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Esther 8:16

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Esther 8:16 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honor.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honor.
Esther 8:16 — American Standard Version

Context — Esther 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
13A copy of the writing, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published unto all the peoples, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.
14So the posts that rode upon swift steeds that were used in the king`s service went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king`s commandment; and the decree was given out in Shushan the palace.
15And Mordecai went forth from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a robe of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan shouted and was glad.
16The Jews had light and gladness, and joy and honor.
17And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king`s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had gladness and joy, a feast and a good day. And many from among the peoples of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews was fallen upon them.
← Esther 8:15Esther 8:17 →
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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 the Jews had light, etc.] Prosperity, as opposed to the darkness of adversity in which they had been, (see <230822>Isaiah 8:22,9:1,2), or lightsomeness and cheerfulness of spirit, as explained by the two next words: and gladness and joy; at the good news of their deliverance, so unexpected by them; thus light is explained by gladness, (<199711>Psalm 97:11) and honour: among men; from their neighbours, who before were held in contempt, as a people doomed to destruction.”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Joy - This explains the former metaphor by two words expressing the same thing, to denote the greatness of the joy. Honour - Instead of that contempt under which they had lain. Next: Esther Chapter 9”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Jews: Est 4:1-3, Est 4:16; Psa 30:5-11 had light: That is, prosperity and hope. The dark cloud which had so long hung over them was dispelled; and again the sunshine of prosperity beamed upon them. Est 9:17; Psa 18:28, Psa 97:11; Pro 4:18, Pro 4:19, Pro 11:10; Isa 30:29, Isa 30:30, Isa 35:10 Esther 8:17”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification