Esther 9 31

Esther 9:31 kjv

To confirm these days of Purim in their times appointed, according as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had enjoined them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their seed, the matters of the fastings and their cry.

Esther 9:31 nkjv

to confirm these days of Purim at their appointed time, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had prescribed for them, and as they had decreed for themselves and their descendants concerning matters of their fasting and lamenting.

Esther 9:31 niv

to establish these days of Purim at their designated times, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther had decreed for them, and as they had established for themselves and their descendants in regard to their times of fasting and lamentation.

Esther 9:31 esv

that these days of Purim should be observed at their appointed seasons, as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther obligated them, and as they had obligated themselves and their offspring, with regard to their fasts and their lamenting.

Esther 9:31 nlt

These letters established the Festival of Purim ? an annual celebration of these days at the appointed time, decreed by both Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther. (The people decided to observe this festival, just as they had decided for themselves and their descendants to establish the times of fasting and mourning.)

Esther 9 verses

Esther 9 31 Meaning

Esther 9:31 elaborates on the mandate for the observance of Purim, emphasizing that these days of feasting and joy are to be "confirmed" or established as a perpetual custom. It highlights that the tradition, as previously set forth by Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther, was not only for their generation but was also decreed to be passed down to all their descendants. Crucially, it includes the instruction for "matters of fasting and lamentation," indicating that a solemn, penitential aspect, likely in memory of the suffering preceding the deliverance, was also an integral part of this new observance. This verse solidifies the authority and the enduring nature of the Purim festival.

Esther 9 31 Context

Esther chapter 9 records the institution of the annual festival of Purim. After the deliverance of the Jews from Haman's genocidal plot, Mordecai and Esther sent out letters across the Persian Empire, instructing the Jews to celebrate these days as a perpetual memorial. Verses 20-22 establish the basic directive for annual feasting, joy, sending gifts, and giving to the poor. Verses 23-28 recount how the Jews adopted this practice, naming it Purim ("lots") because Haman cast lots to determine the day of their destruction. Verses 29-32 then describe Queen Esther's full authority and involvement in officially endorsing and cementing the decree concerning Purim. Verse 31 specifically elaborates on the precise nature of the observance: confirming the feast but also including the serious elements of fasting and lamentation. This inclusion adds a layer of sober reflection and repentance, likely reflecting the terror and suffering the Jews experienced before their miraculous rescue.

Esther 9 31 Word analysis

• to confirm (Heb. קִ֣יּוּם, qiyyûm): Implies "establishment," "validation," or "enforcement." It signifies a decree or practice being made permanent and legally binding. The act of confirming means to make solid, lasting, and obligatory, ensuring it won't be forgotten or neglected. It speaks to the solemnity and official nature of the institution of Purim, supported by the highest authorities in the Jewish community (Mordecai and Esther) and echoed throughout the dispersed Jewish populace.
• these days of Purim: Refers to the 14th and 15th days of the month Adar, as decreed earlier in the chapter (Esth 9:21). "Purim" itself comes from the Hebrew "Pur" (פּוּר), meaning "lot," referring to the lots Haman cast to determine the day of annihilation (Esth 3:7).
• in their times: Denotes annually at the appointed time, signifying a cyclical, perpetual observance tied to specific dates in the Jewish calendar. This underscores the regular and unwavering nature of the remembrance.
• as Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther: These two individuals held unique positions of authority and influence within the Persian Empire. Mordecai, as prime minister, and Esther, as queen, together possessed the authority to issue decrees binding on the Jewish people throughout the empire. Their dual authority lent significant weight and legitimacy to the establishment of Purim. This emphasizes divine providence in placing them in such strategic roles.
• had established them for themselves: This highlights that the Jews willingly and actively embraced this tradition first and foremost as a communal self-imposed obligation. It wasn't merely an external decree, but one that resonated with their experience of deliverance, indicating a volitional commitment before it became a perpetual decree for future generations.
• and as they had decreed for their descendants: This demonstrates the forward-looking aspect of the observance. The intention was to transmit this historical memory and its lessons to future generations, ensuring the legacy of God's miraculous deliverance would not fade. It is a testament to the Jewish concern for the continuity of their faith and history.
• with matters of fasting and lamentation: This crucial addition reveals a somber, reflective dimension to Purim, despite its joyful feasting. Fasting (צ֔וֹם, ṣōm) is abstention from food, often accompanied by prayer, signifying humility, repentance, or earnest supplication. Lamentation (זַֽעֲקָֽתָם, zaʿaqāṯām from the root זָעַק zaʿaq, meaning "to cry out," "to wail," "to lament") signifies crying, wailing, or a cry of distress or pain. The inclusion of these elements suggests a remembrance of the mortal danger, terror, and collective prayer for deliverance that characterized the events leading up to Purim. It connects the celebration with a profound acknowledgment of past suffering and the earnest plea to God that preceded the salvation. This duality of joy and sorrow reflects the depth of their experience.

Esther 9 31 Bonus section

The inclusion of "fasting and lamentation" alongside "feasting and joy" makes Purim distinct among Jewish festivals. While many festivals have specific associated sacrifices or solemn assemblies, Purim is unique in officially mandating both. This might also connect to the "Fast of Esther" (Taanit Esther) which traditionally takes place on the 13th of Adar, immediately before Purim, commemorating the fast called by Esther prior to her approach to Ahasuerus (Esth 4:16). This pre-Purim fast emphasizes repentance and supplication in the face of crisis. Thus, the verse bridges the gap between the desperate prayers and self-affliction during the threat and the joyous celebration of deliverance. It also highlights the Jewish practice of adding commemorative fasts in response to significant historical events, emphasizing that even in celebration, the community should not forget the hardship from which they were delivered.

Esther 9 31 Commentary

Esther 9:31 serves as the conclusive statement solidifying the eternal observance of Purim, granting it authoritative endorsement from both Mordecai and Esther. This verse confirms the dual nature of Purim: a time of feasting and joy, yet interwoven with remembrance of profound suffering and deliverance, manifested through fasting and lamentation. This unique combination allows the Jewish people to recall the terror of impending annihilation and the fervent prayers and acts of contrition that marked their desperation, even as they celebrate the triumphant salvation God orchestrated. It encapsulates the deep spiritual and historical significance of the festival, transforming a single historical event into a perpetual reminder of God's providential care for His people against their adversaries, while also prompting humility and ongoing remembrance of their need for His mercy.