The Longest Verse in the Bible

Discover Esther 8:9 - The remarkable verse that holds the record for length

Esther 8:9 - The Longest Verse

The longest verse in the Bible is found in the Book of Esther, chapter 8, verse 9. This remarkable verse contains an extensive list of provinces and officials, making it significantly longer than any other single verse in Scripture.

So the king's scribes were called at that time in the third month, which is the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.
Esther 8:9 (KJV)

Why Is This Verse So Long?

Esther 8:9 is exceptionally long because it contains a detailed administrative record. The verse describes the process of writing and distributing a royal decree throughout the vast Persian Empire. It specifically mentions:

Key Details in This Verse:

  • The Date: The third month (Sivan), on the 23rd day
  • The Scope: 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia
  • The Languages: Written in every language of the people
  • The Recipients: Jews, lieutenants, deputies, and rulers
  • The Authority: Written according to Mordecai's command

Historical Context

This verse comes at a crucial moment in the Book of Esther. After Haman's plot to destroy the Jews was exposed, King Ahasuerus gave Queen Esther and Mordecai the authority to write a new decree that would allow the Jews to defend themselves. Esther 8:9 records the extensive process of distributing this life-saving decree throughout the entire Persian Empire.

The length of this verse reflects the magnitude of the task - communicating a royal decree across 127 provinces, in multiple languages, to ensure that every Jewish community in the empire would receive the news and be able to defend themselves.

The Significance of 127 Provinces

The mention of 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia emphasizes the vastness of the Persian Empire during the reign of Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I). This geographical detail highlights:

  • The extensive reach of the Persian Empire
  • The complexity of administering such a large territory
  • The importance of the decree reaching every corner of the empire
  • God's providential care for His people across vast distances

Translation Differences

It's worth noting that the length of Esther 8:9 can vary slightly between different Bible translations. The King James Version (KJV) contains the longest version, while some modern translations may break the verse into shorter sentences or use different phrasing. However, in all translations, Esther 8:9 remains the longest single verse in the Bible.

Other Notable Long Verses

While Esther 8:9 holds the record, there are other notably long verses in the Bible, including:

  • Revelation 20:4 - Contains a detailed description of the millennial reign
  • Jeremiah 21:7 - A lengthy prophetic declaration
  • Ezekiel 48:35 - Contains detailed measurements and descriptions

Spiritual Lessons

Beyond its record-breaking length, Esther 8:9 teaches us important spiritual lessons:

  • God's Providence: Even in administrative details, we see God's hand at work
  • Comprehensive Care: God's concern extends to every corner of His creation
  • Divine Timing: The specific date mentioned shows God's perfect timing
  • Inclusivity: The decree was written in every language, showing God's care for all people

Conclusion

Esther 8:9 stands as a testament to both the historical accuracy of Scripture and the comprehensive nature of God's providential care. While it may be the longest verse in terms of word count, its true significance lies in what it represents: a moment when God's people were saved through a carefully orchestrated series of events, recorded in meticulous detail for future generations.

This verse reminds us that even the longest, most detailed passages in Scripture have purpose and meaning. Every word, every detail, contributes to the grand narrative of God's redemptive work throughout history.