Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued as law in every province and made known to the people of every nationality so they would be ready for that day. New Living Translation A copy of this decree was to be issued as law in every province and proclaimed to all peoples, so that they would be ready to do their duty on the appointed day. English Standard Version A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province by proclamation to all the peoples to be ready for that day. Berean Standard Bible A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that they would be ready on that day. Berean Literal Bible A copy of the writing was to be given as law in every province and province, being revealed to all the peoples, to be ready for this day. King James Bible The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day. New King James Version A copy of the document was to be issued as law in every province, being published for all people, that they should be ready for that day. New American Standard Bible A copy of the edict to be issued as law in every province was published to all the peoples so that they would be ready for this day. NASB 1995 A copy of the edict to be issued as law in every province was published to all the peoples so that they should be ready for this day. NASB 1977 A copy of the edict to be issued as law in every province was published to all the peoples so that they should be ready for this day. Legacy Standard Bible A copy of that which was written down to be given as law in every province was revealed to all the peoples so that they should be ready for this day. Amplified Bible A copy of the edict to be decreed as law in every province was published to all the peoples, so that they would be ready for this day. Berean Annotated Bible A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that they would be ready on that day. Christian Standard Bible A copy of the text, issued as law throughout every province, was distributed to all the peoples so that they might get ready for that day. Holman Christian Standard Bible A copy of the text, issued as law throughout every province, was distributed to all the peoples so that they might get ready for that day. American Standard Version A copy of the writing, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published unto all the peoples, that they should be ready against that day. English Revised Version A copy of the writing, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published unto all the peoples, that they should be ready against that day. GOD'S WORD® Translation A copy of the document was made public in a decree to every province. All the people were to be ready for this day. Good News Translation The contents of the proclamation were to be made public in every province, so that everyone would be prepared when that day came. International Standard Version A copy of the letter was to be issued as an edict in every province and published to all the people, telling them to be ready for that day. NET Bible A copy of this edict was to be presented as law throughout every province; it was to be made known to all the inhabitants, so that they would be prepared for this day. New Heart English Bible A copy of the letter, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published to all the peoples, that they should be ready against that day. Webster's Bible Translation The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province, was published to all people, that they should be ready against that day. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleA copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that they would be ready on that day. World English Bible A copy of the letter, that the decree should be given out in every province, was published to all the peoples, that they should be ready against that day. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versiona copy of the writing to be made law in each and every province is revealed to all the peoples, to be ready for this day. Berean Literal Bible A copy of the writing was to be given as law in every province and province, being revealed to all the peoples, to be ready for this day. Young's Literal Translation a copy of the writing to be made law in every province and province is revealed to all the peoples, to be ready for this day. Smith's Literal Translation A copy of the writing to be given an edict in every province and province, being manifested to all peoples to be ready for that day. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the contents of the letters were to this effect, that all provinces might know and be ready against that day. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible A copy of the decree to be promulgated as law in every province was published to all the peoples, that they might be prepared for that day. New Revised Standard Version A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province by proclamation, calling on all the peoples to be ready for that day. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThe copy of the writing was given in every province, commanding all the people to be ready for that day. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And a copy of the writing was given in every province and city and he commanded all the people that they would be ready on this day. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917The copy of the writing, to be given out for a decree in every province, was to be published unto all peoples, that they should be ready against that day. Brenton Septuagint Translation And the copies of the letters were published in every province; and an order was given to all the nations to be ready against that day. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Haman Plots Against the Jews…13And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month. 14A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that they would be ready on that day. 15The couriers left, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was in confusion.