Esther 4 17

Esther 4:17 kjv

So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.

Esther 4:17 nkjv

So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him.

Esther 4:17 niv

So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther's instructions.

Esther 4:17 esv

Mordecai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.

Esther 4:17 nlt

So Mordecai went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.

Esther 4 verses

Esther 4 17 Meaning

Esther 4:17 signifies the immediate and complete obedience of Mordecai to Esther's perilous command. Having heard Esther's resolve to approach the king, risking death for her people, Mordecai fully accepts her decision and sets out to execute the initial steps, including the three-day fast. This verse marks the turning point where their strategic counsel concludes and a dangerous but divinely orchestrated plan begins to unfold through faithful human action. It underscores a crucial moment of cooperation and trust in the face of imminent danger.

Esther 4 17 Context

Esther 4:17 concludes a critical dialogue between Mordecai and Esther. Prior to this, Mordecai informed Esther of Haman's plot to annihilate all Jews in Persia (Esther 4:1-7). He then challenged her, implying that she was elevated "for such a time as this" (Esther 4:14), urging her to intercede with the king. Initially hesitant due to the severe law (approaching the king uninvited meant death unless he extended the golden scepter), Esther ultimately demonstrates profound courage, declaring, "If I perish, I perish" (Esther 4:16), and instructing Mordecai to gather the Jews in Susa for a three-day fast on her behalf. Verse 17 directly follows this, signifying Mordecai's full and immediate implementation of her command, cementing their unified, prayerful approach to saving their people. The chapter portrays Mordecai and Esther's spiritual and strategic alignment, laying the groundwork for the dramatic events that follow.

Esther 4 17 Word analysis

• So: (וַיַּעֲבֹר, vayya'avor) This word initiates the immediate consequence of Esther’s powerful decision. It often signals a transition or a continuation in the biblical narrative. In Hebrew, "וַיַּעֲבֹר" can mean "and he passed over" or "and he departed," indicating a movement from one state or place to another—in this case, from deliberating with Esther to acting on her command. It suggests swiftness and resolve.
• Mordecai: (מָרְדֳּכַי, Mordekhay) A faithful Jew, kinsman, and guardian of Esther. His name possibly derives from the Babylonian god Marduk, though his character strongly embodies devotion to the God of Israel. His action here highlights his consistent leadership and commitment to his people. His role in this narrative is that of a key instigator and then a steadfast support.
• went his way: (וַיַּעֲבֹר, vayya'avor) As discussed with "So," this Hebrew verb signifies departure with a purpose. It indicates Mordecai’s turning from his meeting with Esther to the active implementation of her instructions. It implies a departure not just physically, but also in action, moving from receiving the command to executing it.
• and did: (וַיַּעַשׂ, vayya'as) From the Hebrew root עָשָׂה (‘asah), meaning "to do," "make," or "perform." This emphasizes his prompt and effectual execution of Esther’s words. It denotes action, accomplishment, and fulfilling what was required. It’s an act of faithful obedience.
• according to all: (כְּכֹל אֲשֶׁר, kekhol asher) This phrase stresses the completeness and thoroughness of Mordecai’s obedience. He did not partially obey or omit any part of her instructions but followed them precisely. It demonstrates unwavering commitment and attention to detail.
• that Esther: (אֶסְתֵּר, Esther) The queen, the protagonist of the book. Her Hebrew name, Hadassah (Esther 2:7), means "myrtle." Esther is derived from the Persian word for "star" or connected to Ishtar, a Babylonian goddess. Her transformation from hesitant orphan to courageous intercessor is culminating here. Her commands carry the weight of her authority, her conviction, and divine guidance.
• had commanded him: (צִוְּתָה עָלָיו, tzivvatheha ‘alav) The verb צָוָה (tzavah) means "to command," "to instruct," or "to appoint." This highlights that Esther's directive was not a suggestion but a clear instruction, which Mordecai received and acted upon as an authoritative word. The preposition עָלָיו (‘alav), "upon him," further emphasizes the personal nature and directness of the command issued to Mordecai.

Esther 4 17 Bonus section

The book of Esther uniquely does not mention God explicitly, yet His providential hand is undeniable throughout. Mordecai's immediate and complete obedience here, despite the seemingly secular context of a pagan empire, hints at a deeper, faith-based response. His swift compliance with Esther's command for a kingdom-wide fast for her implicitly recognizes the need for divine intervention, demonstrating a silent but profound reliance on the God not named. This action of 'doing according to all' Esther commanded solidifies the chain of courageous, Spirit-prompted actions that lead to the deliverance of the Jewish people, serving as a powerful demonstration that God works through the willing obedience of His people, even in the absence of explicit divine declarations. The synergy between Mordecai and Esther underscores the power of unified effort, particularly in intercession and activism on behalf of God's people.

Esther 4 17 Commentary

Esther 4:17 marks a critical pivot in the biblical narrative, showcasing the immediate and complete obedience of Mordecai following Esther's courageous resolve. After a poignant and Spirit-filled exchange where Mordecai stirred Esther's faith and she committed to a potentially fatal intercession, this verse portrays the seamless transition from discussion to action. Mordecai's promptness ("went his way") and his thoroughness ("did according to all") demonstrate profound trust in Esther’s leadership and, implicitly, in the unseen hand of God. This is not blind submission but a Spirit-led collaboration. His obedience mirrors Esther's faith-filled courage; just as she committed herself entirely ("if I perish, I perish"), he dedicates himself entirely to her command. This act solidifies their partnership in a divinely orchestrated plan for Israel's salvation. It provides an example of how true leadership can elicit immediate, comprehensive obedience, particularly in moments of shared, dire purpose. The simplicity of the verse belies its profound theological implications: effective and united action is crucial in crisis, often fueled by personal conviction and trust. For instance, just as a team leader's vision must be met with their team's full execution, or a church's prayer directive is met with the congregation's participation, so Mordecai ensures Esther's directive initiates the desperate three-day fast that underpins her daring approach to the king.