New International Version Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you.” New Living Translation Then the king asked her, “What do you want, Queen Esther? What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!” English Standard Version And the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” Berean Standard Bible “What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.” Berean Literal Bible And the king said to her, “What is it to you, Esther the queen? And what is your request? As much as half of the kingdom, and it shall be given to you.” King James Bible Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. New King James Version And the king said to her, “What do you wish, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you—up to half the kingdom!” New American Standard Bible Then the king said to her, “What is troubling you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Up to half of the kingdom it shall be given to you.” NASB 1995 Then the king said to her, “What is troubling you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it shall be given to you.” NASB 1977 Then the king said to her, “What is troubling you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it will be given to you.” Legacy Standard Bible Then the king said to her, “What is troubling you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Even to half of the kingdom it shall be given to you.” Amplified Bible Then the king said to her, “What is troubling you, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given to you, up to half of the kingdom.” Berean Annotated Bible “What is it, Queen Esther (star)? the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you. Christian Standard Bible “What is it, Queen Esther? ” the king asked her. “Whatever you want, even to half the kingdom, will be given to you.” Holman Christian Standard Bible What is it, Queen Esther?” the king asked her. “Whatever you want, even to half the kingdom, will be given to you."” American Standard Version Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom. Contemporary English Version the king said, "Esther, what brings you here? Just ask, and I will give you as much as half of my kingdom." English Revised Version Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then the king asked her, "What is troubling you, Queen Esther? What would you like? Even if it is up to half of the kingdom, it will be granted to you." Good News Translation "What is it, Queen Esther?" the king asked. "Tell me what you want, and you shall have it--even if it is half my empire." International Standard Version The king asked her, "What do you want, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even if it's half of the kingdom, it will be given to you." NET Bible The king said to her, "What is on your mind, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even as much as half the kingdom will be given to you!" New Heart English Bible Then the king asked her, "What would you like, queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom." Webster's Bible Translation Then said the king to her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard Bible“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.” World English Bible Then the king asked her, “What would you like, queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom.” Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd the king says to her, “What do you [want], Esther, O queen? And what [is] your request? To the half of the kingdom—and it is given to you.” Berean Literal Bible And the king said to her, “What is it to you, Esther the queen? And what is your request? As much as half of the kingdom, and it shall be given to you.” Young's Literal Translation And the king saith to her, 'What -- to thee Esther, O queen? and what thy request? unto the half of the kingdom -- and it is given to thee.' Smith's Literal Translation And the king will say to her, What to thee, Esther the queen? what thy seeking? even to the half of the kingdom and it shall be given to thee. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the king said to her: What wilt then, queen Esther? what is thy request? if thou shouldst even ask one half of the kingdom, it shall be given to thee. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Then the king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even if it is half of my kingdom, it shall be granted you.” New Revised Standard Version The king said to her, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.” Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen the king said to her, What troubles you, Queen Esther? And what is your request? It shall be given you even to the half of the kingdom. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And the King said to her: “What do you have, Queen Esthir, and what is your request? Unto the half of my kingdom shall be given to you!” OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then said the king unto her: 'What wilt thou, queen Esther? for whatever thy request, even to the half of the kingdom, it shall be given thee.' Brenton Septuagint Translation And the king said, What wilt thou, Esther? and what is thy request? ask even to the half of my kingdom, and it shall be thine. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Esther Goes Before the King…2As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 3“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.” 4“If it pleases the king,” Esther replied, “may the king and Haman come today to the banquet I have prepared for the king.”… Cross References “What is it, Queen Esther?” Esther 7:2 and as they drank their wine on that second day, the king asked once more, “Queen Esther, what is your petition? It will be given to you. What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be fulfilled.” 1 Kings 10:13 King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired—whatever she asked—besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she left and returned to her own country, along with her servants. 