Esther 4:7

Authorized King James Version

And Mordecai told him of all that had happened unto him, and of the sum of the money that Haman had promised to pay to the king's treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיַּגֶּד
told
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#2
ל֣וֹ
H0
#3
מָרְדֳּכַ֔י
And Mordecai
mordecai, an israelite
#4
אֵ֖ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#5
כָּל
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
#6
אֲשֶׁ֣ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#7
קָרָ֑הוּ
him of all that had happened
to light upon (chiefly by accident); specifically, to impose timbers (for roof or floor)
#8
וְאֵ֣ת׀
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
פָּֽרָשַׁ֣ת
unto him and of the sum
exposition
#10
הַכֶּ֗סֶף
of the money
silver (from its pale color); by implication, money
#11
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#12
אָמַ֤ר
had promised
to say (used with great latitude)
#13
הָמָן֙
that Haman
haman, a persian vizier
#14
לִ֠שְׁקוֹל
to pay
to suspend or poise (especially in trade)
#15
עַל
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#16
גִּנְזֵ֥י
treasuries
treasure; by implication, a coffer
#17
הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ
to the king's
a king
#18
בַּיְּהוּדִ֖יים
for the Jews
a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)
#19
לְאַבְּדָֽם׃
H6
to destroy
properly, to wander away, i.e., lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Esther, this passage highlights covenant 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 covenant 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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