New International VersionHe sent dispatches to all parts of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be ruler over his own household, using his native tongue.
New Living TranslationHe sent letters to all parts of the empire, to each province in its own script and language, proclaiming that every man should be the ruler of his own home and should say whatever he pleases.
English Standard VersionHe sent letters to all the royal provinces, to every province in its own script and to every people in its own language, that every man be master in his own household and speak according to the language of his people.
Berean Standard BibleHe sent letters to all the provinces of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be master of his own household.
King James BibleFor he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people.
New King James VersionThen he sent letters to all the king’s provinces, to each province in its own script, and to every people in their own language, that each man should be master in his own house, and speak in the language of his own people.
New American Standard BibleSo he sent letters to all the king’s provinces, to each province according to its script and to every people according to their language, that every man was to be the ruler in his own house and the one who speaks in the language of his own people.
NASB 1995So he sent letters to all the king’s provinces, to each province according to its script and to every people according to their language, that every man should be the master in his own house and the one who speaks in the language of his own people.
NASB 1977So he sent letters to all the king’s provinces, to each province according to its script and to every people according to their language, that every man should be the master in his own house and the one who speaks in the language of his own people.
Legacy Standard BibleSo he sent letters to all the king’s provinces, to each province according to its script and to every people according to their tongue, that every man should be the ruler in his own house and the one who speaks in the tongue of his own people.
Amplified BibleSo he sent letters to all the royal provinces, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, saying that every man should be the master and rule in his own home and that he should speak [in the household] in the language of his own people.
Christian Standard BibleHe sent letters to all the royal provinces, to each province in its own script and to each ethnic group in its own language, that every man should be master of his own house and speak in the language of his own people.
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe sent letters to all the royal provinces, to each province in its own script and to each ethnic group in its own language, that every man should be master of his own house and speak in the language of his own people.
American Standard Versionfor he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and should speak according to the language of his people.
Contemporary English Versionand he sent letters to all of his provinces. Each letter was written in the language of the province to which it was sent, and it said that husbands should be in charge of their wives and children.
English Revised Versionfor he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and should publish it according to the language of his people.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe sent official documents to all the king's provinces, to each province in its own script and to the people in each province in their own language: "Let every husband be the ruler in his own house and speak with authority."
Good News TranslationTo each of the royal provinces he sent a message in the language and the system of writing of that province, saying that every husband should be the master of his home and speak with final authority.
International Standard VersionHe sent letters to all the provinces of the king, written in the script of that province, and to each people in their own language, ordering that every man should be the master in his house and speak the language of his own people.
NET BibleHe sent letters throughout all the royal provinces, to each province according to its own script and to each people according to its own language, that every man should be ruling his family and should be speaking the language of his own people.
New Heart English Biblefor he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to its writing, and to every people in their language, that every man should rule his own house, speaking in the language of his own people.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing of it, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe sent letters to all the provinces of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be master of his own household.
World English Biblefor he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to its writing, and to every people in their language, that every man should rule his own house, speaking in the language of his own people. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand sends letters to all provinces of the king, to province and province according to its writing, and to people and people according to its tongue, for every man being head in his own house—and speaking according to the language of his people.
Young's Literal Translation and sendeth letters unto all provinces of the king, unto province and province according to its writing, and unto people and people according to its tongue, for every man being head in his own house -- and speaking according to the language of his people.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd he will send letters to all the provinces of the king, to provinces and provinces, according to its writing, and to people and people, according to their tongue, for every man to be ruling in his house; and being spoken according to the tongue of his people. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd he sent letters to all the provinces of his kingdom, as every nation could hear and read, in divers languages and characters, that the husbands should be rulers and masters in their houses: and that this should be published to every people.
Catholic Public Domain Versionand he sent letters to all the provinces of his kingdom, so that every nation was able to hear and to read, in various languages and letters, that husbands are to be the greater rulers in their own houses, and that this should be published to every people.
New American Bible
He sent letters to all the royal provinces, to each province in its own script and to each people in its own language, to the effect that every man should be lord in his own home.