1 Kings 2:20 “I have just one small request of you,” she said. “Do not deny me.” “Make your request, my mother,” the king replied, “for I will not deny you.” the king inquired. Esther 7:5 Then King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?” Mark 10:51 “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “Rabboni,” said the blind man, “let me see again.” “What is your request? Esther 8:5 “If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces. Luke 18:41 “What do you want Me to do for you?” “Lord,” he said, “let me see again.” 1 Kings 3:5 One night at Gibeon the LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream, and God said, “Ask, and I will give it to you!” Even up to half the kingdom, Mark 6:23-26 And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!” / Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.” / At once the girl hurried back to the king with her request: “I want you to give me the head of John the Baptist on a platter immediately.” … Matthew 14:7-11 so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked. / Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.” / The king was grieved, but because of his oaths and his guests, he ordered that her wish be granted … it will be given to you.” Matthew 7:7-11 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? … Luke 11:9-13 So I tell you: Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you. / For everyone who asks receives; he who seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened. / What father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will give him a snake instead? … James 1:5 Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. John 15:7 If you remain in Me and My words remain in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. 1 John 5:14-15 And this is the confidence that we have before Him: If we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. / And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we already possess what we have asked of Him. John 14:13-14 And I will do whatever you ask in My name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. / If you ask Me for anything in My name, I will do it. Treasury of Scripture Then said the king to her, What will you, queen Esther? and what is your request? it shall be even given you to the half of the kingdom. What. Esther 5:6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed. Esther 7:2 And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom. Esther 9:12 And the king said unto Esther the queen, The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Shushan the palace, and the ten sons of Haman; what have they done in the rest of the king's provinces? now what is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: or what is thy request further? and it shall be done. to. Esther 5:6 And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed. Mark 6:23 And he sware unto her, Whatsoever thou shalt ask of me, I will give it thee, unto the half of my kingdom. Jump to Previous Desire Esther Half Kingdom Queen Request Troubling Whatever WiltJump to Next Desire Esther Half Kingdom Queen Request Troubling Whatever WiltEsther 5 1. Esther, adventuring on the king's favor, obtains the grace of the golden sceptre, 4. and invites the king and Haman to a banquet. 6. She, being encouraged by the king in her suit, invites them to another banquet. 9. Haman, proud of his advancement, repines at the contempt of Mordecai. 14. By the counsel of Zeresh he prepares for him a gallows. “What is it, Queen Esther?” Ahasuerus recognized Esther’s royal standing and received her with favor after she risked appearing before him uninvited. God had raised a Jewish orphan to the throne of Persia, as He had raised Joseph to authority in Egypt, placing His servant where she could act for the preservation of His people. Est 7:2 and as they drank their wine on that second day,… the king inquired. The king’s readiness to hear Esther contrasts with the danger she had faced in entering his court. His favorable response opened the way for her carefully prepared appeal and revealed the providential timing behind her approach. Est 7:5 Then King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther,… “What is your request? Ahasuerus invited Esther to speak openly, granting her access that few in the empire possessed. Esther would use that access not for personal advancement but to intercede for the Jews marked for destruction, anticipating the work of one who stands before authority on behalf of others. Est 8:5 “If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor”… Even up to half the kingdom, Royal language of this kind emphasized extraordinary favor rather than a literal offer to divide Persian territory. Herod later used similar words when making a reckless promise to Herodias’s daughter (Mark 6:23), but Ahasuerus’s offer would become part of God’s deliverance rather than an occasion for evil. Mrk 6:23-26 And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me…”… it will be given to you.” The king spoke with the authority of Persia’s highest throne, yet his willingness to grant Esther’s request rested under the greater rule of God. Esther’s position, courage, and restraint would serve the Lord’s purpose of preserving the covenant people through whom the promised Messiah would come. Mat 7:7-11 Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find;… Persons / Places / Events 1. Queen EstherA Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. Her courage and faith are central to the account as she seeks to save her people from destruction. 2. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) The Persian king who is Esther's husband. His favor towards Esther is crucial in the unfolding of events. 3. The Royal Court The setting of this encounter, where Esther approaches the king, risking her life to make a request on behalf of her people. 4. The Persian Empire The vast empire over which King Ahasuerus rules, highlighting the significance of Esther's influence and the potential impact of her request. 