Esther 1:6

KJV

[Where were] white, green, and blue, [hangings], fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the beds [were of] gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble.

KJV (with Strong's)

Where were white {H2353}, green {H3768}, and blue {H8504}, hangings, fastened {H270} with cords {H2256} of fine linen {H948} and purple {H713} to silver {H3701} rings {H1550} and pillars {H5982} of marble {H8336}: the beds {H4296} were of gold {H2091} and silver {H3701}, upon a pavement {H7531} of red {H923}, and blue {H8504}, and white {H1858}, and black {H5508}, marble {H8336}.

Complete Jewish Bible

There were white cotton curtains and blue hangings fastened to silver rods, with cords of fine linen and purple; the columns were marble; the couches [for reclining at table] were of gold and silver on a mosaic flooring of malachite, marble, mother-of-pearl and onyx.

Berean Standard Bible

Hangings of white and blue linen were fastened with cords of fine white and purple material to silver rings on the marble pillars. Gold and silver couches were arranged on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones.

American Standard Version

There were hangings of white cloth, of green, and of blue, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble: the couches were of gold and silver, upon a pavement of red, and white, and yellow, and black marble.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 1:6 offers a breathtakingly detailed description of the opulent setting for King Ahasuerus's grand feast in the Persian capital of Susa. This verse, rich in its enumeration of precious materials and vibrant colors—from luxurious hangings of white, green, and blue, secured with fine linen and purple cords to silver rings and marble pillars, to beds of gold and silver resting upon a mosaic pavement of red, blue, white, and black marble—serves to underscore the king's immense wealth, absolute power, and extravagant display of imperial glory. It meticulously paints a picture of unparalleled grandeur, establishing the lavish backdrop against which the dramatic events of the book of Esther will unfold.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 1:6 is intricately woven into the opening narrative of the Book of Esther, specifically detailing the lavish feast hosted by King Ahasuerus. The preceding verses ([Esther 1:1-5](/esther/1-1-5 "Esther 1:1-5 - Ahasuerus's Great Feast")) establish the king's vast dominion, the duration of his reign, and the initial six-month display of his wealth, culminating in a seven-day feast for all the people in Susa. Verse 6 then immerses the reader directly into the visual splendor of the royal garden court where this particular feast takes place, providing the physical stage for the king's subsequent actions. This detailed description is not mere embellishment but crucial for understanding the king's character—his self-aggrandizement and impulsive nature—and the environment in which the Jewish people's fate will precariously hang in the balance. The sheer scale of the opulence sets the tone for the dramatic events, including Queen Vashti's refusal to appear before the king, leading to her dethronement as recorded in [Esther 1:19](/esther/1-19 "Esther 1:19 - Vashti's Dethronement").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Book of Esther is set during the reign of King Ahasuerus, widely identified with Xerxes I (486-465 BC), a formidable ruler of the Achaemenid Persian Empire. The feast described in [Esther 1](/esther/1 "Esther 1 - The Feast of Ahasuerus") was a common practice among ancient Near Eastern monarchs, serving as a powerful demonstration of their authority, wealth, and control over a vast empire. Such lavish banquets were strategic displays, intended to impress officials, subjects, and foreign dignitaries alike, solidifying loyalty and deterring rebellion. The materials mentioned—fine linen, purple dye, gold, silver, and various types of marble—were exceedingly costly and often imported from distant parts of the empire, signifying the king's ability to command resources from across his dominion, stretching from [India to Ethiopia](/esther/1-1 "Esther 1:1 - Ahasuerus's Vast Empire"). The specific colors and materials were not only aesthetically pleasing but also carried symbolic weight, often associated with royalty, divinity, and immense status in the ancient world.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes within the Book of Esther. Firstly, it highlights **Royal Opulence and Power**, showcasing the king's absolute authority and seemingly limitless resources. This theme is central to the initial chapters, as the king's decrees and whims drive much of the early narrative. Secondly, it establishes the **Setting for Dramatic Events**, creating a backdrop of human grandeur and excess against which the unfolding drama of God's unseen providence will play out. The luxurious environment helps to explain the king's impulsive decisions and the grand scale of the threats and deliverances to come. Finally, it subtly introduces the theme of **Earthly Grandeur vs. Divine Providence**. While the verse focuses entirely on human display and material wealth, the overarching message of Esther is God's sovereign hand working behind the scenes, even when unmentioned, to protect His people. The immense earthly power showcased here ultimately serves as a canvas for God's greater, unseen purpose, foreshadowing how this seemingly secure kingdom will be used to protect the Jewish people, as seen in the reversal of Haman's decree in [Esther 8](/esther/8 "Esther 8 - Haman's Decree Reversed").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **green (Hebrew, _karpaç'_):** This term, of foreign origin, refers to "byssus or fine vegetable wool." Its inclusion points to a highly prized, likely imported, fine fabric that was used for the hangings. The presence of such exotic and expensive material underscores the king's vast access to rare goods from the furthest reaches of his empire, emphasizing the global reach of Ahasuerus's influence and wealth.
* **blue (Hebrew, _tᵉkêleth'_):** This word denotes "the cerulean mussel, i.e. the color (violet) obtained therefrom or stuff dyed therewith." This highly valued blue dye, notoriously difficult and expensive to produce, was a symbol of royalty, priesthood, and divine commands in ancient Israel (e.g., for the Tabernacle curtains in [Exodus 26:1](/exodus/26-1 "Exodus 26:1 - Tabernacle Curtains")). Its presence in the Persian court's decor signifies immense wealth and status, placing the king's display on par with the highest standards of luxury in the ancient world.
* **purple (Hebrew, _ʼargâmân'_):** Also of foreign origin, this term refers to "purple (the color or the dyed stuff)." This is the renowned Tyrian purple or royal purple, another incredibly costly dye derived from memex snails. Like _tᵉkêleth_, it was a universal symbol of ultimate luxury, royalty, and power throughout the ancient Near East. The inclusion of _ʼargâmân_ in the cords fastening the hangings further elevates the opulence, indicating that even the functional elements of the decor were made of the most precious materials available.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"[Where were] white, green, and blue, [hangings]":** This initial clause immediately establishes a scene of vibrant color and luxury. The "hangings," likely large curtains or draperies, would have provided shade and enclosure for the garden court, transforming an outdoor space into an elegant, semi-private chamber. The specific colors—white (H2353, _chûwr_), green (H3768, _karpaç_), and blue (H8504, _tᵉkêleth_)—were not merely aesthetically pleasing but indicative of immense wealth and the king's ability to procure rare and costly dyes and fabrics from across his vast empire.
* **"fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble":** This detail elaborates on the construction and materials of the hangings. The "cords of fine linen (H948, _bûwts_) and purple (H713, _ʼargâmân_)" emphasize that even the means of fastening were made of the most expensive materials, rather than common rope. The "silver (H3701, _keçeph_) rings (H1550, _gâlîyl_)" and "pillars (H5982, _ʻammûwd_) of marble (H8336, _shêsh_)" further underscore the extravagance, demonstrating that the very structure supporting the decor was built with precious metals and high-quality, imported stone, signifying permanence and grandeur.
* **"the beds [were of] gold and silver":** This refers to the reclining couches used for dining in the ancient Near East. The fact that these "beds" (H4296, _miṭṭâh_) were made of "gold (H2091, _zâhâb_) and silver (H3701, _keçeph_)" is an extraordinary detail, indicating unparalleled luxury. These were not merely gilded or adorned with precious metals but constructed *from* them, highlighting the king's boundless wealth and his desire to provide an experience of ultimate comfort and splendor for his guests.
* **"upon a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black, marble":** This final descriptive clause completes the picture of opulence, focusing on the very ground beneath the guests' feet. The "pavement" (H7531, _ritspâh_) was a mosaic, likely intricate and visually stunning, composed of various colored marbles: red (H923, _bahaṭ_), blue (H8504, _tᵉkêleth_), white (H1858, _dar_), and black (H5508, _çôchêreth_). This detail not only adds to the aesthetic richness but also symbolizes the king's dominion over diverse lands, from which these different colored stones would have been sourced. The use of such a costly and elaborate floor speaks to the king's desire for perfection in his display of power and wealth.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 1:6 is a masterclass in **Imagery**, painting a vivid and sensory-rich picture of the royal feast. The detailed enumeration of colors (white, green, blue, red, black) and materials (fine linen, purple, silver, gold, marble) appeals directly to the reader's visual and tactile senses, immersing them in the scene of unparalleled luxury. The use of **Hyperbole** is evident in the sheer accumulation of precious and rare items; the description is intentionally over-the-top to convey the king's boundless wealth and power, almost to the point of extravagance. This serves to emphasize the king's self-aggrandizement and the scale of his ego. Furthermore, there is potent **Symbolism** at play: the colors purple and blue were universally recognized as symbols of royalty and high status, while gold and silver represented ultimate wealth and power. The diverse colors of the marble pavement could also be interpreted as a form of **Merism**, representing the vastness and diversity of the Persian Empire from which these resources were drawn, all under the king's feet, signifying his absolute dominion.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 1:6, with its extravagant portrayal of human wealth and power, serves as a stark contrast to the unseen, yet active, providence of God throughout the book. While the human characters are consumed by their earthly displays and political machinations, God's sovereign hand is subtly guiding events, often through seemingly coincidental circumstances, to protect His chosen people. This verse highlights the transient nature of even the most immense earthly grandeur, reminding us that all human power is ultimately subservient to divine will. The king's elaborate feast, meant to display his absolute control, ironically sets the stage for events that will challenge his authority and ultimately elevate a Jewish woman, Esther, to a position where she can save her people, demonstrating that God can work through any environment, no matter how secular or self-serving, to accomplish His purposes.

