Esther 9:25
New International Version
But when the plot came to the king’s attention, he issued written orders that the evil scheme Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be impaled on poles.

New Living Translation
But when Esther came before the king, he issued a decree causing Haman’s evil plot to backfire, and Haman and his sons were impaled on a sharpened pole.

English Standard Version
But when it came before the king, he gave orders in writing that his evil plan that he had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

Berean Standard Bible
But when it came before the king, he commanded by letter that the wicked scheme which Haman had devised against the Jews should come back upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
but when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letter that this wicked plot which Haman had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

New American Standard Bible
But when it came to the king’s attention, he commanded by letter that his wicked scheme which he had devised against the Jews was to return on his own head, and that he and his sons were to be hanged on the wooden gallows.

NASB 1995
But when it came to the king’s attention, he commanded by letter that his wicked scheme which he had devised against the Jews, should return on his own head and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

NASB 1977
But when it came to the king’s attention, he commanded by letter that his wicked scheme which he had devised against the Jews, should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

Legacy Standard Bible
But when it came before the king, he said by letter that his evil scheme, which he had devised against the Jews, should return on his own head and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

Amplified Bible
But when it came before the king, he commanded in writing that Haman’s wicked scheme which he had devised against the Jews was to return on his own head, and that he and his sons should [endure what he planned for the Jews and] be hanged on the gallows.

Christian Standard Bible
But when the matter was brought before the king, he commanded by letter that the evil plan Haman had devised against the Jews return on his own head and that he should be hanged with his sons on the gallows.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But when the matter was brought before the king, he commanded by letter that the evil plan Haman had devised against the Jews return on his own head and that he should be hanged with his sons on the gallows.

American Standard Version
but when the matter came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he had devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

Contemporary English Version
Esther went to King Xerxes and asked him to save her people. Then the king gave written orders for Haman and his sons to be punished in the same terrible way that Haman had in mind for the Jews. So they were hanged.

English Revised Version
but when the matter came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he had devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head; and that he and his sons should he hanged on the gallows.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
But when this came to the king's attention, he ordered, in the well-known letter, that the evil plan Haman had plotted against the Jews should turn back on his own head. As a result, they hung Haman and his sons on poles.

Good News Translation
But Esther went to the king, and the king issued written orders with the result that Haman suffered the fate he had planned for the Jews--he and his sons were hanged from the gallows.

International Standard Version
But when Esther came before the king, he ordered through a letter that the evil plot that Haman had devised against the Jewish people be rescinded, and that he and his sons be hanged on poles.

Majority Standard Bible
But when it came before the king, he commanded by letter that the wicked scheme which Haman had devised against the Jews should come back upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

NET Bible
But when the matter came to the king's attention, the king gave written orders that Haman's evil intentions that he had devised against the Jews should fall on his own head. He and his sons were hanged on the gallows.

New Heart English Bible
but when this became known to the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he had devised against the Jews, should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

World English Bible
but when this became known to the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked plan, which he had planned against the Jews, should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and in her coming in before the king, he commanded with the letter, “Let his evil scheme that he devised against the Jews return on his own head,” and they have hanged him and his sons on the tree,

Young's Literal Translation
and in her coming in before the king, he said with the letter, 'Let his evil device that he devised against the Jews turn back upon his own head,' and they have hanged him and his sons on the tree,

Smith's Literal Translation
And in her coming before the king, he said by letter he will turn back his purpose of evil that he purposed against the Jews upon his head: and they hung him and his sons upon the tree.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And afterwards Esther went in to the king, beseeching him that his endeavours might be made void by the king's letters: and the evil that he had intended against the Jews, might return upon his own head. And so both he and his sons were hanged upon gibbets.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And after this, Esther had entered before the king, begging him that his efforts might be made ineffective by the king’s letters, and that the evil he intended against the Jews might return upon his own head. Finally, both he and his sons were fastened to a cross.

New American Bible
Yet, when the plot became known to the king, the king ordered in writing that the wicked plan Haman had devised against the Jews should instead be turned against Haman and that he and his sons should be impaled on stakes.

New Revised Standard Version
but when Esther came before the king, he gave orders in writing that the wicked plot that he had devised against the Jews should come upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
When Esther came before the king, the scribe would say, Let the wicked plots which were devised against the Jews return upon the head of him who had devised them, and let him and his sons be hanged on the gallows.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when Esthir was entering before the King, the Scribe was saying: “The evil scheme shall return on the head of him who plotted against the Jews, and they shall hang him and his children on the gallows!”
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
but when she came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he had devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head; and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
also how he went in to the king, telling him to hang Mardochaeus: but all the calamities he tried to bring upon the Jews came upon himself, and he was hanged, and his children.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Feast of Purim Instituted
24For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the Pur (that is, the lot) to crush and destroy them. 25But when it came before the king, he commanded by letter that the wicked scheme which Haman had devised against the Jews should come back upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. 26Therefore these days are called Purim, from the word Pur. Because of all the instructions in this letter, and because of all they had seen and experienced,…

Cross References
Genesis 50:20
As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.

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.

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.

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.

1 Samuel 23:9-12
When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” / And David said, “O LORD, God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account. / Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” “He will,” said the LORD. ...

2 Samuel 17:14
Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.

2 Kings 19:7
Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’”

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.

