Esther 10:3

Authorized King James Version

For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.

Word-by-Word Analysis

כִּ֣י׀

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

מָרְדֳּכַ֣י

H4782

For Mordecai

mordecai, an israelite

לַיְּהוּדִ֔ים

H3064

among the Jews

a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)

מִשְׁנֶה֙

H4932

was next

properly, a repetition, i.e., a duplicate (copy of a document), or a double (in amount); by implication, a second (in order, rank, age, quality or loc

לַמֶּ֣לֶךְ

H4428

unto king

a king

אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ

H325

Ahasuerus

achashverosh (i.e., ahasuerus or artaxerxes, but in this case xerxes), the title (rather than name) of a persian king

וְגָדוֹל֙

H1419

and great

great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent

לַיְּהוּדִ֔ים

H3064

among the Jews

a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)

וְרָצ֖וּי

H7521

and accepted

to be pleased with; specifically, to satisfy a debt

#10

לְרֹ֣ב

H7230

of the multitude

abundance (in any respect)

#11

אֶחָ֑יו

H251

of his brethren

a brother (used in the widest sense of literal relationship and metaphorical affinity or resemblance [like h0001])

#12

דֹּרֵ֥שׁ

H1875

seeking

properly, to tread or frequent; usually to follow (for pursuit or search); by implication, to seek or ask; specifically to worship

#13

טוֹב֙

H2896

the wealth

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#14

לְעַמּ֔וֹ

H5971

of his people

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

#15

וְדֹבֵ֥ר

H1696

and speaking

perhaps properly, to arrange; but used figuratively (of words), to speak; rarely (in a destructive sense) to subdue

#16

שָׁל֖וֹם

H7965

peace

safe, i.e., (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e., health, prosperity, peace

#17

לְכָל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#18

זַרְעֽוֹ׃

H2233

to all his seed

seed; figuratively, fruit, plant, sowing-time, posterity

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing peace contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Esther Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes peace in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

How does this verse's literary context within Esther chapter 10 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?
In what ways does understanding peace in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of peace differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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