📖 Esther — Chapter 5 (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 5:1 Now it came to pass Ron the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.
Esther 5:2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that Rshe obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
Esther 5:3 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.
Esther 5:4 And Esther answered, RIf it seem good unto the king, let the king and Haman come this day unto the banquet that I have prepared for him.
Esther 5:5 Then the king said, RCause Haman to make haste, that he may do as Esther hath said. So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
Esther 5:6 And Rthe 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 5:7 Then answered Esther, and said, My petition and my request is;
Esther 5:8 If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to Tperform my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do to morrow as the king hath said.
Esther 5:9 Then went Haman forth that day Rjoyful and with a glad heart: but when Haman saw Mordecai in the king’s gate, that he stood not up, nor moved for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai.
Esther 5:10 Nevertheless Haman Rrefrained himself: and when he came home, he sent and Tcalled for his friends, and Zeresh his wife.
Esther 5:11 And Haman told them of Rthe glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.
Esther 5:12 Haman said moreover, Yea, Esther the queen did let no man come in with the king unto the banquet that she had prepared but myself; and to morrow am I invited unto her also with the king.
Esther 5:13 RYet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.
Esther 5:14 Then Rsaid Zeresh his wife and all his friends unto him, Let a Tgallows be made of fifty cubits high, and to morrow speak thou unto the king that Mordecai may be hanged thereon: then go thou in merrily with the king unto the banquet. And the thing pleased Haman; and he caused the gallows to be made.
📚 Study This Chapter
📖 What We’re Reading
Esther 5:1–5 — Esther approaches the king
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Esther enters the inner court, and the king extends the golden sceptre. She invites him and Haman to a prepared banquet. The account follows her careful approach after the resolve of chapter 4. Courage is not presented as reckless speech: she acts deliberately within the dangerous court setting.
Key Truth: Use courage with thoughtful preparation.
Check What You Remember
1. On which day did Esther approach? (Esther 5:1)
Find it in Esther 5:1 (KJV).
2. What did the king extend to her? (Esther 5:2)
Find it in Esther 5:2 (KJV).
3. Who was invited with the king to the banquet? (Esther 5:4)
Find it in Esther 5:4 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Esther 5:6–8 — A second invitation
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
At the banquet the king again asks for Esther's petition. She invites him and Haman to another banquet the next day and says she will then answer. The narrative creates a pause before the danger is named. The text records her timing without explicitly explaining every motive, so readers should avoid filling in certainty where the story is silent.
Key Truth: Observe what the text says before inventing motives.
Check What You Remember
1. What did the king ask Esther to state? (Esther 5:6)
Find it in Esther 5:6 (KJV).
2. When was the next banquet to be held? (Esther 5:8)
Find it in Esther 5:8 (KJV).
3. Whom did she invite again? (Esther 5:8)
Find it in Esther 5:8 (KJV).
📖 What We’re Reading
Esther 5:9–14 — Pride and resentment
🌱 What These Verses Teach Us
Haman boasts of riches, family, promotion, and royal invitations, yet remains consumed by Mordecai's refusal to honor him. His wife and friends encourage a plan for Mordecai's death. The scene reveals how resentment can empty great advantages of satisfaction and how flattering counsel can intensify wrongdoing.
Key Truth: Do not let resentment govern your use of power.
Check What You Remember
1. Who was Haman's wife? (Esther 5:10)
Find it in Esther 5:10 (KJV).
2. Whose presence made Haman's honors seem worthless to him? (Esther 5:13)
Find it in Esther 5:13 (KJV).
3. How high was the proposed gallows? (Esther 5:14)
Find it in Esther 5:14 (KJV).
Related Scripture (KJV)
Proverbs 16:18 — The warning about pride anticipates Haman's downfall.
This related passage is selected for its connection with this chapter. It is separate from the chapter text.
Reflect and Apply
What grievance needs to be addressed before it grows into destructive resentment?
Advanced Questions and Answers
Study this chapter’s wording, patterns, contrasts, and meaning in greater depth.
1. How is the danger described earlier followed by a favourable reception?
2. How does Esther answer the first offer concerning her request?
3. What does Esther defer at the first banquet?
4. What interrupts Haman’s joy after the banquet?
5. How do Zeresh and the friends turn Haman’s anger into a plan?
Notes
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