Esther 7:9
New International Version
Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said, “A pole reaching to a height of fifty cubits stands by Haman’s house. He had it set up for Mordecai, who spoke up to help the king.” The king said, “Impale him on it!”

New Living Translation
Then Harbona, one of the king’s eunuchs, said, “Haman has set up a sharpened pole that stands seventy-five feet tall in his own courtyard. He intended to use it to impale Mordecai, the man who saved the king from assassination.” “Then impale Haman on it!” the king ordered.

English Standard Version
Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Moreover, the gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, is standing at Haman’s house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.”

Berean Standard Bible
Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king.

King James Bible
And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.

New King James Version
Now Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, said to the king, “Look! The gallows, fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good on the king’s behalf, is standing at the house of Haman.” Then the king said, “Hang him on it!”

New American Standard Bible
Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who stood before the king, said, “Indeed, behold, the wooden gallows standing at Haman’s house fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai who spoke good in behalf of the king!” And the king said, “Hang him on it.”

NASB 1995
Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who were before the king said, “Behold indeed, the gallows standing at Haman’s house fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai who spoke good on behalf of the king!” And the king said, “Hang him on it.”

NASB 1977
Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who were before the king said, “Behold indeed, the gallows standing at Haman’s house fifty cubits high, which Haman made for Mordecai who spoke good on behalf of the king!” And the king said, “Hang him on it.”

Legacy Standard Bible
Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who were before the king, said, “Behold indeed, the gallows—which Haman made for Mordecai who spoke good on behalf of the king—are standing at Haman’s house fifty cubits high!” And the king said, “Hang him on it.”

Amplified Bible
Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs serving the king said, “Now look, there are gallows fifty cubits (75 ft.) high standing at Haman’s house, which Haman made for Mordecai, whose good warning saved the king.” And the king said, “Hang him on it.”

Christian Standard Bible
Harbona, one of the king’s eunuchs, said, “There is a gallows seventy-five feet tall at Haman’s house that he made for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” The king said, “Hang him on it.”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Harbona, one of the royal eunuchs, said: “There is a gallows 75 feet tall at Haman’s house that he made for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” The king commanded, “Hang him on it.”

American Standard Version
Then said Harbonah, one of the chamberlains that were before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman hath made for Mordecai, who spake good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. And the king said, Hang him thereon.

Contemporary English Version
Then Harbona, one of the king's personal servants, said, "Your Majesty, Haman built a gallows 22 meters high beside his house, so he could hang Mordecai on it. And Mordecai is the very one who spoke up and saved your life." "Hang Haman from his own gallows!" the king commanded.

English Revised Version
Then said Harbonah, one of the chamberlains that were before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman hath made for Mordecai, who spake good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. And the king said, Hang him thereon.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Harbona, one of the eunuchs present with the king, said, "What a coincidence! The 75-foot pole Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke up for the well-being of the king, is still standing at Haman's house." The king responded, "Hang him on it!"

Good News Translation
Then one of them, who was named Harbonah, said, "Haman even went so far as to build a gallows at his house so that he could hang Mordecai, who saved Your Majesty's life. And it's seventy-five feet tall!" "Hang Haman on it!" the king commanded.

International Standard Version
Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, observed, "Look there! A pole is standing 50 cubits high at Haman's house that he prepared for Mordecai, whose report benefitted the king!" The king said, "Hang him on it."

Majority Standard Bible
Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king.

NET Bible
Harbona, one of the king's eunuchs, said, "Indeed, there is the gallows that Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke out in the king's behalf. It stands near Haman's home and is seventy-five feet high." The king said, "Hang him on it!"

New Heart English Bible
Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who were with the king said, "Look, the gallows seventy-three feet eight inches high, which Haman has made for Mordecai, who spoke good for the king, is standing at Haman's house." The king said, "Hang him on it."

Webster's Bible Translation
And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him upon it.

