Esther 4:2

Esther 4:2 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)And came even before the king’s gate: for none might enter into the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.
• New International Version (NIV)But he went only as far as the king’s gate, because no one clothed in sackcloth was allowed to enter it.
• English Standard Version (ESV)He went up to the entrance of the king's gate, for no one was allowed to enter the king's gate clothed in sackcloth.
• New King James Version (NKJV)He went as far as the front of the king’s gate, for no one might enter the king’s gate clothed with sackcloth.

Context of Esther 4:2

1Now when Mordecai became aware of all that had been done, he tore his garments and put on sackcloth and ashes. He went out into the city, crying out in a loud and bitter voice. But he went no further than the king’s gate, for no one was permitted to enter the king’s gate clothed in sackcloth. 3Throughout each and every province where the king’s edict and law were announced there was considerable mourning among the Jews, along with fasting, weeping, and sorrow. Sackcloth and ashes were characteristic of many. 4When Esther’s female attendants and her eunuchs came and informed her about Mordecai’s behavior, the queen was overcome with anguish. Although she sent garments for Mordecai to put on so that he could remove his sackcloth, he would not accept them.

Esther 4:2 word by word

וַיָּב֕וֹא עַ֖ד לִפְנֵ֣י שַֽׁעַר־הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ כִּ֣י אֵ֥ין לָב֛וֹא אֶל־שַׁ֥עַר הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ בִּלְב֥וּשׁ שָֽׂק׃Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• And cameבּוֹאbô' · to come (in): comeH935
• even beforeפָּנֶהpânîym · face: beforeH6440
• the king’sמֶ֫לֶךְmelek · kingH4428
• gateשַׁ֫עַרsha‛ar · gateH8179
• clothedלְבוּשׁlebûsh lebûsh · clothingH3830
• with sackclothשַׂקώaq · sackclothH8242

Commentaries on Esther 4:2

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 2Before the king's gate - He could not enter into the gate, of the place where the officers waited, because he was in the habit of a mourner; for this would have been contrary to law.Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 2None might enter into the king‘s gate clothed with sackcloth - This law is not elsewhere mentioned; but its principle - that nothing of evil omen is to be obtruded on the monarch - has been recognized throughout the East in all ages.Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 2the law prohibited anyone...from entering that gate: The king did not want to hear sad stories or people asking for mercy.Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1-141-2. When Mordecai perceived all that was done--Relying on the irrevocable nature of a Persian monarch's decree (Da 6:15), Hamman made it known as soon as the royal sanction had been obtained; and Mordecai was, doubtless, among the first to hear of it. On his own account, as well as on that of his countrymen, this astounding decree must have been indescribably distressing. The acts described in this passage are, according to the Oriental fashion…Read the comment

Topics related to Esther 4:2

• Readings, Select

In the dictionaries

• Sackcloth
• Esther, Book of

Commentaries on Esther 4

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Rashi on Tanakh
• Keil & Delitzsch Commentary
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings