How “longest” is measured

The result depends on what is counted. Using the verse divisions and text in BibleAV’s King James Version, Esther 8:9 is longest by both words and characters. Different translations, punctuation conventions, or methods of treating supplied words can produce different totals.

Why the verse is so long

The verse records the preparation of Mordecai’s decree and lists its date, recipients, territorial reach, and the languages in which it was written. That detailed list makes it unusually long.