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Esther 4:12

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Esther 4:12 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “And they told to Mordecai Esther`s words.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

And they told to Mordecai Esther`s words.
Esther 4:12 — American Standard Version

Context — Esther 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
9And Hathach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
10Then Esther spake unto Hathach, and gave him a message unto Mordecai [saying]:
11All the king`s servants, and the people of the king`s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law for him, that he be put to death, except those to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.
12And they told to Mordecai Esther`s words.
13Then Mordecai bade them return answer unto Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king`s house, more than all the Jews.
14For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then will relief and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place, but thou and thy father`s house will perish: and who knoweth whether thou art not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
15Then Esther bade them return answer unto Mordecai,
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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 they told to Mordecai Esther’s, words.] The messengers she sent to him.”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“When what Esther said was reported to Mordochai, he sent word back to her (השׁיב): "Think not in thy soul (with thyself) to be saved in the house of the king above all the Jews; for if thou holdest thy peace at this time, recovery and deliverance will arise from another place, but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed. And who knows if thou hast attained to royalty for a time such as this?" By the words: "Think not that thou wilt be saved in the king's house above all the Jew," i.e., alone of all the Jews, Mordochai does not reproach Esther with being indifferent to the fate of her fellow-countrymen, but rather calls her attention to the fact that her own life is in danger. This is…”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification