New International VersionKing Xerxes asked Queen Esther, “Who is he? Where is he—the man who has dared to do such a thing?”
New Living Translation“Who would do such a thing?” King Xerxes demanded. “Who would be so presumptuous as to touch you?”
English Standard VersionThen King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has dared to do this?”
Berean Standard BibleThen King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?”
King James BibleThen the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?
New King James VersionSo King Ahasuerus answered and said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who would dare presume in his heart to do such a thing?”
New American Standard BibleThen King Ahasuerus asked Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who would presume to do such a thing?”
NASB 1995Then King Ahasuerus asked Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who would presume to do thus?”
NASB 1977Then King Ahasuerus asked Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who would presume to do thus?”
Legacy Standard BibleThen King Ahasuerus said—he said to Esther the Queen, “Who is this one, and where is this one, who fills his heart to do thus?”
Amplified BibleThen King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) asked Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who dares to do such a thing?”
Christian Standard BibleKing Ahasuerus spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme? ”
Holman Christian Standard BibleKing Ahasuerus spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?”
American Standard VersionThen spake the king Ahasuerus and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?
Contemporary English Version"Who would dare to do such a thing?" the king asked.
English Revised VersionThen spake the king Ahasuerus and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?
GOD'S WORD® TranslationThen King Xerxes interrupted Queen Esther and said, "Who is this person? Where is the person who has dared to do this?"
Good News TranslationThen King Xerxes asked Queen Esther, "Who dares to do such a thing? Where is this man?"
International Standard VersionThen King Ahasuerus asked Queen Esther, "Who is this, and where is the person who would dare do this?"
NET BibleThen King Ahasuerus responded to Queen Esther, "Who is this individual? Where is this person to be found who is presumptuous enough to act in this way?"
New Heart English BibleThen King Achshayarsh said to Esther the queen, "Who is he, and where is he who dared presume in his heart to do so?"
Webster's Bible TranslationThen the king Ahasuerus answered and said to Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so? Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThen King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?”
World English BibleThen King Ahasuerus said to Esther the queen, “Who is he, and where is he who dared presume in his heart to do so?” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd King Ahasuerus says, indeed, he says to Esther the queen, “Who [is] he—this one? And where [is] this one whose heart has filled him to do so?”
Young's Literal Translation And the king Ahasuerus saith, yea, he saith to Esther the queen, 'Who is he -- this one? and where is this one? -- he whose heart hath filled him to do so?'
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd the king Ahasuerus will say, and he will say to Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, whom his heart filled him to do thus? Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd king Assuerus answered and said: Who is this, and of what power, that he should do these things?
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd king Artaxerxes answered and said, “Who is this, and of what power, that he would dare to do these things?”
New American Bible
King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who and where is the man who has dared to do this?”
New Revised Standard Version
Then King Ahasuerus said to Queen Esther, “Who is he, and where is he, who has presumed to do this?”Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
Then King Akhshirash answered and said to Esther the queen, Who is he and where is he who dares to presume in his heart to do so?
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King Akhashiresh answered and said to Esthir the Queen: “Who is this or who is it who has exalted his heart that he has done so?”OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
Then spoke the king Ahasuerus and said unto Esther the queen: 'Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?'
Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king said, Whois this that has dared to do this thing?
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Esther Pleads for Her People… 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.” 5Then KingXerxesspoke upand askedQueenEsther,“Whois this,and whereis the onewhowoulddevisesuch a scheme?”6Esther replied, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked man—Haman!” And Haman stood in terror before the king and queen.…
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 4:13-14he sent back to her this reply: “Do not imagine that because you are in the king’s palace you alone will escape the fate of all the Jews. / For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”
Esther 5:9-14That day Haman went out full of joy and glad of heart. At the king’s gate, however, he saw Mordecai, who did not rise or tremble in fear at his presence. And Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai. / Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. And calling for his friends and his wife Zeresh, / Haman 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. ...
Esther 6:6-10Haman 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 8:3-8And 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. / The king extended the gold scepter toward Esther, and she arose and stood before the king. / “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 9:24-25For Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them and had cast the Pur (that is, the lot) to crush and destroy them. / But 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 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.”
Genesis 45:3-5Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph! Is my father still alive?” But they were unable to answer him, because they were terrified in his presence. / Then Joseph said to his brothers, “Please come near me.” And they did so. “I am Joseph, your brother,” he said, “the one you sold into Egypt! / And now, do not be distressed or angry with yourselves that you sold me into this place, because it was to save lives that God sent me before you.
1 Samuel 24:17and said to David, “You are more righteous than I, for you have rewarded me with good, though I have rewarded you with evil.
2 Samuel 12:5-7David burned with anger against the man and said to Nathan: “As surely as the LORD lives, the man who did this deserves to die! / Because he has done this thing and has shown no pity, he must pay for the lamb four times over.” / Then Nathan said to David, “You are that man! This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul.
1 Kings 21:19-20Tell him that this is what the LORD says: ‘Have you not murdered a man and seized his land?’ Then tell him that this is also what the LORD says: ‘In the place where the dogs licked up the blood of Naboth, there also the dogs will lick up your blood—yes, yours!’” / When Elijah arrived, Ahab said to him, “So you have found me out, my enemy.” He replied, “I have found you out because you have sold yourself to do evil in the sight of the LORD.
Psalm 7:14-16Behold, the wicked man travails with evil; he conceives trouble and births falsehood. / He has dug a hole and hollowed it out; he has fallen into a pit of his own making. / His trouble recoils on himself, and his violence falls on his own head.
Proverbs 26:27He who digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.
Isaiah 54:17No weapon formed against you shall prosper, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their vindication is from Me,” declares the LORD.
Matthew 27:3-4When Judas, who had betrayed Him, saw that Jesus was condemned, he was filled with remorse and returned the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders. / “I have sinned by betraying innocent blood,” he said. “What is that to us?” they replied. “You bear the responsibility.”
Treasury of Scripture Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said to Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that dared presume in his heart to do so? Who is he. Genesis 27:33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly, and said, Who? whereis he that hath taken venison, and broughtit me, and I have eaten of all before thou camest, and have blessed him? yea,and he shall be blessed. 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? that durst, etc. Acts 5:3 But Peter said, Ananias, why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie to the Holy Ghost, and to keep backpart of the price of the land? Jump to Previous AhasuerusAhasu-E'rusDaredDurstEstherEvilFilledHeartPresumeQueenThoughtXerxesJump to Next AhasuerusAhasu-E'rusDaredDurstEstherEvilFilledHeartPresumeQueenThoughtXerxesEsther 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.Then King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen EstherKing Xerxes, also known as Ahasuerus, was the ruler of the Persian Empire, which stretched from India to Ethiopia. His reign is historically placed between 486-465 BC. The setting is the royal palace in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire. Esther, a Jewish woman who became queen, is in a position of influence, which is significant given the patriarchal society of the time. This moment occurs during a banquet Esther has prepared, highlighting her strategic and courageous approach to addressing the threat against her people. The king's willingness to listen to Esther reflects the favor she has found in his eyes, a recurring theme in the narrative. “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?”
The king's question is a direct response to Esther's revelation of a plot to annihilate her people, the Jews. This plot was orchestrated by Haman, the king's advisor, who had manipulated Xerxes into signing a decree for the destruction of the Jews. The king's inquiry shows his ignorance of the full implications of Haman's plan, as well as his immediate concern for Esther's safety. This moment is pivotal, as it sets the stage for the exposure and downfall of Haman. The language used indicates a sense of urgency and a demand for justice. This scene echoes themes of divine providence and justice found throughout the Bible, such as in the story of Joseph, where God turns intended harm into good (Genesis 50:20). Esther's role as an intercessor for her people can be seen as a type of Christ, who intercedes on behalf of humanity. Persons / Places / Events 1. King Xerxes (Ahasuerus)The Persian king who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. He is a central figure in the Book of Esther, known for his opulent lifestyle and decisive, albeit sometimes impulsive, actions. 2. Queen EstherA Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. Her bravery and wisdom are pivotal in the account as she intercedes for her people, risking her life to reveal Haman's plot. 3. HamanThe antagonist in the account, a high-ranking official in the Persian Empire who plots to annihilate the Jews. His pride and hatred for Mordecai lead to his downfall. 4. The BanquetA private banquet hosted by Queen Esther for King Xerxes and Haman, where she reveals Haman's plot against her people. This event is crucial as it sets the stage for the king's inquiry and subsequent actions. 5. The Jewish PeopleThe target of Haman's genocidal plot. Their survival is at stake, and Esther's intervention is a turning point in their deliverance. Teaching Points Courage in the Face of DangerEsther's bravery in approaching the king uninvited is a powerful example of courage. Believers are encouraged to stand firm in their faith, even when facing personal risk. Divine ProvidenceThe account of Esther demonstrates God's unseen hand guiding events for His purposes. Trust in God's sovereignty, even when His presence is not immediately apparent. The Power of InfluenceEsther uses her position and influence wisely to advocate for her people. Christians are called to use their influence for good and to speak up for justice. The Consequences of PrideHaman's account is a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and hatred. Believers are reminded to cultivate humility and love. Intercession and AdvocacyEsther's intercession for her people is a model for believers to pray and advocate for others, especially those who are vulnerable or oppressed. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Esther 7:5?
2.How does Esther 7:5 demonstrate God's providence in revealing hidden threats?
3.What can we learn about courage from Esther's actions in Esther 7:5?
4.How does Esther 7:5 connect to Romans 8:28 about God's plans?
5.How should we respond when faced with injustice, as seen in Esther 7:5?
6.What role does discernment play in addressing evil, according to Esther 7:5?
7.Why did King Xerxes ask, "Who is he, and where is he?"
8.How does Esther 7:5 reflect God's providence in the story?
9.What historical evidence supports the events described in Esther 7:5?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 7?
11.Esther 7:5–6 – Is there archaeological or extra-biblical evidence to confirm the existence and high position of Haman in the Persian Empire?
12.Who was Haman the Agagite in biblical history?
13.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?
14.How did Esther save her people from Xerxes' decree?What Does Esther 7:5 Mean Then King Xerxes spoke up• Moments earlier, Esther had finally revealed her hidden Jewish identity and exposed Haman’s plan to eradicate her people (Esther 7:3-4). • The king’s immediate response shows that God can stir even a pagan ruler to act decisively (Proverbs 21:1;Ezra 1:1). • Providence is on full display: every sleepless night, every banquet, every detail God orchestrated now converges into this decisive moment (Romans 8:28).
and asked Queen Esther• Xerxes addresses Esther directly, signaling respect and urgency; he trusts her word over his highest official’s (Esther 5:3). • Esther has been wisely patient, waiting for God’s perfect timing before making her plea (Ecclesiastes 3:1;James 1:5). • Her boldness fulfills Mordecai’s earlier challenge that she had “come to the kingdom for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).
Who is this• The king demands the identity of the offender, indicating that guilt must be personal, not abstract (2 Samuel 12:7-9). • Sin rarely stays hidden; God brings evil to light (Numbers 32:23;Luke 12:2-3). • The question invites accountability, underscoring that actions have consequences before earthly authorities and, ultimately, before God (Romans 13:3-4).
and where is the one• Xerxes wants both the culprit’s name and location—he intends immediate justice, not a drawn-out inquiry (Esther 7:8-10). • Evil plots are often hatched close to power; yet God ensures they are exposed where they began (Psalm 7:14-16). • The dual query emphasizes thoroughness: the king will not settle for partial information.
who would devise such a scheme?• “Scheme” captures the calculated malice behind Haman’s decree (Esther 3:8-11); God abhors crafty violence (Psalm 37:12-15). • Wicked plans against God’s people ultimately backfire, demonstrating divine justice (Genesis 50:20;Proverbs 26:27). • The verse foreshadows Haman’s downfall and Israel’s deliverance, echoing God’s covenant promise to preserve His people (Jeremiah 31:35-37).
summaryEsther 7:5 records the turning point where God-directed courage meets royal authority. Xerxes’s urgent questions show that divine providence has maneuvered every detail to expose evil, safeguard the Jews, and magnify God’s faithfulness. Verse 5. - Who is he? Ahasuerus asks the question to "make sure," as we say - not that he could really be in any doubt. That durst presume. Rather, "that hath presumed" ( ὅστις ἐτόλμησε. - LXX.).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Then Kingהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingXerxesאֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ(’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 325:Ahasuerus -- king of Persiaspoke upוַיֹּ֙אמֶר֙(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayand askedוַיֹּ֖אמֶר(way·yō·mer)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, sayQueenהַמַּלְכָּ֑ה(ham·mal·kāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4436:Queen -- a queenEsther,לְאֶסְתֵּ֣ר(lə·’es·têr)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 635:Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel“Whoמִ֣י(mî)Interrogative
Strong's 4310:Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffixis this,זֶה֙(zeh)Pronoun - masculine singular
Strong's 2088:This, thatand whereוְאֵֽי־(wə·’ê-)Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 335:Where?, how?is the oneה֥וּא(hū)Pronoun - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1931:He, self, the same, this, that, as, arewhoאֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatwouldמְלָא֥וֹ(mə·lā·’ōw)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4390:To fill, be full ofdeviseלַעֲשׂ֥וֹת(la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213:To do, makesuch a scheme?”כֵּֽן׃(kên)Adverb
Strong's 3651:So -- thus
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OT History: Esther 7:5 Then King Ahasuerus said to Esther (Est Esth. Es) |
