Esther 10 3

Esther 10:3 kjv

For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.

Esther 10:3 nkjv

For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus, and was great among the Jews and well received by the multitude of his brethren, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his countrymen.

Esther 10:3 niv

Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Xerxes, preeminent among the Jews, and held in high esteem by his many fellow Jews, because he worked for the good of his people and spoke up for the welfare of all the Jews.

Esther 10:3 esv

For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.

Esther 10:3 nlt

Mordecai the Jew became the prime minister, with authority next to that of King Xerxes himself. He was very great among the Jews, who held him in high esteem, because he continued to work for the good of his people and to speak up for the welfare of all their descendants.

Esther 10 verses

Esther 10 3 Meaning

Esther 10:3 serves as the concluding testament to Mordecai's exalted position and benevolent character after the events of the book. It encapsulates his remarkable achievement: ascending to the highest office permissible for a non-royal in the Persian Empire, while simultaneously maintaining deep respect and acting tirelessly for the welfare of his Jewish people, ensuring their prosperity and security for future generations. This verse signifies the complete reversal of fortune from the earlier plot to annihilate the Jews, culminating in their champion, Mordecai, serving as a wise and beloved leader.

Esther 10 3 Context

Esther 10:3 concludes the narrative of the Book of Esther, serving as the capstone of divine reversal and providence. Chapter 10 overall is very brief, focusing on King Ahasuerus's continued reign and, most importantly, highlighting the lasting legacy of Mordecai. It shifts from the intense drama of near annihilation to the established order of peace and security for the Jews in the Persian Empire. This verse provides a final summary of Mordecai's character and leadership, demonstrating the ultimate positive outcome of his actions, following the deliverance brought about by Esther and himself. Historically, the verse confirms the consolidation of Jewish life and influence within the vast Persian bureaucracy following the events of Purim, affirming their presence and rights amidst their exile. It serves as an epilogue, showcasing a wise leader serving both his king and his people.

Esther 10 3 Word analysis

• For Mordecai (וַֽיָּמֹרְדְּכַי - wa-yāmerdōkhay): Introduces the subject. Mordecai, whose name is perhaps linked to the Babylonian deity Marduk, signifies an individual of foreign cultural immersion who nonetheless faithfully maintained his Jewish identity, instrumental in God's plan.
• the Jew (הַיְּהוּדִֽי - ha-y'hûḏî): Emphasizes his uncompromised ethnic and religious identity despite his high position in a foreign court. This identity was precisely what Haman sought to erase. His adherence to "the Jew" is a victory.
• was second in rank (מִשְׁנֶה לַמֶּלֶךְ - mišneh la-meleḵ): Denotes an extremely high and powerful position, literally "second to the king." This is analogous to Joseph's status under Pharaoh or Daniel's under Nebuchadnezzar. It indicates ultimate worldly authority wielded benevolently.
• to King Ahasuerus (אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ - 'ăḥašvērôš): The specific Persian monarch, Xerxes I, confirming the historical setting and the legitimization of Mordecai's power within the established imperial structure.
• and great (וְגָדוֹל - v'ḡāḏōl): Beyond official rank, implying significant influence, esteemed reputation, and moral authority, recognized by others. In the Hebrew Bible, "greatness" often accompanies divine favor and wisdom.
• among the Jews (לַיְּהוּדִים - lay'hûḏîm): Not only was he recognized by the king, but critically, he was revered within his own community, indicating his genuine care for them. His power translated into their well-being.
• and popular (וְרָצוּי - v'rātsûy): Meaning "acceptable," "pleasing," "favored." This denotes not just respect from awe of his position, but affection and approval from the Jewish people. His leadership was embraced and welcomed.
• with the multitude of his brothers (לְרֹב אֶחָיו - l'rōv 'eḥāw): Reinforces his wide appeal among his own kinsmen. "Brothers" highlights a deep, shared kinship and solidarity. He wasn't an isolated leader but connected to the heart of his people.
• seeking the good of his people (דֹּרֵשׁ טוֹב לְעַמּוֹ - dōrēš ṭōv l'ʿammô): A definitive description of his benevolent leadership. Doresh tov implies actively and diligently pursuing, researching, and striving for their welfare and prosperity, not just passively wishing for it.
• and speaking peace (וְדֹבֵר שָׁלוֹם - v'dōvēr šālôm): Literally "speaking shalom." This conveys not just words of tranquility but advocating for the holistic well-being, safety, prosperity, and peace for them. It encompasses promoting justice and securing favorable conditions.
• to all his offspring (לְכָל זַרְעוֹ - l'ḵōl zar'ô): Extends his benevolence to future generations. Mordecai's concern was not short-sighted but had a lasting impact, ensuring the stability and continuation of the Jewish people long after the immediate crisis.

Words-Group Analysis:

• "For Mordecai the Jew was second in rank to King Ahasuerus...": This highlights Mordecai's political ascendancy within a foreign kingdom, indicating divine elevation. It signals the complete turnaround from the peril facing his people.
• "...and great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brothers...": This distinct phrase underscores Mordecai's moral authority and popular esteem among his own people, contrasting his administrative power with his genuine love and acceptance from his community. He was not just a powerful bureaucrat but a beloved leader.
• "...seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his offspring": These two active participles (seeking, speaking) define Mordecai's core leadership function and character: his unwavering dedication to the welfare of his Jewish kin, extending beyond immediate concerns to securing their future legacy and prosperity. This shows the essence of a righteous and selfless leader.

Esther 10 3 Bonus section

• The brevity of Esther Chapter 10, concluding with this verse, signifies the definitive resolution of the Jewish peril. There is no lingering doubt or unfinished business; the story ends on a note of security and prosperity for the Jewish people under Mordecai's wise stewardship.
• This verse embodies the ideal of a diaspora Jew achieving high office, not for personal aggrandizement, but as a providential tool for the well-being and preservation of his people in a foreign land, much like Joseph and Daniel.
• While the Book of Esther famously does not mention God explicitly, this verse describes the blessed outcome of God's unseen hand, turning sorrow into joy and calamity into thriving security through a faithful servant like Mordecai. It's a testament to how God works in the seemingly secular spheres of life and governance.

Esther 10 3 Commentary

Esther 10:3 provides a climactic and satisfying conclusion to the book, outlining Mordecai's elevated status and noble character. It stands as a powerful counter-narrative to Haman's wickedness, presenting Mordecai as the quintessential benevolent leader. His influence stemmed from a dual foundation: immense political power derived from his position as second to King Ahasuerus, and deep popular affection earned by his selfless devotion to his own people. He actively "sought the good" and "spoke peace," implying a proactive and sustained effort to ensure the holistic welfare and security of the Jews, not merely preventing disaster but fostering thriving communities. This verse, though brief, paints a comprehensive portrait of a leader whose authority was utilized entirely for the benefit of others, safeguarding the present and securing the future for his kin. It subtly points to divine providence working through human agents to reverse great evil and establish lasting blessing.