Esther 9:30
New International Version
And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of Xerxes’ kingdom—words of goodwill and assurance—

New Living Translation
Letters wishing peace and security were sent to the Jews throughout the 127 provinces of the empire of Xerxes.

English Standard Version
Letters were sent to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, in words of peace and truth,

Berean Standard Bible
And Mordecai sent letters with words of peace and truth to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Xerxes,

Berean Literal Bible
And he sent letters to all the Jews, to the seven and twenty and a hundred provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,

King James Bible
And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,

New King James Version
And Mordecai sent letters to all the Jews, to the one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,

New American Standard Bible
He sent letters to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, namely, words of peace and truth,

NASB 1995
He sent letters to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, namely, words of peace and truth,

NASB 1977
And he sent letters to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, namely, words of peace and truth,

Legacy Standard Bible
And he sent letters to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, namely, words of peace and truth,

Amplified Bible
He sent letters to all the Jews, to the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, in words of peace and truth,

Berean Annotated Bible
And Mordecai sent letters with words of peace and truth to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Xerxes (I will be silent and poor),

Christian Standard Bible
He sent letters with assurances of peace and security to all the Jews who were in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus,

Holman Christian Standard Bible
He sent letters with messages of peace and faithfulness to all the Jews who were in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus,

American Standard Version
And he sent letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,

Contemporary English Version
Copies of this letter were sent to Jews in the 127 provinces of King Xerxes. In the letter they said: We pray that all of you will live in peace and safety.

English Revised Version
And he sent letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Mordecai sent official documents granting peace and security to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Xerxes.

Good News Translation
The letter was addressed to all the Jews, and copies were sent to all the 127 provinces of the Persian Empire. It wished the Jews peace and security

International Standard Version
Letters containing wishes for peace and stability were sent to all the Jewish people, to the 127 provinces of Ahasuerus' kingdom,

NET Bible
Letters were sent to all the Jews in the hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the empire of Ahasuerus--words of true peace--

New Heart English Bible
He sent letters to all the Jews, to the hundred twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Achshayarsh, with words of peace and truth,

Webster's Bible Translation
And he sent the letters to all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
And Mordecai sent letters with words of peace and truth to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Xerxes,

World English Bible
He sent letters to all the Jews in the hundred twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus with words of peace and truth,
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and he sends letters to all the Jews, to the one hundred twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus—words of peace and truth—

Berean Literal Bible
And he sent letters to all the Jews, to the seven and twenty and a hundred provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,

Young's Literal Translation
and he sendeth letters unto all the Jews, unto the seven and twenty and a hundred provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus -- words of peace and truth --

Smith's Literal Translation
And he will send the letter to all the Jews, to the seventy and twenty and a hundred provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, words of peace and truth,
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And they sent to all the Jews that were in the hundred and twenty-seven provinces of king Assuerus, that they should have peace, and receive truth,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And they sent to all the Jews, who had been stirred up in the one hundred twenty-seven provinces of king Artaxerxes, that they should have peace and receive truth,

New American Bible
and Mordecai sent documents concerning peace and security to all the Jews in the hundred and twenty-seven provinces of Ahasuerus’ kingdom.

New Revised Standard Version
Letters were sent wishing peace and security to all the Jews, to the one hundred twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And they sent letters to all the Jews, to the hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Akhshirash the king, with words of truth and peace

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And they sent the letters to all the Jews, to the hundred and twenty and seven provinces which are in the kingdom of King Akhshiresh, words of truth and of peace
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And he sent letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
The Feast of Purim Instituted
29So Queen Esther daughter of Abihail, along with Mordecai the Jew, wrote with full authority to confirm this second letter concerning Purim. 30And Mordecai sent letters with words of peace and truth to all the Jews in the 127 provinces of the kingdom of Xerxes, 31in order to confirm these days of Purim at their appointed time, just as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had established them and had committed themselves and their descendants to the times of fasting and lamentation.…

Cross References
And Mordecai sent letters

2 Chronicles 30:1
Then Hezekiah sent word throughout all Israel and Judah, and he also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh inviting them to come to the house of the LORD in Jerusalem to keep the Passover of the LORD, the God of Israel.

Esther 8:9
At once the royal scribes were summoned, and on the twenty-third day of the third month (the month of Sivan), they recorded all of Mordecai’s orders to the Jews and to the satraps, governors, and princes of the 127 provinces from India to Cush—writing to each province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language.

2 Chronicles 30:6
At the command of the king, the couriers went throughout Israel and Judah with letters from the king and his officials, which read: “Children of Israel, return to the LORD, the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, so that He may return to those of you who remain, who have escaped the grasp of the kings of Assyria.

with words of peace and truth

Zechariah 8:16
These are the things you must do: Speak truth to one another, render true and sound judgments in your gates,

Psalm 85:10
Loving devotion and faithfulness have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed.

