Esth.2.19

On one of the occasions when the virgins were being gathered together, Mordecai was sitting at the King's Gate.

Esth.2.19

When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate.

Esth.2.19

When virgins were gathered together a second time, Mordecai sat within the king's gate.

Esth.2.19

Even after all the young women had been transferred to the second harem and Mordecai had become a palace official,

Esth.2.20

All this time, Esther had kept her family background and race a secret as Mordecai had ordered; Esther still did what Mordecai told her, just as when she was being raised by him.

Esth.2.20

But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai's instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.

Esth.2.20

Now Esther had not revealed her family and her people, just as Mordecai had charged her, for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him.

Esth.2.20

Esther continued to keep her nationality and family background a secret. She was still following Mordecai's orders, just as she did when she was living in his home.

Esth.2.21

On this day, with Mordecai sitting at the King's Gate, Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs who guarded the entrance, had it in for the king and were making plans to kill King Xerxes.

Esth.2.21

During the time Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's officers who guarded the doorway, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.

Esth.2.21

In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.

Esth.2.21

One day as Mordecai was on duty at the palace, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthana and Teresh--who were guards at the door of the king's private quarters--became angry at King Xerxes and plotted to assassinate him.

Esth.2.22

But Mordecai learned of the plot and told Queen Esther, who then told King Xerxes, giving credit to Mordecai.

Esth.2.22

But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai.

Esth.2.22

So the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai's name.

Esth.2.22

But Mordecai heard about the plot and passed the information on to Queen Esther. She then told the king about it and gave Mordecai credit for the report.

Esth.2.23

When the thing was investigated and confirmed as true, the two men were hanged on a gallows. This was all written down in a logbook kept for the king's use.

Esth.2.23

And when the report was investigated and found to be true, the two officials were hanged on a gallows. All this was recorded in the book of the annals in the presence of the king.

Esth.2.23

And when an inquiry was made into the matter, it was confirmed, and both were hanged on a gallows; and it was written in the book of the chronicles in the presence of the king.

Esth.2.23

When an investigation was made and Mordecai's story was found to be true, the two men were hanged on a gallows. This was all duly recorded in The Book of the History of King Xerxes' Reign.

Esth.3.1

Some time later, King Xerxes promoted Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, making him the highest-ranking official in the government.

Esth.3.1

After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him and giving him a seat of honor higher than that of all the other nobles.

Esth.3.1

After these things King Ahasuerus promoted Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him and set his seat above all the princes who were with him.

Esth.3.1

Some time later, King Xerxes promoted Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite to prime minister, making him the most powerful official in the empire next to the king himself.

Esth.3.2

All the king's servants at the King's Gate used to honor him by bowing down and kneeling before Haman--that's what the king had commanded. Except Mordecai. Mordecai wouldn't do it, wouldn't bow down and kneel.

Esth.3.2

All the royal officials at the king's gate knelt down and paid honor to Haman, for the king had commanded this concerning him. But Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor.

Esth.3.2

And all the king's servants who were within the king's gate bowed and paid homage to Haman, for so the king had commanded concerning him. But Mordecai would not bow or pay homage.

Esth.3.2

All the king's officials would bow down before Haman to show him respect whenever he passed by, for so the king had commanded. But Mordecai refused to bow down or show him respect.

Esth.3.3

The king's servants at the King's Gate asked Mordecai about it: "Why do you cross the king's command?"

Esth.3.3

Then the royal officials at the king's gate asked Mordecai, "Why do you disobey the king's command?"

Esth.3.3

Then the king's servants who were within the king's gate said to Mordecai, "Why do you transgress the king's command?"

Esth.3.3

Then the palace officials at the king's gate asked Mordecai, "Why are you disobeying the king's command?"

Esth.3.4

Day after day they spoke to him about this but he wouldn't listen, so they went to Haman to see whether something shouldn't be done about it. Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew.

Esth.3.4

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.

Esth.3.4

Now it happened, when they spoke to him daily and he would not listen to them, that they told it to Haman, to see whether Mordecai's words would stand; for Mordecai had told them that he was a Jew.

Esth.3.4

They spoke to him day after day, but still he refused to comply with the order. So they spoke to Haman about this to see if he would tolerate Mordecai's conduct, since Mordecai had told them he was a Jew.

Esth.3.5

When Haman saw for himself that Mordecai didn't bow down and kneel before him, he was outraged.

Esth.3.5

When Haman saw that Mordecai would not kneel down or pay him honor, he was enraged.

Esth.3.5

When Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or pay him homage, Haman was filled with wrath.

Esth.3.5

When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or show him respect, he was filled with rage.

