New International VersionBut when the plot came to the king’s attention, he issued written orders that the evil scheme Haman had devised against the Jews should come back onto his own head, and that he and his sons should be impaled on poles.
New Living TranslationBut when Esther came before the king, he issued a decree causing Haman’s evil plot to backfire, and Haman and his sons were impaled on a sharpened pole.
English Standard VersionBut when it came before the king, he gave orders in writing that his evil plan that he had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
Berean Standard BibleBut 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.
King James BibleBut when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
New King James Versionbut when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letter that this wicked plot which Haman had devised against the Jews should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
New American Standard BibleBut when it came to the king’s attention, he commanded by letter that his wicked scheme which he had devised against the Jews was to return on his own head, and that he and his sons were to be hanged on the wooden gallows.
NASB 1995But when it came to the king’s attention, he commanded by letter that his wicked scheme which he had devised against the Jews, should return on his own head and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
NASB 1977But when it came to the king’s attention, he commanded by letter that his wicked scheme which he had devised against the Jews, should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
Legacy Standard BibleBut when it came before the king, he said by letter that his evil scheme, which he had devised against the Jews, should return on his own head and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
Amplified BibleBut when it came before the king, he commanded in writing that Haman’s wicked scheme which he had devised against the Jews was to return on his own head, and that he and his sons should [endure what he planned for the Jews and] be hanged on the gallows.
Christian Standard BibleBut when the matter was brought before the king, he commanded by letter that the evil plan Haman had devised against the Jews return on his own head and that he should be hanged with his sons on the gallows.
Holman Christian Standard BibleBut when the matter was brought before the king, he commanded by letter that the evil plan Haman had devised against the Jews return on his own head and that he should be hanged with his sons on the gallows.
American Standard Versionbut when the matter came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he had devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
Contemporary English VersionEsther went to King Xerxes and asked him to save her people. Then the king gave written orders for Haman and his sons to be punished in the same terrible way that Haman had in mind for the Jews. So they were hanged.
English Revised Versionbut when the matter came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he had devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head; and that he and his sons should he hanged on the gallows.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationBut when this came to the king's attention, he ordered, in the well-known letter, that the evil plan Haman had plotted against the Jews should turn back on his own head. As a result, they hung Haman and his sons on poles.
Good News TranslationBut Esther went to the king, and the king issued written orders with the result that Haman suffered the fate he had planned for the Jews--he and his sons were hanged from the gallows.
International Standard VersionBut when Esther came before the king, he ordered through a letter that the evil plot that Haman had devised against the Jewish people be rescinded, and that he and his sons be hanged on poles.
NET BibleBut when the matter came to the king's attention, the king gave written orders that Haman's evil intentions that he had devised against the Jews should fall on his own head. He and his sons were hanged on the gallows.
New Heart English Biblebut when this became known to the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he had devised against the Jews, should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
Webster's Bible TranslationBut when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleBut 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.
World English Biblebut when this became known to the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked plan, which he had planned against the Jews, should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand in her coming in before the king, he commanded with the letter, “Let his evil scheme that he devised against the Jews return on his own head,” and they have hanged him and his sons on the tree,
Young's Literal Translation and in her coming in before the king, he said with the letter, 'Let his evil device that he devised against the Jews turn back upon his own head,' and they have hanged him and his sons on the tree,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd in her coming before the king, he said by letter he will turn back his purpose of evil that he purposed against the Jews upon his head: and they hung him and his sons upon the tree. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd afterwards Esther went in to the king, beseeching him that his endeavours might be made void by the king's letters: and the evil that he had intended against the Jews, might return upon his own head. And so both he and his sons were hanged upon gibbets.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd after this, Esther had entered before the king, begging him that his efforts might be made ineffective by the king’s letters, and that the evil he intended against the Jews might return upon his own head. Finally, both he and his sons were fastened to a cross.
New American Bible
Yet, when the plot became known to the king, the king ordered in writing that the wicked plan Haman had devised against the Jews should instead be turned against Haman and that he and his sons should be impaled on stakes.