Zechariah 8:19
“This is what the LORD of Hosts says: The fasts of the fourth, the fifth, the seventh, and the tenth months will become times of joy and gladness, cheerful feasts for the house of Judah. Therefore you are to love both truth and peace.”

to all the Jews

Esther 3:6
And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the notion of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes.

Esther 3:13
And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month.

Esther 8:11
By these letters the king permitted the Jews in each and every city the right to assemble and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province hostile to them, including women and children, and to plunder their possessions.

in the 127 provinces

Esther 1:1
This is what happened in the days of Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush.

Esther 1:22
He sent letters to all the provinces of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be master of his own household.

Esther 3:12
On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring.

of the kingdom of Xerxes,

Esther 1:2
In those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa.

Esther 1:3
In the third year of his reign, Xerxes held a feast for all his officials and servants. The military leaders of Persia and Media were there, along with the nobles and princes of the provinces.

Esther 10:1
Now King Xerxes imposed tribute throughout the land, even to its farthest shores.
Esther 8:17
In every province and every city, wherever the king’s edict and decree reached, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many of the people of the land themselves became Jews, because the fear of the Jews had fallen upon them.


Treasury of Scripture

And he sent the letters to all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,

the daughter of Abihail.

Esther 3:15
The posts went out, being hastened by the king's commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.

authority.

Esther 9:20
And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,

Esther 8:10
And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed it with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries:

Jump to Previous
Ahasuerus Ahasu-E'rus Assurance Divisions Goodwill Hundred Jews Kingdom Letters Mordecai Namely Peace Provinces Seven Truth Twenty Twenty-Seven Words Xerxes
Jump to Next
Ahasuerus Ahasu-E'rus Assurance Divisions Goodwill Hundred Jews Kingdom Letters Mordecai Namely Peace Provinces Seven Truth Twenty Twenty-Seven Words Xerxes
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.












And Mordecai sent letters
Mordecai, a central figure in the Book of Esther, holds a position of authority as second to King Xerxes. His role in sending letters signifies his influence and responsibility in communicating important decrees. This act of sending letters is reminiscent of other biblical figures who communicated God's will or important messages through written correspondence, such as the Apostle Paul in the New Testament.

with words of peace and truth
The phrase "words of peace and truth" reflects the biblical themes of reconciliation and integrity. Peace, or "shalom" in Hebrew, encompasses not just the absence of conflict but a sense of wholeness and well-being. Truth is a foundational biblical principle, often associated with God's character and His Word. This combination suggests that Mordecai's message was intended to reassure and unify the Jewish people, aligning with the biblical call to live in peace and truth (Psalm 85:10).

to all the Jews
The audience of Mordecai's letters is specifically the Jewish people, who were dispersed throughout the Persian Empire. This reflects the historical context of the Jewish diaspora following the Babylonian exile. The unity and preservation of the Jewish people are central themes in Esther, highlighting God's providence and faithfulness to His covenant people.

in the 127 provinces
The mention of 127 provinces underscores the vastness of the Persian Empire under King Xerxes, which stretched from India to Ethiopia. This geographical detail emphasizes the widespread influence and reach of Mordecai's message. It also highlights the historical reality of the Persian Empire's extensive administrative system, which allowed for efficient communication across great distances.

of the kingdom of Xerxes
Xerxes, also known as Ahasuerus, was the Persian king during the events of Esther. His reign is historically documented, and his kingdom represents a significant period in Jewish history. The Book of Esther provides insight into the life of Jews under Persian rule and God's sovereignty in using even pagan rulers to accomplish His purposes. The narrative of Esther foreshadows the ultimate deliverance and protection found in Jesus Christ, who is the true King and Deliverer of His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Mordecai
A Jew in the Persian Empire who rose to prominence as a leader and advisor to King Xerxes. He played a crucial role in saving the Jewish people from annihilation.

2. Letters
Mordecai sent these letters to communicate important messages to the Jewish communities scattered across the vast Persian Empire.

3. Words of Peace and Truth
The content of the letters, emphasizing reconciliation, stability, and the affirmation of truth, likely referring to the celebration of Purim and the deliverance of the Jews.

4. Jews in the 127 Provinces
The Jewish diaspora living throughout the extensive Persian Empire, from India to Cush, who were recipients of Mordecai's letters.

5. Kingdom of Xerxes
The Persian Empire under King Xerxes, a vast and diverse realm where the events of Esther unfolded.
Teaching Points
The Power of Leadership and Influence
Mordecai's position allowed him to influence the king and protect his people. God places us in positions where we can make a difference for His kingdom.

The Importance of Communication
Mordecai's letters were a means of unifying and encouraging the Jewish people. Effective communication is vital in fostering community and spreading truth.

Peace and Truth as Pillars of Faith
The message of peace and truth is central to the Christian faith. We are called to be peacemakers and bearers of truth in our interactions.

God's Sovereignty in Deliverance
The deliverance of the Jews in Esther is a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness. We can trust God to work through circumstances for His purposes.

Celebrating God's Faithfulness
The establishment of Purim as a celebration of deliverance reminds us to remember and celebrate God's faithfulness in our lives.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of Esther 9:30?