* [Psalm 49:16-17](/psalm/49-16-17 "Psalm 49:16-17 - Do Not Be Afraid of Wealth")
* [Proverbs 27:24](/proverbs/27-24 "Proverbs 27:24 - Wealth Does Not Last Forever")
* [Luke 12:15](/luke/12-15 "Luke 12:15 - Beware of Covetousness")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed description of the king's feast in Esther 1:6 invites us to consider where we place our trust and find our security. The immense wealth and power displayed by King Ahasuerus were intended to impress and intimidate, to project an image of unshakeable authority. Yet, within this very setting, God was already at work, preparing the way for His people's deliverance through unexpected means. This passage challenges us to look beyond the superficial allure of earthly grandeur, power, and material possessions, recognizing their fleeting nature. It encourages us to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's unseen hand in our lives and in the world, trusting that His purposes will prevail even amidst human ambition, chaos, or seemingly insurmountable challenges. Our true security and hope are not found in the fleeting displays of human might but in the steadfast, sovereign care of the Almighty God, who works all things for the good of those who love Him.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the description of Ahasuerus's wealth in Esther 1:6 challenge or affirm your understanding of earthly power and divine sovereignty?**
* **In what ways might we, in our own lives, be tempted to rely on or be impressed by outward displays of wealth and status, rather than seeking God's invisible hand?**
* **How does recognizing God's providence in a seemingly secular setting like the Persian court encourage you in situations where God's presence feels hidden or unacknowledged?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the specific colors and materials mentioned in Esther 1:6?**

Answer: The specific colors—white, green, blue, red, and black—and materials—fine linen, purple, gold, silver, and marble—are highly significant as they represent the epitome of luxury, wealth, and royal status in the ancient Near East. "White" (often fine linen) symbolized purity and royalty. "Green" (_karpaç_) likely referred to fine cotton, an exotic import. "Blue" (_tᵉkêleth_) and "purple" (_ʼargâmân_) were exceptionally expensive dyes, extracted from murex snails, reserved almost exclusively for royalty, high priests, and the extremely wealthy due to their rarity and costly production. "Gold" and "silver" were the ultimate symbols of wealth, while "marble," especially in various colors, indicated vast resources and sophisticated architectural taste. Together, these elements paint a picture of unparalleled opulence, designed to demonstrate King Ahasuerus's absolute power and dominion over a vast empire that could supply such precious goods from its furthest reaches, as mentioned in [Esther 1:1](/esther/1-1 "Esther 1:1 - Ahasuerus's Realm").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 1:6, with its vivid portrayal of earthly splendor, serves as a powerful foil to the true and eternal glory found in Christ. King Ahasuerus's kingdom, though vast and adorned with gold, silver, and precious stones, was ultimately temporal and built upon human pride and fleeting power. In stark contrast, Jesus Christ, the true King, did not come to display earthly opulence but to reveal a spiritual kingdom of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God")). His glory was not found in lavish banquets or marble palaces, but in His humility, self-sacrifice, and perfect obedience to the Father, culminating in His death and resurrection ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). While Ahasuerus's feast showcased a king's dominion over his subjects, Christ's ultimate act was to serve and give His life as a ransom for many ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Mark 10:45 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The "fine linen, bright and clean" mentioned in [Revelation 19:8](/revelation/19-8 "Revelation 19:8 - The Wedding Garment of the Bride") is not for an earthly king's display, but represents the righteous acts of the saints, prepared for the wedding supper of the Lamb—a heavenly feast that far surpasses any earthly banquet, where Christ Himself is the host and the glory is eternal ([Revelation 19:9](/revelation/19-9 "Revelation 19:9 - Blessed are Those Invited to the Wedding Supper")). Thus, the transient grandeur of Esther 1:6 points us toward the enduring, spiritual glory of Christ's kingdom and the eternal inheritance awaiting those who believe in Him ([1 Peter 1:3-4](/1_peter/1-3-4 "1 Peter 1:3-4 - A Living Hope")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Amos 6:4

That lie upon beds of ivory, and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock, and the calves out of the midst of the stall;

Ezekiel 23:41

And satest upon a stately bed, and a table prepared before it, whereupon thou hast set mine incense and mine oil.

Esther 7:8

Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther [was]. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king's mouth, they covered Haman's face.

Amos 2:8

And they lay [themselves] down upon clothes laid to pledge by every altar, and they drink the wine of the condemned [in] the house of their god.

Esther 8:15

¶ And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.

Exodus 26:36

And thou shalt make an hanging for the door of the tent, [of] blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine twined linen, wrought with needlework.

Exodus 26:37

And thou shalt make for the hanging five pillars [of] shittim [wood], and overlay them with gold, [and] their hooks [shall be of] gold: and thou shalt cast five sockets of brass for them.