Esther 5:3-8

New International Version

³ Then the king asked, “What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom,^(A) it will be given you.”

⁴ “If it pleases the king,” replied Esther, “let the king, together with Haman, come today to a banquet I have prepared for him.”

⁵ “Bring Haman at once,” the king said, “so that we may do what Esther asks.”

So the king and Haman went to the banquet Esther had prepared. ⁶ As they were drinking wine,^(B) the king again asked Esther, “Now what is your petition? It will be given you. And what is your request? Even up to half the kingdom,^(C) it will be granted.”^(D)

⁷ Esther replied, “My petition and my request is this: ⁸ If the king regards me with favor^(E) and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come tomorrow to the banquet^(F) I will prepare for them. Then I will answer the king’s question.”