New International VersionThen Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, grant me my life—this is my petition. And spare my people—this is my request.
New Living TranslationQueen Esther replied, “If I have found favor with the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my request, I ask that my life and the lives of my people will be spared.
English Standard VersionThen Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request.
Berean Standard BibleQueen 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.
King James BibleThen Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
New King James VersionThen Queen Esther answered and said, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.
New American Standard BibleThen Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me as my request, and my people as my wish;
NASB 1995Then Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me as my petition, and my people as my request;
NASB 1977Then Queen Esther answered and said, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me as my petition, and my people as my request;
Legacy Standard BibleThen Queen Esther answered and said, “If I have found favor in your eyes, O king, and if it seems good to the king, let my life be given to me as my petition, and my people as my request;
Amplified BibleThen Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be spared as my petition, and my people [be spared] as my request;
Christian Standard BibleQueen Esther answered, “If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if the king is pleased, spare my life; this is my request. And spare my people; this is my desire.
Holman Christian Standard BibleQueen Esther answered, “If I have obtained your approval, my king, and if the king is pleased, spare my life—this is my request; and spare my people—this is my desire.
American Standard VersionThen Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
Contemporary English VersionEsther answered, "Your Majesty, if you really care for me and are willing to help, you can save me and my people. That's what I really want,
English Revised VersionThen Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request:
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen Queen Esther answered, "If I have found favor with you, Your Majesty, and if it pleases you, Your Majesty, spare my life. That is my request. And spare the life of my people. That is what I ask for.
Good News TranslationQueen Esther answered, "If it please Your Majesty to grant my humble request, my wish is that I may live and that my people may live.
International Standard VersionQueen Esther answered: "If I've found favor with you, your majesty, and if it seems good to the king, let my life be given to me as my petition and my people as my request.
NET BibleQueen Esther replied, "If I have met with your approval, O king, and if the king is so inclined, grant me my life as my request, and my people as my petition.
New Heart English BibleThen Esther the queen answered, "If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.
Webster's Bible TranslationThen Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in thy sight, O king, and if it shall please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleQueen 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.
World English BibleThen Esther the queen answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Esther the queen answers and says, “If I have found grace in your eyes, O king, and if to the king [it be] good, let my life be given to me at my petition, and my people at my request;
Young's Literal Translation And Esther the queen answereth and saith, 'If I have found grace in thine eyes, O king, and if to the king it be good, let my life be given to me at my petition, and my people at my request;
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd Esther the queen will answer and say, If I found grace in thine eyes, O king, and if good to the king, my soul shall be given to me in my asking, and my people in my seeking. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleThen she answered: If I have found Favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please thee, give me my life for which I ask, and my people for which I request.
Catholic Public Domain VersionShe answered him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, O king, and if it pleases you, spare my soul, I ask you, and spare my people, I beg you.
New American Bible
Queen Esther replied: “If I have found favor with you, O king, and if it pleases your majesty, I ask that my life be spared, and I beg that you spare the lives of my people.
New Revised Standard Version
Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have won your favor, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given me—that is my petition—and the lives of my people—that is my request.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request;
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Esthir answered and she said: “If I have found mercy in your eyes, oh King, and if it is good unto the King, let my life be given at my request, and my people at my request!OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
Then Esther the queen answered and said: 'If I have found favour in thy sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request;
Brenton Septuagint Translation
And she answered and said, If I have found favour in the sight of the king, letmy life be granted to my petition, and my people to my request.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Esther Pleads for Her People… 2and 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.” 3QueenEstherreplied,“IfI have foundfavorin your sight,O king,and ifit pleasesthe king,grantmemy lifeas my petition,and the lives of my peopleas my request.4For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.”…
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 5:8If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, may the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.”
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 2:3-5and replied to the king, “May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my fathers are buried lies in ruins, and its gates have been destroyed by fire?” / “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.”
Genesis 44:33-34Now please let your servant stay here as my lord’s slave in place of the boy. Let him return with his brothers. / For how can I go back to my father without the boy? I could not bear to see the misery that would overwhelm him.”
1 Samuel 25:24-31She 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. / My lord should pay no attention to this scoundrel Nabal, for he lives up to his name: His name means Fool, and folly accompanies him. I, your servant, did not see my lord’s young men whom you sent. / Now, my lord, as surely as the LORD lives and you yourself live, since the LORD has held you back from bloodshed and from avenging yourself with your own hand, may your enemies and those who seek harm for my lord be like Nabal. ...
2 Samuel 14:4-11When the woman from Tekoa went to the king, she fell facedown in homage and said, “Help me, O king!” / “What troubles you?” the king asked her. “Indeed,” she said, “I am a widow, for my husband is dead. / And your maidservant had two sons who were fighting in the field with no one to separate them, and one struck the other and killed him. ...
2 Kings 4:13and Elisha said to Gehazi, “Now tell her, ‘Look, you have gone to all this trouble for us. What can we do for you? Can we speak on your behalf to the king or the commander of the army?’” “I have a home among my own people,” she replied.
