Bible Strands
Esther 3:10
So the king removed the signet ring from his finger and gave it to Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of the Jews.
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — The king acts in direct response to Haman’s proposal to fund a decree against the Jews. This moment occurs immediately after Haman offers ten thousand talents of silver to the royal treasury.
The words — וַ/יָּ֧סַר (va/i.Ya.sar) means “and he removed,” and טַבַּעְתּ֖/וֹ (ta.ba'.T/o) means “his signet-ring.” The text records the physical transfer of royal authority from the monarch to Haman.
The thread — The signet ring reappears as a symbol of delegated power in Genesis 41:42 and Esther 8:2. In each case, the ring’s transfer marks a decisive shift in administrative control.
Why it lands — The verse documents the legal mechanism that enables Haman’s decree. It requires the reader to recognize that royal authorization, once transferred, operates independently of the king’s later regrets.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Hebrew words
King James Version
And the king took his ring from his hand, and gave it unto Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy.
Cross-references
- Genesis 41:42 Then Pharaoh removed the signet ring from his finger, put it on Joseph’s finger, clothed him in garments of fine linen, and placed a gold chain around his neck.
- Esther 8:2 The king removed the signet ring he had recovered from Haman and presented it to Mordecai. And Esther appointed Mordecai over the estate of Haman.
- Esther 7:6 Esther replied, “The adversary and enemy is this wicked man—Haman!” And Haman stood in terror before the king and queen.
- Esther 3:1 After these events, King Xerxes honored Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, elevating him to a position above all the princes who were with him.
- Esther 8:8 Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.”