Esther 9:2 In each of the provinces of King Xerxes, the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who sought to harm them. No man could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples.

◄ Esther 9:2 ►

New International Version
The Jews assembled in their cities in all the provinces of King Xerxes to attack those determined to destroy them. No one could stand against them, because the people of all the other nationalities were afraid of them.

New Living Translation
The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the king’s provinces to attack anyone who tried to harm them. But no one could make a stand against them, for everyone was afraid of them.

English Standard Version
The Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen on all peoples.

Berean Standard Bible
In each of the provinces of King Xerxes, the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who sought to harm them. No man could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples.

King James Bible
The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.

New King James Version
The Jews gathered together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm. And no one could withstand them, because fear of them fell upon all people.

New American Standard Bible
The Jews assembled in their cities throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus to attack those who sought to harm them; and no one could stand against them, because the dread of them had fallen on all the peoples.

NASB 1995
The Jews assembled in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm; and no one could stand before them, for the dread of them had fallen on all the peoples.

NASB 1977
The Jews assembled in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who sought their harm; and no one could stand before them, for the dread of them had fallen on all the peoples.

Legacy Standard Bible
The Jews assembled in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to send forth their hand against those who sought their calamity; and no one could stand before them, for the dread of them had fallen on all the peoples.

Amplified Bible
The Jews assembled in their cities throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) to apprehend those who wanted to do them harm; and no one could stand before them, for the fear of them [and their God] had fallen on all the peoples.

Christian Standard Bible
In each of King Ahasuerus’s provinces the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who intended to harm them. Not a single person could withstand them; fear of them fell on every nationality.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
In each of King Ahasuerus’s provinces the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who intended to harm them. Not a single person could withstand them; terror of them fell on every nationality.

American Standard Version
the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them was fallen upon all the peoples.

Contemporary English Version
and in the cities of every province they came together to attack their enemies. Everyone was afraid of the Jews, and no one could do anything to oppose them.

English Revised Version
the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them was fallen upon all the peoples.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The Jews assembled in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes to kill those who were planning to harm them. No one could stand up against them, because all the people were terrified of them.

Good News Translation
In the Jewish quarter of every city in the empire the Jews organized to attack anyone who tried to harm them. People everywhere were afraid of them, and no one could stand against them.

International Standard Version
The Jewish people assembled in their towns throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus to strike out against those who intended to harm them, and no one could oppose them because all the people had come to fear the Jews.

Majority Standard Bible
In each of the provinces of King Xerxes, the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who sought to harm them. No man could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples.

NET Bible
The Jews assembled themselves in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to strike out against those who were seeking their harm. No one was able to stand before them, for dread of them fell on all the peoples.

New Heart English Bible
the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the King Achshayarsh, to lay hands on those who wanted to harm them. No one could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen on all the people.

Webster's Bible Translation
The Jews assembled in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.

World English Bible
the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the King Ahasuerus, to lay hands on those who wanted to harm them. No one could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen on all the people.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
the Jews have been assembled in their cities, in all provinces of King Ahasuerus, to put forth a hand on those seeking their evil, and no man has stood in their presence, for their fear has fallen on all the peoples.

Young's Literal Translation
the Jews have been assembled in their cities, in all provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to put forth a hand on those seeking their evil, and no man hath stood in their presence, for their fear hath fallen on all the peoples.

Smith's Literal Translation
The Jews were gathered together in their cities in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to stretch forth the hand upon those seeking their evil: and a man stood not before them, for their fear fell upon all the peoples.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And they gathered themselves together in every city, and town, and place, to lay their hands on their enemies, and their persecutors. And no one durst withstand them, for the fear of their power had gone through every people.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they gathered together throughout each city, and town, and place, so as to extend their hands against their enemies and their persecutors. And no one dared to resist them, because their great power had pierced all the peoples.

New American Bible
The Jews mustered in their cities throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus to attack those who sought to do them harm, and no one could withstand them, for fear of them fell upon all the peoples.

New Revised Standard Version
the Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hands on those who had sought their ruin; and no one could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Akhshirash to attack such as sought their hurt; and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell upon all people.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the Jews assembled in their cities and in all the cities of King Akhashiresh, to reach a hand against the workers of their harm, and no man stood before them, because a fear of them had fallen on all the nations.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt; and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them was fallen upon all the peoples.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
In that day the adversaries of the Jews perished: for no one resisted, through fear of them.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

The Jews Destroy Their Enemies
1On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the king’s command and edict were to be executed. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but their plan was overturned and the Jews overpowered those who hated them. 2In each of the provinces of King Xerxes, the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who sought to harm them. No man could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples. 3And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Exodus 23:22
But if you will listen carefully to his voice and do everything I say, I will be an enemy to your enemies and a foe to your foes.

Deuteronomy 28:7
The LORD will cause the enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you in one direction but flee from you in seven.

Joshua 1:5
No one shall stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so will I be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.

2 Chronicles 20:29
And the fear of God came upon all the kingdoms of the lands when they heard that the LORD had fought against the enemies of Israel.

Psalm 18:40
You have made my enemies retreat before me; I destroyed those who hated me.

Psalm 37:12-13
The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, / but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming.

Psalm 44:5
Through You we repel our foes; through Your name we trample our enemies.

Psalm 118:10-12
All the nations surrounded me, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. / They surrounded me on every side, but in the name of the LORD I cut them off. / They swarmed around me like bees, but they were extinguished like burning thorns; in the name of the LORD I cut them off.

Isaiah 41:11-12
Behold, all who rage against you will be ashamed and disgraced; those who contend with you will be reduced to nothing and will perish. / You will seek them but will not find them. Those who wage war against you will come to nothing.

Isaiah 54:17
No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.

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.

Matthew 10:28
Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Instead, fear the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Luke 1:74
deliverance from hostile hands, that we may serve Him without fear,

Luke 21:15
For I will give you speech and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict.

John 16:33
I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take courage; I have overcome the world!”

Treasury of Scripture

The Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, to lay hand on such as sought their hurt: and no man could withstand them; for the fear of them fell on all people.

gathered.

Esther 9:10,16
The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand…

Esther 8:11
Wherein the king granted the Jews which were in every city to gather themselves together, and to stand for their life, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish, all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take the spoil of them for a prey,

as sought.

Deuteronomy 2:30
But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him: for the LORD thy God hardened his spirit, and made his heart obstinate, that he might deliver him into thy hand, as appeareth this day.

Joshua 11:20
For it was of the LORD to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that he might destroy them utterly, and that they might have no favour, but that he might destroy them, as the LORD commanded Moses.

Psalm 71:13,24
Let them be confounded and consumed that are adversaries to my soul; let them be covered with reproach and dishonour that seek my hurt…

the fear.

Esther 8:17
And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king's commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

Genesis 35:5
And they journeyed: and the terror of God was upon the cities that were round about them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob.

Exodus 23:27
I will send my fear before thee, and will destroy all the people to whom thou shalt come, and I will make all thine enemies turn their backs unto thee.

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Ahasuerus Cities Fallen Fear Fell Gathered Hand Hands Harm Hurt Jews Lay Peoples Provinces Sought Themselves Throughout Together Wanted Withstand

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Esther 9

1. The Jews slay their enemies, with the ten sons of Haman.
12. Xerxes, at the request of Esther,
14. grants another day of slaughter, and Haman's sons to be hanged.
20. The two days of Purim are instituted.

Berean Study Bible

In each of the provinces
This phrase highlights the widespread nature of the events described in Esther 9:2. The Persian Empire, during the time of Esther, was vast, stretching from India to Ethiopia, encompassing 127 provinces. The Hebrew word for "provinces" is "medinah," which indicates a jurisdiction or district. This emphasizes the extensive reach of the Jewish people's influence and the divine orchestration of events across a vast territory. Historically, this underscores the miraculous preservation of the Jewish people throughout the empire, a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness.

the Jews gathered together
The act of gathering together signifies unity and strength in numbers. The Hebrew root "qahal" means to assemble or congregate, often used in the context of religious or communal gatherings. This unity was crucial for the Jews' survival and victory over their enemies. Spiritually, it reflects the importance of community and solidarity among God's people, a principle that resonates throughout Scripture, encouraging believers to support and stand with one another in times of trial.

in their cities
This phrase indicates that the Jews were not only present in the capital, Susa, but were spread throughout the empire, living in various cities. The Hebrew word "ir" for city suggests a place of habitation and community. This dispersion of the Jewish people was a result of earlier exiles, yet it also positioned them strategically for such a time as this. It serves as a reminder of God's providence, placing His people where they need to be to fulfill His purposes.

to attack those who sought their harm
The phrase reveals the defensive nature of the Jews' actions. The Hebrew verb "naphal" can mean to fall upon or attack, but in this context, it is a response to aggression. The Jews were not the aggressors; rather, they were defending themselves against those who intended to harm them. This aligns with the biblical principle of self-defense and the protection of one's community, highlighting the righteousness of their cause.