Esth.3.6

Meanwhile, having learned that Mordecai was a Jew, Haman hated to waste his fury on just one Jew; he looked for a way to eliminate not just Mordecai but all Jews throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.

Esth.3.6

Yet having learned who Mordecai's people were, he scorned the idea of killing only Mordecai. Instead Haman looked for a way to destroy all Mordecai's people, the Jews, throughout the whole kingdom of Xerxes.

Esth.3.6

But he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him of the people of Mordecai. Instead, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus--the people of Mordecai.

Esth.3.6

So he decided it was not enough to lay hands on Mordecai alone. Since he had learned that Mordecai was a Jew, he decided to destroy all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Xerxes.

Esth.3.7

In the first month, the month of Nisan, of the twelfth year of Xerxes, the pur--that is, the lot--was cast under Haman's charge to determine the propitious day and month. The lot turned up the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.

Esth.3.7

In the twelfth year of King Xerxes, in the first month, the month of Nisan, they cast the pur (that is, the lot) in the presence of Haman to select a day and month. And the lot fell on the twelfth month, the month of Adar.

Esth.3.7

In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, the lot), before Haman to determine the day and the month, until it fell on the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.

Esth.3.7

So in the month of April, during the twelfth year of King Xerxes' reign, lots were cast (the lots were called purim) to determine the best day and month to take action. And the day selected was March 7, nearly a year later.

Esth.3.8

Haman then spoke with King Xerxes: "There is an odd set of people scattered through the provinces of your kingdom who don't fit in. Their customs and ways are different from those of everybody else. Worse, they disregard the king's laws. They're an affront; the king shouldn't put up with them.

Esth.3.8

Then Haman said to King Xerxes, "There is a certain people dispersed and scattered among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom whose customs are different from those of all other people and who do not obey the king's laws; it is not in the king's best interest to tolerate them.

Esth.3.8

Then Haman said to King Ahasuerus, "There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom; their laws are different from all other people's, and they do not keep the king's laws. Therefore it is not fitting for the king to let them remain.

Esth.3.8

Then Haman approached King Xerxes and said, "There is a certain race of people scattered through all the provinces of your empire. Their laws are different from those of any other nation, and they refuse to obey even the laws of the king. So it is not in the king's interest to let them live.

Esth.3.9

If it please the king, let orders be given that they be destroyed. I'll pay for it myself. I'll deposit 375 tons of silver in the royal bank to finance the operation."

Esth.3.9

If it pleases the king, let a decree be issued to destroy them, and I will put ten thousand talents of silver into the royal treasury for the men who carry out this business."

Esth.3.9

If it pleases the king, let a decree be written that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who do the work, to bring it into the king's treasuries."

Esth.3.9

If it please Your Majesty, issue a decree that they be destroyed, and I will give 375 tons of silver to the government administrators so they can put it into the royal treasury."

Esth.3.10

The king slipped his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, archenemy of the Jews.

Esth.3.10

So the king took his signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.

Esth.3.10

So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman, the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.

Esth.3.10

The king agreed, confirming his decision by removing his signet ring from his finger and giving it to Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite--the enemy of the Jews.

Esth.3.11

"Go ahead," the king said to Haman. "It's your money--do whatever you want with those people."

Esth.3.11

"Keep the money," the king said to Haman, "and do with the people as you please."

Esth.3.11

And the king said to Haman, "The money and the people are given to you, to do with them as seems good to you."

Esth.3.11

"Keep the money," the king told Haman, "but go ahead and do as you like with these people."

Esth.3.12

The king's secretaries were brought in on the thirteenth day of the first month. The orders were written out word for word as Haman had addressed them to the king's satraps, the governors of every province, and the officials of every people. They were written in the script of each province and the language of each people in the name of King Xerxes and sealed with the royal signet ring.

Esth.3.12

Then on the thirteenth day of the first month the royal secretaries were summoned. They wrote out in the script of each province and in the language of each people all Haman's orders to the king's satraps, the governors of the various provinces and the nobles of the various peoples. These were written in the name of King Xerxes himself and sealed with his own ring.

Esth.3.12

Then the king's scribes were called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and a decree was written according to all that Haman commanded--to the king's satraps, to the governors who were over each province, to the officials of all people, to every province according to its script, and to every people in their language. In the name of King Ahasuerus it was written, and sealed with the king's signet ring.

Esth.3.12

On April 17 Haman called in the king's secretaries and dictated letters to the princes, the governors of the respective provinces, and the local officials of each province in their own scripts and languages. These letters were signed in the name of King Xerxes, sealed with his ring,

Esth.3.13

Bulletins were sent out by couriers to all the king's provinces with orders to massacre, kill, and eliminate all the Jews--youngsters and old men, women and babies--on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month Adar, and to plunder their goods.

