Esther 9:17

Esther 9:17 Meaning and Explanation

On the thirteenth day of the month Adar; and on the fourteenth day of the same rested they, and made it a day of feasting and gladness.

King James Version (KJV)

Read this verse in context with translation switching:

Read Full Chapter →

The provincial Jews rest on the fourteenth and turn it into a day of feasting and gladness.

What Does Esther 9:17 Mean?

The Jews of the provinces fought on the thirteenth and rested on the fourteenth, making that day one of feasting and gladness. The day after deliverance becomes a day of joy. What had been marked on the calendar as the date of their destruction is transformed into a festival.

The pattern of feasting that has run through the whole book, the king’s banquets, Esther’s two feasts, now belongs to the people themselves. Their gladness is not the indulgence of a court but the relief of those who expected to die and were given life. The narrator begins here to lay the foundation of a lasting celebration.

Frequently Asked Questions About Esther 9:17

What does Esther 9:17 mean?

The provincial Jews rest on the fourteenth and turn it into a day of feasting and gladness.

Keep Studying Esther 9

Read the whole chapter in KJV, ASV, or WEB, or go deeper with the chapter study guide and key themes.