Esther 1 13

Esther 1:13 kjv

Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:

Esther 1:13 nkjv

Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times (for this was the king's manner toward all who knew law and justice,

Esther 1:13 niv

Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times

Esther 1:13 esv

Then the king said to the wise men who knew the times (for this was the king's procedure toward all who were versed in law and judgment,

Esther 1:13 nlt

He immediately consulted with his wise advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice.

Esther 1 verses

Esther 1 13 Meaning

Esther 1:13 describes King Ahasuerus's established procedure of consulting his trusted legal experts when facing a critical situation. These "wise men" were individuals highly skilled in understanding the laws, customs, and precedents of the Persian empire, enabling them to provide sound counsel for royal decisions concerning justice and protocol, particularly in light of Queen Vashti's disobedience. The verse highlights that the king did not act impulsively but within a structured legal and advisory framework.

Esther 1 13 Context

Esther 1:13 follows immediately after Queen Vashti's refusal to obey King Ahasuerus's command to appear before his guests. This act of defiance placed the king in a significant predicament, as it was not merely a personal insult but a perceived challenge to royal authority and an established social order. The preceding verses set the scene of King Ahasuerus's immense power and opulence, highlighted by his grand feasts, which only amplified the perceived affront by Vashti. The "wise men" referred to in this verse are his trusted legal advisors, called upon to address a crisis that touches upon legal precedent, social custom, and the very stability of the king's rule. Historically, the Persian Empire, during the reign of Ahasuerus (commonly identified as Xerxes I), was known for its highly organized administration and written laws. Kings, though possessing absolute authority, often operated within established legal and traditional frameworks, seeking counsel from experts to ensure stability and proper governance, as arbitrary decisions could lead to instability. The problem presented by Vashti required a solution rooted in law and justice, not simply royal whim.

Esther 1 13 Word analysis

• Then (וַיֹּ֣אמֶר - va-yōʼmer): This Hebrew conjunction vayomer introduces a sequential action in the narrative. It indicates the next logical step taken by the king in response to the preceding events concerning Vashti.
• the king (הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ - ha-meleḵ): Refers to Ahasuerus. The definite article "the" highlights his specific role as the supreme monarch, the central figure whose authority has been challenged.
• said (אמר - amar): A standard verb for speaking. In this context, it indicates an address to a specific group for deliberation and advice, signifying a formal consultation rather than a casual remark.
• to the wise men (לַחֲכָמִים֙ - la-khakhamim): From chakham (חכם), meaning "wise." Here, the plural khakhamim denotes a specific group of knowledgeable individuals, primarily those learned in law, custom, and state affairs. They are not merely generally intelligent, but experts in matters pertinent to royal administration.
• who understood (יֹדְעֵ֤י - yo-d'ey): A participle meaning "those knowing" or "who knew." It implies a deep, comprehensive knowledge rather than a superficial understanding. It refers to their ability to discern and interpret complex situations.
• the times (הָעִתִּים֙ - hā-‘ittîm): Plural of ‘ēt (עת), which can mean "time" in a chronological sense, but here implies an understanding of specific moments, customary practices, social implications, and historical precedents relevant to legal and governmental decisions. They knew what was appropriate or opportune under given circumstances according to the kingdom’s laws and customs.

• —for this was the king’s procedure (כִּ֣י כֵ֗ן דְּבַר־הַמֶּ֧לֶךְ - kî ḵēn devar-ham-meleḵ): This phrase provides a parenthetical explanation, highlighting a long-standing, established custom or rule (devar) that governed the king's interaction with his court and decisions. It wasn't an ad-hoc action due to panic, but a recognized mode of operation, emphasizing the institutional nature of the Persian monarchy. Devar here means "matter" or "affair," denoting his usual practice.
• toward all who were versed in law and justice (לְכָל־שָׂרֵ֛י יֹדְעֵ֤י דָּ֥ת וָדִֽין - l'ḵol-śārêy yōd'ēy dāt vādîn): This clarifies the precise expertise of these "wise men." Dāt (דת) refers to established Persian law, decrees, or royal statutes. Dîn (דין) refers to justice, judgment, and legal proceedings. Thus, these are the highest legal minds of the empire, capable of applying both written law and established legal precedents to resolve disputes justly. Sarei (שָׂרֵ֛י) means "princes" or "officials," indicating their high rank in addition to their expertise.

Esther 1 13 Bonus section

The mention of "wise men" and their counsel here provides a stark contrast to true divine wisdom as presented in other biblical books, like Proverbs or Daniel. While these Persian wise men relied on human knowledge, precedents, and understanding of the current socio-political "times," God's wisdom, by contrast, transcends human understanding and circumstance (Prov 3:5-6, Jas 1:5). This human wisdom, though structured and applied by protocol, ultimately sets the stage for a divine intervention through Esther, demonstrating that God's plan can unfold even through the methodical workings of a human kingdom. These particular wise men are likely the "seven princes of Persia and Media" mentioned in the following verse (Esth 1:14), indicating their pre-eminent position and influence within the royal administration. Their counsel was taken seriously, emphasizing the binding nature of the advice given by such high officials.

Esther 1 13 Commentary

Esther 1:13 reveals the highly structured and formalized nature of the Persian court, demonstrating that even an absolute monarch like Ahasuerus operated within a framework of law and counsel. His consultation with the "wise men who understood the times" signifies a reliance on informed expertise, particularly in legal and judicial matters, to maintain order and authority. These were not general philosophers, but specific high-ranking officials trained in the intricacies of Persian law and customs. Their understanding of "the times" encompassed a discerning grasp of the implications of actions, precedents, and the societal impact of royal decrees, which was vital for judicious governance. The verse implicitly underscores the tension between raw power and established procedure, hinting that effective rule requires both, rather than mere arbitrary will. This careful, consultative process highlights the importance placed on law and tradition in the vast Persian Empire, a critical element for governing its diverse peoples and ensuring stability after such a public challenge to authority.