Esther 2:15

Authorized King James Version

Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וּבְהַגִּ֣יעַ

H5060

was come

properly, to touch, i.e., lay the hand upon (for any purpose; euphemistically, to lie with a woman); by implication, to reach (figuratively, to arrive

תֹּר

H8447

Now when the turn

a succession, i.e., a string or (abstractly) order

אֶסְתֵּר֙

H635

And Esther

ester, the jewish heroine

לְבַ֜ת

H1323

her for his daughter

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

אֲבִיחַ֣יִל

H32

of Abihail

abihail or abichail, the name of three israelites and two israelitesses

דֹּ֣ד

H1730

the uncle

(figuratively) to love; by implication, a love-token, lover, friend; specifically an uncle

מָרְדֳּכַ֡י

H4782

of Mordecai

mordecai, an israelite

אֲשֶׁר֩

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

לָקַֽח

H3947

who had taken

to take (in the widest variety of applications)

#10

ל֨וֹ

#11

לְבַ֜ת

H1323

her for his daughter

a daughter (used in the same wide sense as other terms of relationship, literally and figuratively)

#12

לָב֣וֹא

H935

to go in

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#13

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#14

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ

H4428

the king's

a king

#15

לֹ֤א

H3808

not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles

#16

בִקְשָׁה֙

H1245

she required

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

#17

דָּבָ֔ר

H1697

nothing

a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause

#18

כִּ֠י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#19

אִ֣ם

H518

used very widely as demonstrative, lo!; interrogative, whether?; or conditional, if, although; also oh that!, when; hence, as a negative, not

#20

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

#21

אֲשֶׁ֥ר

H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

#22

יֹאמַ֛ר

H559

appointed

to say (used with great latitude)

#23

הֵגַ֥י

H1896

but what Hegai

hege or hegai, a eunuch of xerxes

#24

סְרִיס

H5631

chamberlain

a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state

#25

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ

H4428

the king's

a king

#26

שֹׁמֵ֣ר

H8104

the keeper

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

#27

הַנָּשִׁ֑ים

H802

of the women

a woman

#28

וַתְּהִ֤י

H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

#29

אֶסְתֵּר֙

H635

And Esther

ester, the jewish heroine

#30

נֹשֵׂ֣את

H5375

obtained

to lift, in a great variety of applications, literal and figurative, absolute and relative

#31

חֵ֔ן

H2580

favour

graciousness, i.e., subjective (kindness, favor) or objective (beauty)

#32

בְּעֵינֵ֖י

H5869

in the sight

an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)

#33

כָּל

H3605

properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)

#34

רֹאֶֽיהָ׃

H7200

of all them that looked

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this verse's literary context within Esther chapter 2 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

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