Esther 9:14

Authorized King James Version

And the king commanded it so to be done: and the decree was given at Shushan; and they hanged Haman's ten sons.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר
commanded
to say (used with great latitude)
#2
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙
And the king
a king
#3
לְהֵֽעָשׂ֣וֹת
it so to be done
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#4
כֵּ֔ן
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner
#5
וַתִּנָּתֵ֥ן
was given
to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)
#6
דָּ֖ת
and the decree
a royal edict or statute
#7
בְּשׁוּשָׁ֑ן
at Shushan
shushan, a place in persia
#8
וְאֵ֛ת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#9
עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת
ten
ten (as an accumulation to the extent of the digits)
#10
בְּנֵֽי
sons
a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or
#11
הָמָ֖ן
Haman's
haman, a persian vizier
#12
תָּלֽוּ׃
and they hanged
to suspend (especially to gibbet)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Esther. The concept of divine revelation 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 Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

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