New International Versionand as they were drinking wine on the second day, the king again asked, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted.”
New Living TranslationOn this second occasion, while they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, “Tell me what you want, Queen Esther. What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!”
English Standard VersionAnd on the second day, as they were drinking wine after the feast, the king again said to Esther, “What is your wish, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.”
Berean Standard Bibleand as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.”
King James BibleAnd the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom.
New King James VersionAnd on the second day, at the banquet of wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!”
New American Standard BibleAnd the king said to Esther on the second day also as they drank their wine at the banquet, “What is your request, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your wish? Up to half of the kingdom it shall be done.”
NASB 1995And the king said to Esther on the second day also as they drank their wine at the banquet, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it shall be done.”
NASB 1977And the king said to Esther on the second day also as they drank their wine at the banquet, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it shall be done.”
Legacy Standard BibleAnd the king said to Esther on the second day also as they drank their wine at the feast, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be given you. And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it shall be done.”
Amplified BibleAnd the king said to Esther on the second day also as they drank their wine, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted to you. And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom, it shall be done.”
Christian Standard BibleOnce again, on the second day while drinking wine, the king asked Esther, “Queen Esther, whatever you ask will be given to you. Whatever you seek, even to half the kingdom, will be done.”
Holman Christian Standard BibleOnce again, on the second day while drinking wine, the king asked Esther, “Queen Esther, whatever you ask will be given to you. Whatever you seek, even to half the kingdom, will be done.”
American Standard VersionAnd the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
Contemporary English Versionand drinking wine during the second dinner, when the king again said, "Esther, what can I do for you? Just ask, and I will give you as much as half of my kingdom!"
English Revised VersionAnd the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall he granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationOn the second day, while they were drinking wine, the king asked Esther, "What is your request, Queen Esther? It will be granted to you. And what would you like? Even if it is up to half of the kingdom, it will be granted."
Good News Translationfor a second time. Over the wine the king asked her again, "Now, Queen Esther, what do you want? Tell me and you shall have it. I'll even give you half the empire."
International Standard VersionOn the second day the king again told Esther as they drank wine, "What's your petition, Queen Esther? It will be given to you. What's your request? Up to half of the kingdom, and it will be done."
NET BibleOn the second day of the banquet of wine the king asked Esther, "What is your request, Queen Esther? It shall be granted to you. And what is your petition? Ask up to half the kingdom, and it shall be done!"
New Heart English BibleThe king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, "What is your petition, queen Esther? It shall be granted you. What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed."
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd the king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bibleand as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.”
World English BibleThe king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, “What is your petition, queen Esther? It shall be granted you. What is your request? Even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.” Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand the king says to Esther also on the second day, during the banquet of wine, “What [is] your petition, Esther, O queen? And it is given to you; and what [is] your request? To the half of the kingdom—and it is done.”
Young's Literal Translation and the king saith to Esther also on the second day, during the banquet of wine, 'What is thy petition, Esther, O queen? and it is given to thee; and what thy request? unto the half of the kingdom -- and it is done.'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the king will say to Esther also in the second day at the drinking of wine, What thy asking, queen Esther? and it shall be given to thee: and what thy seeking? even to the half of the kingdom and it shall be done. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king said to her again the second day, after he was warm with wine: What is thy petition, Esther, that it may be granted thee? and what wilt thou have done: although thou ask the half of my kingdom, thou shalt have it.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd the king said to her again on the second day, after he was warmed with wine, “What is your request, Esther, so that it may be given to you? And what do you want done? Even if you ask for half of my kingdom, you will obtain it.”
New American Bible
Again, on this second day, as they were drinking wine, the king said to Esther, “Whatever you ask, Queen Esther, shall be granted you. Whatever request you make, even for half the kingdom, shall be honored.”
