Esther 3:3

3 Then avadim of HaMelech, which were in the Sha’ar HaMelech, said unto Mordechai, Why transgressest thou the mitzvat HaMelech?

Esther 3:3 Meaning and Commentary

Esther 3:3

Then the king's servants, which were in the king's gate
Observing the behaviour of Mordecai towards Haman from time to time:

said unto Mordecai, why transgressest thou the king's commandment?
of giving reverence to Haman, which they knew he could not be ignorant of.

Esther 3:3 In-Context

1 After these things did HaMelech Achashverosh promote Haman ben Hamdata the Agagi [Num 24:7], and advanced him, and set his rank above all the other sarim (nobles).

2 And all the avadim of HaMelech, that were in the Sha’ar HaMelech, bowed, and paid homage to Haman, for HaMelech had so commanded concerning him. But Mordechai bowed not, nor did him reverence.

3 Then avadim of HaMelech, which were in the Sha’ar HaMelech, said unto Mordechai, Why transgressest thou the mitzvat HaMelech?

4 Now it came to pass, when they spoke yom vayom unto him, and his was a lo shema (not listen) unto them, that they told Haman, to see whether Mordechai’s behavior would be tolerated; for he had told them that hu Yehudi (he was a Jew).

5 And when Haman saw that Mordechai ein korei’a (bowed not), nor to him mishtachaveh (would prostrate, worship [Devarim 5:9]), then was Haman full of chemah (wrath).