Esth.3.13

Dispatches were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces with the order to destroy, kill and annihilate all the Jews-young and old, women and little children-on a single day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, and to plunder their goods.

Esth.3.13

And the letters were sent by couriers into all the king's provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to annihilate all the Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder their possessions.

Esth.3.13

and sent by messengers into all the provinces of the empire. The letters decreed that all Jews--young and old, including women and children--must be killed, slaughtered, and annihilated on a single day. This was scheduled to happen nearly a year later on March 7. The property of the Jews would be given to those who killed them.

Esth.3.14

Copies of the bulletin were to be posted in each province, publicly available to all peoples, to get them ready for that day.

Esth.3.14

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.

Esth.3.14

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.

Esth.3.14

A copy of this decree was to be issued in every province and made known to all the people, so that they would be ready to do their duty on the appointed day.

Esth.3.15

At the king's command, the couriers took off; the order was also posted in the palace complex of Susa. The king and Haman sat back and had a drink while the city of Susa reeled from the news.

Esth.3.15

Spurred on by the king's command, the couriers went out, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa. The king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was bewildered.

Esth.3.15

The couriers went out, hastened by the king's command; and the decree was proclaimed in Shushan the citadel. So the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Shushan was perplexed.

Esth.3.15

At the king's command, the decree went out by the swiftest messengers, and it was proclaimed in the fortress of Susa. Then the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa fell into confusion.

Esth.4.1

When Mordecai learned what had been done, he ripped his clothes to shreds and put on sackcloth and ashes. Then he went out in the streets of the city crying out in loud and bitter cries.

Esth.4.1

When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, wailing loudly and bitterly.

Esth.4.1

When Mordecai learned all that had happened, he tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city. He cried out with a loud and bitter cry.

Esth.4.1

When Mordecai learned what had been done, he tore his clothes, put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the city, crying with a loud and bitter wail.

Esth.4.2

He came only as far as the King's Gate, for no one dressed in sackcloth was allowed to enter the King's Gate.

Esth.4.2

But he went only as far as the king's gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it.

Esth.4.2

He went as far as the front of the king's gate, for no one might enter the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.

Esth.4.2

He stood outside the gate of the palace, for no one was allowed to enter while wearing clothes of mourning.

Esth.4.3

As the king's order was posted in every province, there was loud lament among the Jews--fasting, weeping, wailing. And most of them stretched out on sackcloth and ashes.

Esth.4.3

In every province to which the edict and order of the king came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping and wailing. Many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

Esth.4.3

And in every province where the king's command and decree arrived, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting, weeping, and wailing; and many lay in sackcloth and ashes.

Esth.4.3

And as news of the king's decree reached all the provinces, there was great mourning among the Jews. They fasted, wept, and wailed, and many people lay in sackcloth and ashes.

Esth.4.4

Esther's maids and eunuchs came and told her. The queen was stunned. She sent fresh clothes to Mordecai so he could take off his sackcloth but he wouldn't accept them.

Esth.4.4

When Esther's maids and eunuchs came and told her about Mordecai, she was in great distress. She sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.

Esth.4.4

So Esther's maids and eunuchs came and told her, and the queen was deeply distressed. Then she sent garments to clothe Mordecai and take his sackcloth away from him, but he would not accept them.

Esth.4.4

When Queen Esther's maids and eunuchs came and told her about Mordecai, she was deeply distressed. She sent clothing to him to replace the sackcloth, but he refused it.

Esth.4.5

Esther called for Hathach, one of the royal eunuchs whom the king had assigned to wait on her, and told him to go to Mordecai and get the full story of what was happening.

Esth.4.5

Then Esther summoned Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs assigned to attend her, and ordered him to find out what was troubling Mordecai and why.

Esth.4.5

Then Esther called Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs whom he had appointed to attend her, and she gave him a command concerning Mordecai, to learn what and why this was.

Esth.4.5

Then Esther sent for Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs who had been appointed as her attendant. She ordered him to go to Mordecai and find out what was troubling him and why he was in mourning.

Esth.4.6

So Hathach went to Mordecai in the town square in front of the King's Gate.

Esth.4.6

So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate.

Esth.4.6

So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the city square that was in front of the king's gate.

Esth.4.6

So Hathach went out to Mordecai in the square in front of the palace gate.

Esth.4.7

Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him. He also told him the exact amount of money that Haman had promised to deposit in the royal bank to finance the massacre of the Jews.

Esth.4.7

Mordecai told him everything that had happened to him, including the exact amount of money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews.

