KJV ORIGINAL
And the king said unto Esther at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? even to the half of the kingdom it shall be performed.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE
While they were drinking wine at the banquet, the king said to Esther, 'What do you want to ask for? I'll grant it to you. What is your request? I'll give you anything, even up to half of my kingdom.'
⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE
The king is showing tremendous generosity and favor toward Queen Esther, promising to give her anything she asks for, even half his kingdom.
📚 Historical Context
This occurs during Queen Esther's carefully planned banquet for King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) and Haman. Esther had risked her life by approaching the king uninvited to invite him to this feast. The king's generous offer demonstrates both his pleasure with Esther and the Persian custom of royal magnanimity during celebrations.
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