World English Bible
Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs who were with the king, said, “Behold, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman has made for Mordecai, who spoke good for the king, is standing at Haman’s house.” The king said, “Hang him on it!”
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, says before the king, “Also behold, the tree that Haman made for Mordecai, who spoke good for the king, is standing in the house of Haman, in height fifty cubits”; and the king says, “Hang him on it.”

Young's Literal Translation
And Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, saith before the king, 'Also lo, the tree that Haman made for Mordecai, who spake good for the king, is standing in the house of Haman, in height fifty cubits;' and the king saith, 'Hang him upon it.'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Harbonah, one of the eunuchs, will say before the king, Also behold the tree which Haman made for Mordecai who spake good for the king, standing in Haman's house, high fifty cubits: And the king will say, Ye shall hang him upon it.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And Harbona, one of the eunuchs that stood waiting on the king, said: Behold the gibbet which he hath prepared for Mardochai, who spoke for the king, standeth in Aman's house, being fifty cubits high. And the king said to him: Hang him upon it.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And Harbona, one of the eunuchs who stood in ministry to the king, said, “Behold the wood, which he had prepared for Mordecai, who spoke up on behalf of the king, stands in Haman’s house, having a height of fifty cubits.” The king said to him, “Hang him from it.”

New American Bible
Harbona, one of the eunuchs who attended the king, said, “At the house of Haman stands a stake fifty cubits high. Haman made it for Mordecai, who gave the report that benefited the king.” The king answered, “Impale him on it.”

New Revised Standard Version
Then Harbona, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, said, “Look, the very gallows that Haman has prepared for Mordecai, whose word saved the king, stands at Haman’s house, fifty cubits high.” And the king said, “Hang him on that.”
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Rahbona, one of his eunuchs, said before the king, Behold the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made to hang Mordecai because he had spoken good concerning the king, stands in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him on it.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Rakhbuna one of the Eunuchs of the King answered and said before the King: “Behold, Haman has also constructed a cross to hang Murdacai upon it, because he spoke good for the King, and it stands in the house of Haman! Its height is fifty cubits!” And the King said: “Hang him on it!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Then said Harbonah, one of the chamberlains that were before the king: 'Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman hath made for Mordecai, who spoke good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman.' And the king said: 'Hang him thereon.'

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Bugathan, one of the chamberlains, said to the king, Behold, Aman has also prepared a gallows for Mardochaeus, who spoke concerning the king, and a gallows of fifty cubits high has been set up in the premises of Aman. And the king said, Let him be hanged thereon.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Haman is Hanged
8Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Would he actually assault the queen while I am in the palace?” As soon as the words had left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. 9Then Harbonah, one of the eunuchs attending the king, said: “There is a gallows fifty cubits high at Haman’s house. He had it built for Mordecai, who gave the report that saved the king.” “Hang him on it!” declared the king. 10So they hanged Haman on the gallows he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the fury of the king subsided.…

Cross References
Esther 5:14
His wife Zeresh and all his friends told him, “Have them build a gallows fifty cubits high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go to the banquet with the king and enjoy yourself.” The advice pleased Haman, and he had the gallows constructed.

Esther 6:4-11
“Who is in the court?” the king asked. Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the palace to ask the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows he had prepared for him. / So the king’s attendants answered him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” “Bring him in,” ordered the king. / Haman entered, and the king asked him, “What should be done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor?” Now Haman thought to himself, “Whom would the king be delighted to honor more than me?” ...

Daniel 6:24
At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.

Proverbs 26:27
He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.

Psalm 7:15-16
He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. / His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head.

Psalm 9:15-16
The nations have fallen into a pit of their making; their feet are caught in the net they have hidden. / The LORD is known by the justice He brings; the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands. Higgaion Selah

Psalm 37:14-15
The wicked have drawn the sword and bent the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright. / But their swords will pierce their own hearts, and their bows will be broken.

Psalm 57:6
They spread a net for my feet; my soul was despondent. They dug a pit before me, but they themselves have fallen into it! Selah

Proverbs 11:5-6
The righteousness of the blameless directs their path, but the wicked fall by their own wickedness. / The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the faithless are trapped by their own desires.