New Revised Standard Version
he sent letters to all the royal provinces, to every province in its own script and to every people in its own language, declaring that every man should be master in his own house.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
And he sent letters to all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof and to every people according to its own language, that every man should bear rule in his own house and that it should be published according to the language of every people.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And he sent a letter to all the provinces of the King, to each province according to its writing, and to each people according to its language, to cause every man to be authorized in his house, and communicating according to the language of its people.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
for he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and speak according to the language of his people.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
and sent into all his kingdom through the several provinces, according to their language, in order that men might be feared in their own houses.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Queen Vashti Deposed… 21The king and his princes were pleased with this counsel; so the king did as Memucan had advised. 22He sentletterstoallthe provincesof the kingdom,toeach provincein its own scriptand toeach peoplein their own language,proclaimingthat everymanshould bemasterof his own household.
Cross References Ephesians 5:22-24Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord. / For the husband is the head of the wife as Christ is the head of the church, His body, of which He is the Savior. / Now as the church submits to Christ, so also wives should submit to their husbands in everything.
Colossians 3:18Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
1 Peter 3:1-6Wives, in the same way, submit yourselves to your husbands, so that even if they refuse to believe the word, they will be won over without words by the behavior of their wives / when they see your pure and reverent demeanor. / Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, ...
Genesis 3:16To the woman He said: “I will sharply increase your pain in childbirth; in pain you will bring forth children. Your desire will be for your husband, and he will rule over you.”
1 Corinthians 11:3But I want you to understand that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.
1 Timothy 2:11-12A woman must learn in quietness and full submissiveness. / I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; she is to remain quiet.
Titus 2:4-5In this way they can train the young women to love their husbands and children, / to be self-controlled, pure, managers of their households, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, so that the word of God will not be discredited.
Proverbs 31:10-31A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. ...
1 Corinthians 14:34-35Women are to be silent in the churches. They are not permitted to speak, but must be in submission, as the law says. / If they wish to inquire about something, they are to ask their own husbands at home; for it is dishonorable for a woman to speak in the church.
Genesis 2:24For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh.
1 Samuel 25:19-20and said to her young men, “Go ahead of me. I will be right behind you.” But she did not tell her husband Nabal. / As Abigail came riding her donkey into a mountain ravine, she saw David and his men coming down toward her, and she met them.
Judges 4:4-5Now Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lappidoth, was judging Israel at that time. / And she would sit under the Palm of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in the hill country of Ephraim, where the Israelites would go up to her for judgment.
Numbers 30:3-16And if a woman in her father’s house during her youth makes a vow to the LORD or obligates herself by a pledge, / and her father hears about her vow or pledge but says nothing to her, then all the vows or pledges by which she has bound herself shall stand. / But if her father prohibits her on the day he hears about it, then none of the vows or pledges by which she has bound herself shall stand. The LORD will absolve her because her father has prohibited her. ...
Deuteronomy 24:5If a man is newly married, he must not be sent to war or be pressed into any duty. For one year he is free to stay at home and bring joy to the wife he has married.
Ruth 1:16-18But Ruth replied: “Do not urge me to leave you or to turn from following you. For wherever you go, I will go, and wherever you live, I will live; your people will be my people, and your God will be my God. / Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD punish me, and ever so severely, if anything but death separates you and me.” / When Naomi saw that Ruth was determined to go with her, she stopped trying to persuade her.
Treasury of Scripture For he sent letters into all the king's provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and that it should be published according to the language of every people. into every province. Esther 3:12 Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors thatwere over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, andto every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring. Esther 8:9 Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, thatis, the month Sivan, on the three and twentiethday thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces whichare from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language. Daniel 3:29 Therefore I make a decree, That every people, nation, and language, which speak any thing amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill: because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort. that every man. Ephesians 5:22-24 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as unto the Lord… 1 Timothy 2:12 But I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. Titus 