with the supposed irrevocability of Persian law if a second decree effectively overrules the first? 14. What evidence exists that supports Mordecai's elevation to high authority in Esther 8:2, considering Persian records rarely reference Jewish officials? What Does Esther 4:8 Mean Mordecai also gave Hathach a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for the destruction of the Jews• Mordecai does not rely on rumor; he supplies documentary proof. “In the mouth of two or three witnesses every matter must be established” (Deuteronomy 19:15). • Having the decree in hand shows the grim finality of Haman’s plot (Esther 3:12-14). Mordecai’s action mirrors Hezekiah spreading Sennacherib’s letter before the LORD (2 Kings 19:14), confronting danger with tangible evidence. • The written word underscores how profoundly evil can be codified into law—yet God “foils the plans of the crafty” (Job 5:12). to show and explain to Esther • Esther has been sheltered inside the palace; Mordecai bridges the information gap. • Explanation matters. Nehemiah likewise “told no one what my God had put into my heart” until the strategic moment (Nehemiah 2:12-17). • Faith is not blind optimism; it faces facts, then brings them before God. Like the Bereans who examined the Scriptures daily (Acts 17:11), Esther is invited to examine the decree. urging her to approach the king • The verb implies persistent appeal (cf. Luke 11:8). Mordecai presses Esther toward courageous action, much as Jonathan urged David to “go in strength” (1 Samuel 20:42). • Approaching Persia’s monarch uninvited risked death (Esther 4:11), but “the righteous are bold as a lion” (Proverbs 28:1). • God often positions His people strategically—Joseph before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:14-16), Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:24-28). implore his favor • Esther is to seek grace—ḥēn—undeserved kindness. “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD” (Proverbs 21:1). • Parallel scenes: Nehemiah “prayed to the God of heaven” then asked Artaxerxes for letters (Nehemiah 2:4-8); Ezra sought favor for exiles (Ezra 8:23). • Petition precedes intervention; prayer and prudence interweave. and plead before him for her people • The phrase points to intercession. Moses pleaded, “Turn from Your fierce anger” (Exodus 32:11-14). Samuel said he would not sin by ceasing to pray for Israel (1 Samuel 12:23). • Esther’s identity shifts from private queen to public advocate, echoing Paul’s willingness to be “accursed…for my brothers” (Romans 9:3). • Corporate deliverance hangs on individual obedience; “if one member suffers, all suffer together” (1 Corinthians 12:26). summary Esther 4:8 captures a pivotal moment where documented evil meets determined faith. Mordecai arms Esther with the decree, educates her on the crisis, and urges courageous intercession. The passage showcases God’s providential placement of His people, the necessity of informed action, and the power of standing in the gap for others. Verse 8. - Also he gave him the copy. In the original it is "a copy." Mordecai had had a copy made for the purpose of handing it to Esther. To make request to him for her people. If this was the phrase used by Mordecai to Hatach, Esther's nationality must now have ceased to be a secret, at any rate so far as her immediate attendants were concerned. Probably Mordecai felt that the truth must now be declared. It was only as the compatriots of the queen that he could expect to get the Jews spared.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Mordecai also gave [Hathach]נִתַּ֨ן (nit·tan) Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set a copy פַּתְשֶׁ֣גֶן (paṯ·še·ḡen) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6572: A transcript of the written כְּתָֽב־ (kə·ṯāḇ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3791: Something written, a writing, record, book decree הַ֠דָּת (had·dāṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1881: A royal edict, statute issued נָ֣תַן (nā·ṯan) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set in Susa בְּשׁוּשָׁ֤ן (bə·šū·šān) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 7800: Susa -- residence of person kings for the destruction [of the Jews], לְהַשְׁמִידָם֙ (lə·haš·mî·ḏām) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct | third person masculine plural Strong's 8045: To be exterminated or destroyed to show לְהַרְא֥וֹת (lə·har·’ō·wṯ) Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 7200: To see and explain וּלְהַגִּ֣יד (ū·lə·hag·gîḏ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous to אֶת־ (’eṯ-) Direct object marker Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case Esther, אֶסְתֵּ֖ר (’es·têr) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 635: Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel urging her וּלְצַוּ֣וֹת (ū·lə·ṣaw·wō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order to approach לָב֨וֹא (lā·ḇō·w) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go the king, הַמֶּ֧לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king implore his favor, לְהִֽתְחַנֶּן־ (lə·hiṯ·ḥan·nen-) Preposition-l | Verb - Hitpael - Infinitive construct Strong's 2603: To bend, stoop in kindness to an inferior, to favor, bestow, to implore and plead וּלְבַקֵּ֥שׁ (ū·lə·ḇaq·qêš) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-l | Verb - Piel - Infinitive construct Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after before him מִלְּפָנָ֖יו (mil·lə·p̄ā·nāw) Preposition-m, Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6440: The face for עַל־ (‘al-) Preposition Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against her עָלֶ֗יהָ (‘ā·le·hā) Preposition | third person feminine singular Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against people. עַמָּֽהּ׃ (‘am·māh) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock Links Esther 4:8 NIVEsther 4:8 NLT Esther 4:8 ESV Esther 4:8 NASB Esther 4:8 KJV Esther 4:8 BibleApps.com Esther 4:8 Biblia Paralela Esther 4:8 Chinese Bible Esther 4:8 French Bible Esther 4:8 Catholic Bible OT History: Esther 4:8 He also gave him the copy (Est Esth. 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