Esther 2:14

Authorized King James Version

In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
בָּעֶ֣רֶב׀
In the evening
dusk
#2
הִ֣יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#3
תָב֥וֹא
she came in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#4
וּ֠בַבֹּקֶר
and on the morrow
properly, dawn (as the break of day); generally, morning
#5
הִ֣יא
he (she or it); only expressed when emphatic or without a verb; also (intensively) self, or (especially with the article) the same; sometimes (as demo
#6
שָׁבָ֞ה
she returned
to turn back (hence, away) transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively (not necessarily with the idea of return to the starting point);
#7
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#8
בֵּ֤ית
house
a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
#9
הַנָּשִׁים֙
of the women
a woman
#10
שֵׁנִ֔י
into the second
properly, double, i.e., second; also adverbially, again
#11
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#12
יַ֧ד
to the custody
a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v
#13
שַֽׁעֲשְׁגַ֛ז
of Shaashgaz
shaashgaz, a eunuch of xerxes
#14
סְרִ֥יס
chamberlain
a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state
#15
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
no more except the king
a king
#16
שֹׁמֵ֣ר
which kept
properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc
#17
הַפִּֽילַגְשִׁ֑ים
the concubines
a concubine; also (masculine) a paramour
#18
לֹֽא
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
#19
תָב֥וֹא
she came in
to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
#20
עוֹד֙
properly, iteration or continuance; used only adverbially (with or without preposition), again, repeatedly, still, more
#21
אֶל
near, with or among; often in general, to
#22
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
no more except the king
a king
#23
כִּ֣י
(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed
#24
אִם
used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not
#25
חָפֵ֥ץ
delighted
properly, to incline to; by implication (literally but rarely) to bend; figuratively, to be pleased with, desire
#26
בָּ֛הּ
H0
#27
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
no more except the king
a king
#28
וְנִקְרְאָ֥ה
in her and that she were called
to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)
#29
בְשֵֽׁם׃
by name
an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Esther. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Esther Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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