Esther 1:13 — Compare Translations

27 translations compared side by side

English (YLT) 1898 Young's Literal Translation by Robert Young

And the king saith to wise men, knowing the times -- for so [is] the word of the king before all knowing law and judgment,

Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times, (for so was the kings manner toward all that knew law and judgment;

English Amplified

Then the king spoke to the wise men who knew the times--for this was the king's procedure toward all who were familiar with law and judgment--

English Amplified Classic Bible 1987

Then the king spoke to the wise men who knew the times–for this was the king's procedure toward all who were familiar with law and judgment–

English Berean Standard Bible (BSB) 2025

Then the king consulted the wise men who knew the times, for it was customary for him to confer with the experts in law and justice.

English CSB 2017 - Christian Standard Bible

The king consulted the wise men who understood the times, for it was his normal procedure to confer with experts in law and justice.

English Darby 1890 : Public Domain

And the king said to the wise men who knew the times (for so was the king's business [conducted] before all that knew law and judgment;

English EASY 2024

The king spoke to his wise advisors about what had happened. These men understood the laws and customs of Persia. When something like this happened, the king would ask them what he should do.

English ERV 2006 - Only For Website

It was the custom for the king to ask the advice of the experts about the law and punishments. So King Xerxes spoke with the wise men who understood the laws. They were very close to the king. Their names were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan. They were the seven most important officials of Persia and Media. They had special privileges to see the king. They were the highest officials in the kingdom.

English ESV 2016 == The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles

Then the king said to the wise men who knew the times (for this was the king's procedure toward all who were versed in law and judgment,

English GNT (Good News Translation)

Now it was the king's custom to ask for expert opinion on questions of law and order, so he called for his advisers, who would know what should be done.

English God's Word - GW 1995

Now, the king usually asked for advice from all the experts in royal decrees and decisions,

English HCSB 2004 - Copyrighted Only For Website

The king consulted the wise men who understood the times,for it was his normal procedure to confer with experts in law and justice.

English KJV 1611

Then the king said to the wise men, which knew the times, (for so was the king's manner toward all that knew law and judgment:

Then the king said to the wise men who knew the times—for it was the custom of the king thus to speak before all who knew law and justice

English MEV 2014 (Modern English Version)

Then the king spoke to the wise men, who understood the times (for in this way the king would speak before all who understood law and judgment).

English NASB (New American Standard Bible - NASB 1995)

Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times--for it was the custom of the king so to speak before all who knew law and justice

English NASU 1989 - New American Standard Update - Only for Website

He conferred with the wise men versed in the law, because the king's business was conducted in general consultation with lawyers and jurists.

English NET Bible - 2005 (New English Translation)

The king then inquired of the wise men who were discerners of the times — for it was the royal custom to confer with all those who were proficient in laws and legalities.

English NIRV 1996 - Copyrighted only for Website

It was the king's practice to ask advice from those who knew a lot about matters of law and fairness. So he spoke with the wise men who were supposed to understand what was going on at that time.

Since it was customary for the king to consult experts in matters of law and justice, he spoke with the wise men who understood the times

English NKJ 1982

Then the king said to the wise men who understood the times (for this was the king’s manner toward all who knew law and justice,

He immediately consulted with his advisers, who knew all the Persian laws and customs, for he always asked their advice.

English NRSV 1989 - Only for website

Then the king consulted the sages who knew the laws (for this was the king's procedure toward all who were versed in law and custom,

English RSV (Revised Standard Version)

Then the king said to the wise men who knew the times—for this was the king's procedure toward all who were versed in law and judgment,

English TL (The Living Bible) (1971)

but first consulted his lawyers, for he did nothing without their advice. They were men of wisdom who knew the temper of the times as well as Persian law and justice, and the king trusted their judgment.

English Tyndale 1537

And the king spake to the wise men that had understanding in the ordinances of the land (for the king's matters must be handled before all such as have knowledge of the law and judgment:)