New International VersionThe day appointed for the Jews to do this in all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.
New Living TranslationThe day chosen for this event throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was March 7 of the next year.
English Standard Versionon one day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.
Berean Standard BibleThe single day appointed throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.
King James BibleUpon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
New King James Versionon one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.
New American Standard Bibleon one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar).
NASB 1995on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar).
NASB 1977on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar).
Legacy Standard Bibleon one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (that is, the month Adar).
Amplified Bibleon one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, the thirteenth [day] of the twelfth month (that is, the month of Adar).
Christian Standard BibleThis would take place on a single day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month Adar.
Holman Christian Standard BibleThis would take place on a single day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month Adar.
American Standard Versionupon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
English Revised Versionupon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
GOD'S WORD® Translation[This was permitted] on one day in all the provinces of King Xerxes, on the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month.
Good News TranslationThis decree was to take effect throughout the Persian Empire on the day set for the slaughter of the Jews, the thirteenth of Adar, the twelfth month.
International Standard VersionThroughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, the one day for the Jewish people to do this was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
NET BibleThis was to take place on a certain day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus--namely, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month (that is, the month of Adar).
New Heart English Bibleon one day in all the provinces of King Achshayarsh, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
Webster's Bible TranslationUpon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleThe single day appointed throughout all the provinces of King Xerxes was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar.
World English Bibleon one day in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionIn one day, in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth of the twelfth month—it [is] the month of Adar—
Young's Literal Translation In one day, in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth of the twelfth month -- it is the month of Adar --
Smith's Literal TranslationIn one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, in the thirteenth to the twelfth month, this the month Adar. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd one day of revenge was appointed through all the provinces, to wit, the thirteenth of the twelfth month Adar.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd one day of retribution was established throughout all the provinces, namely, the thirteenth of the twelfth month Adar.
New American Bible
on a single day throughout the provinces of King Ahasuerus, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, Adar.
New Revised Standard Version
on a single day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
Upon one day in all the provinces of King Akhshirash, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar,
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
In one day in all of the towns of King Akhashiresh, on the thirteenth of the twelfth month which is Adar.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
upon one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
on one day in all the kingdom of Artaxerxes, on the thirteenthday of the twelfth month, which is Adar.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Decree of Xerxes… 11By these letters the king permitted the Jews in each and every city the right to assemble and defend themselves, to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the forces of any people or province hostile to them, including women and children, and to plunder their possessions. 12The singleday appointedthroughout allthe provincesof KingXerxeswas the thirteenthday of the twelfthmonth,the monthof Adar.13A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.…
Cross References Esther 3:13And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month.
Esther 9:1On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the king’s command and edict were to be executed. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but their plan was overturned and the Jews overpowered those who hated them.
Esther 9:5The Jews put all their enemies to the sword, killing and destroying them, and they did as they pleased to those who hated them.
Esther 9:16The rest of the Jews in the royal provinces also assembled to defend themselves and rid themselves of their enemies. They killed 75,000 who hated them, but they did not lay a hand on the plunder.
Esther 9:22as the days on which the Jews gained rest from their enemies and the month in which their sorrow turned to joy and their mourning into a holiday. He wrote that these were to be days of feasting and joy, of sending gifts to one another and to the poor.
Daniel 6:25-27Then King Darius wrote to the people of every nation and language throughout the land: “May your prosperity abound. / I hereby decree that in every part of my kingdom, men are to tremble in fear before the God of Daniel: For He is the living God, and He endures forever; His kingdom will never be destroyed, and His dominion will never end. / He delivers and rescues; He performs signs and wonders in the heavens and on the earth, for He has rescued Daniel from the power of the lions.”
Daniel 9:25Know and understand this: From the issuance of the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Messiah, the Prince, there will be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of distress.
Nehemiah 2:8And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.
Nehemiah 4:11And our enemies said, “Before they know or see a thing, we will come into their midst, kill them, and put an end to the work.”
2 Chronicles 20:22The moment they began their shouts and praises, the LORD set ambushes against the men of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir who had come against Judah, and they were defeated.
Psalm 37:12-13The wicked scheme against the righteous and gnash their teeth at them, / but the Lord laughs, seeing that their day is coming.