No one could stand against them
This statement underscores the divine favor and protection over the Jewish people. The Hebrew word "amad" means to stand or endure, indicating that their enemies were unable to withstand the Jews' defense. This reflects the biblical theme of God fighting for His people, as seen in other Scriptures where God grants victory to His people against overwhelming odds. It serves as an encouragement to believers that when God is for us, no one can stand against us (Romans 8:31).

for fear of them had fallen on all peoples
The fear that fell upon the peoples is indicative of a supernatural dread, often associated with the presence and power of God. The Hebrew word "pachad" denotes terror or dread, suggesting that this fear was divinely inspired. This mirrors other biblical accounts where God instills fear in the hearts of Israel's enemies, ensuring their protection and victory. It is a powerful reminder of God's ability to influence the hearts and minds of people to accomplish His purposes, instilling confidence in His ultimate control over all circumstances.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(2) To lay hand on such as sought their hurt.--How far the Jews acted according to the strict letter of the edict, and "stood for their lives" only when attacked, is perhaps to be doubted. They had on their side all the executive of the empire (Esther 9:3), and evidently to all intents and purposes the second edict was considered virtually to repeal the first. The Jews, therefore, being in favour at Court, and, as was not unnatural after their alarm, being now full of indignation and vengeance, were probably resolved to use their opportunities while they had the chance. If so, who could object so long as they did nothing against the authorities? and they, we have seen, were on their side. That they did make a bloody use of their opportunity is shown clearly by Esther 9:16.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 2. - The Jews gathered themselves together. Acting on the first clause of the edict (Esther 8:11). In their cities. By "their cities" the writer means not cities exclusively Jewish, but cities where Jews formed an element in the population, as Susa, Babylon, Damascus - perhaps Rhages and Ecbatana - and no doubt many others. Cities exclusively Jewish, like Nearda, in later times (Joseph., 'Ant. Jud.,' 18:9, § 1), scarcely existed as yet out of Palestine. To lay hand on such as sought their hurt. The defensive character of the Jews' action is again noted. Only if their hurt was sought (comp. Psalm 71:13, 24) did they lay hand on any; only against those who sought their hurt did they lift a finger. The fear of them. Not now such fear as is mentioned in Esther 8:17, ad fin., but a downright coward fear of their prowess. Fell upon all people. Rather, "all the people," i.e. all the many subject nations of the Persian empire among which the Jews were scattered.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

In each
בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

of the provinces
מְדִינוֹת֙ (mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4082: A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region

of King
הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Xerxes,
אֳחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ (’o·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 325: Ahasuerus -- king of Persia

the Jews
הַיְּהוּדִ֜ים (hay·yə·hū·ḏîm)
Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3064: Jews -- Jewish

assembled
נִקְהֲל֨וּ (niq·hă·lū)
Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 6950: To gather as an assembly or congregation

in their cities
בְּעָרֵיהֶ֗ם (bə·‘ā·rê·hem)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 5892: Excitement

to attack
לִשְׁלֹ֣חַ (liš·lō·aḥ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

those who sought
בִּמְבַקְשֵׁ֖י (bim·ḇaq·šê)
Preposition-b | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

to harm them.
רָֽעָתָ֑ם (rā·‘ā·ṯām)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

No
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

man
וְאִישׁ֙ (wə·’îš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

could withstand
עָמַ֣ד (‘ā·maḏ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

them,
לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם (lip̄·nê·hem)
Preposition-l | Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6440: The face

because
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

the fear of them
פַּחְדָּ֖ם (paḥ·dām)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine plural
Strong's 6343: A, alarm

had fallen
נָפַ֥ל (nā·p̄al)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5307: To fall, lie

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

all
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

peoples.
הָעַמִּֽים׃ (hā·‘am·mîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

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OT History: Esther 9:2 The Jews gathered themselves together in their (Est Esth. Es)