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Esther 2:23

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Esther 2:23 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And when inquisition was made of the matter, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And when inquisition was made of the matter, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.
Esther 2:23 — American Standard Version

Context — Esther 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
20Esther had not yet made known her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
21In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king`s gate, two of the king`s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the threshold, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.
22And the thing became known to Mordecai, who showed it unto Esther the queen; and Esther told the king [thereof] in Mordecai`s name.
23And when inquisition was made of the matter, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.
← Esther 2:22Esther 3:1 →
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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 inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out, etc.] That these two men had entered into a conspiracy to take away the king’s life; full proof and evidence were given of it: therefore they were both hanged on a tree; Josephus f103 says they were crucified; but hanging was frequent among the Persians, as Grotius observes, and better agrees with the word here used: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king; in a diary kept by the king’s order, in which memorable events were set down, and might be done in the presence of the king, as well as the book lay open before him to read at any time; and this is observed to agree with the manner of Xerxes, who is…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Both hanged on a tree - i. e. “crucified” or “impaled” the ordinary punishment of rebels and traitors in Persia. The book of the chronicles - Ctesias drew his Persian history from them, and they are often glanced at by Herodotus. return to 'Top of Page' Footnotes: Copyright Statement These files are public domain. Bibliographical Information Barnes, Albert. "Commentary on Esther 2". "Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/bnb/esther-2.html. 1870. StudyLight.org © 2001-2026 Powered by Lightspeed Technology”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:23 impaled on a sharpened pole (literally hanged on a tree, or hanged on wood): This phrase has traditionally been translated hanged on a gallows, but inscriptions from ancient Persia show that impalement was a standard form of execution. Xerxes’ father, Darius I, claimed to have impaled 3,000 Babylonians when he conquered Babylon. Sometimes criminals were executed first and then displayed on a stake, as with the execution of Haman’s sons (9:5-14). • This was all recorded: Mordecai was not rewarded until much later (6:1-14). • While various records of Xerxes’ reign have been found, the particular book mentioned here no longer exists.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“hanged: Est 5:14, Est 7:10; Gen 40:19, Gen 40:22; Deu 21:22, Deu 21:23; Jos 8:29 the book: Est 6:1, Est 6:2; Mal 3:16 Next: Esther Chapter 3”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification