Esther 4:13

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Esther 4:13 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Then 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.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Then 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.
Esther 4:13 — American Standard Version

Context — Esther 4

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
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.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, etc.] Gave in charge to the messengers what they should say to Esther from him, by way of reply: think not with thyself that thou shall escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews; signifying that her being queen, and in the king’s palace, would be no protection to her; and she would be no safer there than the Jews elsewhere, since they had no greater enemies any where than in the king’s court; and it was or would be known of what nation she was, and therefore must not expect to escape the fury of the enemy.”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther--His answer was to this effect, that Esther need not indulge the vain hope she would, from her royal connection, escape the general doom of her race--that he (Mordecai) confidently believed God would interpose, and, if not through her, by some other deliverer, save His people; but that the duty evidently devolved on her, as there was great reason to believe that this was the design of Providence in her elevation to the dignity of queen, and therefore that she should go with a courageous heart, not doubting of success.”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“4:13-14 Don’t think . . . you will escape: Mordecai did not back down and did not excuse her because of the danger, and he reminded her that it would be more dangerous for her to say nothing to the king. • deliverance and relief for the Jews will arise from some other place: Mordecai knew God’s promises and realized that God would not allow his chosen people to be annihilated (see Gen 12:3; 22:18; 28:14; Isa 60:1-5). • perhaps you were made queen for just such a time as this: Esther’s rise to power at this precise time was not just a lucky chance of fate—her position as Xerxes’ favored wife and queen was a role that God had given her to influence history for the Jewish people.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Think not: Pro 24:10-12; Mat 16:24, Mat 16:25; Joh 12:25; Phi 2:30; Heb 12:3 Esther 4:14”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification