Esther 8:16

16 For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.

Esther 8:16 in Other Translations

16 The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.

16 The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor.

16 The Jews were filled with joy and gladness and were honored everywhere.

16 For Jews it was all sunshine and laughter: they celebrated, they were honored.

16 and the Jews celebrated with gladness, joy and honor.

Esther 8:16 Meaning and Commentary

Esther 8:16

And the Jews had light
Prosperity, as opposed to the darkness of adversity in which they had been, see ( Isaiah 8:22 Isaiah 9:1 Isaiah 8:2 ) , or lightsomeness and cheerfulness of spirit, as explained by the two next words:

and gladness and joy;
at the good news of their deliverance, so unexpected by them; thus light is explained by gladness, ( Psalms 97:11 )

and honour:
among men; from their neighbours, who before were held in contempt, as a people doomed to destruction.

Esther 8:16 In-Context

14 The couriers, riding the royal horses, went out, spurred on by the king’s command, and the edict was issued in the citadel of Susa.

15 When Mordecai left the king’s presence, he was wearing royal garments of blue and white, a large crown of gold and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa held a joyous celebration.

16 For the Jews it was a time of happiness and joy, gladness and honor.

17 In every province and in every city to which the edict of the king came, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, with feasting and celebrating. And many people of other nationalities became Jews because fear of the Jews had seized them.

Cross References

• 1. Psalms 97:10-12
• 2. Esther 4:1-3; Psalms 112:4; Jeremiah 29:4-7