Ezra 7:6this Ezra came up from Babylon. He was a scribe skilled in the Law of Moses, which the LORD, the God of Israel, had given. The king had granted Ezra all his requests, for the hand of the LORD his God was upon him.
Proverbs 21:1The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.
Isaiah 62:1For Zion’s sake I will not keep silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not keep still, until her righteousness shines like a bright light, her salvation like a blazing torch.
Jeremiah 31:8-9Behold, I will bring them from the land of the north and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, including the blind and the lame, expectant mothers and women in labor. They will return as a great assembly! / They will come with weeping, and by their supplication I will lead them; I will make them walk beside streams of waters, on a level path where they will not stumble. For I am Israel’s Father, and Ephraim is My firstborn.”
Daniel 6:16-22So the king gave the order, and they brought Daniel and threw him into the den of lions. The king said to Daniel, “May your God, whom you serve continually, deliver you!” / A stone was brought and placed over the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet ring and with the rings of his nobles, so that nothing concerning Daniel could be changed. / Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting. No entertainment was brought before him, and sleep fled from him. ...
Matthew 7:7-8Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.
Treasury of Scripture Then Esther the queen answered and said, If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request: let my life. Esther 7:7 And the king arising from the banquet of wine in his wrathwent into the palace garden: and Haman stood up to make request for his life to Esther the queen; for he saw that there was evil determined against him by the king. 1 Kings 20:31 And his servants said unto him, Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israelare merciful kings: let us, I pray thee, put sackcloth on our loins, and ropes upon our heads, and go out to the king of Israel: peradventure he will save thy life. 2 Kings 1:13 And he sent again a captain of the third fifty with his fifty. And the third captain of fifty went up, and came and fell on his knees before Elijah, and besought him, and said unto him, O man of God, I pray thee, let my life, and the life of these fifty thy servants, be precious in thy sight. my people. Esther 4:8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Shushan to destroy them, to shewit unto Esther, and to declareit unto her, and to charge her that she should go in unto the king, to make supplication unto him, and to make request before him for her people. Psalm 122:6-9 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee… Jump to Previous ApprovalEstherEyesFavorFavourFoundGoodGraceGrantKing'sLifeMajestyPetitionPleasePleasesPleasureQueenRequestSightSpareJump to Next ApprovalEstherEyesFavorFavourFoundGoodGraceGrantKing'sLifeMajestyPetitionPleasePleasesPleasureQueenRequestSightSpareEsther 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.Queen Esther repliedEsther, a Jewish woman who became queen of Persia, is speaking to King Xerxes. Her position as queen is significant, as it places her in a unique position to influence the king. Esther's role is reminiscent of Joseph and Daniel, who also rose to prominence in foreign courts. Her courage and wisdom are central themes in the narrative. If I have found favor in your sight, O king
Esther approaches the king with humility and respect, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern courts. Finding favor is a recurring biblical theme, seen in figures like Noah and Mary, who found favor with God. Esther's approach reflects the cultural norms of the time, where subjects would seek the king's favor before making requests. and if it pleases the king
This phrase underscores the importance of the king's pleasure in decision-making. In Persian culture, the king's will was paramount, and Esther's deference highlights her understanding of court protocol. It also reflects the biblical principle of submission to authority, as seen inRomans 13:1. grant me my life as my petition
Esther's request is personal and urgent. By asking for her life, she reveals the gravity of the situation. This plea echoes the intercessory role seen in biblical figures like Moses, who pleaded for the lives of the Israelites. Esther's bravery in risking her life for her people is a type of Christ, who sacrificed Himself for humanity. and the lives of my people as my request
Esther identifies with her people, the Jews, who are under threat due to Haman's plot. Her solidarity with them is a powerful testament to her faith and identity. This mirrors the biblical theme of God's covenant with Israel and foreshadows the unity of believers in Christ. Esther's advocacy for her people is a precursor to Christ's intercession for believers. Persons / Places / Events 1. EstherThe Jewish queen of Persia, who bravely approaches King Xerxes to plead for the lives of her people. Her courage and wisdom are central to the account. 2. King Xerxes (Ahasuerus)The Persian king who is unaware of Haman's plot against the Jews and is moved by Esther's plea. 3. HamanThe antagonist who plots to destroy the Jews, not knowing that Queen Esther herself is Jewish. 4. The BanquetA private banquet hosted by Esther for King Xerxes and Haman, where she reveals her Jewish identity and Haman's plot. 5. The Jewish PeopleThe community under threat due to Haman's decree, whose fate hangs in the balance as Esther makes her plea. Teaching Points Courage in the Face of DangerEsther's willingness to risk her life for her people is a powerful example of courage and faith. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their convictions, even when it is risky. Divine ProvidenceThe account of Esther highlights God's unseen hand in orchestrating events for the good of His people. Trust in God's providence is essential, even when His presence is not immediately apparent. The Power of IntercessionEsther's intercession for her people is a model for believers to intercede for others in prayer, trusting that God hears and responds to our pleas. Identity and PurposeEsther's revelation of her identity is crucial to her fulfilling her purpose. Believers are reminded of the importance of embracing their identity in Christ to fulfill their God-given purpose. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Esther 7:3?