Esth.4.7

And Mordecai told him all that had happened to him, and the sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasuries to destroy the Jews.

Esth.4.7

Mordecai told him the whole story and told him how much money Haman had promised to pay into the royal treasury for the destruction of the Jews.

Esth.4.8

Mordecai also gave him a copy of the bulletin that had been posted in Susa ordering the massacre so he could show it to Esther when he reported back with instructions to go to the king and intercede and plead with him for her people.

Esth.4.8

He also gave him a copy of the text of the edict for their annihilation, which had been published in Susa, to show to Esther and explain it to her, and he told him to urge her to go into the king's presence to beg for mercy and plead with him for her people.

Esth.4.8

He also gave him a copy of the written decree for their destruction, which was given at Shushan, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her, and that he might command her to go in to the king to make supplication to him and plead before him for her people.

Esth.4.8

Mordecai gave Hathach a copy of the decree issued in Susa that called for the death of all Jews, and he asked Hathach to show it to Esther. He also asked Hathach to explain it to her and to urge her to go to the king to beg for mercy and plead for her people.

Esth.4.9

Hathach came back and told Esther everything Mordecai had said.

Esth.4.9

Hathach went back and reported to Esther what Mordecai had said.

Esth.4.9

So Hathach returned and told Esther the words of Mordecai.

Esth.4.9

So Hathach returned to Esther with Mordecai's message.

Esth.4.10

Esther talked it over with Hathach and then sent him back to Mordecai with this message:

Esth.4.10

Then she instructed him to say to Mordecai,

Esth.4.10

Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a command for Mordecai:

Esth.4.10

Then Esther told Hathach to go back and relay this message to Mordecai:

Esth.4.11

"Everyone who works for the king here, and even the people out in the provinces, knows that there is a single fate for every man or woman who approaches the king without being invited: death. The one exception is if the king extends his gold scepter; then he or she may live. And it's been thirty days now since I've been invited to come to the king."

Esth.4.11

"All the king's officials and the people of the royal provinces know that for any man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned the king has but one law: that he be put to death. The only exception to this is for the king to extend the gold scepter to him and spare his life. But thirty days have passed since I was called to go to the king."

Esth.4.11

"All the king's servants and the people of the king's provinces know that any man or woman who goes into the inner court to the king, who has not been called, he has but one law: put all to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter, that he may live. Yet I myself have not been called to go in to the king these thirty days."

Esth.4.11

"The whole world knows that anyone who appears before the king in his inner court without being invited is doomed to die unless the king holds out his gold scepter. And the king has not called for me to come to him in more than a month."

Esth.4.12

When Hathach told Mordecai what Esther had said,

Esth.4.12

When Esther's words were reported to Mordecai,

Esth.4.12

So they told Mordecai Esther's words.

Esth.4.12

So Hathach gave Esther's message to Mordecai.

Esth.4.13

Mordecai sent her this message: "Don't think that just because you live in the king's house you're the one Jew who will get out of this alive.

Esth.4.13

he sent back this answer: "Do not think that because you are in the king's house you alone of all the Jews will escape.

Esth.4.13

And Mordecai told them to answer Esther: "Do not think in your heart that you will escape in the king's palace any more than all the other Jews.

Esth.4.13

Mordecai sent back this reply to Esther: "Don't think for a moment that you will escape there in the palace when all other Jews are killed.

Esth.4.14

If you persist in staying silent at a time like this, help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews from someplace else; but you and your family will be wiped out. Who knows? Maybe you were made queen for just such a time as this."

Esth.4.14

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Esth.4.14

For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father's house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?"

Esth.4.14

If you keep quiet at a time like this, deliverance for the Jews will arise from some other place, but you and your relatives will die. What's more, who can say but that you have been elevated to the palace for just such a time as this?"

Esth.4.15

Esther sent back her answer to Mordecai:

Esth.4.15

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:

Esth.4.15

Then Esther told them to reply to Mordecai:

Esth.4.15

Then Esther sent this reply to Mordecai:

Esth.4.16

"Go and get all the Jews living in Susa together. Fast for me. Don't eat or drink for three days, either day or night. I and my maids will fast with you. If you will do this, I'll go to the king, even though it's forbidden. If I die, I die."

Esth.4.16

"Go, gather together all the Jews who are in Susa, and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. I and my maids will fast as you do. When this is done, I will go to the king, even though it is against the law. And if I perish, I perish."

Esth.4.16

"Go, gather all the Jews who are present in Shushan, and fast for me; neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will fast likewise. And so I will go to the king, which is against the law; and if I perish, I perish!"

Esth.4.16

"Go and gather together all the Jews of Susa and fast for me. Do not eat or drink for three days, night or day. My maids and I will do the same. And then, though it is against the law, I will go in to see the king. If I must die, I am willing to die."

Esth.4.17

Mordecai left and carried out Esther's instructions. [JC]

Esth.4.17

So Mordecai went away and carried out all of Esther's instructions.

Esth.4.17

So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther commanded him.

Esth.4.17

So Mordecai went away and did as Esther told him.

Esth.5.1

Three days later Esther dressed in her royal robes and took up a position in the inner court of the palace in front of the king's throne room. The king was on his throne facing the entrance.

Esth.5.1

On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace, in front of the king's hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the hall, facing the entrance.

Esth.5.1

Now it happened on the third day that Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, across from the king's house, while the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house, facing the entrance of the house.

Esth.5.1

Three days later, Esther put on her royal robes and entered the inner court of the palace, just across from the king's hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne, facing the entrance.

Esth.5.2

When he noticed Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased to see her; the king extended the gold scepter in his hand. Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

Esth.5.2

When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

Esth.5.2

So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter.

Esth.5.2

When he saw Queen Esther standing there in the inner court, he welcomed her, holding out the gold scepter to her. So Esther approached and touched its tip.

Esth.5.3

The king asked, "And what's your desire, Queen Esther? What do you want? Ask and it's yours--even if it's half my kingdom!"

Esth.5.3

Then the king asked, "What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given you."

Esth.5.3

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!"

Esth.5.3

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!"

Esth.5.4

"If it please the king," said Esther, "let the king come with Haman to a dinner I've prepared for him."

Esth.5.4

"If it pleases the king," replied Esther, "let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him."

Esth.5.4

So Esther answered, "If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him."

Esth.5.4

And Esther replied, "If it please Your Majesty, let the king and Haman come today to a banquet I have prepared for the king."

Esth.5.5

"Get Haman at once," said the king, "so we can go to dinner with Esther." So the king and Haman joined Esther at the dinner she had arranged.

Esth.5.5

"Bring Haman at once," the king said, "so that we may do what Esther asks." So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared.

Esth.5.5

Then the king said, "Bring Haman quickly, that he may do as Esther has said." So the king and Haman went to the banquet that Esther had prepared.

Esth.5.5

The king turned to his attendants and said, "Tell Haman to come quickly to a banquet, as Esther has requested." So the king and Haman went to Esther's banquet.

Esth.5.6

As they were drinking the wine, the king said, "Now, what is it you want? Half of my kingdom isn't too much to ask! Just ask."

Esth.5.6

As they were drinking wine, the king again asked Esther, "Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be granted."

Esth.5.6

At the banquet of wine the king said to Esther, "What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request, up to half the kingdom? It shall be done!"

Esth.5.6

And while they were drinking wine, the king said to Esther, "Now tell me what you really want. What is your request? I will give it to you, even if it is half the kingdom!"

Esth.5.7

Esther answered, "Here's what I want.

Esth.5.7

Esther replied, "My petition and my request is this:

Esth.5.7

Then Esther answered and said, "My petition and request is this:

Esth.5.7

Esther replied, "This is my request and deepest wish.

Esth.5.8

If the king favors me and is pleased to do what I desire and ask, let the king and Haman come again tomorrow to the dinner that I will fix for them. Then I'll give a straight answer to the king's question." W+

Esth.5.8

If the king regards me with favor and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king's question."

Esth.5.8

If I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, then let the king and Haman come to the banquet which I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said."

Esth.5.8

If Your Majesty is pleased with me and wants to grant my request, please come with Haman tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for you. Then tomorrow I will explain what this is all about."

Esth.5.9

Haman left the palace that day happy, beaming. And then he saw Mordecai sitting at the King's Gate ignoring him, oblivious to him. Haman was furious with Mordecai.

Esth.5.9

Haman went out that day happy and in high spirits. But when he saw Mordecai at the king's gate and observed that he neither rose nor showed fear in his presence, he was filled with rage against Mordecai.

Esth.5.9

So Haman went out that day joyful and with a glad heart; but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king's gate, and that he did not stand or tremble before him, he was filled with indignation against Mordecai.

Esth.5.9

What a happy man Haman was as he left the banquet! But when he saw Mordecai sitting at the gate, not standing up or trembling nervously before him, he was furious.

Esth.5.10

But he held himself in and went on home. He got his friends together with his wife Zeresh

Esth.5.10

Nevertheless, Haman restrained himself and went home. Calling together his friends and Zeresh, his wife,

Esth.5.10

Nevertheless Haman restrained himself and went home, and he sent and called for his friends and his wife Zeresh.