… Cross References A copy of the text of the edict Ezra 7:11 This is the text of the letter King Artaxerxes had given to Ezra the priest and scribe, an expert in the commandments and statutes of the LORD to Israel: Ezra 4:11 (This is the text of the letter they sent to him.) To King Artaxerxes, From your servants, the men west of the Euphrates: Deuteronomy 17:18 When he is seated on his royal throne, he must write for himself a copy of this instruction on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. was to be issued in every province Esther 8:9 At once the royal scribes were summoned, and on the twenty-third day of the third month (the month of Sivan), they recorded all of Mordecai’s orders to the Jews and to the satraps, governors, and princes of the 127 provinces from India to Cush—writing to each province in its own script, to every people in their own language, and to the Jews in their own script and language. Esther 1:22 He sent letters to all the provinces of the kingdom, to each province in its own script and to each people in their own language, proclaiming that every man should be master of his own household. Esther 8:10 Mordecai wrote in the name of King Xerxes and sealed it with the royal signet ring. He sent the documents by mounted couriers riding on swift horses bred from the royal mares. and published to all the people, Daniel 6:25 Then King Darius wrote to the people of every nation and language throughout the land: “May your prosperity abound. Daniel 3:4 Then the herald loudly proclaimed, “O people of every nation and language, this is what you are commanded: Isaiah 52:7 How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” so that they would be ready on that day. Esther 8:13 A copy of the text of the edict was to be issued in every province and published to all the people, so that the Jews would be ready on that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. Exodus 19:11 and be prepared by the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. Matthew 24:44 For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect. Esther 9:1 On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the king’s command and edict were to be executed. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but their plan was overturned and the Jews overpowered those who hated them. Daniel 6:8 Therefore, O king, establish the decree and sign the document so that it cannot be changed—in accordance with the law of the Medes and Persians, which cannot be repealed.” Daniel 6:12 So they approached the king and asked about his royal decree: “Did you not sign a decree that for thirty days any man who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions?” The king replied, “According to the law of the Medes and Persians the order stands, and it cannot be repealed.” Daniel 6:15 Then the men approached the king together and said to him, “Remember, O king, that by the law of the Medes and Persians no decree or ordinance established by the king can be changed.” Treasury of Scripture The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published to all people, that they should be ready against that day. The copy. Esther 8:13,14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies… Jump to Previous Commandment Copy Decree Document Edict Issued Kingdom Letter Nationality Part Peoples Proclamation Province Public Published Ready Revealed Text WritingJump to Next Commandment Copy Decree Document Edict Issued Kingdom Letter Nationality Part Peoples Proclamation Province Public Published Ready Revealed Text WritingEsther 3 1. Haman, advanced by the king, and despised by Mordecai, seeks revenge upon the Jews.7. He casts lots. 8. He obtains by false accusations a decree of the king to put the Jews to death. A copy of the text of the edict This phrase refers to the written decree issued by King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) at the instigation of Haman, his prime minister. In the ancient Persian Empire, written edicts were a common method of communication and governance, often inscribed on clay tablets or papyrus. The use of written decrees ensured that the king's commands were preserved and could be referenced as authoritative. This practice is seen throughout the Bible, such as in the book of Daniel, where decrees were also issued by the king (Daniel 6:8-9). was to be issued in every province and published to all the people so that they would be ready on that day Persons / Places / Events 1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)The Persian king who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. He is known for his opulent lifestyle and impulsive decisions, which play a significant role in the events of the Book of Esther. 2. Haman The antagonist of the account, an Agagite who held a high position in the king's court. He harbored a deep hatred for the Jews, particularly Mordecai, and orchestrated a plan to annihilate them. 3. The Citadel of Susa The fortified palace complex in the city of Susa, which served as the administrative center of the Persian Empire. It is the setting for much of the Book of Esther. 4. The Edict A royal decree issued by King Ahasuerus, instigated by Haman, calling for the destruction of all Jews in the empire. This edict was distributed throughout the provinces, causing widespread fear and confusion. 5. The Couriers Messengers who were tasked with delivering the king's edict to all parts of the empire. Their swift delivery ensured that the decree reached every province quickly. Teaching Points The Power of InfluenceHaman's influence over King Ahasuerus led to a decree that threatened an entire people. We must be cautious about who influences our decisions and ensure that our actions align with God's will. God's Sovereignty in Chaos Even when the city of Susa was in confusion, God was at work behind the scenes. In our lives, we can trust that God is sovereign and working for our good, even in times of uncertainty. The Importance of Standing Firm Mordecai's refusal to bow to Haman set off a chain of events that led to the Jews' deliverance. Standing firm in our faith, even when it is unpopular, can lead to God's greater purposes being fulfilled. The Role of Prayer and Fasting As the account unfolds, Esther calls for prayer and fasting. This highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance and intervention in times of crisis. