Esther 6:6 Haman entered, and the king asked him, "What should be done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor?" Now Haman thought to himself, "Whom would the king be delighted to honor more than me?"

◄ Esther 6:6 ►

New International Version
When Haman entered, the king asked him, “What should be done for the man the king delights to honor?” Now Haman thought to himself, “Who is there that the king would rather honor than me?”

New Living Translation
So Haman came in, and the king said, “What should I do to honor a man who truly pleases me?” Haman thought to himself, “Whom would the king wish to honor more than me?”

English Standard Version
So Haman came in, and the king said to him, “What should be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?”

Berean Standard Bible
Haman entered, and the king asked him, “What should be done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor?” Now Haman thought to himself, “Whom would the king be delighted to honor more than me?”

King James Bible
So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?

New King James Version
So Haman came in, and the king asked him, “What shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?” Now Haman thought in his heart, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?”

New American Standard Bible
Haman then came in and the king said to him, “What is to be done for the man whom the king desires to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king desire to honor more than me?”

NASB 1995
So Haman came in and the king said to him, “What is to be done for the man whom the king desires to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king desire to honor more than me?”

NASB 1977
So Haman came in and the king said to him, “What is to be done for the man whom the king desires to honor?” And Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king desire to honor more than me?”

Legacy Standard Bible
So Haman came in, and the king said to him, “What is to be done for the man whom the king delights to honor?” And Haman said in his heart, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?”

Amplified Bible
So Haman came in and the king said to him, “What is to be done for the man whom the king desires to honor?” Now Haman thought to himself, “Whom would the king desire to honor more than me?”

Christian Standard Bible
Haman entered, and the king asked him, “What should be done for the man the king wants to honor? ” Haman thought to himself, “Who is it the king would want to honor more than me? ”

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Haman entered, and the king asked him, “What should be done for the man the king wants to honor?” Haman thought to himself, “Who is it the king would want to honor more than me?”

American Standard Version
So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honor? Now Haman said in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honor more than to myself?

Contemporary English Version
When Haman entered the room, the king asked him, "What should I do for a man I want to honor?" Haman was sure that he was the one the king wanted to honor.

English Revised Version
So Haman came in. And the king said unto him, What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour? Now Haman said in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honour more than to myself?

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Haman came in. The king then asked him, "What should be done for the man whom the king wishes to reward?" Haman thought to himself, "Whom would the king wish to reward more than me?"

Good News Translation
So Haman came in, and the king said to him, "There is someone I wish very much to honor. What should I do for this man?" Haman thought to himself, "Now who could the king want to honor so much? Me, of course."

International Standard Version
After Haman came in, the king asked him, "What should be done for the man whom the king desires to honor?" Haman told himself, "Whom would the king desire to honor more than me?"

Majority Standard Bible
Haman entered, and the king asked him, ?What should be done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor?? Now Haman thought to himself, ?Whom would the king be delighted to honor more than me??

NET Bible
So Haman came in, and the king said to him, "What should be done for the man whom the king wishes to honor?" Haman thought to himself, "Who is it that the king would want to honor more than me?"

New Heart English Bible
So Haman came in. The king said to him, "What shall be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?" Now Haman said in his heart, "Who would the king delight to honor more than myself?"

Webster's Bible Translation
So Haman came in. And the king said to him, What shall be done to the man whom the king delighteth to honor? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honor more than to myself?

World English Bible
So Haman came in. The king said to him, “What shall be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?” Now Haman said in his heart, “Who would the king delight to honor more than myself?”

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And Haman comes in, and the king says to him, “What should [I] do with the man in whose honor the king has delighted?” And Haman says in his heart, “To whom does the king delight to do honor more than myself?”

Young's Literal Translation
And Haman cometh in, and the king saith to him, 'What -- to do with the man in whose honour the king hath delighted?' And Haman saith in his heart, 'To whom doth the king delight to do honour more than myself?'

Smith's Literal Translation
And Haman will come in. And the king will say to him, What to be done for the man whom the king delighted in his honor? And Haman will say in his heart, To whom will the king delight to do honor more abundantly than me?

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he was come in, he said to him: What ought to be done to the man whom the king is desirous to honour? But Aman thinking in his heart, and supposing that the king would honour no other but himself,

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he had entered, he said to him, “What ought to be done for the man whom the king wishes to honor?” But Haman, thinking in his heart and supposing that the king would honor no one else but himself,

New American Bible
When Haman entered, the king said to him, “What should be done for the man whom the king wishes to reward?” Now Haman thought to himself, “Whom would the king wish to honor more than me?”

New Revised Standard Version
So Haman came in, and the king said to him, “What shall be done for the man whom the king wishes to honor?” Haman said to himself, “Whom would the king wish to honor more than me?”

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
So Haman came in. And the king said to him, What shall be done to the man whom the king delights to honor? Now Haman thought in his heart, Whom would the king delight to honor more than myself?

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Haman came in, and the King said to him: “What ought to be done to the man in whose honor the King is delighted?” And Haman said in his heart, “Whose honor is the King delighted to do more than mine?”

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
So Haman came in. And the king said unto him: 'What shall be done unto the man whom the king delighteth to honour?'--Now Haman said in his heart: 'Whom would the king delight to honour besides myself?'--

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king said to Aman, What shall I do to the man whom I wish to honour? And Aman said within himself, Whom would the king honour but myself?

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Mordecai is Honored
…5So the king’s attendants answered him, “Haman is there, standing in the court.” “Bring him in,” ordered the king. 6Haman entered, and the king asked him, “What should be done for the man whom the king is delighted to honor?” Now Haman thought to himself, “Whom would the king be delighted to honor more than me?” 7And Haman told the king, “For the man whom the king is delighted to honor,…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Proverbs 16:18
Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.

Proverbs 18:12
Before his downfall a man’s heart is proud, but humility comes before honor.

Luke 14:11
For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

James 4:6
But He gives us more grace. This is why it says: “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

1 Peter 5:5
Young men, in the same way, submit yourselves to your elders. And all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”

Daniel 4:30-31
the king exclaimed, “Is this not Babylon the Great, which I myself have built as a royal residence by the might of my power and for the glory of my majesty?” / While the words were still in the king’s mouth, a voice came from heaven: “It is decreed to you, King Nebuchadnezzar, that the kingdom has departed from you.

Matthew 23:12
For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Philippians 2:3
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves.

Isaiah 14:13-15
You said in your heart: “I will ascend to the heavens; I will raise my throne above the stars of God. I will sit on the mount of assembly, in the far reaches of the north. / I will ascend above the tops of the clouds; I will make myself like the Most High.” / But you will be brought down to Sheol, to the lowest depths of the Pit.

Ezekiel 28:2
“Son of man, tell the ruler of Tyre that this is what the Lord GOD says: Your heart is proud, and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of gods in the heart of the sea.’ Yet you are a man and not a god, though you have regarded your heart as that of a god.

2 Thessalonians 2:4
He will oppose and exalt himself above every so-called god or object of worship. So he will seat himself in the temple of God, proclaiming himself to be God.

Romans 12:3
For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but think of yourself with sober judgment, according to the measure of faith God has given you.

1 Corinthians 4:7
For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

Obadiah 1:3-4
The pride of your heart has deceived you, O dwellers in the clefts of the rocks whose habitation is the heights, who say in your heart, ‘Who can bring me down to the ground?’ / Though you soar like the eagle and make your nest among the stars, even from there I will bring you down,” declares the LORD.

Psalm 10:3-4
For the wicked man boasts in the cravings of his heart; he blesses the greedy and reviles the LORD. / In his pride the wicked man does not seek Him; in all his schemes there is no God.

Treasury of Scripture

So Haman came in. And the king said to him, What shall be done to the man whom the king delights to honor? Now Haman thought in his heart, To whom would the king delight to do honor more than to myself?

whom the king, etc.

Psalm 35:27
Let them shout for joy, and be glad, that favour my righteous cause: yea, let them say continually, Let the LORD be magnified, which hath pleasure in the prosperity of his servant.

Isaiah 42:1
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.

Isaiah 62:4,5
Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzibah, and thy land Beulah: for the LORD delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married…

To whom.

Esther 3:2,3
And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence…

Esther 5:11
And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and the multitude of his children, and all the things wherein the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king.

Proverbs 1:32
For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them.

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Esther 6

1. Xerxes, reading of the good service done by Mordecai, takes care for his reward.
4. Haman, coming to ask that Mordecai might be hanged,
10. gives counsel that he might do him honor.
12. Complaining of this, his friends tell him of his final destiny.

