Translations
Modern
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, may the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.”
Traditional
If I have found favour in the sight of the king, and if it please the king to grant my petition, and to perform 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.
Literal
If I have found favor in the eyes of the king, and if upon the king it is good to grant my petition and to perform my request, let the king come, and Haman, to the feast that I will make for them, and tomorrow I will do according to the word of the king.”
Latin
…si inveni in conspectu regis gratiam, et si regi placet ut det mihi quod postulo, et meam impleat petitionem: veniat rex et Aman ad convivium quod paravi eis, et cras aperiam regi voluntatem meam.
Original
Hebrew
English
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, may the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.”
Notes
grant my petition...come tomorrow: It was customary not to seem eager when asking for a favor or negotiating an agreement. The delay gave Xerxes time to learn about Mordecai's loyalty, which helped stop Haman's plot (see Esther 6:1–14).
Theme notes and profiles
People
Haman: A Persian official who plotted to destroy the Jews
Glossary
Banquet Book of Esther Esther, Additions to Feasts and Festivals of Israel
Topics
Indecision: Esther King: Influential Queens: Esther Procrastination: Esther