Esther 8:16 kjva — The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.

King James Version with Apocrypha

"The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour."

— Esther 8:16, King James Version with Apocrypha

Read in Another Translation

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Esther 8:16 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

Esther 8 — Context

13

The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was published unto all people, and that the Jews should be ready against that day to avenge themselves on their enemies.

14

So the posts that rode upon mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.

15

And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple: and the city of Shushan rejoiced and was glad.

16

The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.

17

And in every province, and in every city, whithersoever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews; for the fear of the Jews fell upon them.

Esther 8:16 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does Esther 8:16 say?
Esther 8:16 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.”
Where is Esther 8:16 in the Bible?
Esther 8:16 is found in the Old Testament, in the book of Esther, chapter 8, verse 16.
Who wrote Esther?
Esther is traditionally attributed to Anonymous (traditionally Mordecai). It was written c. 460–400 BC.
What is the book of Esther about?
Esther tells how a Jewish orphan becomes queen of Persia and risks her life to save her people from genocide. Though God's name is never mentioned, his unseen providence is woven through every reversal — and the Jewish festival of Purim still celebrates the deliverance.
What are the major themes of Esther?
Esther explores themes including Providence, Courage, Deliverance, Identity, Reversal. These themes shape the meaning and context of Esther 8:16.
What translation should I read Esther 8:16 in?
Esther 8:16 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize Esther 8:16?
Esther 8:16 reads (KJVA): “The Jews had light, and gladness, and joy, and honour.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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