New International VersionAfterward Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief,
New Living TranslationAfterward Mordecai returned to the palace gate, but Haman hurried home dejected and completely humiliated.
English Standard VersionThen Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered.
Berean Standard BibleThen Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief.
King James BibleAnd Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered.
New King James VersionAfterward Mordecai went back to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered.
New American Standard BibleThen Mordecai returned to the king’s gate, while Haman hurried home, mourning, with his head covered.
NASB 1995Then Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried home, mourning, with his head covered.
NASB 1977Then Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried home, mourning, with his head covered.
Legacy Standard BibleThen Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman hastened home, mourning, with his head covered.
Amplified BibleThen Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman hurried to his [own] house, mourning and with his head covered [in sorrow].
Christian Standard BibleThen Mordecai returned to the King’s Gate, but Haman hurried off for home, mournful and with his head covered.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThen Mordecai returned to the King’s Gate, but Haman, overwhelmed, hurried off for home with his head covered.
American Standard VersionAnd Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house, mourning and having his head covered.
Contemporary English VersionAfterwards, Mordecai returned to his duties in the king's palace, and Haman hurried home, hiding his face in shame.
English Revised VersionAnd Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house, mourning and having his head covered.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationAfter that, Mordecai returned to the king's gate, but Haman hurried home. He was in despair and covered his head.
Good News TranslationMordecai then went back to the palace entrance while Haman hurried home, covering his face in embarrassment.
International Standard VersionThen Mordecai returned to the king's gate, while Haman hurried to his house, mourning and hiding his face.
NET BibleThen Mordecai again sat at the king's gate, while Haman hurried away to his home, mournful and with a veil over his head.
New Heart English BibleMordecai came back to the King's Gate, but Haman hurried to his house, mourning and having his head covered.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house mourning, and having his head covered. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen Mordecai returned to the king’s gate. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief.
World English BibleMordecai came back to the king’s gate, but Haman hurried to his house, mourning and having his head covered. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Mordecai turns back to the gate of the king, and Haman has been hurried to his house mourning, and with covered head,
Young's Literal Translation And Mordecai turneth back unto the gate of the king, and Haman hath been hastened unto his house mourning, and with covered head,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Mordecai will turn back to the king's gate. And Haman hastened to his house, and the head covered. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleBut Mardochai returned to the palace gate: and Aman made haste to go to his house, mourning and having his head covered:
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd Mordecai returned to the palace door. And Haman hurried to go to his house, mourning and hiding his head.
New American Bible
Mordecai then returned to the royal gate, while Haman hurried home grieving, with his head covered.
New Revised Standard Version
Then Mordecai returned to the king’s gate, but Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman went to his house mourning and having his head covered.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Murdacai came to the gate of the King, and Haman went to his house wailing and covering his head.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
And Mordecai returned to the king's gate. But Haman hasted to his house, mourning and having his head covered.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
And Mardochaeus returned to the palace: but Aman went home mourning, and having his head covered.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Mordecai is Honored… 11So Haman took the robe and the horse, arrayed Mordecai, and paraded him through the city square, crying out before him, “This is what is done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor!” 12Then Mordecaireturnedtothe king’sgate.But Hamanrushedhome,with his headcoveredin grief.13Haman told his wife Zeresh and all his friends everything that had happened. His advisers and his wife Zeresh said to him, “Since Mordecai, before whom your downfall has begun, is Jewish, you will not prevail against him—for surely you will fall before him.”…
Cross References Proverbs 16:18Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.
James 4:6But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
1 Peter 5:5Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
Proverbs 11:2When pride comes, disgrace follows, but with humility comes wisdom.
Luke 14:11For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Matthew 23:12For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.
Proverbs 29:23A man’s pride will bring him low, but a humble spirit will obtain honor.
Isaiah 2:11The proud look of man will be humbled, and the loftiness of men brought low; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day.
Isaiah 2:17So the pride of man will be brought low, and the loftiness of men will be humbled; the LORD alone will be exalted in that day,
Daniel 4:37Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and exalt and glorify the King of heaven, for all His works are true and all His ways are just. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride.
Obadiah 1:3-4The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks whose habitation is the heights, who say in your heart, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ / Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD.
1 Samuel 2:3Do not boast so proudly, or let arrogance come from your mouth, for the LORD is a God who knows, and by Him actions are weighed.
1 Samuel 2:7The LORD sends poverty and wealth; He humbles and He exalts.
Psalm 75:6-7For exaltation comes neither from east nor west, nor out of the desert, / but it is God who judges; He brings down one and exalts another.