New Revised Standard Version
On the second day, as they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.”Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
And the king said again to Esther on the second day of the banquet of wine, What is your petition and what is your request? It shall be granted you, even to the half of the kingdom.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King said to Esthir also on that day of the banquet of wine: “What is your request and your supplication? Unto the half of my kingdom, it shall be done for you!”OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine: 'Whatever thy petition, queen Esther, it shall be granted thee; and whatever thy request, even to the half of the kingdom, it shall be performed.'
Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king said to Esther at the banquet on the second day, What is it, queen Esther? and whatis thy request, and whatis thy petition? and it shall bedone for thee, to the half of my kingdom.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Esther Pleads for Her People1So the king and Haman went to dine with Esther the queen, 2and as they dranktheir wineon that secondday,the kingaskedonce more,“QueenEsther,what isyour petition?It will be givento you.What isyour request?Even up tohalfthe kingdom,it will be fulfilled.”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.…
Cross References Esther 5:3“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.”
Esther 5:6And as they drank their wine, the king said to Esther, “What is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.”
Esther 9:12who said to Queen Esther, “In the citadel of Susa the Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men, including Haman’s ten sons. What have they done in the rest of the royal provinces? Now what is your petition? It will be given to you. And what further do you request? It will be fulfilled.”
Esther 8:5“If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces.
Esther 9:13Esther replied, “If it pleases the king, may the Jews in Susa also have tomorrow to carry out today’s edict, and may the bodies of Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.”
Esther 2:18Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and servants. He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty.
Esther 4:11“All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the gold scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.”
Esther 6:14While they were still speaking with Haman, the king’s eunuchs arrived and rushed him to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
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.
Matthew 7:7Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.
Mark 6:23And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!”
John 14:13-14And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. / If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it.
John 15:7If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.
John 16:23-24In that day you will no longer ask Me anything. Truly, truly, I tell you, whatever you ask the Father in My name, He will give you. / Until now you have not asked for anything in My name. Ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.
Treasury of Scripture And the king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is your petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted you: and what is your request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom. the king said. Esther 5:6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, Whatis thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and whatis thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed. John 16:24 Hitherto have ye asked nothing in my name: ask, and ye shall receive, that your joy may be full. Jump to Previous BanquetDrankDrinkingEstherFulfilledGrantedHalfKingdomPerformedPetitionPrayerQueenRequestSecondWhateverWineJump to Next BanquetDrankDrinkingEstherFulfilledGrantedHalfKingdomPerformedPetitionPrayerQueenRequestSecondWhateverWineEsther 7 1.Esther, entertaining the king and Haman, pleads for her own life, and her people's.5.She accuses Haman.7.The king in his anger, understanding of the gallows Haman had made for Mordecai,10.causes Haman to be hanged thereon.and as they drank their wine on that second dayThis phrase indicates the continuation of a banquet, a common setting for royal decisions in the Persian Empire. Banquets were significant in Persian culture, often used for political and social purposes. The "second day" suggests a period of deliberation and anticipation, highlighting the gravity of Esther's request. This setting is reminiscent of other biblical feasts where significant events unfold, such as the Last Supper in the New Testament. the king asked once more
The repetition of the king's question underscores his genuine interest and willingness to grant Esther's request. It reflects the king's favor towards Esther, which is crucial given the hierarchical and patriarchal nature of Persian society. This persistence also mirrors the biblical theme of persistence in prayer and petition, as seen in the parable of the persistent widow inLuke 18:1-8. “Queen Esther, what is your petition?
Addressing her as "Queen Esther" acknowledges her royal status and the respect she commands. Esther's position as queen is pivotal, as it provides her the platform to intercede for her people. This mirrors the intercessory role of Christ, who advocates on behalf of humanity before God, as seen inHebrews 7:25. It will be given to you.
The king's assurance reflects the absolute power he holds and his readiness to exercise it in Esther's favor. This promise of fulfillment echoes God's promises to His people throughout Scripture, where faith and obedience lead to divine provision and intervention, as seen inPhilippians 4:19. What is your request?
