Esther 4:3 in Hebrew
וּבְכָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּמְדִינָ֗ה מְקֹום֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר דְּבַר־הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ וְדָתֹו֙ מַגִּ֔יעַ אֵ֤בֶל גָּדֹול֙ לַיְּהוּדִ֔ים וְצֹ֥ום וּבְכִ֖י וּמִסְפֵּ֑ד שַׂ֣ק וָאֵ֔פֶר יֻצַּ֖ע לָֽרַבִּֽים׃
Introduction to Distributive Repetition
In Esther 4:3, we encounter the phrase וּבְכָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּמְדִינָ֗ה, which translates to “in every province and province.” This structure is an example of distributive repetition, a common feature in Biblical Hebrew that emphasizes that something applies to each individual unit within a group.
Rather than simply stating “in all provinces,” the text repeats the noun מְדִינָה (məḏīnāh, “province”), reinforcing that this event occurred in each and every province separately.
Understanding וּבְכָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּמְדִינָ֗ה
– וּבְכָל (ūḇəḵāl) – “and in every”
– מְדִינָ֣ה וּמְדִינָ֗ה (məḏīnāh ūməḏīnāh) – “province and province”
This repetition serves to stress that each province individually experienced the decree’s consequences, rather than just the kingdom as a whole.
The Function of Distributive Repetition in Biblical Hebrew
1. Emphasizing Universality
– The repetition ensures that no region is excluded from the decree’s impact.
– Instead of a general statement, the text specifies that every single province experienced mourning.
2. Reinforcing Legal or Official Language
– In royal decrees and legal contexts, Hebrew often uses repetition to highlight that every jurisdiction is accountable.
– This formal style mirrors the way Persian edicts were written, making the language feel authoritative.
3. Making the Statement More Poetic and Forceful
– The repetition adds a rhythmic quality to the text, making it more memorable.
– This poetic device intensifies the emotional weight of the Jews’ response.
Additional Distributive Repetition in Esther 4:3
A similar effect occurs with the sequence וְצֹ֥ום וּבְכִ֖י וּמִסְפֵּ֑ד (“fasting, weeping, and lamentation”). While these words are not identical, they form a semantic repetition, reinforcing the depth of Jewish mourning.
The Role of Distributive Repetition in Esther 4:3
The use of distributive repetition in Esther 4:3 enhances the clarity and impact of the verse. The phrase וּבְכָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּמְדִינָ֗ה ensures that each province is treated as an individual entity, emphasizing that the decree affected every Jewish community.
This stylistic feature highlights how Biblical Hebrew strengthens meaning through repetition, particularly in legal and narrative contexts. By focusing on each case separately, the text increases the sense of widespread distress and urgency.
