Esther 2:18

Authorized King James Version

Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
עָשָׂ֔ה
and he made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#2
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
Then the king
a king
#3
מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה
feast
drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast
#4
גָד֗וֹל
a great
great (in any sense); hence, older; also insolent
#5
לְכָל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
שָׂרָיו֙
unto all his princes
a head person (of any rank or class)
#7
וַֽעֲבָדָ֔יו
and his servants
a servant
#8
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה
feast
drink, by implication, drinking (the act); also (by implication) a banquet or (generally) feast
#10
אֶסְתֵּ֑ר
even Esther's
ester, the jewish heroine
#11
וַֽהֲנָחָ֤ה
a release
permission of rest, i.e., quiet
#12
לַמְּדִינוֹת֙
to the provinces
properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region
#13
עָשָׂ֔ה
and he made
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
וַיִּתֵּ֥ן
and gave
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#15
מַשְׂאֵ֖ת
gifts
properly, (abstractly) a raising (as of the hands in prayer), or rising (of flame); figuratively, an utterance; concretely, a beacon (as raised); a pr
#16
כְּיַ֥ד
according to the state
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#17
הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃
Then the king
a king

Analysis

Within the broader context of Esther, this passage highlights salvation through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Esther.

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 divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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