Berean Study Bible

When Haman entered
The entrance of Haman is significant in the narrative of Esther. Haman, a high-ranking official, is entering the presence of the king, which indicates his access to power and influence. Historically, entering the king's presence was a privilege reserved for those in favor, highlighting Haman's status. However, this moment is pivotal as it marks the beginning of his downfall. The Hebrew root for "entered" (בּוֹא, bo) often implies coming into a significant or transformative situation, which is precisely what unfolds here.

the king asked
The king's inquiry sets the stage for the dramatic irony that follows. In the Persian court, the king's word was law, and his questions carried weight and authority. The Hebrew word for "asked" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) can also mean to inquire or demand, reflecting the king's authoritative position. This question is divinely orchestrated, as God uses the king's inquiry to bring about justice for Mordecai and the eventual downfall of Haman.

What should be done for the man
This phrase introduces the theme of honor and reward, central to the unfolding events. In ancient Persian culture, public recognition and reward were significant, often involving elaborate ceremonies. The king's question is open-ended, allowing for Haman's pride to lead him to assume the honor is for himself. The Hebrew word for "done" (עָשָׂה, asah) implies action and accomplishment, suggesting that the king is considering a significant act of recognition.

whom the king is delighted to honor?
The concept of the king's delight is crucial here. The Hebrew root for "delighted" (חָפֵץ, chaphets) conveys pleasure and desire, indicating that the king's favor is not just a matter of duty but of genuine satisfaction. This phrase underscores the importance of divine favor and how God can turn the hearts of rulers to fulfill His purposes, as seen throughout the biblical narrative.

Now Haman thought to himself
Haman's internal dialogue reveals his character and sets the stage for his humiliation. The Hebrew word for "thought" (אָמַר, amar) can also mean to say or declare, indicating that Haman's thoughts are as decisive as spoken words. This introspection highlights his pride and self-centeredness, which blinds him to the reality of the situation and ultimately leads to his downfall.

Whom would the king be delighted to honor more than me?
This rhetorical question exposes Haman's arrogance and self-importance. His assumption that he is the most deserving of honor reveals his inflated ego and lack of awareness. The phrase is a classic example of irony, as the audience knows that the honor is intended for Mordecai, not Haman. This moment serves as a reminder of the biblical principle that pride precedes a fall (Proverbs 16:18), and it illustrates how God can use the pride of the wicked to bring about their own undoing.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(6) Whom the king delighteth . . .--Literally, in whose honour the hing delighteth.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 6. - Haman thought in his heart. Literally, "said in his heart" i.e. "thought."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

Haman
הָמָן֒ (hā·mān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2001: Haman -- to rage, be turbulent

entered,
וַיָּבוֹא֮ (way·yā·ḇō·w)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

and the king
הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

asked
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

him,
לוֹ֙ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

“What
מַה־ (mah-)
Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

should be done
לַעֲשׂ֕וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

for the man
בָּאִ֕ישׁ (bā·’îš)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 376: A man as an individual, a male person

the king
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

wants
חָפֵ֣ץ (ḥā·p̄êṣ)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2654: To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire

to honor?”
בִּיקָר֑וֹ (bî·qā·rōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3366: Value, wealth, costliness, dignity

Now Haman
הָמָן֙ (hā·mān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2001: Haman -- to rage, be turbulent

thought
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר (way·yō·mer)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

to himself,
בְּלִבּ֔וֹ (bə·lib·bōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3820: The heart, the feelings, the will, the intellect, centre

“Who
לְמִ֞י (lə·mî)
Preposition-l | Interrogative
Strong's 4310: Who?, whoever, in oblique construction with prefix, suffix

would the king
הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

be delighted
יַחְפֹּ֥ץ (yaḥ·pōṣ)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 2654: To incline to, to bend, to be pleased with, desire

to honor
לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת (la·‘ă·śō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6213: To do, make

more
יוֹתֵ֥ר (yō·w·ṯêr)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 3148: Superiority, advantage, excess

than me?”
מִמֶּֽנִּי׃ (mim·men·nî)
Preposition | first person common singular
Strong's 4480: A part of, from, out of

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OT History: Esther 6:6 So Haman came in (Est Esth. Es)