Parallel Verses New International Version Day after day they spoke to him but he refused to comply. Therefore they told Haman about it to see whether Mordecai's behavior would be tolerated, for he had told them he was a Jew. King James Bible Now it came to pass, when they spake daily unto him, and he hearkened not unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand: for he had told them that he was a Jew. Darby Bible Translation And it came to pass as they spoke daily to him, and he hearkened not to them, that they informed Haman, to see whether Mordecai's matters would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew. World English Bible Now it came to pass, when they spoke daily to him, and he didn't listen to them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordecai's reason would stand; for he had told them that he was a Jew. Young's Literal Translation And it cometh to pass, in their speaking unto him, day by day, and he hath not hearkened unto them, that they declare it to Haman, to see whether the words of Mordecai do stand, for he hath declared to them that he is a Jew. Esther 3:4 Parallel Commentary Clarke's Commentary on the BibleThe king's servants, that were in the king's gate - By servants here, certainly a higher class of officers are intended than porters; and Mordecai was one of those officers, and came to the gate with the others who were usually there in attendance to receive the commands of the king. Mordecai bowed not - לאיכרע lo yichra. "He did not bow down;" nor did him reverence, ולא ישתחוה velo yishtachaveh, "nor did he prostrate himself." I think it most evident, from these two words, that it was not civil reverence merely that Haman expected and Mordecai refused; this sort of respect is found in the word כרע cara, to bow. This sort of reverence Mordecai could not refuse without being guilty of the most inexcusable obstinacy, nor did any part of the Jewish law forbid it. But Haman expected, what the Persian kings frequently received, a species of Divine adoration; and this is implied in the word שחה shachah, which signifies that kind of prostration which implies the highest degree of reverence that can be paid to God or man, lying down flat on the earth, with the hands and feet extended, and the mouth in the dust. The Targum, says that Haman set up a statue for himself, to which every one was obliged to bow, and to adore Haman himself. The Jews all think that Mordecai refused this prostration because it implied idolatrous adoration. Hence, in the Apocryphal additions to this book, Mordecai is represented praying thus: "Thou knowest that if I have not adored Haman, it was not through pride, nor contempt, nor secret desire of glory; for I felt disposed to kiss the footsteps of his feet (gladly) for the salvation of Israel: but I feared to give to a man that honor which I know belongs only to my God." Treasury of Scripture Knowledge when they spake. that they told. Daniel 3:8,9 Why at that time certain Chaldeans came near, and accused the Jews... he had told. Library The Net Spread'After these things did king Ahasuerus promote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him. 2. 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. 3. Then the king's servants which were in the king's gate, said unto Mordecai, Why transgressest thou the king's commandment? 4. Now it came to pass, when … Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture In the Days of Queen Esther Cross References Esther 3:3 Then the royal officials at the king's gate asked Mordecai, "Why do you disobey the king's command?" Esther 3:5 When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged. Jump to Previous Attention Avail Behavior Behaviour Comply Daily Haman Hearkened Informed Jew Matters Mordecai's News Order Overlooked Reason Refused Speaking Stand Whether WordsJump to Next Attention Avail Behavior Behaviour Comply Daily Haman Hearkened Informed Jew Matters Mordecai's News Order Overlooked Reason Refused Speaking Stand Whether WordsLinks Esther 3:4 NIVEsther 3:4 NLT Esther 3:4 ESV Esther 3:4 NASB Esther 3:4 KJV Esther 3:4 Bible Apps Esther 3:4 Biblia Paralela Esther 3:4 Chinese Bible Esther 3:4 French Bible Esther 3:4 German Bible Esther 3:4 Commentaries THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica®. Bible Hub |