5. The Jewish People The community at risk of annihilation due to Haman's plot, whom Esther seeks to protect through her intercession. Teaching Points Courage in FaithEsther's approach to the king exemplifies the courage required to stand up for righteousness, even at personal risk. Believers are encouraged to trust God when facing daunting challenges. Divine Favor The king's willingness to grant Esther's request up to half the kingdom illustrates how God can move the hearts of leaders to fulfill His purposes. Trust in God's ability to influence circumstances for His glory. Intercession for Others Esther's actions remind us of the power and responsibility of interceding for others. Believers are called to pray and act on behalf of those in need. God's Sovereignty The unfolding events in Esther's account highlight God's sovereign control over history. Believers can find peace in knowing that God is in control, even when situations seem dire. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Esther 5:3?2. How does Esther 5:3 demonstrate God's providence in Esther's favor with the king? 3. What can we learn from Esther's courage in approaching the king uninvited? 4. How does Esther 5:3 connect to God's promises in Romans 8:28? 5. In what ways can we seek God's favor in our daily challenges? 6. How can Esther's boldness inspire us to act in faith today? 7. Why does King Ahasuerus offer Esther up to half the kingdom in Esther 5:3? 8. What does Esther 5:3 reveal about the power dynamics between Esther and King Ahasuerus? 9. How does Esther 5:3 illustrate the theme of favor and divine intervention? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 5? What Does Esther 5:3 Mean “What is it, Queen Esther?”• The king’s immediate, gentle address underscores Esther’s honored status. Earlier, Esther risked her life to stand unbidden before him (Esther 4:11; 5:1-2), yet now the royal greeting signals acceptance and favor. • Scripture repeatedly shows God giving His people favor before rulers: Joseph before Pharaoh (Genesis 41:39-40) and Daniel before Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:46-48). Such scenes remind us that “the king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases” (Proverbs 21:1). • For believers, this picture foreshadows the confidence we have to approach a far greater throne: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16). “What is your request?” • The king invites Esther to speak freely—an invitation mirroring God’s ongoing call to His children: “Call to Me and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3). • Esther has prepared both herself (through fasting, Esther 4:16) and her petition (Esther 5:4). Her measured approach illustrates Proverbs 15:23, “A man finds joy in giving an apt reply—and how good is a timely word!” • Like Nehemiah silently praying before answering Artaxerxes (Nehemiah 2:4-5), Esther models reliance on God even while speaking to earthly authority. “Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.” • The phrase is a royal hyperbole expressing unlimited generosity (seen again in Esther 7:2 and echoed in Mark 6:23 with Herod). The king’s pledge highlights that human rulers can promise only within temporal limits, whereas God’s generosity is truly boundless: “He is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). • The offer underscores divine providence at work; God has positioned Esther “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). • Notice that Esther does not seize the offer impulsively; she seeks God-timed deliverance for her people. James 4:3 warns against asking with wrong motives, but Esther’s request will align with God’s redemptive plan. summary Esther 5:3 reveals a moment where earthly majesty meets divine orchestration. The king’s favorable greeting, his open invitation, and his extravagant promise all pave the way for God’s rescue of His people. In Christ, we have an even greater welcome, permission to ask, and assurance of provision. The verse therefore encourages confident, prayerful approach to our King, trusting His sovereign favor and perfect timing. (3) To the half of the kingdom.—This tremendous offer occurs in further promises of Ahasuerus (Esther 5:6; Esther 7:2). The same reckless promise is made by Herod Antipas to the daughter of Herodias (Mark 6:23).Verse 3. - What is thy request? It shall be even given thee. The practice of granting requests beforehand is one common among Oriental monarchs. Sometimes no limit at all is placed to the petitioner's liberty of choice - seldom any less wide limit than that of the present passage. According to Herodotus (9:111), there was one day in the year on which the king was bound to grant any request made by a guest at his table. To the half of the kingdom. Compare Mark 6:23, where Herod Antipas makes the same limitation.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew “Whatמַה־ (mah-) Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what is it, לָּ֖ךְ (lāḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular Strong's Hebrew Queen הַמַּלְכָּ֑ה (ham·mal·kāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4436: Queen -- a queen Esther?” אֶסְתֵּ֣ר (’es·têr) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 635: Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel the king הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king inquired. וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 559: To utter, say “What [is] וּמַה־ (ū·mah-) Conjunctive waw | Interrogative Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what your request? בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ (baq·qā·šā·ṯêḵ) Noun - feminine singular construct | second person feminine singular Strong's 1246: Request, entreaty Even up to עַד־ (‘aḏ-) Preposition Strong's 5704: As far as, even to, up to, until, while half חֲצִ֥י (ḥă·ṣî) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 2677: The half, middle the kingdom, הַמַּלְכ֖וּת (ham·mal·ḵūṯ) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4438: Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom it will be given וְיִנָּ֥תֵֽן (wə·yin·nā·ṯên) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Conjunctive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5414: To give, put, set to you.” לָֽךְ׃ (lāḵ) Preposition | second person feminine singular Strong's Hebrew Additonal Resources Esther 5:3 Blue Letter BibleEsther 5:3 Bible Gateway Esther 5:3 Bible.com Esther 5:3 NIV |
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