Esther 5:3
“Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be even given thee to the half of the kingdom.”
KJV
Read in Esther 5Meaning
The king's extravagant formula communicates exceptional openness, not a literal transfer of half the empire. Esther has gained an audience, but she still chooses not to reveal her full request immediately.