Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version And all the nobles of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because fear of Mordecai had seized them. New Living Translation And all the nobles of the provinces, the highest officers, the governors, and the royal officials helped the Jews for fear of Mordecai. English Standard Version All the officials of the provinces and the satraps and the governors and the royal agents also helped the Jews, for the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them. Berean Standard Bible And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them. Berean Literal Bible And all the officials of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governors, and those doing the work that were to the king were lifting up the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them. King James Bible And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. New King James Version And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and all those doing the king’s work, helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. New American Standard Bible Even all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and those who were doing the king’s business were supporting the Jews, because the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them. NASB 1995 Even all the princes of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and those who were doing the king’s business assisted the Jews, because the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them. NASB 1977 Even all the princes of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and those who were doing the king’s business assisted the Jews, because the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them. Legacy Standard Bible Even all the princes of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and those who were doing the king’s work advanced the Jews, because the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them. Amplified Bible Even all the officials of the provinces and the chief rulers (satraps) and the governors and those who attended to the king’s business supported the Jews [in defeating their enemies], because the fear of Mordecai [and his God’s power] had fallen on them. Berean Annotated Bible And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai (little man) had fallen upon them. Christian Standard Bible All the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the royal civil administrators aided the Jews because they feared Mordecai. Holman Christian Standard Bible All the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the royal civil administrators aided the Jews because they were afraid of Mordecai. American Standard Version And all the princes of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governors, and they that did the king's business, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai was fallen upon them. Contemporary English Version The leaders of the provinces, the rulers, the governors, and the court officials were afraid of Mordecai and took sides with the Jews. English Revised Version And all the princes of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governors, and they that did the king's business, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai was fallen upon them. GOD'S WORD® Translation All the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the king's treasurers assisted the Jews because they were terrified of Mordecai. Good News Translation In fact, all the provincial officials--governors, administrators, and royal representatives--helped the Jews because they were all afraid of Mordecai. International Standard Version All the provincial officials, the regional authorities, the governors, and those doing the king's work supported the Jewish people because the fear of Mordecai had come over them. NET Bible All the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors and those who performed the king's business were assisting the Jews, for the dread of Mordecai had fallen on them. New Heart English Bible And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and those who did the king's business helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them. Webster's Bible Translation And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell upon them. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them. World English Bible All the princes of the provinces, the local governors, the governors, and those who did the king’s business helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd all heads of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the governors, and those doing the work that the king has, are lifting up the Jews, for a fear of Mordecai has fallen on them; Berean Literal Bible And all the officials of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governors, and those doing the work that were to the king were lifting up the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them. Young's Literal Translation And all heads of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the governors, and those doing the work that the king hath, are lifting up the Jews, for a fear of Mordecai hath fallen upon them; Smith's Literal Translation And all the chiefs of the provinces, and the satraps, and the prefects, and those doing the work that was for the king, were lifting up with the Jews; for the fear of Mordecai fell upon them: Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd the judges of the provinces, and the governors, and lieutenants, and every one in dignity, that presided over every place and work, extolled the Jews for fear of Mardochai: Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible Moreover, all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, governors, and royal procurators supported the Jews out of fear of Mordecai; New Revised Standard Version All the officials of the provinces, the satraps and the governors, and the royal officials were supporting the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd all the princes of the provinces and the commanders of the armies and the governors and those who were employed in the king's work honored the Jews because the fear of the king fell upon them. