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Esther 3:7

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
In the first month, that is, the month Nisan, in the twelfth year of king Ahasuerus, they cast Pur, that is, the lot, before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, to the twelfth month, that is, the month Adar.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

In the first month, called Nisan, during the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus's reign, they cast lots (called 'Pur') in front of Haman to choose the best day and month for his plan. They went through each day and each month until they reached the twelfth month, called Adar.

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

This verse shows Haman using superstitious lot-casting to pick the 'lucky' date for his planned attack against the Jewish people.

📚 Historical Context

In the Book of Esther, which is set during the Jewish exile in the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus (likely Xerxes I in the 5th century BC), Haman, a high official, plots to destroy the Jewish people due to personal animosity. To select the most favorable date for his scheme, Haman casts lots called Pur, an ancient practice of divination by chance that was common in that culture for decision-making. This event occurs amidst the broader narrative of the Jews' vulnerability in a foreign land, setting the stage for Esther's intervention to save her people.

Explore Similar Verses

Esther 8:12
On a single day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus's kingdom, specifically on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is called Adar.
Esther 2:12
When each young woman's turn came to go to King Ahasuerus, she had already spent twelve months preparing herself according to the beauty treatments required for women. This preparation time was completed like this: six months using oil of myrrh, and six months using sweet perfumes and other beauty treatments for the women.
Esther 9:1
Now in the twelfth month, which is called Adar, on the thirteenth day, when the king's command and law were about to be carried out, on the very day when the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, the situation was completely reversed, and the Jews gained control over those who hated them.

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Translation & Methodology Sources

The original manuscript text provided is based on the King James Version (KJV), which is in the public domain. Our modern English simplifications are generated via proprietary philological synthesis, cross-referenced against Strong's Exhaustive Concordance and the Textus Receptus to ensure unwavering theological and etymological precision.

Read our full translation methodology →