Nehemiah 4:15
When our enemies heard that we were aware of their scheme and that God had frustrated it, each of us returned to his own work on the wall.

Job 5:12-13
He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. / He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning.

Matthew 27:25
All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”

Acts 12:11
Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.”

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

1 Corinthians 3:19
For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”

2 Corinthians 1:10
He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,


Treasury of Scripture

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

the enemy.

Esther 9:10
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 3:5-13
And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath…

Pur.

Esther 3:7
In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.

consume.

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Attention Commanded Device Devised Esther Evil Gallows Haman Hanged Head Issued Jews King's Letters Onto Orders Plot Scheme Wicked Writing Written
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.














But when it came before the king
This phrase indicates a pivotal moment of intervention. The "it" refers to the plea or situation concerning the Jews, which was brought to the attention of King Ahasuerus. In the Hebrew context, the king's role is crucial as he holds the power to reverse or uphold decrees. Historically, Persian kings were seen as ultimate authorities, and their decisions were often viewed as divinely influenced. This highlights the providential timing and divine orchestration in the narrative, where God’s unseen hand guides the events to protect His people.

he commanded by letter
The use of a "letter" signifies the formal and authoritative nature of the king's decree. In ancient Persia, written decrees were binding and irrevocable, emphasizing the seriousness and permanence of the king's command. The Hebrew word for "letter" (אִגֶּרֶת, iggeret) underscores the official communication method in the Persian Empire, reflecting the administrative sophistication of the time. This also illustrates the theme of reversal, as the same medium used to plot the Jews' destruction is now used for their deliverance.

that the wicked scheme Haman had devised
The "wicked scheme" refers to Haman's plot to annihilate the Jewish people. The Hebrew word for "wicked" (רָעָה, ra'ah) conveys not just evil intent but also moral corruption. Haman's plan was not merely a political maneuver but an embodiment of deep-seated malice against God's chosen people. This phrase serves as a reminder of the spiritual battle between good and evil, and the ultimate triumph of righteousness over wickedness.

against the Jews
The Jews, God's covenant people, are central to this narrative. Historically, they have faced numerous threats, yet God's faithfulness to His promises remains steadfast. The mention of "the Jews" here is a testament to their identity and survival against overwhelming odds. It also reflects the broader biblical theme of God's protection and deliverance of His people throughout history.

should return on his own head
This phrase captures the biblical principle of poetic justice, where the evil intended for others comes back upon the perpetrator. The Hebrew concept of retribution is evident here, aligning with Proverbs 26:27, "Whoever digs a pit will fall into it." This serves as a moral lesson on the consequences of sin and the justice of God, who ensures that evil does not go unpunished.

and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows
The "gallows" (עֵץ, etz) were likely a wooden structure used for execution, possibly a pole or a stake. The execution of Haman and his sons signifies the complete eradication of the threat against the Jews. In the ancient Near Eastern context, the death of one's sons alongside the perpetrator was seen as a total judgment, ensuring the end of a family line. This act of justice not only removes the immediate danger but also serves as a deterrent to future adversaries. It underscores the theme of divine justice and the protection of God's people, reinforcing the idea that those who oppose God's plans will ultimately face His judgment.

(25) Esther.--It will be seen that in the English Version this word is printed in italics. The Hebrew is literally, and on her (or its) coming. To make the pronoun refer to Esther seems harsh, seeing that she has not been mentioned for some time, and we therefore prefer to make it impersonal, "when it (i.e., the matter) came."

Verse 25. - But when Esther came before the king. Rather, "when the matter came before the king." It is impossible to supply a proper name which has not occurred once in the last eleven verses. We must suppose the feminine suffix attached to the verb bo, "came," to be superfluous, as it is in Ezekiel 33:33. His wicked device should return upon his own head. Compare Psalm 7:16. The device of Haman to massacre all the Jews turned to the destruction of the Jews' chief enemies, and of Haman himself and his sons among them.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
But when it came
וּבְבֹאָהּ֮ (ū·ḇə·ḇō·’āh)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

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

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

he commanded
אָמַ֣ר (’ā·mar)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

by
עִם־ (‘im-)
Preposition
Strong's 5973: With, equally with

letter
הַסֵּ֔פֶר (has·sê·p̄er)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book

that the wicked
הָרָעָ֛ה (hā·rā·‘āh)
Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451: Bad, evil

scheme
מַחֲשַׁבְתּ֧וֹ (ma·ḥă·šaḇ·tōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4284: A contrivance, a texture, machine, intention, plan

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

Haman had devised
חָשַׁ֥ב (ḥā·šaḇ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2803: To think, account

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

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

should come back
יָשׁ֞וּב (yā·šūḇ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725: To turn back, in, to retreat, again

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

his own head,
רֹאשׁ֑וֹ (rō·šōw)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

and that he
אֹת֛וֹ (’ō·ṯōw)
Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

and
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

his sons
בָּנָ֖יו (bā·nāw)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121: A son

should be hanged
וְתָל֥וּ (wə·ṯā·lū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 8518: To suspend

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

the gallows.
הָעֵֽץ׃ (hā·‘êṣ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6086: Tree, trees, wood


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OT History: Esther 9:25 But when this became known to (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 9:24
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