New International Version“And that’s not all,” Haman added. “I’m the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave. And she has invited me along with the king tomorrow.
New Living TranslationThen Haman added, “And that’s not all! Queen Esther invited only me and the king himself to the banquet she prepared for us. And she has invited me to dine with her and the king again tomorrow!”
English Standard VersionThen Haman said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the feast she prepared. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king.
Berean Standard Bible“What is more,” Haman added, “Queen Esther invited no one but me to join the king at the banquet she prepared, and I am invited back tomorrow along with the king.
King James BibleHaman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.
New King James VersionMoreover Haman said, “Besides, Queen Esther invited no one but me to come in with the king to the banquet that she prepared; and tomorrow I am again invited by her, along with the king.
New American Standard BibleHaman also said, “Even Esther the queen let no one except me come with the king to the banquet which she had prepared; and tomorrow also I am invited by her with the king.
NASB 1995Haman also said, “Even Esther the queen let no one but me come with the king to the banquet which she had prepared; and tomorrow also I am invited by her with the king.
NASB 1977Haman also said, “Even Esther the queen let no one but me come with the king to the banquet which she had prepared; and tomorrow also I am invited by her with the king.
Legacy Standard BibleHaman also said, “Even Esther the queen let no one but me come with the king to the feast which she had prepared; and tomorrow also I am called to come to her with the king.
Amplified BibleHaman also said, “Even Queen Esther let no one but me come with the king to the banquet she had prepared; and tomorrow also I am invited by her [together] with the king.
Christian Standard Bible“What’s more,” Haman added, “Queen Esther invited no one but me to join the king at the banquet she had prepared. I am invited again tomorrow to join her with the king.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhat’s more,” Haman added, “Queen Esther invited no one but me to join the king at the banquet she had prepared. I am invited again tomorrow to join her with the king.
American Standard VersionHaman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to-morrow also am I invited by her together with the king.
Contemporary English VersionHaman added, "That's not all! Besides the king himself, I'm the only person Queen Esther invited for dinner. She has also invited the king and me to dinner tomorrow.
English Revised VersionHaman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and tomorrow also am I invited by her together with the king.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHaman went on to say, "What's more, Queen Esther allowed no one except me to come with the king to the dinner she had prepared. And again tomorrow I am her invited guest together with the king.
Good News Translation"What is more," Haman went on, "Queen Esther gave a banquet for no one but the king and me, and we are invited back tomorrow.
International Standard VersionThen Haman said, "Even Queen Esther brought no one except me with the king to the banquet that she held. Furthermore, I (along with the king) have also been invited by her tomorrow.
NET BibleHaman said, "Furthermore, Queen Esther invited only me to accompany the king to the banquet that she prepared! And also tomorrow I am invited along with the king.
New Heart English BibleHaman also said, "Yes, Esther the queen let no man come in with the king to the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and tomorrow I am also invited by her together with the king.
Webster's Bible TranslationHaman said moreover, Yes, Esther the queen let no man come in with the king to the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to-morrow I am invited to her also with the king. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“What is more,” Haman added, “Queen Esther invited no one but me to join the king at the banquet she prepared, and I am invited back tomorrow along with the king.
World English BibleHaman also said, “Yes, Esther the queen let no man come in with the king to the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and tomorrow I am also invited by her together with the king. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Haman says, “Indeed, Esther the queen brought none in with the king, to the feast that she made, except myself, and also for tomorrow I am called to her, with the king,
Young's Literal Translation And Haman saith, 'Yea, Esther the queen brought none in with the king, unto the feast that she made, except myself, and also for to-morrow I am called to her, with the king,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Haman will say also, Esther the queen caused none to come in with the king to the drinking which she made but me; and also to-morrow I am called to her with the king. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd after this he said: Queen Esther also hath invited no other to the banquet with the king, but me: and with her I am also to dine to morrow with the king:
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd after this, he said, “Also, queen Esther has called no one else to the feast with the king, except me. And I will be dining with the king again tomorrow.
New American Bible
“Moreover,” Haman added, “Queen Esther invited no one but me to come with the king to the banquet she prepared; again tomorrow I am to be her guest with the king.
New Revised Standard Version
Haman added, “Even Queen Esther let no one but myself come with the king to the banquet that she prepared. Tomorrow also I am invited by her, together with the king.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
Haman said moreover, Even Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king to the banquet that she had prepared but me; and to morrow I am invited by her together with the king.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Haman said: “And Esthir brought no man with the King except me, also tomorrow I am invited by her with the King.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
Haman said moreover: 'Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to-morrow also am I invited by her together with the king.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Aman said, The queen has called no one to the feast with the king but me, and I am invited to-morrow.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Haman's Plot Against Mordecai… 11Haman recounted to them his glorious wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored and promoted him over the other officials and servants. 12“What is more,”Hamanadded,“QueenEstherinvitednoonebutmeto jointhe kingatthe banquetshe prepared,and Iam invitedbacktomorrowalong withthe king.13Yet none of this satisfies me as long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”…
Cross References Esther 3:5-6When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage. / And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the notion of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes.
Esther 6:6-9Haman entered, and the king asked him, “What should be done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor?” Now Haman thought to himself, “Whom would the king be delighted to honor more than me?” / And Haman told the king, “For the man whom the king is delighted to honor, / have them bring a royal robe that the king himself has worn and a horse on which the king himself has ridden—one with a royal crest placed on its head. ...
Esther 7:5-10Then King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?” / Esther replied, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked man—Haman!” And Haman stood in terror before the king and queen. / In his fury, the king arose from drinking his wine and went to the palace garden, while Haman stayed behind to beg Queen Esther for his life, for he realized that the king was planning a terrible fate for him. ...
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.
Daniel 3:16-18Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. / If the God whom we serve exists, then He is able to deliver us from the blazing fiery furnace and from your hand, O king. / But even if He does not, let it be known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”
Daniel 6:4-5Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. / Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”
1 Samuel 18:7-9And as the women danced, they sang out: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his tens of thousands.” / And Saul was furious and resented this song. “They have ascribed tens of thousands to David,” he said, “but only thousands to me. What more can he have but the kingdom?” / And from that day forward Saul kept a jealous eye on David.
1 Kings 21:4So Ahab went to his palace, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had told him, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and refused to eat.
Proverbs 16:18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
Proverbs 27:2Let another praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips.
Proverbs 29:23A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
Luke 14:8-11“When you are invited to a wedding banquet, do not sit in the place of honor, in case someone more distinguished than you has been invited. / Then the host who invited both of you will come and tell you, ‘Give this man your seat.’ And in humiliation, you will have to take the last place. / But when you are invited, go and sit in the last place, so that your host will come and tell you, ‘Friend, move up to a better place.’ Then you will be honored in front of everyone at the table with you. ...
Matthew 23:5-7All their deeds are done for men to see. They broaden their phylacteries and lengthen their tassels. / They love the places of honor at banquets, the chief seats in the synagogues, / the greetings in the marketplaces, and the title of ‘Rabbi’ by which they are addressed.
Matthew 23:12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Mark 10:37-40They answered, “Grant that one of us may sit at Your right hand and the other at Your left in Your glory.” / “You do not know what you are asking,” Jesus replied. “Can you drink the cup I will drink, or be baptized with the baptism I will undergo?” / “We can,” the brothers answered. “You will drink the cup that I drink,” Jesus said, “and you will be baptized with the baptism that I undergo. ...
