Esther 4:14

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, [then] shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this?

For if thou altogether {H2790} holdest thy peace {H2790} at this time {H6256}, then shall there enlargement {H7305} and deliverance {H2020} arise {H5975} to the Jews {H3064} from another {H312} place {H4725}; but thou and thy father's {H1} house {H1004} shall be destroyed {H6}: and who knoweth {H3045} whether thou art come {H5060} to the kingdom {H4438} for such a time {H6256} as this?

For if you fail to speak up now, relief and deliverance will come to the Jews from a different direction; but you and your father's family will perish. Who knows whether you didn't come into your royal position precisely for such a time as this."

For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then will relief and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place, but thou and thy father’s house will perish: and who knoweth whether thou art not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

Commentary

Esther 4:14 is a pivotal verse in the Book of Esther, containing Mordecai's powerful challenge to Queen Esther, urging her to act on behalf of her people. It encapsulates themes of divine providence, personal responsibility, and the potential for one individual to make a monumental difference.

Context

This verse is spoken by Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian, to Queen Esther. The historical backdrop is dire: Haman, a high official in the Persian Empire, has secured a decree from King Ahasuerus to annihilate all Jews throughout the kingdom on a specific day. Esther, as Queen, is uniquely positioned to intercede, but doing so carries immense risk. Approaching the king without being summoned was punishable by death, unless the king extended his golden scepter. Esther's initial hesitation prompts Mordecai's firm and faith-filled rebuke, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and her unique role within it.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Sovereignty: Mordecai's statement, "then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place," reflects an unwavering faith in God's ultimate plan. It asserts that even if Esther fails, God's promise to preserve His people will be fulfilled through other means. This highlights God's unfailing sovereignty over human events.
  • Personal Responsibility and Calling: The rhetorical question, "who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for [such] a time as this?" is a profound call to recognize one's purpose. It challenges Esther to consider that her elevated position was not by chance, but perhaps a divine appointment for this specific crisis. It underscores the idea that God places individuals in strategic positions for His purposes.
  • Consequences of Inaction: Mordecai warns Esther that if she remains silent, she and her family will face destruction. This serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of neglecting one's divine calling or failing to act when called upon, even when fear is present.
  • Courage and Faith: The verse implicitly calls for courage. Esther is faced with a choice between personal safety and potentially saving her entire people. Mordecai's words are designed to inspire her to step out in faith, trusting in God's larger plan despite the immediate danger. Her subsequent actions demonstrate this courage, as seen in Esther 4:16.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "enlargement and deliverance" (Hebrew: revach v'hatzalah) carries the meaning of 'relief and rescue' or 'space and salvation'. It emphasizes the certainty of the outcome for the Jewish people, regardless of Esther's choice. The iconic "for such a time as this" (Hebrew: la'et kazot) powerfully conveys the idea of a uniquely appointed, providential moment, suggesting that Esther's very existence and position were orchestrated for this specific crisis.

Practical Application

Esther 4:14 resonates deeply today, prompting believers to consider their own purpose and sphere of influence. It challenges us to reflect on:

  • Recognizing Our Calling: Where has God placed us? What unique skills, resources, or positions do we possess that might be "for such a time as this" to address injustice, serve others, or advance God's kingdom?
  • Overcoming Fear: Like Esther, we may face daunting challenges or personal risks when called to act. This verse encourages us to trust in God's overarching plan and step forward in faith, knowing that He can use even our seemingly small actions for great purposes.
  • God's Faithfulness: While we are called to act, the verse also reminds us of God's unwavering faithfulness. Even if we falter, His ultimate plan will not be thwarted. However, our participation brings blessing and purpose to our lives. This parallels the broader biblical truth that God works all things for the good of those who love Him.

This verse remains a timeless reminder that every individual has a potential role in God's grand narrative, and seemingly ordinary circumstances can be part of an extraordinary divine plan.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 45:4

    And Joseph said unto his brethren, Come near to me, I pray you. And they came near. And he said, I [am] Joseph your brother, whom ye sold into Egypt.

  • Genesis 45:8

    So now [it was] not you [that] sent me hither, but God: and he hath made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt.

  • 1 Samuel 12:22

    For the LORD will not forsake his people for his great name's sake: because it hath pleased the LORD to make you his people.

  • Isaiah 54:17

    No weapon that is formed against thee shall prosper; and every tongue [that] shall rise against thee in judgment thou shalt condemn. This [is] the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and their righteousness [is] of me, saith the LORD.

  • Deuteronomy 32:36

    For the LORD shall judge his people, and repent himself for his servants, when he seeth that [their] power is gone, and [there is] none shut up, or left.

  • Acts 7:20

    In which time Moses was born, and was exceeding fair, and nourished up in his father's house three months:

  • Acts 7:25

    For he supposed his brethren would have understood how that God by his hand would deliver them: but they understood not.