Job 40:11-12Unleash the fury of your wrath; look on every proud man and bring him low. / Look on every proud man and humble him; trample the wicked where they stand.
Treasury of Scripture And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. But Haman hurried to his house mourning, and having his head covered. came again. Esther 2:19 And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate. 1 Samuel 3:15 And Samuel lay until the morning, and opened the doors of the house of the LORD. And Samuel feared to shew Eli the vision. Psalm 131:1,2 A Song of degrees of David. LORD, my heart is not haughty, nor mine eyes lofty: neither do I exercise myself in great matters, or in things too high for me… hasted to his house. 2 Samuel 17:23 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddledhis ass, and arose, and gat him home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order, and hanged himself, and died, and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. 1 Kings 20:43 And the king of Israel went to his house heavy and displeased, and came to Samaria. 1 Kings 21:4 And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him: for he had said, I will not give thee the inheritance of my fathers. And he laid him down upon his bed, and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. having. Esther 7:8 Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Estherwas. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face. 2 Samuel 15:30 And David went up by the ascent ofmount Olivet, and wept as he went up, and had his head covered, and he went barefoot: and all the people thatwas with him covered every man his head, and they went up, weeping as they went up. Job 9:24 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked: he covereth the faces of the judges thereof; if not, where,and whois he? Jump to Previous AfterwardCoveredDoorwayGateGriefHamanHastedHastenedHeadHomeHouseHurriedKing'sMordecaiMor'decaiMourningQuicklyRushedSadTurnethJump to Next AfterwardCoveredDoorwayGateGriefHamanHastedHastenedHeadHomeHouseHurriedKing'sMordecaiMor'decaiMourningQuicklyRushedSadTurnethEsther 6 1.Xerxes, reading of the good service done by Mordecai, takes care for his reward.4.Haman, coming to ask that Mordecai might be hanged,10.gives counsel that he might do him honor.12.Complaining of this, his friends tell him of his final destiny.Then Mordecai returned to the king’s gate.Mordecai's return to the king's gate signifies his humility and dedication to his duties. The king's gate was a place of official business and judgment, indicating Mordecai's role as a government official. This location is significant throughout the Book of Esther, as it is where Mordecai first learned of the plot against the Jews ( Esther 2:19-23). His return here after being honored by the king underscores his character, contrasting with Haman's pride. The king's gate also symbolizes a place of influence and decision-making, highlighting Mordecai's growing importance in the Persian Empire. But Haman rushed home, with his head covered in grief.
Haman's reaction of rushing home with his head covered is a sign of deep shame and mourning. In ancient Near Eastern culture, covering one's head was a common expression of distress or humiliation (2 Samuel 15:30). This moment marks a turning point in Haman's fortunes, as his plans to destroy Mordecai and the Jews begin to unravel. The contrast between Haman's earlier pride and his current disgrace is stark, illustrating the biblical theme of the downfall of the proud (Proverbs 16:18). Haman's grief foreshadows his impending doom and serves as a reminder of the consequences of opposing God's people. Persons / Places / Events 1. MordecaiA Jew living in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire, who had previously saved King Xerxes from an assassination plot. He is a central figure in the Book of Esther, known for his faithfulness and integrity. 2. HamanAn Agagite and high-ranking official in the Persian Empire, who harbored a deep hatred for Mordecai and sought to destroy all the Jews in the empire. 3. King’s GateThe place where Mordecai often sat, symbolizing his position and vigilance. It was a place of business and legal matters in the Persian Empire. 4. SusaThe capital city of the Persian Empire, where the events of the Book of Esther take place. 5. GriefHaman's emotional state after being forced to honor Mordecai, whom he despised. His covering of the head is a sign of mourning and humiliation. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty and TimingGod's hand is evident in the timing of events. Mordecai's honor comes at a pivotal moment, reminding us that God is in control and His timing is perfect. The Reversal of FortunesThe account of Haman and Mordecai illustrates how God can reverse situations, turning intended harm into good for His people. Humility vs. PrideMordecai's humility is contrasted with Haman's pride. Believers are called to walk humbly before God, trusting Him to lift them up in due time. Faithfulness in Daily LifeMordecai's return to the king's gate after being honored shows his commitment to his duties. We are encouraged to remain faithful in our daily responsibilities, regardless of recognition. The Consequences of HatredHaman's hatred leads to his downfall. This serves as a warning against harboring bitterness and resentment, which can destroy us from within. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Esther 6:12?
2.How does Haman's downfall in Esther 6:12 illustrate the consequences of pride?