New Revised Standard Version
but when Esther came before the king, he gave orders in writing that the wicked plot that he had devised against the Jews should come upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
When Esther came before the king, the scribe would say, Let the wicked plots which were devised against the Jews return upon the head of him who had devised them, and let him and his sons be hanged on the gallows.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when Esthir was entering before the King, the Scribe was saying: “The evil scheme shall return on the head of him who plotted against the Jews, and they shall hang him and his children on the gallows!”OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
but when she came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he had devised against the Jews, should return upon his own head; and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
also how he went in to the king, tellinghim to hang Mardochaeus: but all the calamities he tried to bring upon the Jews came upon himself, and he was hanged, and his children.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Feast of Purim Instituted… 24For 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. 25But when it camebeforethe king,he commandedbyletterthat the wickedschemewhichHaman had devisedagainstthe Jewsshould come backuponhis own head,and that heandhis sonsshould be hangedonthe gallows.26Therefore these days are called Purim, from the word Pur. Because of all the instructions in this letter, and because of all they had seen and experienced,…
Cross References Genesis 50:20As for you, what you intended against me for evil, God intended for good, in order to accomplish a day like this—to preserve the lives of many people.
Psalm 7:15-16He 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.
Daniel 6:24At the command of the king, the men who had falsely accused Daniel were brought and thrown into the den of lions—they and their children and wives. And before they had reached the bottom of the den, the lions overpowered them and crushed all their bones.
1 Samuel 23:9-12When David learned that Saul was plotting evil against him, he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod.” / And David said, “O LORD, God of Israel, Your servant has heard that Saul intends to come to Keilah and destroy the city on my account. / Will the citizens of Keilah surrender me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant has heard? O LORD, God of Israel, please tell Your servant.” “He will,” said the LORD. ...
2 Samuel 17:14Then Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The advice of Hushai the Archite is better than that of Ahithophel.” For the LORD had purposed to thwart the good counsel of Ahithophel in order to bring disaster on Absalom.
2 Kings 19:7Behold, I will put a spirit in him so that he will hear a rumor and return to his own land, where I will cause him to fall by the sword.’”
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.
Nehemiah 4:15When our enemies heard that we were aware of their scheme and that God had frustrated it, each of us returned to his own work on the wall.
Job 5:12-13He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success. / He catches the wise in their craftiness, and sweeps away the plans of the cunning.
Matthew 27:25All the people answered, “His blood be on us and on our children!”
Acts 12:11Then Peter came to himself and said, “Now I know for sure that the Lord has sent His angel and rescued me from Herod’s grasp and from everything the Jewish people were anticipating.”
Romans 8:28And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
1 Corinthians 3:19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”
2 Corinthians 1:10He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,
Treasury of Scripture But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked device, which he devised against the Jews, should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. the enemy. Esther 9:10 The ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, slew they; but on the spoil laid they not their hand. Esther 3:5-13 And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath… Pur. Esther 3:7 In the first month, thatis, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, thatis, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month,to the twelfthmonth, thatis, the month Adar. consume. Jump to Previous AttentionCommandedDeviceDevisedEstherEvilGallowsHamanHangedHeadIssuedJewsKing'sLettersOntoOrdersPlotSchemeWickedWritingWrittenJump to Next AttentionCommandedDeviceDevisedEstherEvilGallowsHamanHangedHeadIssuedJewsKing'sLettersOntoOrdersPlotSchemeWickedWritingWrittenEsther 9 1.The Jews slay their enemies, with the ten sons of Haman.12.Xerxes, at the request of Esther,14.grants another day of slaughter, and Haman's sons to be hanged.20.The two days of Purim are instituted.But when it came before the kingThis phrase indicates a pivotal moment in the narrative where the plot against the Jews is brought to the attention of King Ahasuerus. The king's role is crucial, as he holds the authority to reverse the decree. This reflects the providential timing and intervention often seen in biblical narratives, where God orchestrates events for the deliverance of His people. The king's decision-making process is a reminder of Proverbs 21:1, which states that the king's heart is in the hand of the Lord. he commanded by letter