Treasury of Scripture Haman said moreover, Yes, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king to the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited to her also with the king. Yea, Esther. to-morrow. Job 8:12,13 Whilst itis yet in his greenness,and not cut down, it withereth before anyother herb… Job 20:5-8 That the triumphing of the wickedis short, and the joy of the hypocritebut for a moment? … Psalm 37:35,36 I have seen the wicked in great power, and spreading himself like a green bay tree… Jump to Previous AccompanyAddedBanquetEstherFeastFurtherGuestHamanI'mInvitedMoreoverMorrowPreparedQueenReadyThat'sTogetherTomorrowTo-MorrowJump to Next AccompanyAddedBanquetEstherFeastFurtherGuestHamanI'mInvitedMoreoverMorrowPreparedQueenReadyThat'sTogetherTomorrowTo-MorrowEsther 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.“What is more,” Haman added,Haman's statement reveals his pride and self-importance. In the context of the Persian Empire, where honor and status were highly valued, being singled out by the queen would have been seen as a significant personal achievement. This phrase highlights Haman's arrogance, a character flaw that ultimately leads to his downfall, reminiscent of Proverbs 16:18, "Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall." “Queen Esther invited no one but me”
This exclusivity emphasizes Esther's strategic planning. By inviting only Haman and the king, Esther creates a sense of intimacy and importance, which plays into Haman's ego. It also sets the stage for her to reveal her true intentions. The cultural context of Persian banquets, which were often political in nature, underscores the significance of her invitation. “to join the king at the banquet she prepared,”
Banquets in the ancient Near East were not merely social gatherings but were often used for political maneuvering and decision-making. Esther's preparation of the banquet indicates her active role in the unfolding events, contrasting with the passive role women were often expected to play. This reflects the providential theme of God using unexpected means and people to fulfill His purposes, as seen throughout the book of Esther. “and I am invited back tomorrow along with the king.”
The repeated invitation suggests Esther's careful and deliberate approach. By inviting Haman again, she ensures that he remains confident and unsuspecting, which is crucial for her plan to succeed. This mirrors the biblical theme of patience and timing, as seen inEcclesiastes 3:1, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens." Esther's actions can also be seen as a type of Christ, who often used wisdom and timing in His ministry to reveal truth and fulfill His mission. Persons / Places / Events 1. HamanA high-ranking official in the Persian Empire, known for his pride and hatred towards the Jews, particularly Mordecai. 2. Queen EstherA Jewish queen of Persia, known for her bravery and wisdom in saving her people from destruction. 3. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes)The Persian king, husband to Esther, who is unaware of Haman's plot against the Jews. 4. The BanquetA private event organized by Queen Esther, strategically planned to reveal Haman's plot to the king. 5. The Persian EmpireThe setting of the Book of Esther, a vast empire where the Jewish people lived in exile. Teaching Points The Danger of PrideHaman's pride blinds him to the reality of his situation. Pride can lead to a false sense of security and eventual downfall. God's Sovereignty and TimingEsther's invitation to Haman is part of a divine plan. Trust in God's perfect timing, even when circumstances seem dire. The Power of InfluenceEsther uses her position wisely to influence the king. Consider how God has placed you in specific situations to make a difference. Humility and WisdomEsther's approach contrasts with Haman's arrogance. Embrace humility and seek wisdom in dealing with challenges. The Importance of PatienceEsther's patience in revealing her request teaches us the value of waiting for the right moment to act. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Esther 5:12?
2.How does Haman's pride in Esther 5:12 reflect sinful human nature?
3.What can we learn about humility from Haman's attitude in Esther 5:12?
4.How does Proverbs 16:18 relate to Haman's boasting in Esther 5:12?
5.How can we guard against pride in our own lives today?
6.What steps can we take to seek God's approval over man's praise?
7.Why does Haman boast about his invitation to Esther's banquet in Esther 5:12?
8.What does Haman's pride in Esther 5:12 reveal about human nature?
9.How does Esther 5:12 illustrate the theme of pride before a fall?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 5?
11.Esther 5 - Why does this chapter, like the rest of the book, omit any direct mention of God, leaving room for skepticism about its religious significance?
12.Could Queen Vashti's refusal (Esther 1:12) and subsequent banishment be supported by Persian royal court records or historical precedents?
13.Esther 7:7 - Why would King Ahasuerus suddenly abandon the feast in anger without prior indications of Haman's treachery in earlier records of Persian court life?