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Esther 3:14?2. How does Esther 3:14 demonstrate the urgency of Haman's decree's implementation? 3. What role does authority play in the dissemination of decrees in Esther 3:14? 4. How does Esther 3:14 connect with Romans 13:1 on obeying governing authorities? 5. How can we discern and respond to unjust decrees in our own lives? 6. What steps can Christians take to stand against injustice, as seen in Esther? 7. What historical evidence supports the events described in Esther 3:14? 8. How does Esther 3:14 reflect God's sovereignty in difficult circumstances? 9. Why was the decree in Esther 3:14 necessary for the narrative's progression? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 3? 11. How did Esther save her people from Xerxes' decree? 12. How does Esther 8:8 reconcile with the supposed irrevocability of Persian law if a second decree effectively overrules the first? 13. Esther 3:10-15 - Why is there no mention in Persian archives or other sources of this monumental royal decree to annihilate an entire ethnic group? 14. Esther 10 (entire) - How can the brief mention of King Ahasuerus's acts reconcile with other Old Testament texts depicting Persian rule differently? What Does Esther 3:14 Mean A copy of the text of the edictThe author calls attention to a literal, written document. This underlines the unchangeable nature of the royal decree, echoing other written mandates in Persia (Esther 1:19, Daniel 6:8-9). In Scripture, writing gives authority and permanence—think of the tablets in Exodus 31:18 or Josiah’s rediscovered Book of the Law in 2 Kings 22:8-13. Here, the written form shows that Haman’s evil plot is no rumor; it is official, binding, and deadly serious. was to be issued in every province Persia’s empire stretched “from India to Cush, 127 provinces” (Esther 1:1). The wording spotlights the total reach of the threat; no pocket of safety exists. Compare Caesar’s census that “went out to all the world” in Luke 2:1, or King Artaxerxes’ letters sent “to all the treasurers of the province beyond the River” in Ezra 7:21. When earthly power speaks, it wants universal compliance—yet the episode reminds us that God still overrules (Proverbs 21:1). and published to all the people Nothing about the decree is hidden. Like Jonah’s warning shouted through Nineveh (Jonah 3:4-5) or Moses’ instructions read “in the hearing of all Israel” (Deuteronomy 31:11-12), this proclamation targets every ear, Jew or Gentile. Evil often announces itself brazenly; the enemy is unashamed to broadcast destruction (John 10:10). Yet God’s good news is even more public—as seen later when the Jews’ deliverance is likewise “proclaimed in every province” (Esther 8:13). so that they would be ready on that day The phrase stresses urgency and preparation—though for wicked ends. Exodus 12:11 required Israel to eat the Passover “in haste…ready to go,” and Jesus tells His disciples, “You also must be ready” (Matthew 24:44). Here the readiness is flipped: pagans prepare to exterminate God’s people, not realizing they are positioning themselves for divine reversal (Psalm 7:14-16). The verse foreshadows the reality that everyone is preparing for something—either for judgment or for salvation (Romans 2:5-8). summary Esther 3:14 records a grim, all-encompassing, and publicly proclaimed edict designed to mobilize an empire against God’s covenant people. The verse underscores how evil wields written authority, broad distribution, and urgency to advance its plans. Yet the wider narrative proves that God can turn even the most thoroughly communicated schemes on their heads, protecting His own and transforming looming tragedy into triumph. (14) Copy.--Heb., pathshegen. A Persian word, only occurring here and in Esther 4:8; Esther 8:13.Verse 14. - The exact import of this verse is uncertain. Some suppose it to be a mere heading to a copy of the decree, which was originally inserted in the text between verses 14 and 15. In this case the translation should be Ñ "A copy of the writing for giving commandment to every province, published to all peoples, that they should be ready against that day."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew A copyפַּתְשֶׁ֣גֶן (paṯ·še·ḡen) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6572: A transcript of the text הַכְּתָ֗ב (hak·kə·ṯāḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3791: Something written, a writing, record, book of the edict דָּת֙ (dāṯ) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 1881: A royal edict, statute was to be issued לְהִנָּ֤תֵֽן (lə·hin·nā·ṯên) Preposition-l | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct Strong's 5414: To give, put, set in every בְּכָל־ (bə·ḵāl) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every province מְדִינָ֣ה (mə·ḏî·nāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4082: A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region and published גָּל֖וּי (gā·lui) Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular Strong's 1540: To denude, to exile, to reveal to all לְכָל־ (lə·ḵāl) Preposition-l | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the people, הָֽעַמִּ֑ים (hā·‘am·mîm) Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock so that they would be ready עֲתִדִ֖ים (‘ă·ṯi·ḏîm) Adjective - masculine singular Strong's 6264: Prepared, skilful, treasure for that הַזֶּֽה׃ (haz·zeh) Article | Pronoun - masculine singular Strong's 2088: This, that day. לַיּ֥וֹם (lay·yō·wm) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 3117: A day Links Esther 3:14 NIVEsther 3:14 NLT Esther 3:14 ESV Esther 3:14 NASB Esther 3:14 KJV Esther 3:14 BibleApps.com Esther 3:14 Biblia Paralela Esther 3:14 Chinese Bible Esther 3:14 French Bible Esther 3:14 Catholic Bible OT History: Esther 3:14 A copy of the letter that (Est Esth. 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