Psalm 37:32-33Though the wicked lie in wait for the righteous, and seek to slay them, / the LORD will not leave them in their power or let them be condemned under judgment.
Psalm 91:8You will only see it with your eyes and witness the punishment of the wicked.
Proverbs 11:8The righteous man is delivered from trouble; in his place the wicked man goes in.
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.
Treasury of Scripture On one day in all the provinces of king Ahasuerus, namely, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar. one day. Esther 9:1 Now in the twelfth month, thatis, the month Adar, on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king's commandment and his decree drew near to be put in execution, in the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them, (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had rule over them that hated them;) Exodus 15:9,10 The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them… Judges 1:6,7 But Adonibezek fled; and they pursued after him, and caught him, and cut off his thumbs and his great toes… upon the thirteenth. Esther 3:13-15 And the letters were sent by posts into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day,even upon the thirteenthday of the twelfth month, whichis the month Adar, andto take the spoil of them for a prey… Jump to Previous AdarAhasuerusAhasu-E'rusAppointedDivisionJewsKingdomMonthNamelyProvincesThirteenthThroughoutTwelfthXerxesJump to Next AdarAhasuerusAhasu-E'rusAppointedDivisionJewsKingdomMonthNamelyProvincesThirteenthThroughoutTwelfthXerxesEsther 8 1.Mordecai is advanced.3.Esther makes suit to reverse Haman's letters.7.Xerxes grants to the Jews to defend themselves.15.Mordecai's honor, and the Jews' joy.The single day appointed throughout all the provinces of King XerxesThis phrase highlights the vastness of King Xerxes' empire, which stretched from India to Cush (modern-day Ethiopia), encompassing 127 provinces. The decree's reach underscores the power and influence of the Persian Empire during this period. The appointment of a single day for the Jews to defend themselves against their enemies reflects the administrative efficiency and centralized control of the empire. This decree was a reversal of the earlier edict that allowed for the destruction of the Jews, showcasing the providential hand of God in protecting His people. was the thirteenth day of the twelfth month
The thirteenth day of the twelfth month is significant as it was the same day Haman had originally planned for the annihilation of the Jews. This reversal of fortune is a key theme in the Book of Esther, illustrating the biblical principle that God can turn the plans of the wicked against them. The specific timing also emphasizes the precision of God's intervention in history, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled. the month of Adar
Adar is the twelfth month in the Hebrew calendar, corresponding to February-March in the Gregorian calendar. It is a month associated with joy and deliverance for the Jewish people, as the events of Purim, which celebrate their salvation from Haman's plot, occur during this time. The celebration of Purim, established inEsther 9, continues to be observed by Jews today, serving as a reminder of God's faithfulness and deliverance. The historical context of Adar as a time of deliverance connects to other biblical themes of redemption and salvation. Persons / Places / Events 1. EstherA Jewish queen of Persia who played a crucial role in saving her people from destruction. 2. MordecaiEsther's cousin and guardian, who became a prominent figure in the Persian court and was instrumental in the Jews' deliverance. 3. King Xerxes (Ahasuerus)The Persian king who reigned over a vast empire and whose decree allowed the Jews to defend themselves. 4. HamanThe antagonist who plotted to annihilate the Jews but was ultimately defeated. 5. The Month of AdarThe twelfth month in the Hebrew calendar, significant for the Jews' victory over their enemies. Teaching Points God's SovereigntyRecognize that God is in control of all events, even when circumstances seem dire. Courage and FaithfulnessLike Esther and Mordecai, stand firm in faith and take courageous actions when faced with challenges. Divine ReversalTrust in God's ability to turn situations around for His glory and the good of His people. The Power of UnityThe Jews' collective defense highlights the strength found in unity and community. Remembering God's DeliveranceCelebrate and remember God's past deliverances as a source of hope and encouragement. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Esther 8:12?
2.How does Esther 8:12 demonstrate God's providence in delivering His people?
3.What role does obedience play in the events of Esther 8:12?
4.How does Esther 8:12 connect to Romans 8:28 about God's purpose?
5.How can we apply Esther 8:12's message of hope in our lives today?
6.What does Esther 8:12 teach about God's justice and timing?
7.How does Esther 8:12 reflect God's justice and mercy in the Old Testament?
8.What historical evidence supports the events described in Esther 8:12?