The king's inquiry invites Esther to speak boldly, highlighting the importance of timing and wisdom in making requests. This moment parallels the biblical principle of approaching God with confidence, as encouraged inHebrews 4:16, where believers are urged to come boldly to the throne of grace. Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.”
This hyperbolic expression was a common royal idiom, indicating generosity and willingness to grant significant requests. It underscores the king's favor and the potential impact of Esther's petition. This phrase can be seen as a type of Christ's kingdom, where believers are co-heirs with Christ, as stated inRomans 8:17, sharing in the riches of His grace and glory. Persons / Places / Events 1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)The Persian king who is hosting the banquet. He is known for his wealth and power, and his willingness to grant Esther's request shows his favor towards her. 2. Queen EstherA Jewish queen of Persia, who is strategically using her position to save her people. Her courage and wisdom are central to the account. 3. The BanquetThis is the second banquet Esther has prepared for the king and Haman. It is a setting of both celebration and tension, as Esther plans to reveal Haman's plot. 4. HamanAlthough not mentioned in this specific verse, he is present at the banquet. He is the antagonist who has plotted against the Jews, and his fate is about to be sealed. 5. The Persian EmpireThe setting of the account, representing a vast and diverse kingdom where the events unfold. Teaching Points The Power of InfluenceEsther's position as queen gives her a unique opportunity to influence the king. We should recognize and use our own positions and opportunities to advocate for justice and righteousness. Courage in the Face of DangerEsther's willingness to risk her life for her people is a powerful example of courage. We are called to stand up for what is right, even when it is risky. God's Sovereignty and TimingThe timing of Esther's request is crucial. We should trust in God's perfect timing and be patient as we wait for His plans to unfold. The Importance of PreparationEsther's careful preparation of the banquets shows the importance of planning and wisdom in achieving our goals. We should seek God's guidance in our preparations. The Role of Prayer and FastingAlthough not mentioned in this verse, Esther's earlier call for prayer and fasting ( Esther 4:16) underscores the importance of seeking God's help in times of need. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Esther 7:2?
2.How does Esther 7:2 demonstrate God's providence in Esther's bold request to the king?
3.What can we learn from Esther's courage in approaching the king with her plea?
4.How does Esther 7:2 connect with God's promises in Romans 8:28?
5.In what ways can we apply Esther's example of faith in our challenges?
6.How does the king's offer in Esther 7:2 reflect God's generosity to us?
7.What does Esther 7:2 reveal about God's providence in human affairs?
8.How does Esther 7:2 demonstrate the theme of justice in the Bible?
9.Why is Esther's request significant in the context of Esther 7:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 7?
11.What promises define the Davidic Covenant?
12.Do 2 Kings 13:7's figures of 50 horsemen and 10 chariots conflict with known military realities, or is there supporting archaeological evidence?
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.Hosea 8:7: Is the prophecy about reaping the whirlwind hyperbole, or did Israel actually face proportional devastation?What Does Esther 7:2 Mean As they drank their wine on that second dayEsther’s second banquet signals a deliberate pause in God’s unfolding plan (Esther 5:8; 7:1). The scene is relaxed—wine is flowing, defenses are low, and hearts are exposed. Scripture often shows meals as moments when pivotal decisions surface (Genesis 43:34;Luke 22:14-20). Here, the Spirit has arranged perfect timing: Haman’s pride has peaked, the king’s curiosity has ripened, and Esther’s courage is fully formed (Proverbs 16:9).
The king asked once moreXerxes had already offered Esther anything she desired at the first banquet (Esther 5:3). His repeated question underscores urgency and divine persistence—God moves even pagan rulers to keep the door open (Nehemiah 2:4-6;Proverbs 21:1). When a matter is repeated in Scripture, the Lord is emphasizing its certainty (Genesis 41:32). The king’s question sets the stage for Esther’s long-delayed disclosure: evil must be unmasked, and God ensures the opportunity will not slip away.
“Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you.”The term “petition” points to personal need. Providence has forged Esther’s identity—she is no longer an orphan in exile but “Queen,” positioned “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). The king’s pledge sounds absolute, yet behind it stands the Sovereign who truly guarantees results (1 Samuel 1:17;Philippians 4:6-7). Notice the immediate assurance: “It will be given to you.” In Christ we have an even greater confidence when we approach the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16;1 John 5:14-15).
“What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.”Ancient monarchs used this hyperbole to express lavish generosity (Mark 6:23). Xerxes rules 127 provinces (Esther 1:1), yet he freely offers half—a picture of God’s willingness to “do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). Still, the Lord restrains human authority; the real kingdom remains His alone (Psalm 24:1;Daniel 4:34-35). Esther seeks not personal gain but salvation for her people, foreshadowing Christ’s own selfless intercession (John 17:9-11).
Application for today• God orchestrates timing: delays may position us for decisive impact. • Bold, respectful persistence can open doors even in hostile environments. • Our identity in Christ emboldens our petitions; we ask for kingdom purposes, not selfish ambitions (James 4:3). • Earthly power is limited, but God’s authority is boundless; trust Him above all human promises (Psalm 146:3-6).
summaryEsther 7:2 captures the climactic moment God has prepared: in a relaxed banquet setting, Xerxes is divinely prompted to press Esther again, guaranteeing her safety and pledging extravagant favor. Esther’s royal identity, the king’s repeated invitation, and the generous “half the kingdom” offer all converge to reveal God’s unseen hand, urging His people to trust His timing, speak with courage, and seek deliverance that magnifies His glory. VII. (2)What is thy petition?--The king takes for granted that Esther's invitations to her banquets do not constitute her real request, but merely prepare the way for it. Verse 2. - And the king said again. Esther had promised to let her real request be known at this banquet ( Esther 5:8). The king therefore once more gives her the opportunity. On the second day. On the second occasion of being entertained by Esther.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew and as they drankבְּמִשְׁתֵּ֣ה(bə·miš·têh)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4960:Drink, drinking, a banquet, feasttheir wineהַיַּ֔יִן(hay·ya·yin)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3196:Wine, intoxicationon the secondהַשֵּׁנִי֙(haš·šê·nî)Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 8145:Second (an ordinal number)day,בַּיּ֤וֹם(bay·yō·wm)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A daythe kingהַמֶּ֨לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingaskedוַיֹּאמֶר֩(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayonce more,גַּ֣ם(gam)Conjunction
Strong's 1571:Assemblage, also, even, yea, though, both, and“Queenהַמַּלְכָּ֖ה(ham·mal·kāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4436:Queen -- a queenEsther,אֶסְתֵּ֥ר(’es·têr)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 635:Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israelwhat [is]מַה־(mah-)Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whatyour petition?שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֛ךְ(šə·’ê·lā·ṯêḵ)Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 7596:Request, thing asked forIt will be givenוְתִנָּ֣תֵֽן(wə·ṯin·nā·ṯên)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setto you.לָ֑ךְ(lāḵ)Preposition | second person feminine singular
Strong's HebrewWhat [is]וּמַה־(ū·mah-)Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4100:What?, what!, indefinitely whatyour request?בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ(baq·qā·šā·ṯêḵ)Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular
Strong's 1246:Request, entreatyEven up toעַד־(‘aḏ-)Preposition
Strong's 5704:As far as, even to, up to, until, whilehalfחֲצִ֥י(ḥă·ṣî)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2677:The half, middlethe kingdom,הַמַּלְכ֖וּת(ham·mal·ḵūṯ)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4438:Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdomit will be fulfilled.”וְתֵעָֽשׂ׃(wə·ṯê·‘āś)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect Jussive - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6213:To do, make
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OT History: Esther 7:2 The king said again to Esther (Est Esth. Es) |
