Esther 9:30

Authorized King James Version

And he sent the letters unto all the Jews, to the hundred twenty and seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth,

Word-by-Word Analysis

וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח

H7971

And he sent

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

סְפָרִ֜ים

H5612

the letters

properly, writing (the art or a document); by implication, a book

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

כָּל

H3605

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

הַיְּהוּדִ֗ים

H3064

unto all the Jews

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

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

שֶׁ֨בַע

H7651

and seven

seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number

וְעֶשְׂרִ֤ים

H6242

twenty

twenty; also (ordinal) twentieth

וּמֵאָה֙

H3967

to the hundred

a hundred; also as a multiplicative and a fraction

#10

מְדִינָ֔ה

H4082

provinces

properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region

#11

מַלְכ֖וּת

H4438

of the kingdom

a rule; concretely, a dominion

#12

אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ

H325

of Ahasuerus

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

#13

דִּבְרֵ֥י

H1697

with words

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#14

שָׁל֖וֹם

H7965

of peace

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

#15

וֶֽאֱמֶֽת׃

H571

and truth

stability; (figuratively) certainty, truth, trustworthiness

Analysis

Within the broader context of Esther, this passage highlights kingdom of God through simile or metaphorical language. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, 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 historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on kingdom address the apparent delay of Christ's return and God's justice, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding kingdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about kingdom of God?

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