Esther 2:3

Authorized King James Version

And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְיַפְקֵ֨ד

H6485

appoint

to visit (with friendly or hostile intent); by analogy, to oversee, muster, charge, care for, miss, deposit, etc

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ

H4428

And let the king

a king

פְּקִידִים֮

H6496

officers

a superintendent (civil, military or religious)

בְּכָל

H3605

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

מְדִינ֣וֹת

H4082

in all the provinces

properly, a judgeship, i.e., jurisdiction; by implication, a district (as ruled by a judge); generally, a region

מַלְכוּתוֹ֒

H4438

of his kingdom

a rule; concretely, a dominion

וְיִקְבְּצ֣וּ

H6908

that they may gather together

to grasp, i.e., collect

אֶת

H853

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

כָּל

H3605

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

#10

נַעֲרָֽה

H5291

young

a girl (from infancy to adolescence)

#11

בְ֠תוּלָה

H1330

virgins

a virgin (from her privacy); sometimes (by continuation) a bride; also (figuratively) a city or state

#12

טוֹבַ֨ת

H2896

all the fair

good (as an adjective) in the widest sense; used likewise as a noun, both in the masculine and the feminine, the singular and the plural (good, a good

#13

מַרְאֶ֜ה

H4758

a view (the act of seeing); also an appearance (the thing seen), whether (real) a shape (especially if handsome, comeliness; often plural the looks),

#14

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#15

שׁוּשַׁ֤ן

H7800

unto Shushan

shushan, a place in persia

#16

הַבִּירָה֙

H1002

the palace

a castle or palace

#17

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#18

בֵּ֣ית

H1004

to the house

a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)

#19

הַנָּשִׁ֑ים

H802

of the women

a woman

#20

אֶל

H413

near, with or among; often in general, to

#21

יַ֥ד

H3027

unto 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

#22

הֵגֶ֛א

H1896

of Hege

hege or hegai, a eunuch of xerxes

#23

סְרִ֥יס

H5631

chamberlain

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

#24

הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ

H4428

And let the king

a king

#25

שֹׁמֵ֣ר

H8104

keeper

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

#26

הַנָּשִׁ֑ים

H802

of the women

a woman

#27

וְנָת֖וֹן

H5414

be given

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

#28

תַּמְרוּקֵיהֶֽן׃

H8562

and let their things for purification

properly, a scouring, i.e., soap or perfumery for the bath; figuratively, a detergent

Analysis

Within the broader context of Esther, this passage highlights kingdom of God through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of kingdom connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about kingdom, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Esther.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood kingdom. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of kingdom differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from earthly theocracy through Davidic kingdom to eschatological fulfillment, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of kingdom of God, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of eschatology and the doctrine of last things?

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