9.How does Esther 8:12 demonstrate the theme of divine providence?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 8?
11.How did Esther save the Jews from Haman's plot?
12.Esther 9:13-15: Why would an additional day of killing be sanctioned, and does this align with other biblical teachings on mercy and restraint?
13.How plausible is the rapid communication in Esther 8:10, given ancient travel and logistics constraints across such a vast empire?
14.How did Esther save her people from Xerxes' decree?What Does Esther 8:12 Mean The single day appointed- Scripture is deliberate: “on a single day” (Esther 3:13) and again in 8:12. God’s providence often hinges on a precise moment—“when the fullness of time had come” (Galatians 4:4). - The singleness of the day underscored urgency. The same urgency surrounded Passover: “You are to keep it until the fourteenth day… and slaughter it at twilight” (Exodus 12:6). - By limiting the conflict to one day, the Lord protected His people from endless retaliation and highlighted the striking reversal He was about to accomplish (Esther 9:1–2).
Throughout all the provinces- Xerxes ruled “over 127 provinces” (Esther 1:1). The decree’s reach shows the sweep of God’s care; His sovereignty extends “over all that He has made” (Psalm 103:19). - Every corner of that empire would witness the deliverance, prefiguring the later command to take the gospel “to the ends of the earth” (Acts 1:8).
King Xerxes- Earthly power sits under heavenly authority: “The king’s heart is a watercourse in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). - Xerxes’ name reminds us that even unbelieving rulers can become instruments of divine purpose, as in Cyrus sending Israel home (2 Chronicles 36:22–23).
Was the thirteenth day- The date mirrored the enemy’s plot (Esther 3:13). What Haman meant for destruction, God turned to deliverance—echoing Joseph’s words, “You meant evil against me, but God intended it for good” (Genesis 50:20). -Esther 9:1 highlights the irony: “the day the enemies… hoped to gain mastery… the tables were turned”.
Of the twelfth month- Being the last month of the Jewish civil calendar, Adar closed the year with celebration instead of sorrow. “Better is the end of a thing than its beginning” (Ecclesiastes 7:8). - The delay from the first decree (issued in Nisan,Esther 3:12) gave God’s people nine months to prepare, reflecting His patience (2 Peter 3:9) and provision.
The month of Adar- Adar became permanently linked with joy: “These days… in the month of Adar… should be remembered and celebrated” (Esther 9:21–22). - Mourning was turned to feasting, fulfillingPsalm 30:11, “You turned my mourning into dancing”. - Purim’s annual observance testifies that God writes redemption into the calendar of His people.
summaryEsther 8:12 pinpoints a single divinely orchestrated day—on the thirteenth of Adar, across every province, under the authority of Xerxes—when God reversed a genocidal plot and displayed His faithful control of history. The precise timing, universal scope, and ultimate joy of Purim affirm that the Lord governs rulers, calendars, and destinies for the good of those who trust Him.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew The singleאֶחָ֔ד(’e·ḥāḏ)Number - masculine singular
Strong's 259:United, one, firstday [appointed]בְּי֣וֹם(bə·yō·wm)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3117:A daythroughout allבְּכָל־(bə·ḵāl)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605:The whole, all, any, everythe provincesמְדִינ֖וֹת(mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural construct
Strong's 4082:A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a regionof Kingהַמֶּ֣לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingXerxesאֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ(’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 325:Ahasuerus -- king of Persia[was] the thirteenthבִּשְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה(biš·lō·wō·šāh)Preposition-b | Number - masculine singular
Strong's 7969:Three, third, thriceday of the twelfthשְׁנֵים־(šə·nêm-)Number - md
Strong's 8147:Two (a cardinal number)month,לְחֹ֥דֶשׁ(lə·ḥō·ḏeš)Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2320:The new moon, a monththe monthחֹ֥דֶשׁ(ḥō·ḏeš)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2320:The new moon, a monthof Adar.אֲדָֽר׃(’ă·ḏār)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 143:The twelfth month in the Jewish calendar
Links Esther 8:12 NIVEsther 8:12 NLTEsther 8:12 ESVEsther 8:12 NASBEsther 8:12 KJV
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OT History: Esther 8:12 On one day in all the provinces (Est Esth. Es) |