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And all the Princes of the cities and the Generals of the armies and the Lords and the workers of the of the King’s work honored the Jews, because the fear of the King had fallen upon them. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And all the princes of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governors, and they that did the king's business, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai was fallen upon them. Brenton Septuagint Translation For the chiefs of the satraps, and the princes and the royal scribes, honoured the Jews; for the fear of Mardochaeus lay upon them. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Jews Destroy Their Enemies…2In each of the provinces of King Xerxes, the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who sought to harm them. No man could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples. 3And all the officials of the provinces, the satraps, the governors, and the king’s administrators helped the Jews, because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them. 4For Mordecai exercised great power in the palace, and his fame spread throughout the provinces as he became more and more powerful.… Cross References And all the officials of the provinces, Esther 3:12 On the thirteenth day of the first month, the royal scribes were summoned and the order was written exactly as Haman commanded the royal satraps, the governors of each province, and the officials of each people, in the script of each province and the language of every people. It was written in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring. Esther 1:1 This is what happened in the days of Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. the satraps, Daniel 6:1-2 Now it pleased Darius to appoint 120 satraps to rule throughout the kingdom, / and over them three administrators, including Daniel, to whom these satraps were accountable so that the king would not suffer loss. Daniel 3:2 Then King Nebuchadnezzar sent word to assemble the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other officials of the provinces to attend the dedication of the statue he had set up. the governors, Daniel 3:3 So the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the rulers of the provinces assembled for the dedication of the statue that King Nebuchadnezzar had set up, and they stood before it. 1 Peter 2:14 or to governors as those sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right. and the king’s administrators Daniel 6:7 All the royal administrators, prefects, satraps, advisers, and governors have agreed that the king should establish an ordinance and enforce a decree that for thirty days anyone who petitions any god or man except you, O king, will be thrown into the den of lions. 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. helped the Jews, Ezra 1:6 And all their neighbors supported them with articles of silver and gold, with goods and livestock, and with valuables, in addition to all their freewill offerings. Exodus 12:35-36 Furthermore, the Israelites acted on Moses’ word and asked the Egyptians for articles of silver and gold, and for clothing. / And the LORD gave the people such favor in the sight of the Egyptians that they granted their request. In this way they plundered the Egyptians. because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them. Joshua 2:9-11 and said to them, “I know that the LORD has given you this land and that the fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who dwell in the land are melting in fear of you. / For we have heard how the LORD dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites across the Jordan, whom you devoted to destruction. / When we heard this, our hearts melted and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in the heavens above and on the earth below. 2 Chronicles 17:10 And the dread of the LORD fell upon all the kingdoms of the lands that surrounded Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat. Nehemiah 2:9 Then I went to the governors west of the Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me. Ezra 7:21-23 I, King Artaxerxes, decree to all the treasurers west of the Euphrates: Whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the Law of the God of heaven, may require of you, it must be provided promptly, / up to a hundred talents of silver, a hundred cors of wheat, a hundred baths of wine, a hundred baths of olive oil, and salt without limit. / Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven must be done diligently for His house. For why should wrath fall on the realm of the king and his sons? 2 Chronicles 17:12-19 Jehoshaphat grew stronger and stronger, and he built fortresses and store cities in Judah / and kept vast supplies in the cities of Judah. He also had