New International VersionOn the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance.
New Living TranslationOn the third day of the fast, Esther put on her royal robes and entered the inner court of the palace, just across from the king’s hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne, facing the entrance.
English Standard VersionOn the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, in front of the king’s quarters, while the king was sitting on his royal throne inside the throne room opposite the entrance to the palace.
Berean Standard BibleOn the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance.
King James BibleNow it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.
New King James VersionNow it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace, across from the king’s house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house.
New American Standard BibleNow it came about on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner courtyard of the king’s palace in front of the king’s rooms, and the king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, opposite the entrance to the palace.
NASB 1995Now it came about on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace in front of the king’s rooms, and the king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, opposite the entrance to the palace.
NASB 1977Now it came about on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace in front of the king’s rooms, and the king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, opposite the entrance to the palace.
Legacy Standard BibleNow it happened on the third day, that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s house in front of the king’s rooms, and the king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, opposite the entrance to his house.
Amplified BibleOn the third day [of the fast] Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king’s palace opposite his [throne] room. The king was sitting on his royal throne, facing the [main] entrance of the palace.
Christian Standard BibleOn the third day, Esther dressed in her royal clothing and stood in the inner courtyard of the palace facing it. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing its entrance.
Holman Christian Standard BibleOn the third day, Esther dressed up in her royal clothing and stood in the inner courtyard of the palace facing it. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing its entrance.
American Standard VersionNow it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the entrance of the house.
Contemporary English VersionThree days later, Esther dressed in her royal robes and went to the inner court of the palace in front of the throne. The king was sitting there, facing the open doorway.
English Revised VersionNow it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the entrance of the house.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationOn the third day Esther put on her royal robes. She stood in the courtyard of the king's palace, facing the king's throne room. The king was sitting on the royal throne inside the palace, facing the entrance.
Good News TranslationOn the third day of her fast Esther put on her royal robes and went and stood in the inner courtyard of the palace, facing the throne room. The king was inside, seated on the royal throne, facing the entrance.
International Standard VersionOn the third day, Esther put on her royal attire and stood in the inner courtyard of the palace in front of the king's quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the throne room, opposite the entrance to the building.
NET BibleIt so happened that on the third day Esther put on her royal attire and stood in the inner court of the palace, opposite the king's quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the palace, opposite the entrance.
New Heart English BibleNow it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal clothing, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, next to the king's house. The king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, next to the entrance of the house.
Webster's Bible TranslationNow it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleOn the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance.
World English BibleNow on the third day, Esther put on her royal clothing and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, next to the king’s house. The king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, next to the entrance of the house. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it comes to pass on the third day, that Esther puts on royalty, and stands in the inner-court of the house of the king in front of the house of the king, and the king is sitting on his royal throne, in the royal-house, opposite the opening of the house,
Young's Literal Translation And it cometh to pass on the third day, that Esther putteth on royalty, and standeth in the inner-court of the house of the king over-against the house of the king, and the king is sitting on his royal throne, in the royal-house, over-against the opening of the house,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd it will be in the third day, Esther will put on dominion, and she will stand in the enclosure of the king's house, the interior before the king's house: and the king will sit upon the throne of his kingdom, in the house of the kingdom, before the door of the house. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd on the third day Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's hall: now he sat upon his throne in the hall of the palace, over against the door of the house.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd so, on the third day, Esther had put on her royal apparel and was standing in the atrium of the king’s house, which was inside, opposite the king’s hall, while he was sitting on his throne in the council room of the palace, opposite the entrance of the house.
