Esther 2 15

Esther 2:15 kjv

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.

Esther 2:15 nkjv

Now when the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her.

Esther 2:15 niv

When the turn came for Esther (the young woman Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.

Esther 2:15 esv

When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king's eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her.

Esther 2:15 nlt

Esther was the daughter of Abihail, who was Mordecai's uncle. (Mordecai had adopted his younger cousin Esther.) When it was Esther's turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem. She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her.

Esther 2 verses

Esther 2 15 Meaning

Esther 2:15 describes a pivotal moment when Esther, without seeking any personal adornments beyond what was advised, presented herself to King Ahasuerus. Her humility and trust in Hegai’s guidance led her to gain exceptional favor and admiration from everyone who saw her, setting the stage for her elevation to queen. This verse highlights the profound impact of inner character and wisdom over external display, aligning with divine favor.

Esther 2 15 Context

Esther chapter 2 details King Ahasuerus’s search for a new queen after Queen Vashti’s refusal to appear before him. Virgins from across the empire are gathered into the harem in Susa, undergoing extensive purification and beautification treatments over a year. Each woman is then brought before the king. Esther, though initially introduced as an orphan adopted by her cousin Mordecai and having her Jewish identity hidden, follows the prescribed protocol under Hegai’s careful guidance. Verse 15 marks Esther’s turn to meet the king, highlighting her distinct approach compared to other contestants who might have piled on extravagant attire. Her lack of personal demands, coupled with her inner disposition, leads to her instant and widespread favor, which is crucial for her divine calling as queen.

Esther 2 15 Word analysis

• Now: Implies a critical juncture, signifying the arrival of Esther's significant moment within the sequence of events.

• when: Points to a specific timing, emphasizing that Esther's entry was a predetermined event within the selection process.

• the turn: Refers to the allocated time for each candidate to be presented to the king after their preparatory period.

• of Esther: אֶסְתֵּר (ʾEstēr) - Her Persian name, possibly meaning "star" or related to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. Its selection here is part of the divine providence veiled within the narrative, indicating her destined rise.

• the daughter of Abihail: אֲבִיחַיִל (ʾAvichayil) - Meaning "my father is might/strength." This identifies her lineage, linking her directly to a Jewish family line despite being orphaned.

• the uncle of Mordecai: Clarifies her close family connection and dependence on Mordecai, establishing his influential role in her life. This kinship detail becomes critical later for understanding their joint efforts.

• came to go in unto the king: The moment of direct presentation and judgment by the king. It is the climax of the long preparation period.

• she required nothing: Demonstrates a remarkable humility and lack of personal ambition or greed for adornments. Unlike others who might have sought lavish jewelry or attire, Esther sought no such things beyond the standard provisions.

• but what Hegai: הֵגַי (Hēḡay) - The king's eunuch and keeper of the women, entrusted with preparing the women. Hegai’s advice was based on experience and knowledge of the king’s preferences. Esther's trust in his counsel over personal desires showcases wisdom.

• the king's chamberlain: סָרִיס (sārîs) - A eunuch; often held high administrative positions, indicating Hegai's authority and deep understanding of royal customs.

• the keeper of the women: Highlights Hegai's specific role in charge of the women's physical and logistical preparation for their presentation to the king.

• appointed: יַעַד (yaʿad) - To appoint, designate, fix, specify. It implies careful, knowledgeable guidance from Hegai, which Esther readily accepted.

• And Esther obtained favour: חֵן (chen) - Grace, charm, approval, unmerited divine or human favor. This is the pivotal outcome. Her humble approach and inner beauty were recognized. This "favor" is a recurring biblical theme often bestowed by God.

• in the sight of all them that looked upon her: Indicates a universal appeal. Not just the king, but everyone, including the royal staff and perhaps other women, recognized her unique quality, which stemmed from inner character rather than external embellishment.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai": This seemingly superfluous genealogical detail emphasizes Esther's family ties to Mordecai, foundational for later events in the book, particularly the salvation of her people. It subtly reminds the reader of her Jewish roots, even as her identity is concealed.
  • "she required nothing but what Hegai... appointed": This phrase starkly contrasts Esther with other women. It showcases her humility, wisdom, and obedience. She trusts an expert’s counsel instead of relying on personal desire for external embellishment, indicating inner beauty and a shrewdness in navigating her circumstances. This restraint likely made her appear authentic and confident in her natural self, rather than trying to impress with extravagance.
  • "Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her": This result reveals a significant spiritual principle. Esther's self-restraint, obedience, and inner disposition made her exceptionally appealing, hinting at divine intervention. This favor extended beyond the king, suggesting a universally recognized grace and charm that transcended mere physical beauty. It also foreshadows God’s overarching plan working through her.

Esther 2 15 Bonus section

• Hidden Providence: The entire book of Esther is unique for not explicitly mentioning God, yet His providential hand is profoundly evident throughout. Esther’s obtaining favor here is a prime example of God working behind the scenes, elevating His chosen instrument through human actions and interactions. Her meekness in following Hegai’s guidance can be seen as submission to the path God had laid for her.
• Contrasting Figures: Esther's quiet humility provides a sharp contrast to Queen Vashti's assertiveness. While Vashti was deposed for refusal, Esther rises by submitting. This doesn't inherently advocate passivity but highlights the different paths to influence within the specific, oppressive cultural context of the Persian court. Esther’s humility and grace proved more effective in gaining favor than any outward show of power or beauty.
• The Significance of "Favor" (Chen): The concept of chen (favor) is pivotal in the Hebrew Bible, often implying an unearned grace or divine bestowal. In Esther's case, while her personal qualities played a role, the text strongly implies a divinely-imparted appeal that captivated everyone, preparing her for the weighty responsibility that lay ahead.

Esther 2 15 Commentary

Esther 2:15 is a defining moment, illustrating that true influence and success often stem from inner character rather than outward displays. Esther’s quiet humility and trusting obedience to Hegai’s expert guidance, in contrast to potential competition and lavishness, set her apart. She desired nothing beyond what was prudent and necessary, relying on wisdom rather than ostentation. This lack of self-promotion and simple trust made her radiant, securing favor from all who observed her, not just the king. Her profound appeal was a mark of divine favor (chen), showing God’s hand quietly orchestrating her ascent, emphasizing His preference for a humble and obedient spirit to be an instrument of His providence. This moment prefigures how God exalts the humble and positions them for His purposes.