warriors in Jerusalem who were mighty men of valor. / These are their numbers according to the houses of their fathers: From Judah, the commanders of thousands: Adnah the commander, and with him 300,000 mighty men of valor; … Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. Treasury of Scripture And all the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies, and officers of the king, helped the Jews; because the fear of Mordecai fell on them. the rulers. Esther 3:12 Then were the king's scribes called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and there was written according to all that Haman had commanded unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors that were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing thereof, and to every people after their language; in the name of king Ahasuerus was it written, and sealed with the king's ring. Esther 8:9 Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language. Ezra 8:36 And they delivered the king's commissions unto the king's lieutenants, and to the governors on this side the river: and they furthered the people, and the house of God. officers of the king. Esther 3:2-6 And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence… Esther 8:5 And said, If it please the king, and if I have found favour in his sight, and the thing seem right before the king, and I be pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews which are in all the king's provinces: Jump to Previous Administrators Assisted Business Captains Chiefs Deputies Dread Fallen Fear Fell Governors Helped Jews King's Lieutenants Mordecai Mor'decai Nobles Officers Officials Princes Provinces Royal Rulers Satraps Seized SupportJump to Next Administrators Assisted Business Captains Chiefs Deputies Dread Fallen Fear Fell Governors Helped Jews King's Lieutenants Mordecai Mor'decai Nobles Officers Officials Princes Provinces Royal Rulers Satraps Seized SupportEsther 9 1. The Jews slay their enemies, with the ten sons of Haman.12. Xerxes, at the request of Esther, 14. grants another day of slaughter, and Haman's sons to be hanged. 20. The two days of Purim are instituted. And all the officials of the provinces This phrase highlights the vastness of the Persian Empire, which was divided into numerous provinces. The officials mentioned here were responsible for maintaining order and implementing the king's decrees across these regions. The cooperation of these officials with the Jews indicates a significant shift in political dynamics, as they were aligning themselves with the Jewish people, likely due to the influence and authority of Mordecai. the satraps the governors and the king’s administrators helped the Jews because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them Persons / Places / Events 1. Officials of the ProvincesThese are the local leaders and authorities in the Persian Empire who played a role in the administration of the vast territories. 2. Satraps These were the governors of the provinces in the Persian Empire, responsible for maintaining order and implementing the king's decrees. 3. Governors Regional leaders who had authority over specific areas within the provinces, often working under the satraps. 4. King’s Administrators Officials who were directly involved in the execution of the king's policies and orders. 5. Mordecai A Jew who rose to a position of power in the Persian Empire, becoming second in command to King Xerxes. His influence and the fear of his authority led to the support of the Jews. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in LeadershipGod can influence the hearts of leaders and officials to fulfill His divine purposes. We should trust in His sovereignty over all authorities. The Power of Godly Influence Mordecai's rise to power and the resulting fear among the officials demonstrate the impact a godly life can have on others. We should strive to live in a way that honors God and influences others positively. Divine Protection and Provision Just as God provided protection and support for the Jews through the Persian officials, He continues to provide for His people today. We should have faith in His provision and protection. Courage in the Face of Adversity The Jews faced potential annihilation, yet through God's intervention, they were supported and protected. We should be courageous, knowing that God is with us in our trials. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Esther 9:3?2. How does Esther 9:3 demonstrate God's sovereignty over governmental authorities? 3. What role did fear play in the officials' support for the Jews? 4. How can we trust God's protection in hostile environments today? 5. Compare Esther 9:3 with Romans 8:31 on God's support for His people. 6. How can we influence leaders to support righteous causes in our communities? 7. How does Esther 9:3 demonstrate God's sovereignty over political powers and authorities? 8. Why did the officials support the Jews in Esther 9:3? 9. What does Esther 9:3 reveal about God's protection of His people? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 9? 11. Is there external evidence to support the events in Esther 4, or could this account be purely legendary? 12. Esther 9:5–10: How plausible is it that the Jews could kill so many enemies in Susa in a single day without any recorded retaliation by the Persian authorities? 13. Esther 7:5-6 - Is there archaeological or extra-biblical evidence to confirm the existence and high position of Haman in the Persian Empire? 