Esther 2 11

Esther 2:11 kjv

And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.

Esther 2:11 nkjv

And every day Mordecai paced in front of the court of the women's quarters, to learn of Esther's welfare and what was happening to her.

Esther 2:11 niv

Every day he walked back and forth near the courtyard of the harem to find out how Esther was and what was happening to her.

Esther 2:11 esv

And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her.

Esther 2:11 nlt

Every day Mordecai would take a walk near the courtyard of the harem to find out about Esther and what was happening to her.

Esther 2 verses

Esther 2 11 Meaning

Esther 2:11 portrays Mordecai's consistent and deeply concerned oversight of Esther while she was in the king's harem. It shows his unwavering paternal devotion, as he regularly positioned himself outside the women's quarters to gain information about her well-being and future prospects, despite his limited access. This verse highlights his constant vigilance and commitment to her welfare during a time of great uncertainty.

Esther 2 11 Context

This verse is situated early in Esther Chapter 2, following Queen Vashti's dethronement and the subsequent search for a new queen. Esther, an orphan taken in by her cousin Mordecai, has been brought to the royal palace in Susa among many other beautiful virgins. Having entered the king's harem, Esther is now isolated from Mordecai within the vast and guarded Persian royal complex. Mordecai, fulfilling his role as her guardian and kinsman, cannot enter the women's segregated quarters. This act of daily vigilance outside the court highlights his deep sense of responsibility and love for Esther in a precarious environment, demonstrating his profound care and constant worry about her fate and well-being in an uncertain world. It also sets the stage for his subsequent pivotal role in the narrative, revealing his ongoing awareness of happenings concerning Esther.

Esther 2 11 Word analysis

• And Mordecai (וּמָרְדֳּכַי, u'Mordekhay): The conjunction "and" links his action to the ongoing narrative of Esther's entrance into the harem. Mordecai is Esther's guardian and cousin, a devout Jew who assumes a father-like role for her. His Babylonian name, potentially related to Marduk, yet functions within a narrative where divine intervention is subtly presented through human agency.
• walked (הָלַךְ, halakh): This Hebrew verb denotes movement or going. In this context, it implies a habitual, intentional, and purposeful daily presence rather than a casual stroll, signifying diligence and consistent effort on Mordecai’s part. It portrays an active, devoted form of monitoring.
• every day (יוֹם וָיוֹם, yom va'yom): This phrase emphasizes the regularity and persistence of Mordecai's action. It was not a singular or occasional visit but a consistent, enduring commitment, demonstrating the depth of his concern and dedication to Esther's welfare.
• before the court of the women's house (לִפְנֵי חֲצַר בֵּית הַנָּשִׁים, lifney khatsar beit hannashim): "Before the court" indicates the accessible outer area, as Mordecai, being a man, would not be permitted into the secluded interior quarters. The "women's house" refers to the royal harem, the specifically designated and secured living area for the virgins and concubines of the king, highlighting their segregation and inaccessibility.
• to know (לָדַעַת, la'da'at): From the verb יָדַע (yada), meaning "to know," "to perceive," "to ascertain." This is not mere curiosity but a desire for precise information and understanding regarding Esther's condition, suggesting a profound care and perhaps an intent to intervene if possible.
• how Esther did (אֶת שְׁלוֹם אֶסְתֵּר, et shlom Ester): Literally, "the peace of Esther." "Shalom" encompasses her complete well-being, including health, safety, emotional state, and prosperity. Mordecai's inquiry was holistic, desiring a full understanding of her current situation.
• and what should become of her (וּמַה יֵּעָשֶׂה בָהּ, u'mah ye'aseh bah): This phrase reflects Mordecai's concern not only for her immediate condition but also for her future and destiny. It refers to what was being done with her or what might happen to her, indicating his foresight and awareness of the precarious nature of her position.

• Mordecai walked every day: This highlights Mordecai's persistent devotion and responsible guardianship. It underscores his active commitment, signaling his resolve to keep watch over Esther despite the institutional barriers.
• before the court of the women's house, to know: This pairing indicates his strategic positioning and purposeful intent. Limited by access, he chose the nearest possible point for reconnaissance, illustrating his ingenuity and unwavering focus on gathering vital intelligence about Esther's state.
• how Esther did, and what should become of her: This phrase collectively encapsulates the comprehensive nature of his concern—her immediate well-being and her long-term fate. It reflects both a current emotional/physical assessment and an anxious anticipation of future developments within the royal machinery.

Esther 2 11 Bonus section

• The meticulous phrasing "every day" underscores Mordecai's discipline and the deep, abiding nature of his care, not just for a fleeting moment of anxiety but for a prolonged period, likely extending throughout the entire selection process.
• Though God's name is conspicuously absent from the book of Esther, Mordecai's devoted actions here are often seen by scholars as a human illustration of divine Providence—God working through natural means and the faithfulness of His people to achieve His purposes, even in what appears to be a purely secular environment.
• Mordecai's choice to remain within sight or sound of the 'women's house' implies a certain risk. As a Jew and potentially a lower official, such regular proximity to the highly protected royal quarters for women could have been viewed suspiciously, further highlighting his courage and commitment to Esther.
• The detail of him inquiring about "what should become of her" reveals his forward-thinking mindset and his recognition that Esther was no longer merely a young girl in his care but potentially an influential figure whose destiny would have broader implications.

Esther 2 11 Commentary

Esther 2:11 succinctly yet powerfully portrays Mordecai's unwavering dedication to his orphaned cousin, Esther. His daily walk to the outer court of the women's house was an act of profound love and responsibility, demonstrating that distance and circumstance could not diminish his care. This consistent presence signifies his vigilant watchfulness, fueled by a genuine desire to understand her plight ("how Esther did") and discern her prospects ("what should become of her"). It paints Mordecai as a concerned guardian, actively engaged in her welfare even when seemingly powerless to intervene directly. This quiet act of persistent care, a hallmark of faithful guardianship, subtly lays the groundwork for the pivotal roles both he and Esther would play in the larger divine drama unfolding for the Jewish people. It teaches that even in periods of waiting and uncertainty, steadfast commitment and concern for others are vital.