Proverbs 28:10
He who leads the upright along the path of evil will fall into his own pit, but the blameless will inherit what is good.

Matthew 7:2
For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

Matthew 27:3-5
When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. / “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.” / So Judas threw the silver into the temple and left. Then he went away and hanged himself.

Luke 6:37-38
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. / Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.”

Luke 19:22
His master replied, ‘You wicked servant, I will judge you by your own words. So you knew that I am a harsh man, withdrawing what I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow?

Acts 1:18-20
(Now with the reward for his wickedness Judas bought a field; there he fell headlong and burst open in the middle, and all his intestines spilled out. / This became known to all who lived in Jerusalem, so they called that field in their own language Akeldama, that is, Field of Blood.) / “For it is written in the book of Psalms: ‘May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,’ and, ‘May another take his position.’


Treasury of Scripture

And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who spoken good for the king, stands in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.

Harbonah.

Esther 1:10
On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

Harbona.

Esther 6:14
And while they were yet talking with him, came the king's chamberlains, and hasted to bring Haman unto the banquet that Esther had prepared.

2 Kings 9:32
And he lifted up his face to the window, and said, Who is on my side? who? And there looked out to him two or three eunuchs.

Behold.

Esther 5:14
Then said Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a gallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.

Job 27:20-23
Terrors take hold on him as waters, a tempest stealeth him away in the night…

Psalm 7:15,16
He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made…

gallows.

Esther 2:21-23
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus…

Esther 6:2
And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

Hang him thereon.

Esther 9:25
But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

1 Samuel 17:51
Therefore David ran, and stood upon the Philistine, and took his sword, and drew it out of the sheath thereof, and slew him, and cut off his head therewith. And when the Philistines saw their champion was dead, they fled.

Psalm 7:15,16
He made a pit, and digged it, and is fallen into the ditch which he made…

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Chamberlains Cubits Eunuchs Fifty Gallows Good Haman Haman's Hang High House Indeed Mordecai Standeth Standing Thereon
Esther 7
1. Esther, entertaining the king and Haman, pleads for her own life, and her people's.
5. She accuses Haman.
7. The king in his anger, understanding of the gallows Haman had made for Mordecai,
10. causes Haman to be hanged thereon.














Then Harbona
Harbona is one of the eunuchs serving King Ahasuerus. The role of eunuchs in the Persian court was significant, as they were often trusted officials who managed the king's affairs. The mention of Harbona by name suggests his importance and reliability. Historically, eunuchs were seen as loyal servants, and Harbona's intervention here is pivotal, showing his awareness of the situation and his willingness to speak truth to power.

one of the eunuchs attending the king
Eunuchs were castrated men who served in various capacities within royal courts, often in close proximity to the king. Their unique position allowed them to wield influence and access information. In the context of Esther, the eunuchs' role underscores the intricate workings of the Persian court and the providential placement of individuals who would aid in the deliverance of the Jewish people.

said, 'Look, the gallows fifty cubits high
The gallows, or more accurately, a stake for impalement, was an instrument of execution. The height of fifty cubits (approximately 75 feet) signifies the enormity of Haman's pride and his intent to make a public spectacle of Mordecai's execution. This detail highlights the dramatic reversal of fortunes orchestrated by God, turning Haman's plot against him.

stands by Haman’s house
The location of the gallows near Haman's house is symbolic of his personal vendetta against Mordecai. It also serves as a physical reminder of Haman's hubris and the impending judgment upon him. The proximity to his home indicates that Haman's downfall is not just public but deeply personal, affecting his household and legacy.

He had it made for Mordecai
Haman's intention to execute Mordecai on the gallows he constructed reveals his deep-seated hatred and desire for revenge. Mordecai, who had previously saved the king's life, becomes the target of Haman's wrath due to his refusal to bow. This phrase underscores the theme of divine justice, as the very instrument of intended harm becomes the means of Haman's own demise.

who spoke up to help the king!
Mordecai's loyalty to King Ahasuerus is highlighted here, reminding the reader of his earlier act of courage in uncovering a plot against the king. This phrase serves to contrast Mordecai's integrity with Haman's treachery, reinforcing the moral order that God upholds, where righteousness is ultimately rewarded.