New American Bible
[Now on the third day, Esther put on her royal garments and stood in the inner courtyard, looking toward the royal palace, while the king was seated on his royal throne in the audience chamber, facing the palace doorway.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
NOW on the third day Esther put on her royal apparel and stood in the inner court of the king's house, opposite the king's house; and the king was sitting upon his royal throne opposite the gate of the house.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And on the third day Esthir wore the clothing of the kingdom, and she stood in the inner court of the house of the King, next to the house of the King, and the King was sitting on the throne of the Kingdom, next to the door of the house.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house; and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the entrance of the house.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
And it came to pass on the third day, when she had ceased praying, that she put off her mean dress, and put on her glorious apparel. And being splendidly arrayed,and having called upon God the Overseer and Preserver of all things, she took her two maids, and she leaned upon one, as a delicate female, and the other followed bearing her train. And shewas blooming in the perfection of her beauty; and her facewas cheerful, andit were benevolent, but her heartwas straitened for fear. And having passed through all the doors, she stood before the king: and he was sitting upon his royal throne, and he had put on all his glorious apparel,covered all over with gold and precious stones, and was very terrible. And having raised his face resplendent with glory, he looked with intense anger: and the queen fell, and changed her colour as she fainted; and she bowed herself upon the head of the maid that went beforeher. But God changed the spirit of the king gentleness, and in intense feeling he sprang from off his throne, and took her into his arms, until she recovered: and he comforted her with peaceable words, and said to her, What isthe matter, Esther? Iam thy brother; be of good cheer, thou shalt not die, for our command is openly declaredto thee, Draw nigh.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Esther Goes Before the King1On the thirdday,Estherput onher royal attireand stoodin the innercourtof the palaceacross fromthe king’squarters.The kingwas sittingonhis royalthronein the royalcourtroom,facingtheentrance.2As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.…
Cross References Esther 4:16“Go and assemble all the Jews who can be found in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day, and I and my maidens will fast as you do. After that, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish!”
Esther 2:17And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.
Esther 7:3Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request.
Esther 8:3And once again, Esther addressed the king. She fell at his feet weeping and begged him to revoke the evil scheme of Haman the Agagite, which he had devised against the Jews.
Esther 9:25But when it came before the king, he commanded by letter that the wicked scheme which Haman had devised against the Jews should come back upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
Nehemiah 2:4-5“What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven / and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.”
Daniel 1:9Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official,
Daniel 6:10Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.
Genesis 41:14So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh.
1 Samuel 25:23-24When Abigail saw David, she quickly got off the donkey, fell facedown, and bowed before him. / She fell at his feet and said, “My lord, may the blame be on me alone, but please let your servant speak to you; hear the words of your servant.
2 Samuel 14:33So Joab went and told the king, and David summoned Absalom, who came to him and bowed facedown before him. Then the king kissed Absalom.
Proverbs 21:1The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.
Isaiah 61:3to console the mourners in Zion—to give them a crown of beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, and a garment of praise for a spirit of despair. So they will be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.
Matthew 10:18-20On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. / But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Matthew 27:19While Pilate was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent him this message: “Have nothing to do with that innocent man, for I have suffered terribly in a dream today because of Him.”
Treasury of Scripture Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house. on the. Esther 4:16 Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, whichis not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish. Matthew 27:64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first. royal. Esther 1:11 To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for shewas fair to look on. Esther 8:15 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad. Matthew 10:16 Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves. inner. Esther 4:11 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called,there is one law of his to puthim to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. Esther 6:4 And the king said, Whois in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. sat. 1 Kings 10:18-20 Moreover the king made a great throne of ivory, and overlaid it with the best gold… Luke 22:30 That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Revelation 3:21 To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. Jump to Previous ApparelClothingCourtEntranceEstherFrontGateHouseInnerKing'sOppositePalaceRoomRoomsRoyalSatSittingStoodThirdThroneJump to Next ApparelClothingCourtEntranceEstherFrontGateHouseInnerKing'sOppositePalaceRoomRoomsRoyalSatSittingStoodThirdThroneEsther 5 1.Esther, adventuring on the king's favor, obtains the grace of the golden sceptre,4.and invites the king and Haman to a banquet.6.She, being encouraged by the king in her suit, invites them to another banquet.9.Haman, proud of his advancement, repines at the contempt of Mordecai.14.By the counsel of Zeresh he prepares for him a gallows.On the third dayThe phrase "on the third day" is significant in biblical narratives, often symbolizing a period of preparation followed by a decisive action or revelation. In Esther's context, it follows her three days of fasting, which aligns with other biblical instances where the third day marks a turning point, such as Jonah's emergence from the fish ( Jonah 1:17) and Jesus' resurrection ( Matthew 16:21). This timing underscores the gravity and hope of Esther's mission. Esther put on her royal robes
Esther's decision to wear her royal robes signifies her acceptance of her role and authority as queen. It contrasts with her previous humility during fasting and prayer, now presenting herself with dignity and purpose. This act can be seen as a type of Christ, who, though humble, is also the King of Kings. Esther's attire symbolizes her readiness to intercede for her people, much like Christ's intercession for humanity. and stood in the inner court of the palace
The inner court of the palace was a place of significant authority and power, accessible only to those with permission. Esther's boldness in standing there without being summoned highlights her courage and the risk she was taking, as approaching the king unsummoned could result in death (Esther 4:11). This act of bravery is reminiscent of the boldness required to approach God, as seen inHebrews 4:16. across from the king’s quarters
Positioning herself across from the king's quarters indicates Esther's strategic approach. She places herself where she can be seen by the king, demonstrating both respect and determination. This positioning is crucial for her plan to succeed, reflecting the importance of wisdom and timing in executing God's will, as seen inProverbs 21:1, which speaks of the king's heart being in the hand of the Lord. The king was sitting on his royal throne
The king sitting on his royal throne emphasizes his authority and the gravity of Esther's approach. The throne is a symbol of power and judgment, and the king's presence there underscores the potential danger Esther faces. This imagery parallels the divine throne of God, where ultimate authority resides, as depicted inRevelation 4:2. in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance
The royal courtroom was a place of judgment and decision-making. The king facing the entrance signifies his readiness to address matters brought before him. Esther's approach to the king in this setting highlights the theme of divine providence and justice, as God orchestrates events for the deliverance of His people, similar to how He works through the courts of heaven for the ultimate good of His followers (Romans 8:28). Persons / Places / Events 1. EstherA Jewish queen of Persia, known for her bravery and wisdom. She is the central figure in this passage, preparing to approach the king uninvited, which was a risky act. 2. The King (Ahasuerus/Xerxes)The Persian king, Esther's husband, who holds the power of life and death over those who approach him without being summoned. 3. The Inner Court of the PalaceThe location where Esther stands, symbolizing her courage and the gravity of her mission. It is a place of significant risk, as approaching the king without invitation could lead to death. 4. Royal AttireRepresents Esther's preparation and respect for the king, as well as her understanding of the importance of her appearance in gaining favor. 5. The Third DayIndicates a period of fasting and preparation, reflecting Esther's reliance on God and the seriousness of her mission. Teaching Points Courage in FaithEsther's willingness to risk her life to save her people is a powerful example of faith and courage. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their convictions, even when facing great risks. Preparation and PrayerEsther's actions remind us of the importance of preparation and seeking God's guidance through prayer and fasting before undertaking significant tasks. Respect for AuthorityEsther's approach to the king with respect and proper attire highlights the importance of respecting authority and understanding the protocols in place. God's SovereigntyThe timing and circumstances of Esther's approach to the king demonstrate God's sovereignty and providence in orchestrating events for His purposes. Intercession for OthersEsther's actions serve as a model for interceding on behalf of others, showing the power of standing in the gap for those in need. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Esther 5:1?
2.How does Esther 5:1 demonstrate Esther's courage and faith in God?
3.What can we learn from Esther's approach to the king about prayer?
4.How does Esther 5:1 connect to Proverbs 21:1 about God's sovereignty?
5.In what ways can we prepare spiritually before facing difficult situations like Esther?
6.How does Esther's action in Esther 5:1 inspire you to trust God's timing?
7.Why did Esther risk her life by approaching the king uninvited in Esther 5:1?
8.How does Esther 5:1 demonstrate the theme of courage in the Bible?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Esther 5:1?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 5?
11.How do we reconcile the portrayal of lavish banquets in Esther 1 with other biblical condemnations of excess and opulence?
12.How did Esther save the Jews from Haman's plot?
13.Esther 7:4 – How credible is it that a royal decree ordering genocide could be issued and then so quickly reversed without any historical records corroborating it?
14.Esther 5:1 – How plausible is it that a Jewish foreigner could have risen to queen with no corroborating Persian records?What Does Esther 5:1 Mean On the third day• This is the third day of the fast Esther requested (Esther 4:16); she does not delay obedience. • Scripture often marks decisive deliverance on a “third day” (Jonah 1:17;Luke 24:46), underscoring God’s pattern of turning apparent defeat into victory. • The literal timing assures us that God works within real history, not myth or legend.
Esther put on her royal robes• She dresses as queen, accepting the public responsibility God has given her (Genesis 41:42 shows Joseph likewise vested with authority). • The robes symbolize dignity and honor—yet her true beauty is the courage born of faith (1 Peter 3:3-4). • Outward preparation complements inward dependence; she does everything she can, while trusting the Lord for the outcome.
Stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters• According to Persian law, entering this space uninvited risked death (Esther 4:11). Esther’s stance is bold yet respectful. • She chooses the exact location where she can be seen, illustrating faith coupled with strategic wisdom (Matthew 10:16). • Believers are called to stand where God places them, confident He orders the details (Psalm 37:23).
The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom• The scene highlights earthly power, butProverbs 21:1 reminds us that the king’s heart is in the Lord’s hand. • Thrones point to ultimate sovereignty;Psalm 47:8 declares God reigns over the nations, seated on His holy throne. • By noting Ahasuerus on his throne, the text sets up the contrast between limited human authority and God’s absolute rule.
Facing the entrance• The king’s orientation means Esther will be immediately noticed—no coincidence in God’s providence (Romans 8:28). •Psalm 33:13-15 pictures the Lord looking down on all mankind; similarly, the earthly king gazes outward, yet he is unwittingly part of the divine plan. • The detail assures us that God arranges even the direction a ruler faces to fulfill His purposes.
summaryEsther 5:1 records a precise, historical moment where faithful preparation meets divine providence. After three days of fasting, Esther robes herself as queen, courageously steps into the inner court, and comes under the king’s direct gaze. Every detail—timing, attire, location, and the king’s position—reveals God’s unseen hand guiding events for His people’s deliverance. V. (1)The third day.--That is, of the fast. (See above,Esther 4:16.) Royal apparel.--Literally,royalty. Verse 1. - On the third day. The third day from that on which Esther and Mordecai had communicated together through Hatach ( Esther 4:5-17). Esther put on her royal apparel. This is certainly the meaning, though the elliptical phrase used is uncommon. Esther, while she fasted, had worn some garb of woe; now she laid it aside, and appeared once more in all the splendour of her royal robes. She took up her position directly in front of the king's apartment, with the object of attracting his attention, and perhaps with the knowledge that he was upon his throne, whence he could not fail to see her. The king sat upon his royal throne, over against the gate. In a Persian pillared hall the place for the throne would be at the further end, midway between the side walls. The throne would be elevated on steps, and would command a view down the midmost avenue of columns to the main entrance, which would commonly occupy that position.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew On the thirdהַשְּׁלִישִׁ֗י(haš·šə·lî·šî)Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 7992:Third, feminine a, third, a third, a third-story cell)day,בַּיּ֣וֹם(bay·yō·wm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A dayEstherאֶסְתֵּר֙(’es·têr)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 635:Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israelput onוַתִּלְבַּ֤שׁ(wat·til·baš)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3847:Wrap around, to put on a, garment, clothe[her] royal [attire]מַלְכ֔וּת(mal·ḵūṯ)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4438:Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdomand stoodוַֽתַּעֲמֹ֞ד(wat·ta·‘ă·mōḏ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsin the innerהַפְּנִימִ֔ית(hap·pə·nî·mîṯ)Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 6442:Interiorcourtyardבַּחֲצַ֤ר(ba·ḥă·ṣar)Preposition-b | Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 2691:A yard, a hamletof the palaceבֵּית־(bêṯ-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A houseacross fromנֹ֖כַח(nō·ḵaḥ)Preposition
Strong's 5227:The front part, opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf ofthe king'sהַמֶּ֑לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingquarters.בֵּ֣ית(bêṯ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A houseThe kingוְ֠הַמֶּלֶךְ(wə·ham·me·leḵ)Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingwas sittingיוֹשֵׁ֞ב(yō·wō·šêḇ)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427:To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marryonעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsthis royalמַלְכוּתוֹ֙(mal·ḵū·ṯōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4438:Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdomthroneכִּסֵּ֤א(kis·sê)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3678:Seat of honor, thronein the royalהַמַּלְכ֔וּת(ham·mal·ḵūṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4438:Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdomcourtroom,בְּבֵ֣ית(bə·ḇêṯ)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A housefacingנֹ֖כַח(nō·ḵaḥ)Preposition
Strong's 5227:The front part, opposite, in front of, forward, in behalf oftheהַבָּֽיִת׃(hab·bā·yiṯ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1004:A houseentrance.פֶּ֥תַח(pe·ṯaḥ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 6607:An opening, door, entrance way
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OT History: Esther 5:1 Now it happened on the third day (Est Esth. Es) |
