Esther 6:3

And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

And the king {H4428} said {H559}, What honour {H3366} and dignity {H1420} hath been done {H6213} to Mordecai {H4782} for this? Then said {H559} the king's {H4428} servants {H5288} that ministered {H8334} unto him, There is nothing {H1697} done {H6213} for him.

The king asked, "What honor or distinction was conferred on Mordekhai for this?" The king's servants answered,"Nothing was done for him."

The king inquired, “What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mordecai for this act?” “Nothing has been done for him,” replied the king’s attendants.

And the king said, What honor and dignity hath been bestowed on Mordecai for this? Then said the king’s servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

Commentary

Esther 6:3 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative, revealing how God's divine providence orchestrates events behind the scenes to protect His people and bring justice.

Context

This verse immediately follows King Ahasuerus's sleepless night, during which he commanded the chronicles of the kingdom to be read to him. In these records, he discovered that Mordecai had previously exposed a plot against the king's life by two of his chamberlains (Esther 2:23). The king's question, "What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this?" highlights his realization that this significant act of loyalty had gone unrewarded. The reply from his servants, "There is nothing done for him," sets the stage for a dramatic reversal of fortune.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence and Timing: This verse powerfully illustrates the unseen hand of God at work. What appears to be a mere coincidence—the king's insomnia and his choice of reading material—is, in fact, God's perfect timing to elevate Mordecai and ultimately save the Jewish people from Haman's wicked plot. It underscores that God can use even the mundane and seemingly random events to fulfill His purposes.
  • Justice and Delayed Reward: The king's inquiry reveals a sense of justice; he recognized that a loyal servant had been overlooked. Mordecai's faithfulness, though unacknowledged for years, was finally brought to light. This theme offers encouragement that faithful service, even when unrewarded by human recognition, is not forgotten and often receives its due at God's appointed time.
  • Dramatic Irony: The immediate context (Haman had just built gallows to hang Mordecai) creates profound irony. While Haman was arriving at the palace to seek permission to execute Mordecai, the king was preparing to honor him. This juxtaposition emphasizes the sudden turn of events orchestrated by divine intervention.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV phrase "honour and dignity" translates the Hebrew `y'qar u-gedullah` (יְקָר וּגְדֻלָּה). `Y'qar` refers to preciousness, weight, or glory, while `gedullah` signifies greatness or majesty. Together, they convey a sense of significant recognition, a grand elevation or promotion that should have been bestowed upon Mordecai for his life-saving act.

Practical Application

Esther 6:3 reminds us that God is actively involved in the details of our lives, even when we cannot perceive it. It encourages us to remain faithful in our duties, knowing that our acts of integrity and service, though perhaps unnoticed by others, are seen by God. It also offers hope that justice, though sometimes delayed, will ultimately prevail, and God's plan will unfold perfectly, often through unexpected means. This verse is a powerful testament to God's sovereign control over kings, empires, and individual destinies.

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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

  • Ecclesiastes 9:15

    Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man.

  • Genesis 40:23

    Yet did not the chief butler remember Joseph, but forgat him.

  • Daniel 5:29

    Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with scarlet, and [put] a chain of gold about his neck, and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom.

  • Daniel 5:16

    And I have heard of thee, that thou canst make interpretations, and dissolve doubts: now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with scarlet, and [have] a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt be the third ruler in the kingdom.

  • Acts 28:8

    And it came to pass, that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of a bloody flux: to whom Paul entered in, and prayed, and laid his hands on him, and healed him.

  • Acts 28:10

    Who also honoured us with many honours; and when we departed, they laded [us] with such things as were necessary.

  • 1 Chronicles 11:6

    And David said, Whosoever smiteth the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain. So Joab the son of Zeruiah went first up, and was chief.