2. How does Esther 9:30 demonstrate God's faithfulness in preserving His people?

3. What role does communication play in fulfilling God's plans in Esther 9:30?

4. How can we apply Esther's courage in our own spiritual battles today?

5. How does Esther 9:30 connect with God's promises in Genesis 12:3?

6. What lessons on leadership can we learn from Mordecai's actions in Esther 9:30?

7. What is the significance of Esther 9:30 in the context of Jewish history and tradition?

8. How does Esther 9:30 reflect God's providence and protection over His people?

9. Why were letters of peace and truth necessary in Esther 9:30?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 9?

11. What is the Feast of Purim?

12. Esther 7:5–6 – Is there archaeological or extra-biblical evidence to confirm the existence and high position of Haman in the Persian Empire?

13. Esther 9:16: Are there historical or archaeological records confirming the death of 75,000 enemies throughout the Persian Empire in such a short time?

14. How did Esther save her people from Xerxes' decree?
What Does Esther 9:30 Mean
And Mordecai sent letters

• The man who once sat outside the palace gate now writes with the full authority of the crown (Esther 10:3).

• God regularly raises up unlikely messengers to preserve His people—think of Joseph sending word from Egypt (Genesis 45:9-11) or the apostles writing epistles to strengthen the church (Acts 15:23).

• The written word secures what God has accomplished, echoing how King Hezekiah “wrote letters” inviting Israel to return to the Lord (2 Chronicles 30:1). The permanence of ink guards the memory of God’s deliverance.


with words of peace and truth

• “Peace” assures the Jews that the threat is fully reversed (Esther 8:11-12), while “truth” confirms the reliability of the decree (Zechariah 8:19; John 14:27).

• Together these words mirror the character of God, who proclaims both peace and truth through His prophets (Jeremiah 29:11-14) and supremely through Christ, “full of grace and truth” (John 1:17).

• Practical application:

– Speak peace when others expect panic (Philippians 4:7).

– Anchor peace in truth, not wishful thinking (Ephesians 4:15).


to all the Jews

• No community is overlooked; every household from India to Cush hears the good news, reversing the earlier edict aimed at all Jews (Esther 3:13).

• God’s covenant people have always been dispersed (James 1:1), yet He reaches each pocket of exile (Jeremiah 29:14).

• This foreshadows the gospel pattern: “first to the Jew, then to the Greek” (Romans 1:16).


in the 127 provinces

• The sheer number highlights the vastness of God’s rescue, equal to the vastness of the danger (Esther 1:1; 8:9).

• No province is so remote that the king’s new decree cannot penetrate it—just as no corner of the earth is beyond the reach of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19; Psalm 103:19).

• It reminds believers that God’s promises have global reach, not provincial limits.


of the kingdom of Xerxes

• Though Xerxes reigns over the empire, God reigns over Xerxes (Proverbs 21:1; Daniel 2:21).

• The pagan king’s infrastructure becomes the vehicle for God’s purposes, much like Caesar’s roads later sped the spread of the gospel (Galatians 4:4).

• Believers can trust that earthly powers, however grand, are instruments in the Lord’s hand (Romans 13:1).


summary

Every phrase of Esther 9:30 underscores God’s faithful, comprehensive care for His people. Through an empowered servant, binding letters go out, delivering a message saturated with peace and anchored in truth. The decree reaches every Jew across an immense empire, proving that no distance, government, or former threat can obstruct the purposes of the Sovereign God who still turns opposition into opportunity for His glory and His people’s good.

(30) The letters.--Omit the article.

Verse 30. - And he sent the letters. Rather, "he sent letters." In addition to the formal "letter of Purina," which was of the nature of an ordinance, though not of legal force, Mordecai sent informal letters, which embraced other topics besides the Purim feast, as, for instance, words of salutation, and perhaps a reference to the keeping of a fast before the two Purina days (ver. 31). These he sent to all Jews throughout the whole empire, inclosing with them the formal "letter of Purim." With words of peace and truth. Perhaps beginning thus: "Peace and truth be with you" - a modification of the usual, "Peace," etc. (Ezra 4:17), or, "All peace" (ibid. 5:7), with which letters ordinarily began.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
And [Mordecai] sent
וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח (way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

letters
סְפָרִ֜ים (sə·p̄ā·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5612: A missive, document, writing, book

[with] words
דִּבְרֵ֥י (diḇ·rê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

of peace
שָׁל֖וֹם (šā·lō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace

and truth
וֶאֱמֶֽת׃ (we·’ĕ·meṯ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 571: Stability, certainty, truth, trustworthiness

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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

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

in
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the 127
שֶׁ֨בַע (še·ḇa‘)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

provinces
מְדִינָ֔ה (mə·ḏî·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4082: A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region

of the kingdom
מַלְכ֖וּת (mal·ḵūṯ)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 4438: Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom

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


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OT History: Esther 9:30 He sent letters to all the Jews (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 9:29
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