2:4,5 That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, … it should, etc. Esther 3:12 Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors thatwere over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, andto every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring. according. Luke 16:8 And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light. Acts 2:5-11 And there were dwelling at Jerusalem Jews, devout men, out of every nation under heaven… 1 Corinthians 14:19,20 Yet in the church I had rather speak five words with my understanding, thatby my voice I might teach others also, than ten thousand words in anunknown tongue… Jump to Previous BearHouseKing'sLettersProvinceProvincesPublishedRoyalRuleScriptSpeakingSpeaksThereofWritingJump to Next BearHouseKing'sLettersProvinceProvincesPublishedRoyalRuleScriptSpeakingSpeaksThereofWritingEsther 1 1.Xerxes makes royal feasts.10.Vashti, sent for, refuses to come.13.Xerxes, by the counsel of Memucan, puts away Vashti, and decrees men's sovereignty.He sent letters to all the provinces of the kingdomThis phrase highlights the vastness of King Ahasuerus's empire, which stretched from India to Cush, encompassing 127 provinces. The use of letters indicates the administrative sophistication of the Persian Empire, which relied on an efficient postal system. This system is also referenced in Esther 8:10, where Mordecai sends letters to counter Haman's decree. The act of sending letters underscores the king's authority and the centralized power of the Persian monarchy. to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language
The diversity of languages and scripts within the empire reflects its multicultural nature. This inclusivity ensured that the king's decrees were understood by all subjects, emphasizing the importance of communication in governance. The use of multiple languages is also seen in the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), where language diversity is a result of divine intervention. The attention to linguistic detail in Esther foreshadows the New Testament's emphasis on the spread of the Gospel to all nations and tongues (Acts 2:6-11). proclaiming that every man should be master of his own household
This decree reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Near Eastern societies, where men held authority over their families. The cultural context of the time placed significant emphasis on male leadership within the home, as seen in other biblical passages likeEphesians 5:22-24, which discusses the roles of husbands and wives. The decree can be seen as a response to Queen Vashti's defiance, aiming to reinforce traditional gender roles. This theme of authority and submission is echoed in the broader biblical narrative, where Christ is depicted as the head of the Church, His bride (Ephesians 5:25-27). Persons / Places / Events 1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)The Persian king who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. He is known for his opulent lifestyle and the grand feast he held, which sets the stage for the events in the Book of Esther. 2. Queen VashtiThe queen who defied King Ahasuerus' command to appear before him and his guests, leading to her removal as queen. 3. The Persian EmpireA vast empire that stretched from India to Cush, known for its diverse cultures and languages, which is reflected in the king's decree being sent in various scripts and languages. 4. The Royal DecreeA proclamation sent by King Ahasuerus to assert male authority in households across the empire, emphasizing cultural and linguistic unity within each household. 5. The Scribes and MessengersThose responsible for translating and delivering the king's decree to ensure it reached every corner of the empire in the appropriate language and script. Teaching Points Cultural Sensitivity and CommunicationThe king's decree was sent in each province's own script and language, highlighting the importance of clear communication and cultural sensitivity. In our interactions, we should strive to understand and respect cultural differences. Authority and ResponsibilityThe decree emphasizes male leadership in the household. In a Christian context, this leadership should be exercised with love, humility, and responsibility, reflecting Christ's relationship with the Church. Unity in DiversityDespite the vast diversity of the Persian Empire, the decree sought to establish a common order within households. Similarly, in the body of Christ, unity should be pursued amidst diversity, with each member contributing to the whole. The Role of Decrees and LawsThe king's decree shows the power of laws to shape societal norms. As Christians, we should be aware of how laws and cultural norms influence our lives and align them with biblical principles. The Impact of DecisionsThe decision to remove Vashti and issue the decree had far-reaching consequences. Our decisions, especially those made in positions of authority, should be considered carefully, with an awareness of their potential impact. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Esther 1:22?
2.How does Esther 1:22 reflect the importance of order in family roles?
3.What cultural implications are evident in the king's decree in Esther 1:22?
4.How does Esther 1:22 connect to Ephesians 5:22-24 on marital roles?
5.In what ways can Esther 1:22 guide Christian households today?
6.How does the decree in Esther 1:22 demonstrate leadership and authority principles?
7.How does Esther 1:22 reflect the cultural norms of ancient Persia?
8.What does Esther 1:22 reveal about the role of women in biblical times?
9.How does Esther 1:22 align with the overall theme of authority in the Book of Esther?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 1?
11.What is the Feast of Purim?
12.Why does the Book of Acts contradict Paul's letters in describing his conversion?
13.How plausible is the rapid communication in Esther 8:10, given ancient travel and logistics constraints across such a vast empire?
