Esther 2:4

Authorized King James Version

And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
וְהַֽנַּעֲרָ֗ה
And let the maiden
a girl (from infancy to adolescence)
#2
אֲשֶׁ֤ר
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
#3
וַיִּיטַ֧ב
pleased
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#4
בְּעֵינֵ֣י
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#5
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
the king
a king
#6
תִּמְלֹ֖ךְ
be queen
to reign; hence (by implication) to take counsel
#7
תַּ֣חַת
the bottom (as depressed); only adverbially, below (often with prepositional prefix underneath), in lieu of, etc
#8
וַשְׁתִּ֑י
instead of Vashti
vashti, the queen of xerxes
#9
וַיִּיטַ֧ב
pleased
to be (causative) make well, literally (sound, beautiful) or figuratively (happy, successful, right)
#10
הַדָּבָ֛ר
And the thing
a word; by implication, a matter (as spoken of) or thing; adverbially, a cause
#11
בְּעֵינֵ֥י
an eye (literally or figuratively); by analogy, a fountain (as the eye of the landscape)
#12
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ
the king
a king
#13
וַיַּ֥עַשׂ
and he did so
to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application
#14
כֵּֽן׃
properly, set upright; hence (figuratively as adjective) just; but usually (as adverb or conjunction) rightly or so (in various applications to manner

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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