The king said, 'Hang him on it!'
The king's command to hang Haman on the gallows he built for Mordecai is the climax of the narrative, illustrating the principle of poetic justice. This decisive action by the king reflects the swift and irreversible nature of divine retribution. It serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereignty and the ultimate triumph of good over evil, encouraging believers to trust in God's timing and justice.

(9) Harbonah.--See Esther 1:10.

One of the chamberlains. . . .--Translate, one of the chamberlains [who stood, or served] before the king, said.

Hang him.--In the LXX., let him be crucified. The climax of the story is now reached in the pithy words, "They hanged Haman upon the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai." In his own house (Esther 7:9), that is, probably, in some court or garden belonging to it, in the sight doubtless of his own children and his own servants, and the wife who had given him such cold comfort, did the unfortunate man meet his fate. Thus not only does God vouchsafe to deliver his people, but He brings on the enemy the very destruction he had devised for his adversary: "He hath fallen himself into the pit that he digged for other." Our Saviour has rescued us from our enemy who was too mighty for us, and has trodden down our foe, to be destroyed for ever in His own good time. So may we Christians see in the dangers threatening the Jews throughout this book a picture of our own, and in Haman's discomfiture a type of the victory of the Lamb over sin and Satan.

Verse 9. - Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king. Rather, "Harbonah, one of the chamberlains (eunuchs) that served before the king, said." The "eunuchs that served before the king" were those of the highest grade, as appears from Esther 1:10. Harbonah was one of them. Who had spoken good for the king. Or, "who spake good." The reference is to his detection of the conspiracy (Esther 2:22). In the house of Haman. This had not been mentioned previously. It adds one touch of extra barbarity to Haman's character, that he should have intended the execution to take place within the walls of his own house.



Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Then Harbonah,
חַ֠רְבוֹנָה (ḥar·ḇō·w·nāh)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2726: Charbona -- Charbonah

one
אֶחָ֨ד (’e·ḥāḏ)
Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259: United, one, first

of
מִן־ (min-)
Preposition
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

the eunuchs
הַסָּרִיסִ֜ים (has·sā·rî·sîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5631: A eunuch, valet, a minister of state

attending
לִפְנֵ֣י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

the king,
הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

said:
וַיֹּ֣אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

“There
הִנֵּה־ (hin·nêh-)
Interjection
Strong's 2009: Lo! behold!

is a gallows
הָעֵ֣ץ (hā·‘êṣ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood

fifty
חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים (ḥă·miš·šîm)
Number - common plural
Strong's 2572: Fifty

cubits
אַמָּ֑ה (’am·māh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 520: A mother, a cubit, a door-base

high
גָּבֹ֖הַּ (gā·ḇō·ah)
Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 1364: Elevated, powerful, arrogant

at Haman's
הָמָ֟ן (hā·mān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2001: Haman -- to rage, be turbulent

house.
בְּבֵ֣ית (bə·ḇêṯ)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

[He]
הָמָ֔ן (hā·mān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2001: Haman -- to rage, be turbulent

had it built
עָשָׂ֪ה (‘ā·śāh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

for Mordecai,
לְֽמָרְדֳּכַ֞י (lə·mā·rə·do·ḵay)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4782: Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther

who
אֲשֶׁ֧ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

gave the report
דִּבֶּר־ (dib·ber-)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1696: To arrange, to speak, to subdue

that saved
ט֣וֹב (ṭō·wḇ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

the king.?
הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

“Hang
תְּלֻ֥הוּ (tə·lu·hū)
Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 8518: To suspend

him on it!?
עָלָֽיו׃ (‘ā·lāw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

declared
וַיֹּ֥אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

the king.
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king


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OT History: Esther 7:9 Then Harbonah one of the eunuchs who (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 7:8
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