Esther 3:10

Translations

Modern

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

Traditional

And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy.

Literal

And the king removed his signet ring from upon his hand, and he gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.

Latin

Tulit ergo rex annulum, quo utebatur, de manu sua, et dedit eum Aman filio Amadathi de progenie Agag, hosti Judæorum,

Original

Hebrew

English

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

Notes

Esther 3:10–11

The king agreed without any investigation. He appears irresponsible and easily influenced. By removing his signet ring, the king gave up control over official policies. By giving it to Haman, he showed that Haman had full authority to seal the decree.
the enemy of the Jews: The narrator's new title for Haman hints at his power to harm the Jews (see also Esther 8:1; 9:10, 24).
Keep your money...These people are given to you to do: It seems the king did not want the bribe, but Genesis 4:7 suggests Haman did give the money. The king followed a common practice to make the bribe and his greed less obvious (compare Genesis 23:10–16). For public appearance, the king pretended not to care about the money, but he actually did.

Esther 3:1–15

Haman's hatred for Mordecai grows into a plan to kill all the Jewish people.

Theme notes and profiles

The Amalekites

Related verses

Genesis 41:42
Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck.
Esther 8:2
The king removed the signet ring he had recovered from Haman and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed Mordecai over the estate of Haman.
Esther 7:6
Esther replied, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked man—Haman!” And Haman stood in terror before the king and queen.
Esther 8:8
Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.”
Esther 3:1
After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him to a position above all the princes who were with him.

People

Agag: Amalekite king captured and killed by Samuel Haman: A Persian official who plotted to destroy the Jews Hammedatha: The father of Haman, the enemy of the Jews Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Glossary

Book of Esther Haggai, Book of Hammedatha Jewelry, Jewels

Topics

Babylon: Empire of Tyrannical Hammedatha: Father of Haman Lots, Feast of Purim: The: To Commemorate the Defeat of Haman's Wicked Design Malice: Haman Toward Mordecai Revenge by Haman Revenge: Haman Ring: Given As a Token Rings of Kings: Given to Favourites As a Mark of Honor

Esther 3:10

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