English (YLT) 1898 Young's Literal Translation by Robert Young
Esther 7:4 — English (YLT) 1898 Young's Literal Translation by Robert Young
for we have been sold, I and my people, to cut off, to slay, and to destroy; and if for men-servants and for maid-servants we had been sold I had kept silent -- but the adversity is not equal to the loss of the king.`
What Does This Mean?
Esther is speaking to the king and saying that she and her people are being sold to be destroyed. She mentions that if they were just being sold as slaves, she would have stayed silent, but the situation is much worse.
Explained for Children
Imagine if someone was trying to sell all your friends to be hurt. That's what Esther is talking about. She says she would stay quiet if they were just going to be like servants, but she's worried they will be in much bigger trouble.
Historical Background
Esther 7:4 is part of the Book of Esther, written around the 5th century BCE. It recounts Esther's plea to King Ahasuerus to save her people, the Jews, from genocide orchestrated by the courtier Haman.
Living It Out Today
In a modern scenario, this verse can be likened to speaking up when you see your colleagues being unfairly targeted at work. Instead of staying silent, you take action to protect them from a worse fate.
