BibleWord.ai› Bible› Esther› Chapter 1› Verse 20

Esther 1:20

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Esther 1:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And when the king`s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his kingdom (for it is great), all the wives will give to their husbands honor, both to great and small.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And when the king`s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his kingdom (for it is great), all the wives will give to their husbands honor, both to great and small.
Esther 1:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Esther 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17For this deed of the queen will come abroad unto all women, to make their husbands contemptible in their eyes, when it shall be reported, The king Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she came not.
18And this day will the princesses of Persia and Media who have heard of the deed of the queen say [the like] unto all the king`s princes. So [will there arise] much contempt and wrath.
19If it please the king, let there go forth a royal commandment from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it be not altered, that Vashti come no more before king Ahasuerus; and let the king give her royal estate unto another that is better than she.
20And when the king`s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his kingdom (for it is great), all the wives will give to their husbands honor, both to great and small.
21And the saying pleased the king and the princes; and the king did according to the word of Memucan:
22for he sent letters into all the king`s provinces, into every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language, that every man should bear rule in his own house, and should speak according to the language of his people.
← Esther 1:19Esther 1:21 →
← Full Chapter 1 Esther Overview

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“And when the king’s decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, etc.] As it was proper it should, since the report of the queen’s deed would be made everywhere: for it is great; the empire consisting of one hundred and twenty seven provinces, (<170101>Esther 1:1), Aben Ezra and Abendana interpret it, “though” it is great, yet the decree should be published throughout; the latter observes, that this may respect the king’s decree; and so the Targum is, “for his decree is great;” it respecting a matter of great importance, and relating to a great personage, and would have great effect on the minds of persons, when it was observed that one so great was treated in…”
Read attributed excerpt →
Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“throughout: Deu 17:13, Deu 21:21 all the wives: Eph 5:33; Col 3:18; Pe1 3:1-7 Esther 1:21”
Read attributed excerpt →

Related study paths

Read Esther 1 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification