📖 Esther — Chapter 3 (KJV)
Read the complete King James Version chapter below, then explore the passage sections, check what you remember, and keep your private study notes.
Scripture source: Project Gutenberg KJV, ebook 10.
Esther 3:1 After these things did king Ahasuerus Rpromote Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes that were with him.
Esther 3:2 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 Rbowed not, nor did him reverence.
Esther 3:3 Then the king’s servants, which were in the king’s gate, said unto Mordecai, RWhy transgressest thou the king’s commandment?
Esther 3:4 Now it came to pass, Rwhen 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.
Esther 3:5 And when Haman saw Rthat Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.
Esther 3:6 And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman Rsought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.
Esther 3:7 In Rthe first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.
Esther 3:8 And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people Rscattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not Tfor the king’s profit to suffer them.
Esther 3:9 If it please the king, let it be written RTthat they may be destroyed: and I will Tpay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those that have the charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.
Esther 3:10 And the king Rtook his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ Tenemy.
Esther 3:11 And the king said unto Haman, The silver is given to thee, the people also, Rto do with them as it seemeth good to thee.
Esther 3:12 RThen were the king’s Tscribes 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 3:13 And the letters were sent Rby posts into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish, all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day, even upon the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month Adar, and to take the spoil of them for a prey.
Esther 3:14 RThe copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, that they should be ready against that day.
Esther 3:15 The posts went out, being Rhastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Shushan the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city Shushan was perplexed.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Esther 3:1–6 — Haman's anger becomes a threat to a people
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Haman is promoted, but Mordecai does not bow to him. Haman's anger expands beyond Mordecai into a plan to destroy every Jew in the kingdom. The passage exposes a destructive leap from personal offense to hatred of an entire people. His proposed collective violence is the danger the story condemns and confronts.
Key Truth: Reject hatred that turns an offense into collective blame.
Check What You Remember
1. Who was promoted above the other princes? (Esther 3:1)
Find it in Esther 3:1 (KJV).
2. Who refused to bow? (Esther 3:2)
Find it in Esther 3:2 (KJV).
3. Whom did Haman seek to destroy beyond Mordecai? (Esther 3:6)
Find it in Esther 3:6 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Esther 3:7–11 — Prejudice wins royal authority
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Lots are cast, and Haman presents the Jews to the king as a scattered people whose differences make them undesirable. He offers money and receives the king's ring. The king's unexamined approval gives destructive prejudice official power. A powerful decision made without hearing those affected becomes a threat to innocent lives.
Key Truth: Question accusations that dehumanize a whole group.
Check What You Remember
1. What was the lot called? (Esther 3:7)
Find it in Esther 3:7 (KJV).
2. Which month was selected? (Esther 3:7)
Find it in Esther 3:7 (KJV).
3. What sign of authority did the king give Haman? (Esther 3:10)
Find it in Esther 3:10 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Esther 3:12–15 — The decree spreads
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Royal letters command the destruction of Jews of every age and permit taking their possessions. Couriers spread the decree while the king and Haman drink and the city is perplexed. The contrast highlights the distance between decision-makers and those placed in danger. The chapter ends with the crisis fully announced.
Key Truth: Remember the human consequences behind official decisions.
Check What You Remember
1. On which day of Adar was the violence decreed? (Esther 3:13)
Find it in Esther 3:13 (KJV).
2. Were children and women included in the threat? (Esther 3:13)
Find it in Esther 3:13 (KJV).
3. How did the city of Shushan respond? (Esther 3:15)
Find it in Esther 3:15 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Proverbs 29:12 — The proverb warns of the effects when a ruler listens to falsehood.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
How can you resist collective blame and attend to the people affected by a claim?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. How does Haman’s response expand beyond the man who refuses to bow?
2. How does casting Pur relate to the timing of the plot?
3. How does Haman frame his accusation to obtain royal approval?
4. What makes the letters carry royal authority?
5. What closing contrast exposes the decree’s public effect?
Notes
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