14.How historically reliable is the vast domain of King Ahasuerus described in Esther 1:1, from India to Ethiopia?What Does Esther 1:22 Mean He sent letters to all the provinces of the kingdom“He sent letters to all the provinces of the kingdom”. • Ahasuerus’ edict reaches from India to Cush (Esther 1:1), covering one of history’s largest empires. • Written letters establish an unchangeable law in Persia (cf.Daniel 6:8–9), underscoring that the king’s word stands. • God’s providence is quietly at work: the same communication network that now enforces this flawed decree will later spread the life-saving decree inEsther 8:10–14.
to each province in its own script“to each province in its own script”. • The administration deliberately uses local scripts, ensuring nothing is lost in translation—an early picture of God’s heart for understandable revelation (compareNehemiah 8:8 where the Law is read “clearly”). • Accuracy matters; by reaching people exactly where they are, the decree carries full authority, just as the Holy Spirit later grants every listener “his own language” inActs 2:6–8.
and to each people in their own language“and to each people in their own language”. • Persia’s diversity is immense. The edict respects ethnic distinctions while unifying the realm under one royal command. • Scripture often highlights “every tribe and tongue” (Revelation 5:9), showing that God’s purposes span cultures even when rulers have lesser motives. • The verse subtly reminds us that clarity brings accountability; no household can claim ignorance when the message comes in its mother tongue.
proclaiming that every man should be master of his own household“proclaiming that every man should be master of his own household”. • After Vashti’s refusal (Esther 1:12), the king’s counselors fear widespread domestic upheaval (vv. 17–18). Their solution: legislate male authority. • Scripture elsewhere affirms a husband’s headship (Ephesians 5:23;1 Peter 3:1) yet commands sacrificial love (Ephesians 5:25). The Persian decree imitates the structure without the Spirit-led heart. • The edict attempts to force respect externally; God’s design works internally—wives “submit…as to the Lord” (Ephesians 5:22) and husbands lead in Christlike humility. • By highlighting household order, the text sets the stage for God to exalt a woman—Esther—demonstrating that true authority belongs to Him alone (Psalm 75:7).
summaryEsther 1:22 records a sweeping, meticulously communicated decree intended to preserve male authority throughout the Persian Empire. The king leverages every script and language to make his will unmistakable, yet the passage quietly reveals God’s larger plan: the same postal system will later deliver rescue for His people, and the question of true authority will ultimately be answered not by royal edicts but by God’s redemptive purposes. (22) He sent letters.--The Persian Empire was the first to possess a postal system (see esp. Herod. vii. 98). The Greek word for "compel," in Matthew 5:41; Matthew 27:32, is simply a corruption of the Persian word for the impressment of men and horses for the royal service. That every man should. . .--The following words are, literally,be ruling in his own house, and speaking according to the language of his own people. The former clause may probably be taken as a proof of the existence of an undue amount of female influence generally in Persia; the second clause is more doubtful. The English Version does distinct violence to the Hebrew, perhaps because the literal rendering yielded a somewhat peculiar sense. Taking the words exactly as they stand, they can only mean that in a house where two or more languages are used, from the presence of foreign wives, the husband is to take care that his own language is not supplanted by any of theirs. This is intelligible enough, but is perhaps rather irrelevant to what goes before. Verse 22. -For he sent. Rather, "and he sent." Besides publishing the decree, Ahasuerus sent letters prescribing certain things, viz.: -1. That every man should bear rule in his own house; and, 2. That every man should speak his own language in his family, and not that of his wife, if it were different. This is the plain meaning of the existing text, which cannot bear either of the senses suggested in the Authorised Version. . . .
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew He sent
וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח(way·yiš·laḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7971:To send away, for, out
letters
סְפָרִים֙(sə·p̄ā·rîm)
Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5612:A missive, document, writing, book
to
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to
all
כָּל־(kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every
the provinces
מְדִינ֣וֹת(mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ)
Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4082:A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region
of the kingdom,
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A king
to
אֶל־(’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to
each province
מְדִינָ֤ה(mə·ḏî·nāh)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4082:A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region
in its own script
כִּכְתָבָ֔הּ(kiḵ·ṯā·ḇāh)
Preposition-k | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3791:Something written, a writing, record, book
and to
וְאֶל־(wə·’el-)
Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, to
each people
עַ֥ם(‘am)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock
in their own language,
כִּלְשׁוֹנ֑וֹ(kil·šō·w·nōw)
Preposition-k | Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3956:The tongue
proclaiming
וּמְדַבֵּ֖ר(ū·mə·ḏab·bêr)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1696:To arrange, to speak, to subdue
that every
כָּל־(kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, every
man
אִישׁ֙(’îš)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376:A man as an individual, a male person
should be
לִהְי֤וֹת(lih·yō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, be
master
שֹׂרֵ֣ר(śō·rêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8323:To be or act as prince, rule
of his own household.
בְּבֵית֔וֹ(bə·ḇê·ṯōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004:A house
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OT History: Esther 1:22 For he sent letters into all (Est Esth. Es) |
