Esther 2:20

Authorized King James Version

Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
אֵ֣ין
a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle
#2
אֶסְתֵּ֣ר
Esther
ester, the jewish heroine
#3
מַגֶּ֤דֶת
had not yet shewed
properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to
#4
מֽוֹלַדְתָּהּ֙
her kindred
nativity (plural birth-place); by implication, lineage, native country; also offspring, family
#5
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#6
עַמָּ֔הּ
nor her people
a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock
#7
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#8
צִוָּ֥ה
had charged
(intensively) to constitute, enjoin
#9
עָלֶ֖יהָ
above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications
#10
מָרְדֳּכַי֙
as Mordecai
mordecai, an israelite
#11
וְאֶת
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
#12
מַֽאֲמַ֤ר
the commandment
something (authoritatively) said, i.e., an edict
#13
מָרְדֳּכַי֙
as Mordecai
mordecai, an israelite
#14
אֶסְתֵּ֣ר
Esther
ester, the jewish heroine
#15
עֹשָׂ֔ה
did
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#16
כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#17
הָֽיְתָ֥ה
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
#18
בְאָמְנָ֖ה
like as when she was brought up
tutelage
#19
אִתּֽוֹ׃
properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

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 covenant community 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

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 covenant community in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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