Esth.5.10

However, he restrained himself and went on home. Then he gathered together his friends and Zeresh, his wife,

Esth.5.11

and started bragging about how much money he had, his many sons, all the times the king had honored him, and his promotion to the highest position in the government.

Esth.5.11

Haman boasted to them about his vast wealth, his many sons, and all the ways the king had honored him and how he had elevated him above the other nobles and officials.

Esth.5.11

Then Haman told them of his great riches, the multitude of his children, everything in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the officials and servants of the king.

Esth.5.11

and boasted to them about his great wealth and his many children. He bragged about the honors the king had given him and how he had been promoted over all the other officials and leaders.

Esth.5.12

"On top of all that," Haman continued, "Queen Esther invited me to a private dinner she gave for the king, just the three of us. And she's invited me to another one tomorrow.

Esth.5.12

"And that's not all," Haman added. "I'm the only person Queen Esther invited to accompany the king to the banquet she gave. And she has invited me along with the king tomorrow.

Esth.5.12

Moreover Haman said, "Besides, Queen Esther invited no one but me to come in with the king to the banquet that she prepared; and tomorrow I am again invited by her, along with the king.

Esth.5.12

Then Haman added, "And that's not all! Queen Esther invited only me and the king himself to the banquet she prepared for us. And she has invited me to dine with her and the king again tomorrow!"

Esth.5.13

But I can't enjoy any of it when I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the King's Gate."

Esth.5.13

But all this gives me no satisfaction as long as I see that Jew Mordecai sitting at the king's gate."

Esth.5.13

Yet all this avails me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king's gate."

Esth.5.13

Then he added, "But all this is meaningless as long as I see Mordecai the Jew just sitting there at the palace gate."

Esth.5.14

His wife Zeresh and all his friends said, "Build a gallows seventy-five feet high. First thing in the morning speak with the king; get him to order Mordecai hanged on it. Then happily go with the king to dinner." Haman liked that. He had the gallows built. [JC]

Esth.5.14

His wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, "Have a gallows built, seventy-five feet high, and ask the king in the morning to have Mordecai hanged on it. Then go with the king to the dinner and be happy." This suggestion delighted Haman, and he had the gallows built.

Esth.5.14

Then his wife Zeresh and all his friends said to him, "Let a gallows be made, fifty cubits high, and in the morning suggest to the king that Mordecai be hanged on it; then go merrily with the king to the banquet." And the thing pleased Haman; so he had the gallows made.

Esth.5.14

So Haman's wife, Zeresh, and all his friends suggested, "Set up a gallows that stands seventy-five feet tall, and in the morning ask the king to hang Mordecai on it. When this is done, you can go on your merry way to the banquet with the king." This pleased Haman immensely, and he ordered the gallows set up.

Rev.3.7

Write this to Philadelphia, to the Angel of the church. The Holy, the True--David's key in his hand, opening doors no one can lock, locking doors no one can open--speaks:

Rev.3.7

"To the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: These are the words of him who is holy and true, who holds the key of David. What he opens no one can shut, and what he shuts no one can open.

Rev.3.7

"And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write, "These things says He who is holy, He who is true, "He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens":

Rev.3.7

"Write this letter to the angel of the church in Philadelphia. This is the message from the one who is holy and true. He is the one who has the key of David. He opens doors, and no one can shut them; he shuts doors, and no one can open them.

Rev.3.8

"I see what you've done. Now see what I've done. I've opened a door before you that no one can slam shut. You don't have much strength, I know that; you used what you had to keep my Word. You didn't deny me when times were rough.

Rev.3.8

I know your deeds. See, I have placed before you an open door that no one can shut. I know that you have little strength, yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name.

Rev.3.8

"I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name.

Rev.3.8

"I know all the things you do, and I have opened a door for you that no one can shut. You have little strength, yet you obeyed my word and did not deny me.

Rev.3.9

"And watch as I take those who call themselves true believers but are nothing of the kind, pretenders whose true membership is in the club of Satan--watch as I strip off their pretensions and they're forced to acknowledge it's you that I've loved.

Rev.3.9

I will make those who are of the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews though they are not, but are liars--I will make them come and fall down at your feet and acknowledge that I have loved you.

Rev.3.9

Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.

Rev.3.9

Look! I will force those who belong to Satan--those liars who say they are Jews but are not--to come and bow down at your feet. They will acknowledge that you are the ones I love.

Rev.3.10

"Because you kept my Word in passionate patience, I'll keep you safe in the time of testing that will be here soon, and all over the earth, every man, woman, and child put to the test.

