Bible Strands
Esther 5:13
Yet none of this satisfies me as long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.”
Berean Standard Bible
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Study note
Setting — Haman addresses his wife Zeresh and his friends immediately after detailing Esther’s exclusive banquet invitation. He voices his frustration at that exact moment, just before they propose constructing a gallows for Mordecai.
The words — The Hebrew phrase זֶה אֵינֶנּוּ שֹׁוֶה (zeh einennu shoVeh) literally means “this is not adequate” or “this does not satisfy.” It records Haman’s explicit statement that his accumulated honors and privileges fail to bring him peace.
The thread — The text describes a state of restless dissatisfaction that parallels the unending anguish detailed in Job 15:20 and Job 18:4. It contrasts with the later biblical claim in Philippians 4:11 that a person can learn to be content regardless of circumstances.
Why it lands — The verse states that external validation cannot cure inner discontent, then shows how that void drives destructive action. It requires the reader to identify what they are treating as adequate and to test whether that foundation actually holds.
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
Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.
Cross-references
- Job 15:20 A wicked man writhes in pain all his days; only a few years are reserved for the ruthless.
- Job 18:4 You who tear yourself in anger—should the earth be forsaken on your account, or the rocks be moved from their place?
- Philippians 4:11 I am not saying this out of need, for I have learned to be content regardless of my circumstances.
- 1 Kings 21:4 So Ahab went to his palace, sullen and angry because Naboth the Jezreelite had told him, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” He lay down on his bed, turned his face away, and refused to eat.
- Esther 5:9 That day Haman went out full of joy and glad of heart. At the king’s gate, however, he saw Mordecai, who did not rise or tremble in fear at his presence. And Haman was filled with rage toward Mordecai.
- Ecclesiastes 1:2 “Futility of futilities,” says the Teacher, “futility of futilities! Everything is futile!”
- Ecclesiastes 1:14 I have seen all the things that are done under the sun, and have found them all to be futile, a pursuit of the wind.