14. Esther 9:13-15: Why would an additional day of killing be sanctioned, and does this align with other biblical teachings on mercy and restraint? What Does Esther 9:3 Mean And all the officials of the provinces• Persia’s vast empire (Esther 1:1) was divided into 127 provinces, each with its own administrative elite. • Every level of civil authority is mentioned first to stress just how comprehensive the favor toward the Jews became. • God’s hand is evident in turning hearts of rulers, just as He once moved Cyrus to let Israel return (Ezra 1:1). the satraps • Satraps were regional power brokers, answerable directly to the king (Daniel 6:1–2). • Their inclusion shows that even those with considerable autonomy recognized a higher, divine orchestration at work. • Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD; He directs it like a watercourse wherever He pleases.” the governors • Governors (cf. Ezra 5:3; Nehemiah 2:9) oversaw military and financial matters. • Their support removed any practical obstacle to Jewish self-defense (Esther 9:2). • This reversal mirrors God’s pattern of exalting the humble and humbling the proud (1 Samuel 2:7–8). and the king’s administrators • These lower-level officials handled day-to-day enforcement. • Even clerks and record-keepers now sided with God’s people, ensuring official decrees were implemented without delay (Esther 8:13–14). • Psalm 33:10–11 highlights how the Lord frustrates hostile plans but establishes His own. helped the Jews • “Helped” implies practical aid—provision of resources, enforcement of edicts, and protection during the conflict (Esther 9:2). • The same empire that once empowered Haman (Esther 3:10–11) now backed Mordecai’s decree, underscoring God’s sovereignty in human affairs (Romans 8:31). • This echoes the Exodus, where Egyptians urged Israel to leave with gifts (Exodus 12:35–36). because the fear of Mordecai had fallen upon them • Mordecai’s promotion to prime minister (Esther 8:2, 15) made his influence undeniable. • “Fear” here is respectful awe, not mere terror—officials recognized God’s blessing on Mordecai, much like Pharaoh acknowledged Joseph (Genesis 41:38-41). • Esther 9:4 notes Mordecai “became increasingly prominent,” confirming the divine principle that “those who honor Me I will honor” (1 Samuel 2:30). summary Esther 9:3 records a sweeping shift: every stratum of Persian government actively supported the Jews because God had elevated Mordecai. What once seemed an irreversible death sentence became a testimony to divine providence. The verse affirms that the Lord can turn entire political systems in favor of His covenant people, vindicating faithfulness and fulfilling His promises with literal, historical precision. (3) Helped.--Literally, lifted up. The same Hebrew verb is rendered furthered (Ezra 8:36).Verse 3. - All the rulers of the provinces, and the lieutenants, and the deputies. Compare Esther 3:12 and Esther 8:9, where the same enumeration is made, though not quite in the same order. And officers of the king. Literally, "they who did the work of the king." The Septuagint renders by βασιλικοὶ γραμματεῖς, "royal scribes;" but officials of all classes seem to be intended. Helped the Jews. Rather, "upheld, supported" Active physical help does not seem to be meant, but rather the moral aid and support that a government easily gives to the side which it favours in a civil disturbance. The fear of Mordecai fell upon them. It would give the sense better to translate "had fallen."Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew And allוְכָל־ (wə·ḵāl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every the officials שָׂרֵ֨י (śā·rê) Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of the provinces, הַמְּדִינ֜וֹת (ham·mə·ḏî·nō·wṯ) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 4082: A judgeship, jurisdiction, a district, a region the satraps, וְהָאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנִ֣ים (wə·hā·’ă·ḥaš·dar·pə·nîm) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 323: A satrap, governor, of a, main province the governors, וְהַפַּח֗וֹת (wə·hap·pa·ḥō·wṯ) Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 6346: A governor and the king's לַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (lam·me·leḵ) Preposition-l, Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king administrators וְעֹשֵׂ֤י (wə·‘ō·śê) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct Strong's 6213: To do, make helped מְנַשְּׂאִ֖ים (mə·naś·śə·’îm) Verb - Piel - Participle - masculine plural Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take the Jews, הַיְּהוּדִ֑ים (hay·yə·hū·ḏîm) Article | Noun - proper - masculine plural Strong's 3064: Jews -- Jewish because כִּֽי־ (kî-) Conjunction Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction the fear פַּֽחַד־ (pa·ḥaḏ-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 6343: A, alarm of Mordecai מָרְדֳּכַ֖י (mā·rə·do·ḵay) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 4782: Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther had fallen נָפַ֥ל (nā·p̄al) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5307: To fall, lie upon them. עֲלֵיהֶֽם׃ (‘ă·lê·hem) Preposition | third person masculine plural Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against Links Esther 9:3 NIVEsther 9:3 NLT Esther 9:3 ESV Esther 9:3 NASB Esther 9:3 KJV Esther 9:3 BibleApps.com Esther 9:3 Biblia Paralela Esther 9:3 Chinese Bible Esther 9:3 French Bible Esther 9:3 Catholic Bible OT History: Esther 9:3 All the princes of the provinces (Est Esth. 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