The use of a letter signifies the formal and authoritative nature of the king's decree. In the Persian Empire, written edicts were binding and irrevocable, as seen inEsther 1:19. This underscores the seriousness of the king's command and the official reversal of Haman's plot. The written word here parallels the enduring nature of God's Word, which stands firm and unchangeable. that the wicked scheme which Haman had devised against the Jews
Haman's plot was not just a personal vendetta but a genocidal plan against God's chosen people. This reflects the recurring theme of anti-Semitism throughout history, where the Jewish people have faced numerous attempts at annihilation. The spiritual battle against God's people is evident here, as seen inEphesians 6:12, where the struggle is not against flesh and blood but against spiritual forces of evil. should come back upon his own head
This phrase highlights the biblical principle of reaping what one sows, as found inGalatians 6:7. Haman's fate is a direct consequence of his own evil intentions, demonstrating God's justice and the reversal of fortunes often seen in Scripture. This is reminiscent of the story of Joseph, where what was meant for evil was turned for good (Genesis 50:20). and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows
The execution of Haman and his sons serves as a complete eradication of the threat against the Jews. The gallows, or more accurately, the stake or pole, was a common method of execution in the Persian Empire. This act of justice is a foreshadowing of the ultimate judgment against evil. It also serves as a type of Christ, who was hanged on a tree (Galatians 3:13) to bear the curse for humanity, providing deliverance and salvation. Persons / Places / Events 1. EstherThe Jewish queen of Persia who bravely intervened to save her people from destruction. 2. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)The Persian king who was initially unaware of Haman's plot against the Jews but later authorized its reversal. 3. HamanThe antagonist who plotted to annihilate the Jews but ultimately faced the consequences of his own schemes. 4. The JewsThe people of God who were targeted for destruction but were delivered through divine intervention. 5. The GallowsThe instrument of execution intended for Mordecai but used for Haman and his sons, symbolizing poetic justice. Teaching Points Divine JusticeGod's justice prevails, and evil schemes are ultimately overturned. Believers can trust in God's righteous judgment. Courage and AdvocacyEsther's courage to speak up for her people is a model for believers to advocate for justice and righteousness. The Reversal of FortunesThe account illustrates how God can reverse dire situations, turning intended harm into blessing. The Consequences of PrideHaman's downfall serves as a warning against pride and plotting evil against others. God's SovereigntyThe account underscores God's sovereign control over history and His ability to protect His people. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Esther 9:25?
2.How does Esther 9:25 demonstrate God's justice and protection for His people?
3.What role did Esther play in reversing the decree against the Jews?
4.How can we trust God's sovereignty in difficult situations, as seen in Esther 9:25?
5.In what ways does Esther 9:25 connect to Romans 8:28 about God's plans?
6.How can we apply Esther's courage and faith in our own challenges today?
7.How does Esther 9:25 demonstrate God's justice in the face of evil plans?
8.What role does divine intervention play in Esther 9:25?
9.How does Esther 9:25 reflect the theme of reversal of fortunes?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 9?
11.How did Esther save the Jews from Haman's plot?
12.Esther 9:10: Does executing Haman's sons conflict with any biblical principles on individual accountability or moral responsibility?
13.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?
14.Esther 9:28: How do we reconcile the institution of Purim with the absence of divine mention or direct intervention throughout the entire story of Esther?What Does Esther 9:25 Mean But when it came before the king• After Esther exposed Haman’s plot at the second banquet (Esther 7:3-6), the matter “came before the king.” God’s timing is evident—Hadassah’s hidden identity is revealed precisely when the king is most receptive (Esther 7:8). • The verse underscores that earthly authority only acts once truth is presented; yet behind the scene the Lord directs events, echoingProverbs 21:1.
He commanded by letter• In the Persian Empire a royal decree, once sealed, carried irrevocable weight (Esther 1:19;Daniel 6:8-9). • The king’s written command counters Haman’s earlier letters sent to annihilate the Jews (Esther 3:12-13). • God turns the very mechanism meant for destruction into a means of deliverance—reminding us that He can overrule any edict (Psalm 33:10-11).
That the wicked scheme which Haman had devised against the Jews• Haman schemed out of pride and ancient hostility (Esther 3:5-6;1 Samuel 15:8-9). • Scripture consistently exposes plots against God’s people as ultimately “wicked” (Psalm 2:1-5;Psalm 64:2-6). • The text highlights the covenant reality ofGenesis 12:3—those who curse Abraham’s descendants invite God’s intervention.