Rev.3.10

Since you have kept my command to endure patiently, I will also keep you from the hour of trial that is going to come upon the whole world to test those who live on the earth.

Rev.3.10

Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth.

Rev.3.10

"Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will protect you from the great time of testing that will come upon the whole world to test those who belong to this world.

Rev.3.11

"I'm on my way; I'll be there soon. Keep a tight grip on what you have so no one distracts you and steals your crown.

Rev.3.11

I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown.

Rev.3.11

Behold, I am coming quickly! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.

Rev.3.11

Look, I am coming quickly. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take away your crown.

Rev.3.12

"I'll make each conqueror a pillar in the sanctuary of my God, a permanent position of honor. Then I'll write names on you, the pillars: the Name of my God, the Name of God's City--the new Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven--and my new Name.

Rev.3.12

Him who overcomes I will make a pillar in the temple of my God. Never again will he leave it. I will write on him the name of my God and the name of the city of my God, the new Jerusalem, which is coming down out of heaven from my God; and I will also write on him my new name.

Rev.3.12

He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, the New Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name.

Rev.3.12

All who are victorious will become pillars in the Temple of my God, and they will never have to leave it. And I will write my God's name on them, and they will be citizens in the city of my God--the new Jerusalem that comes down from heaven from my God. And they will have my new name inscribed upon them.

Rev.3.13

"Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches."

Rev.3.13

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.

Rev.3.13

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."'

Rev.3.13

Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches.

Rev.3.14

Write to Laodicea, to the Angel of the church. God's Yes, the Faithful and Accurate Witness, the First of God's creation, says:

Rev.3.14

"To the angel of the church in Laodicea write: These are the words of the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation.

Rev.3.14

"And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write, "These things says the Amen, the Faithful and True Witness, the Beginning of the creation of God:

Rev.3.14

"Write this letter to the angel of the church in Laodicea. This is the message from the one who is the Amen--the faithful and true witness, the ruler of God's creation:

Rev.3.15

"I know you inside and out, and find little to my liking. You're not cold, you're not hot--far better to be either cold or hot!

Rev.3.15

I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other!

Rev.3.15

"I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I could wish you were cold or hot.

Rev.3.15

"I know all the things you do, that you are neither hot nor cold. I wish you were one or the other!

Rev.3.16

You're stale. You're stagnant. You make me want to vomit.

Rev.3.16

So, because you are lukewarm--neither hot nor cold--I am about to spit you out of my mouth.

Rev.3.16

So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will vomit you out of My mouth.

Rev.3.16

But since you are like lukewarm water, I will spit you out of my mouth!

Rev.3.17

You brag, "I'm rich, I've got it made, I need nothing from anyone,' oblivious that in fact you're a pitiful, blind beggar, threadbare and homeless.

Rev.3.17

You say, 'I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.' But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked.

Rev.3.17

Because you say, "I am rich, have become wealthy, and have need of nothing'--and do not know that you are wretched, miserable, poor, blind, and naked--

Rev.3.17

You say, 'I am rich. I have everything I want. I don't need a thing!' And you don't realize that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked.

Rev.3.18

"Here's what I want you to do: Buy your gold from me, gold that's been through the refiner's fire. Then you'll be rich. Buy your clothes from me, clothes designed in Heaven. You've gone around half-naked long enough. And buy medicine for your eyes from me so you can see, really see.

Rev.3.18

I counsel you to buy from me gold refined in the fire, so you can become rich; and white clothes to wear, so you can cover your shameful nakedness; and salve to put on your eyes, so you can see.

Rev.3.18

I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich; and white garments, that you may be clothed, that the shame of your nakedness may not be revealed; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see.

Rev.3.18

I advise you to buy gold from me--gold that has been purified by fire. Then you will be rich. And also buy white garments so you will not be shamed by your nakedness. And buy ointment for your eyes so you will be able to see.

Rev.3.19

"The people I love, I call to account--prod and correct and guide so that they'll live at their best. Up on your feet, then! About face! Run after God!

Rev.3.19

Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent.

Rev.3.19

As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent.

Rev.3.19

I am the one who corrects and disciplines everyone I love. Be diligent and turn from your indifference.

Rev.3.20

"Look at me. I stand at the door. I knock. If you hear me call and open the door, I'll come right in and sit down to supper with you.

Rev.3.20

Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me.

Rev.3.20

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.

Rev.3.20

"Look! Here I stand at the door and knock. If you hear me calling and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal as friends.

Rev.3.21

Conquerors will sit alongside me at the head table, just as I, having conquered, took the place of honor at the side of my Father. That's my gift to the conquerors!

Rev.3.21

To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.