3.What can we learn about humility from Mordecai's actions in Esther 6:12?
4.How does Esther 6:12 connect to Proverbs 16:18 about pride and destruction?
5.How can we apply Mordecai's example of patience and faithfulness in our lives?
6.What does Haman's reaction in Esther 6:12 teach about handling personal humiliation?
7.Why did Haman's downfall begin after Mordecai returned to the king's gate in Esther 6:12?
8.How does Esther 6:12 illustrate the theme of divine justice and reversal of fortunes?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Esther 6:12?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 6?
11.How can modern readers reconcile Esther 6's miraculous timing and outcomes with skepticism about divine intervention and the absence of God in the book?
12.Where is God's presence in the Book of Esther?
13.Esther 6:3-4--Could it be just a coincidence that the king had insomnia precisely when Mordecai's loyalty was mentioned, or does this suggest a legendary or embellished tale?
14.How did Esther save the Jews from Haman's plot?What Does Esther 6:12 Mean Mordecai’s Return to the King’s GateAfter being honored by the king (Esther 6:10-11), “Then Mordecai returned to the king’s gate” (Esther 6:12a). • He resumes the same post mentioned inEsther 2:19-21 and 4:2, showing humility rather than self-celebration (Proverbs 27:2). • Everyday faithfulness is where God’s providence often unfolds (Luke 16:10;Colossians 3:23-24).
Steadfastness in Daily DutyMordecai illustrates: • Humility—waiting for God to lift him up (1 Peter 5:6). • Perseverance—serving though danger still looms (Esther 5:14). • Trust—letting the Lord secure his future (Psalm 37:5-6;1 Corinthians 15:58).
Haman’s Humiliating Flight HomeIn stark contrast, “But Haman rushed home” (Esther 6:12b). • Pride collapses in an instant (Proverbs 16:18). • His frantic exit resembles Saul’s retreat (1 Samuel 15:30) and foreshadows Judas slipping into the night (John 13:30). •Psalm 75:7 affirms God alone “brings down one and exalts another.”
Head Covered in GriefHaman’s covered head signals mourning and disgrace (2 Samuel 15:30;Jeremiah 14:3-4). • The trap he set for Mordecai now ensnares him (Psalm 7:15-16). •Isaiah 61:3 anticipates the coming exchange: Mordecai will wear honor while Haman wears shame.
Divine Reversal UnfoldingEst 6 showcases meticulous providence—king’s insomnia (Esther 6:1), the chronicle’s record, Haman’s timing (Esther 6:4). • God exalts the humble (James 4:6) and frustrates the proud (Psalm 33:10-11). • All things work together for His people’s good (Romans 8:28).
Application for Us• Serve faithfully in the “gate” God assigns. • Seek God’s approval, not applause. • Trust His perfect timing for justice and reversal.
summaryEsther 6:12 contrasts humble Mordecai quietly returning to duty with proud Haman fleeing in shame. God exalts the faithful and brings down the arrogant, assuring believers that steadfast obedience in ordinary places positions them for His extraordinary reversals. (12) Mordecai came again to the king's gate.--He had received his reward, and to the Eastern, who sees continually the Vizier and the poor man exchange places, there would be nothing startling in this resumption of the former humble post. His head covered.--In token of mourning. Verse 12. - And Mordecai came again to the king's gate. Returned, i.e., to his former condition and employment. The high honour done him was regarded as sufficient reward. Having his head covered. Like David when he fled from Absalom ( 2 Samuel 15:30; comp. Psalm 44:15).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then Mordecaiמָרְדֳּכַ֖י(mā·rə·do·ḵay)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4782:Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Estherreturnedוַיָּ֥שָׁב(way·yā·šāḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againtoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe King’sהַמֶּ֑לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingGate.שַׁ֣עַר(ša·‘ar)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8179:An opening, door, gateBut Hamanוְהָמָן֙(wə·hā·mān)Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2001:Haman -- to rage, be turbulentrushedנִדְחַ֣ף(niḏ·ḥap̄)Verb - Nifal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1765:To drive, hastenhome,בֵּית֔וֹ(bê·ṯōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1004:A housewith his headרֹֽאשׁ׃(rōš)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 7218:The headcoveredוַחֲפ֥וּי(wa·ḥă·p̄ui)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2645:To cover, to veil, to encase, protectin grief.אָבֵ֖ל(’ā·ḇêl)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 57:Lamenting
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OT History: Esther 6:12 Mordecai came back to the king's gate (Est Esth. Es) |