2.How does Esther 7:3 demonstrate Esther's courage in approaching the king?
3.What can we learn from Esther's humility in her request to the king?
4.How does Esther 7:3 connect to God's providence throughout the book of Esther?
5.In what ways can we apply Esther's example of boldness in our lives?
6.How does Esther's plea in Esther 7:3 reflect her faith and trust in God?
7.How does Esther 7:3 demonstrate the power of prayer and fasting in dire situations?
8.What does Esther 7:3 reveal about Esther's courage and faith in God's plan?
9.How does Esther 7:3 illustrate the theme of divine providence in the Bible?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 7?
11.Esther 7 – Why does this chapter, like the rest of the book, omit any direct mention of God, and how does that omission fit with the broader biblical narrative?
12.What is the Feast of Purim?
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.Who was Hadassah in the Bible?What Does Esther 7:3 Mean If I have found favor in your sight, O king• Esther opens with humble courtesy, echoing court protocol yet revealing real dependence on the king’s goodwill (cf.Genesis 18:3;Nehemiah 2:4–5). • Her words recall earlier moments when she “won his favor” (Esther 2:17). God’s providence placed her here, and she openly appeals to that favor. • The phrase underscores a principle: God often works through earned human favor to accomplish His purposes (Proverbs 3:3–4;Luke 2:52).
and if it pleases the king• Esther voluntarily submits her request to the king’s judgment, modeling respectful appeal rather than demand (cf.1 Peter 2:13-17). • By repeating this clause, she stresses that her plea aligns with the monarch’s best interests—Haman’s plot endangers the queen herself, thus threatening the throne’s stability (Esther 7:4). • The pattern of “if it pleases the king” appears throughout the book (Esther 1:19; 5:4), showing that wise petition often pairs boldness with deference.
grant me my life as my petition• Esther’s first request is startlingly personal: “Spare my life.” This clarifies to the king that the decree he authorized imperils his own queen (cf.Esther 4:11; 8:5). • Scripture often records God’s servants appealing for deliverance in life-or-death moments (Psalm 30:8–10;2 Kings 20:3). • Here, Esther mirrors those prayers but directs them to the earthly ruler God has positioned over her, affirming the legitimacy of civil authority (Romans 13:1).
and the lives of my people as my request• Esther extends her petition beyond herself, revealing her identity and solidarity with the Jews (Esther 7:4; 8:6). • Her wording places equal value on every Jewish life, reflecting God’s covenant love for His people (Deuteronomy 7:6-8). • The verse illustrates intercession: one standing in the gap for many, foreshadowing Christ’s greater mediating work (John 17:19;Hebrews 7:25).
summaryEsther 7:3 shows the queen’s wisely crafted, faith-filled plea. She humbly appeals to the king’s favor, submits to his pleasure, asks for her own life, and intercedes for her people. Through her courage, God’s providence moves visibly, preserving the Jewish nation and advancing His redemptive plan. Verse 3. - Let my life be given me, etc. First of all, I ask at the king's hands my own life, which is threatened ( Esther 4:13); secondly, I ask the life of my people, in whose sentence it is that I am involved. Some rhetorical skill is shown in separating the two, so as to make them correspond to the two clauses of the king's address "What is thy petition?" and "What is thy request?"
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then Queenהַמַּלְכָּה֙(ham·mal·kāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4436:Queen -- a queenEstherאֶסְתֵּ֤ר(’es·têr)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 635:Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israelreplied,וַתַּ֨עַן(wat·ta·‘an)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 6030:To answer, respond“Ifאִם־(’im-)Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notI have foundמָצָ֨אתִי(mā·ṣā·ṯî)Verb - Qal - Perfect - first person common singular
Strong's 4672:To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be presentfavorחֵ֤ן(ḥên)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2580:Graciousness, subjective, objectivein your sight,בְּעֵינֶ֙יךָ֙(bə·‘ê·ne·ḵā)Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | second person masculine singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainO king,הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingand ifוְאִם־(wə·’im-)Conjunctive waw | Conjunction
Strong's 518:Lo!, whether?, if, although, Oh that!, when, notit pleasesט֑וֹב(ṭō·wḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 2895:To be pleasing or goodthe king,הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kinggrantתִּנָּֽתֶן־(tin·nā·ṯen-)Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5414:To give, put, setmeלִ֤י(lî)Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's Hebrewmy lifeנַפְשִׁי֙(nap̄·šî)Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5315:A soul, living being, life, self, person, desire, passion, appetite, emotionas my petition,בִּשְׁאֵ֣לָתִ֔י(biš·’ê·lā·ṯî)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 7596:Request, thing asked forand [the lives of] my peopleוְעַמִּ֖י(wə·‘am·mî)Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 5971:A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flockas my request.בְּבַקָּשָׁתִֽי׃(bə·ḇaq·qā·šā·ṯî)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | first person common singular
Strong's 1246:Request, entreaty
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OT History: Esther 7:3 Then Esther the queen answered If (Est Esth. Es) |