Rev.3.21

To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.

Rev.3.21

I will invite everyone who is victorious to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat with my Father on his throne.

Rev.3.22

"Are your ears awake? Listen. Listen to the Wind Words, the Spirit blowing through the churches."

Rev.3.22

He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches."

Rev.3.22

"He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.""'

Rev.3.22

Anyone who is willing to hear should listen to the Spirit and understand what the Spirit is saying to the churches."

Ps.141.1

GOD, come close. Come quickly! Open your ears--it's my voice you're hearing!

Ps.141.1

O LORD, I call to you; come quickly to me. Hear my voice when I call to you.

Ps.141.1

LORD, I cry out to You; Make haste to me! Give ear to my voice when I cry out to You.

Ps.141.1

O LORD, I am calling to you. Please hurry! Listen when I cry to you for help!

Ps.141.2

Treat my prayer as sweet incense rising; my raised hands are my evening prayers.

Ps.141.2

May my prayer be set before you like incense; may the lifting up of my hands be like the evening sacrifice.

Ps.141.2

Let my prayer be set before You as incense, The lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice.

Ps.141.2

Accept my prayer as incense offered to you, and my upraised hands as an evening offering.

Ps.141.3

Post a guard at my mouth, GOD, set a watch at the door of my lips.

Ps.141.3

Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.

Ps.141.3

Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; Keep watch over the door of my lips.

Ps.141.3

Take control of what I say, O LORD, and keep my lips sealed.

Ps.141.4

Don't let me so much as dream of evil or thoughtlessly fall into bad company. And these people who only do wrong--don't let them lure me with their sweet talk!

Ps.141.4

Let not my heart be drawn to what is evil, to take part in wicked deeds with men who are evildoers; let me not eat of their delicacies.

Ps.141.4

Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, To practice wicked works With men who work iniquity; And do not let me eat of their delicacies.

Ps.141.4

Don't let me lust for evil things; don't let me participate in acts of wickedness. Don't let me share in the delicacies of those who do evil.

Ps.141.5

May the Just One set me straight, may the Kind One correct me, Don't let sin anoint my head. I'm praying hard against their evil ways!

Ps.141.5

Let a righteous man strike me-it is a kindness; let him rebuke me-it is oil on my head. My head will not refuse it. Yet my prayer is ever against the deeds of evildoers;

Ps.141.5

Let the righteous strike me; It shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; It shall be as excellent oil; Let my head not refuse it. For still my prayer is against the deeds of the wicked.

Ps.141.5

Let the godly strike me! It will be a kindness! If they reprove me, it is soothing medicine. Don't let me refuse it. But I am in constant prayer against the wicked and their deeds.

Ps.141.6

Oh, let their leaders be pushed off a high rock cliff; make them face the music.

Ps.141.6

their rulers will be thrown down from the cliffs, and the wicked will learn that my words were well spoken.

Ps.141.6

Their judges are overthrown by the sides of the cliff, And they hear my words, for they are sweet.

Ps.141.6

When their leaders are thrown down from a cliff, they will listen to my words and find them pleasing.

Ps.141.7

Like a rock pulverized by a maul, let their bones be scattered at the gates of hell.

Ps.141.7

They will say, "As one plows and breaks up the earth, so our bones have been scattered at the mouth of the grave. "

Ps.141.7

Our bones are scattered at the mouth of the grave, As when one plows and breaks up the earth.

Ps.141.7

Even as a farmer breaks up the soil and brings up rocks, so the bones of the wicked will be scattered without a decent burial.

Ps.141.8

But GOD, dear Lord, I only have eyes for you. Since I've run for dear life to you, take good care of me.

Ps.141.8

But my eyes are fixed on you, O Sovereign LORD; in you I take refuge-do not give me over to death.

Ps.141.8

But my eyes are upon You, O GOD the Lord; In You I take refuge; Do not leave my soul destitute.

Ps.141.8

I look to you for help, O Sovereign LORD. You are my refuge; don't let them kill me.

Ps.141.9

Protect me from their evil scheming, from all their demonic subterfuge.

Ps.141.9

Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, from the traps set by evildoers.

Ps.141.9

Keep me from the snares they have laid for me, And from the traps of the workers of iniquity.

Ps.141.9

Keep me out of the traps they have set for me, out of the snares of those who do evil.

Ps.141.10

Let the wicked fall flat on their faces, while I walk off without a scratch. A David prayer--when he was in the cave. he

Ps.141.10

Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I pass by in safety.

Ps.141.10

Let the wicked fall into their own nets, While I escape safely.

Ps.141.10

Let the wicked fall into their own snares, but let me escape.