Should come back upon his own head• A vivid picture of poetic justice: “Whoever digs a pit may fall into it” (Proverbs 26:27;Psalm 7:15-16). • The reversal theme runs through Esther—royal favor, edicts, and now the outcome itself are flipped (Esther 8:1-2, 11). • This principle surfaces again in the New Testament: “Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap” (Galatians 6:7).
And that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows• Haman’s own 50-cubit gallows (Esther 5:14) becomes his place of death (Esther 7:9-10). His ten sons follow (Esther 9:13-14), eliminating future retaliation and fulfillingDeuteronomy 21:23 that a hanged body is under God’s curse. • The punishment mirrors that ofDaniel 6:24, where conspirators meet the fate they planned for the innocent. • God’s justice is thorough and public, underscoring His promise: “I will bless those who bless you, and curse those who curse you” (Genesis 12:3).
summaryEsther 9:25 celebrates God-ordained reversal. When the plot surfaced, the king issued a binding letter turning Haman’s murderous design back on himself. The passage affirms divine justice: evil schemes boomerang on their authors, while God safeguards His covenant people. (25) Esther.--It will be seen that in the English Version this word is printed in italics. The Hebrew is literally, and on her (or its) coming. To make the pronoun refer to Esther seems harsh, seeing that she has not been mentioned for some time, and we therefore prefer to make it impersonal, "when it ( i.e., the matter) came."Verse 25. - But when Esther came before the king. Rather, "when the matter came before the king." It is impossible to supply a proper name which has not occurred once in the last eleven verses. We must suppose the feminine suffix attached to the verb bo, "came," to be superfluous, as it is in Ezekiel 33:33. His wicked device should return upon his own head. Compare Psalm 7:16. The device of Haman to massacre all the Jews turned to the destruction of the Jews' chief enemies, and of Haman himself and his sons among them.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew But when it cameוּבְבֹאָהּ֮(ū·ḇə·ḇō·’āh)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 935:To come in, come, go in, gobeforeלִפְנֵ֣י(lip̄·nê)Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440:The facethe king,הַמֶּלֶךְ֒(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kinghe commandedאָמַ֣ר(’ā·mar)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559:To utter, saybyעִם־(‘im-)Preposition
Strong's 5973:With, equally withletterהַסֵּ֔פֶר(has·sê·p̄er)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5612:A missive, document, writing, bookthat the wickedהָרָעָ֛ה(hā·rā·‘āh)Article | Adjective - feminine singular
Strong's 7451:Bad, evilschemeמַחֲשַׁבְתּ֧וֹ(ma·ḥă·šaḇ·tōw)Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4284:A contrivance, a texture, machine, intention, planwhichאֲשֶׁר־(’ă·šer-)Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834:Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order thatHaman had devisedחָשַׁ֥ב(ḥā·šaḇ)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2803:To think, accountagainstעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe Jewsהַיְּהוּדִ֖ים(hay·yə·hū·ḏîm)Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural
Strong's 3064:Jews -- Jewishshould come backיָשׁ֞וּב(yā·šūḇ)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7725:To turn back, in, to retreat, againonעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againsthis own head,רֹאשׁ֑וֹ(rō·šōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7218:The headand that heאֹת֛וֹ(’ō·ṯōw)Direct object marker | third person masculine singular
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative caseandוְאֶת־(wə·’eṯ-)Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853:Untranslatable mark of the accusative casehis sonsבָּנָ֖יו(bā·nāw)Noun - masculine plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1121:A sonshould be hangedוְתָל֥וּ(wə·ṯā·lū)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Conjunctive perfect - third person common plural
Strong's 8518:To suspendonעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe gallows.הָעֵֽץ׃(hā·‘êṣ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6086:Tree, trees, wood
Links Esther 9:25 NIVEsther 9:25 NLTEsther 9:25 ESVEsther 9:25 NASBEsther 9:25 KJV
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OT History: Esther 9:25 But when this became known to (Est Esth. Es) |
