Esther 4:14

Authorized King James Version

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

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

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

תַּֽחֲרִישִׁי֮

H2790

For if thou altogether

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

תַּֽחֲרִישִׁי֮

H2790

For if thou altogether

to scratch, i.e., (by implication) to engrave, plough; hence (from the use of tools) to fabricate (of any material); figuratively, to devise (in a bad

לְעֵ֣ת

H6256

at this time

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

הַזֹּאת֒

H2063

this (often used adverb)

רֶ֣וַח

H7305

then shall there enlargement

room, literally (an interval) or figuratively (deliverance)

וְהַצָּלָ֞ה

H2020

and deliverance

rescue

יַֽעֲמ֤וֹד

H5975

arise

to stand, in various relations (literal and figurative, intransitive and transitive)

#10

לַיְּהוּדִים֙

H3064

to the Jews

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

#11

מִמָּק֣וֹם

H4725

place

properly, a standing, i.e., a spot; but used widely of a locality (general or specific); also (figuratively) of a condition (of body or mind)

#12

אַחֵ֔ר

H312

from another

properly, hinder; generally, next, other, etc

#13

וְאַ֥תְּ

H859

thou and thee, or (plural) ye and you

#14

וּבֵית

H1004

house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#15

אָבִ֖יךְ

but thou and thy father's

father, in a literal and immediate, or figurative and remote application

#16

תֹּאבֵ֑דוּ

shall be destroyed

properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

#17

וּמִ֣י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#18

יוֹדֵ֔עַ

H3045

and who knoweth

to know (properly, to ascertain by seeing); used in a great variety of senses, figuratively, literally, euphemistically and inferentially (including o

#19

אִם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#20

לְעֵ֣ת

H6256

at this time

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

#21

כָּזֹ֔את

H2063

this (often used adverb)

#22

הִגַּ֖עַתְּ

H5060

whether thou art come

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

#23

לַמַּלְכֽוּת׃

H4438

to the kingdom

a rule; concretely, a dominion

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Esther. The concept of kingdom reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show imperial and royal imagery familiar to subjects of ancient monarchies, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding kingdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How might the original audience's understanding of kingdom differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?

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