14.Where is God's presence in the Book of Esther?What Does Esther 5:12 Mean What is more,Haman opens with a flourish, signaling that what follows is, in his mind, the crowning evidence of his rising glory. Pride loves a platform, and every added detail feeds the ego (cf.Proverbs 27:2, “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth”). By beginning with “What is more,” Haman piles honor upon honor, blind to how the Lord “brings low those whose eyes are haughty” (Job 40:12).
Haman addedThe narrator highlights that these are Haman’s own words, exposing his heart (Luke 6:45). Just as Nebuchadnezzar once paraded his achievements (Daniel 4:30), Haman cannot resist recounting each perceived triumph. Scripture consistently warns that self-exaltation invites divine humbling (1 Peter 5:5).
Queen Esther invited no one but meHaman’s boast centers on exclusivity. Being singled out by the queen seems to confirm his significance, yet it also intensifies his coming fall, echoingProverbs 16:18: “Pride goes before destruction.” Esther’s secrecy is God’s strategy; Haman interprets it as flattery. The Lord is quietly overturning the wicked (Psalm 146:9).
to join the king at the banquet she prepared,In Persian culture, a royal banquet signified high favor. Haman assumes he is indispensable, butProverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases.” Esther, under God’s guidance, has staged a setting where Haman will condemn himself with his own words.
and I am invited back tomorrowHaman’s confidence stretches into the future: more honor is on the way. YetJames 4:13-16 warns against boasting about tomorrow, “For you are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” Haman sees an unbroken chain of success; heaven sees the last link.
along with the king.Sharing the king’s company places Haman at the apex of Persian society—or so he thinks. The irony is thick: Haman plots the annihilation of God’s people while sitting beside the earthly king, butPsalm 2:2-4 shows that earthly rulers who oppose the Lord’s purposes provoke His laughter. Haman’s intimacy with King Ahasuerus cannot shield him from the sovereignty of the King of kings.
summaryEsther 5:12 records a climactic moment of self-congratulation. Each phrase exposes Haman’s swelling pride and misplaced security, even as God invisibly orchestrates deliverance for His people. The verse is a vivid reminder that human honor, exclusivity, and tomorrow’s expectations crumble when they rest on arrogance. True safety lies not in feasting with kings but in humbling oneself before the One who “gives grace to the humble” (1 Peter 5:5).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew “What is more,”אַ֣ף(’ap̄)Conjunction
Strong's 637:Meaning accession, yea, adversatively thoughHamanהָמָן֒(hā·mān)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2001:Haman -- to rage, be turbulentadded,וַיֹּאמֶר֮(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, say“Queenהַמַּלְכָּ֧ה(ham·mal·kāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4436:Queen -- a queenEstherאֶסְתֵּ֨ר(’es·têr)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 635:Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israelinvitedהֵבִיאָה֩(hê·ḇî·’āh)Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gonoלֹא־(lō-)Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808:Not, nooneכִּ֣י(kî)Conjunction
Strong's 3588:A relative conjunctionbutאִם־(’im-)Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notmeאוֹתִ֑י(’ō·w·ṯî)Direct object marker | first person common singular
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative caseto joinעִם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withthe kingהַמֶּ֛לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingatאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe banquetהַמִּשְׁתֶּ֥ה(ham·miš·teh)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4960:Drink, drinking, a banquet, feastshe prepared,עָשָׂ֖תָה(‘ā·śā·ṯāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, makeand Iאֲנִ֥י(’ă·nî)Pronoun - first person common singular
Strong's 589:Iam invitedקָֽרוּא־(qā·rū-)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readbackוְגַם־(wə·ḡam-)Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, andtomorrowלְמָחָ֛ר(lə·mā·ḥār)Preposition-l | Adverb
Strong's 4279:Deferred, the morrow, tomorrow, hereafteralong withעִם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withthe king.הַמֶּֽלֶךְ׃(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A king
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OT History: Esther 5:12 Haman also said Yes Esther the queen (Est Esth. Es) |
