Esther 9 32

Esther 9:32 kjv

And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.

Esther 9:32 nkjv

So the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim, and it was written in the book.

Esther 9:32 niv

Esther's decree confirmed these regulations about Purim, and it was written down in the records.

Esther 9:32 esv

The command of Esther confirmed these practices of Purim, and it was recorded in writing.

Esther 9:32 nlt

So the command of Esther confirmed the practices of Purim, and it was all written down in the records.

Esther 9 verses

Esther 9 32 Meaning

Esther 9:32 establishes the permanent nature of the Purim observance. It affirms that Queen Esther's decree, which finalized the regulations for celebrating Purim, was officially and authoritatively confirmed. Furthermore, it explicitly states that this decree was formally recorded in a scroll or book, ensuring its historical preservation and binding observance for future generations of the Jewish people. This verse seals the validity and perpetuity of the Purim festival as a divinely sanctioned historical memorial.

Esther 9 32 Context

Esther 9:32 concludes the section of the book detailing the establishment of the Feast of Purim. Following the Jewish people's victory over their enemies and their successful defense throughout the empire, Esther and Mordecai initiate the annual commemoration of these events. Verse 32, specifically, functions as the official seal of approval for the ordinance of Purim, outlining how it came to be a permanent, written law. This occurs after a two-stage process: Mordecai initially instructs the Jews to observe Purim (Esth 9:20-22), then he and Esther reinforce it with a second, more formal letter with full authority (Esth 9:29-31). The historical context highlights the unique challenges faced by Jews in the Persian diaspora, where their survival was often at the mercy of royal decrees. Thus, a royal decree confirming their festival gave it crucial legitimacy and protection. The setting is the Persian Empire, where written laws were considered unchangeable (Dan 6:8), emphasizing the secure and binding nature of this new ordinance.

Esther 9 32 Word analysis

• And the (וְאֵת, v'et): This conjunction serves to connect this final point to the preceding verses, indicating continuity. The use of v'et specifically signals "and with respect to" or "as for," drawing attention to what follows as a significant, conclusive statement regarding Esther's actions.
• decree (מַאֲמָר, ma'amar): This term, derived from the verb 'amar' (to speak), signifies a spoken word that carries authority or an official command. It's an executive order or an authoritative directive, differentiating it from an ordinary word or promise. In this context, it highlights Esther's legitimate authority to issue such an ordinance, not just her personal wish.
• of Esther (אֶסְתֵּר, Esther): Refers directly to Queen Esther. Her personal involvement and authority are crucial, validating the decree's royal legitimacy. As Queen, she wielded significant influence, especially under specific Persian laws that allowed queens to issue decrees with royal assent, underscoring her providential role.
• confirmed (קִיָּם, qiyyam): From the Hebrew root qum (to stand up, establish, confirm, maintain). In the Piel stem (causative active), qiyyam means "he confirmed" or "he caused to stand." This emphasizes the active role of Esther and Mordecai (as per 9:29) in firmly establishing the ordinance, giving it stability and permanence. It implies an official ratification process.
• these matters (הַדְּבָרִים הָאֵלֶּה, had'varim ha'eleh): Literally "these words" or "these things/affairs." It encompasses the entire body of instructions and observances related to Purim as described in the preceding verses, including the feasting, joy, sending of portions, and giving gifts to the poor (Esth 9:22). It reflects the comprehensive nature of the new holiday's establishment.
• of Purim (הַפֻּרִים, haPurim): Specifies the subject of the decree: the festival of Purim. The definite article "ha-" makes it "the Purim," emphasizing its specific, unique name which itself refers to the "lot" that Haman cast, signifying God's sovereign overturning of Haman's wicked scheme.
• and it (וְנִכְתָּב, venikhtav): The initial "vav" is "and." The verb is katav (to write), in the Nifal stem (passive), meaning "it was written" or "it has been written." This passive construction highlights that the writing itself is a completed act, emphasizing the fact of its being written, rather than who wrote it, thus shifting focus to its authoritative final form. It indicates an official, public, and legally binding record.
• was written in the book (בַּסֵּפֶר, bassaypher): Bassepher means "in the book" or "in the scroll." This specifies the permanent medium on which the decree was recorded. A "book" or "scroll" (like the "Megillah") implies an official document preserved for generations, contrasting with fleeting oral traditions or temporary memoranda. This written format guarantees its future observance and knowledge across time and geography. It connects to the importance of written law and records in ancient Near Eastern and biblical cultures (e.g., Book of the Law).

Esther 9 32 Bonus section

The complete absence of God's name in the Book of Esther is a significant theological and literary feature. However, this verse, by formalizing a divinely-orchestrated deliverance into a perpetual written ordinance, implicitly acknowledges God's unseen hand guiding the events. The human actions of decreeing and writing, though appearing purely human, are understood within Jewish tradition as responses to divine providence. The focus on writing and confirmation mirrors the careful preservation of divine laws in the Pentateuch, suggesting a parallel sanctity or importance for this unique non-Mosaic festival. This further establishes Purim not merely as a celebration of political victory, but as a recognition of divine faithfulness and intervention. The 'Megillah' (scroll of Esther) itself becomes that very "book" mentioned in this verse, a living testament to this decree.

Esther 9 32 Commentary

Esther 9:32 serves as the culminating verse regarding the institutionalization of Purim, emphasizing its dual foundation: the direct decree from Queen Esther and its subsequent formalization in a written record. The term "decree" (ma'amar) signifies the authoritative nature of Esther's command, not a mere suggestion, showcasing her and Mordecai's power to enforce this new festival across the empire. The act of "confirming" (qiyyam) underscores the permanent establishment and validation of these regulations, demonstrating a shift from temporary celebration to a mandated, recurring annual observance. Crucially, "it was written in the book" highlights the absolute importance of a formal, enduring written document. This written form secured Purim's perpetuity, ensuring that its historical events and associated observances would not be forgotten but would be meticulously preserved and transmitted to succeeding generations, as was characteristic of significant laws and covenants in the ancient world and within biblical tradition (e.g., the Torah). It solidifies the human agency's role in memory and tradition, working within God's unseen providence. This act guarantees that the narrative of God's miraculous deliverance through Esther and Mordecai's actions would remain a perpetual witness and cause for rejoicing for the Jewish people.