Esther 4 12

Esther 4:12 kjv

And they told to Mordecai Esther's words.

Esther 4:12 nkjv

So they told Mordecai Esther's words.

Esther 4:12 niv

When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai,

Esther 4:12 esv

And they told Mordecai what Esther had said.

Esther 4:12 nlt

So Hathach gave Esther's message to Mordecai.

Esther 4 verses

Esther 4 12 Meaning

Esther 4:12 succinctly states that the communication from Queen Esther, detailing her perilous situation and the court's protocol, was relayed back to Mordecai. This pivotal verse marks the completion of the first phase of urgent messaging between Esther and Mordecai through the intermediary, Hatach, setting the stage for Mordecai’s transformative reply.

Esther 4 12 Context

Esther 4:12 follows Mordecai's deep mourning over Haman's decree to annihilate all Jews (Esth 3:8-15; 4:1-3). Mordecai, wearing sackcloth, sends a message via Hatach (Esther's attendant) to Esther, urging her to intercede with the king (Esth 4:4-8). Esther responds by highlighting the grave danger of approaching the king unsummoned, a deed punishable by death (Esth 4:9-11). Verse 12 is Hatach delivering this exact message, Esther's immediate and fearful concerns, back to Mordecai. This communication, despite Esther's initial reluctance, is a crucial turning point, setting the stage for Mordecai's impassioned and strategic reply in verses 13-14, which ultimately emboldens Esther to risk her life for her people. Historically, this highlights the intricate and perilous nature of communication within the highly formal and dangerous Persian court.

Esther 4 12 Word analysis

• And they told (וַיָּגִידוּ - vay-ya-gi-du): The Hebrew verb is from the root נגד (nagad), in the Hiphil (causative) form, meaning "to make known," "to declare," or "to report." The plural "they" (implying Hatach, potentially with other trusted royal eunuchs) suggests an official, confirmed, and accurate transmission of information rather than casual gossip. This emphasizes that Esther's "words" were formally delivered, indicating a proper channel of communication in the royal court, which was vital for serious matters.
• to Mordecai (לְמָרְדְּכָי - le-Mordekhai): The preposition "to" (לְ - le) specifies the direct recipient of Esther's message. Mordecai is the target, underscoring his central role in receiving and processing the dire intelligence from the queen.
• Esther’s words (אֵת דִּבְרֵי אֶסְתֵּר - et divrei Esther):
  • Esther's (אֶסְתֵּר - Esther): Specifies the speaker, the queen herself, indicating the message's high source and authority.
  • words (דִּבְרֵי - divrei): The Hebrew word (from דָּבָר - davar) in its plural construct state signifies "words," "matters," "affairs," or "things." It denotes a formal message containing not just simple speech, but the substance of her concerns and assessment, specifically referring back to the dangers she outlined in Esther 4:11. This emphasizes that it was a clear and weighty message requiring a decisive response.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And they told to Mordecai": This phrase highlights the crucial action of transmitting information back to the orchestrator of the plan. It signifies effective and reliable communication despite the physical barriers of the royal palace. This dependable relaying of messages is essential for divine providence to work through human agency.
• "Esther’s words": This emphasizes the content of the message: Esther’s specific, cautious, and fear-driven explanation regarding the protocol of approaching the king (Esth 4:11). These are her actual words and concerns, faithfully conveyed, setting the accurate premise for Mordecai’s profound challenge that follows. The accuracy of this report is paramount for the next stage of the divine drama.

Esther 4 12 Bonus section

• The efficiency and reliability of communication through eunuchs like Hatach were paramount in ancient royal courts. These officials were indispensable for conveying private and sensitive messages between isolated members of the royal family and trusted advisors outside.
• This verse subtly reinforces the human element of the story – the fears and practical concerns of Esther are explicitly laid before Mordecai, grounding the spiritual stakes in very real, life-or-death realities. It's a testament to God working not despite human frailties, but through them.
• The absence of direct divine intervention or dialogue in the Book of Esther makes every instance of human communication and strategic decision-making critically important in revealing God's providential hand guiding the outcome. This verse, therefore, serves as a direct point where human dialogue becomes an instrument of divine purpose.

Esther 4 12 Commentary

Esther 4:12, though brief, is a vital connective tissue in the narrative, illustrating the successful transmission of Esther's initial, cautious reply to Mordecai. This is not just a casual exchange but a formal report detailing the peril involved in Esther's taking action. The meticulous recording of this transfer of information by Hatach underscores the careful orchestration of events and communication within the Persian court. It establishes the exact information Mordecai received, which was necessary for him to formulate his strategic and spiritually resonant counter-challenge. This moment confirms the dire stakes from Esther's perspective, thereby highlighting the immense courage required for her subsequent decision. It is a moment where human fears are precisely conveyed, preparing the audience for a divinely inspired push past those fears.