Esther 2 19

Esther 2:19 kjv

And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate.

Esther 2:19 nkjv

When virgins were gathered together a second time, Mordecai sat within the king's gate.

Esther 2:19 niv

When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate.

Esther 2:19 esv

Now when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate.

Esther 2:19 nlt

Even after all the young women had been transferred to the second harem and Mordecai had become a palace official,

Esther 2 verses

Esther 2 19 Meaning

Esther 2:19 details two concurrent situations in the Persian capital: the king's continued practice of gathering young women for his harem, symbolized by the "second gathering of virgins," and Mordecai's persistent presence "in the king's gate." This verse underscores the pervasive worldly activities within the royal court while highlighting Mordecai's strategic and watchful position, which proves crucial for future events.

Esther 2 19 Context

Esther chapter 2 details the process by which King Ahasuerus seeks a new queen after Vashti's dismissal. It describes the collection of beautiful young virgins from all provinces, their year of purification and cosmetic treatments in the king's palace, and their presentation to the king. Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, is among these women. Through divine favor and discreet guidance from Mordecai and Hegai, Esther finds favor and is ultimately crowned queen. Verse 19 follows Esther's ascension, highlighting that even after a queen was chosen, the king's harem system was either ongoing, for adding concubines, or was being restocked with additional virgins after an initial selection, emphasizing the opulence and customs of the Persian court. Simultaneously, it anchors Mordecai in a significant public position. Historically, Susa was a capital city of the Persian Empire, and the king's gate served as a vital administrative and judicial hub where important matters were discussed and decisions made, making it a strategic location for Mordecai's continuous vigilance.

Esther 2 19 Word analysis

• And when the virgins (וּבְהִקָּבֵ֥ץ הַבְּתוּל֛וֹת - ūḇəhiqqāḇēṣ habḇəṯûlôṯ):

  • ū (וּ): Connective "and," linking this event to previous narratives, indicating a continuation of the palace activities.
  • bəhiqqāḇēṣ (בְּהִקָּבֵץ): Hebrew Hithpael infinitive construct, meaning "in the gathering oneself," or more naturally translated "when they were gathered." It implies an assembly that was carried out or facilitated by others, showing the women's passive role in this system.
  • habḇəṯûlôṯ (הַבְּתוּלֹת): Hebrew, definite plural for "the virgins." These were specifically young, unmarried, and sexually untouched women, highlighting the criteria for selection into the royal harem system. The use of the definite article "the" suggests this was a recognized and potentially recurring process.

• were gathered together the second time (שֵׁנִ֑ית - šenît):

  • šenît (שֵׁנִית): Hebrew adverb meaning "a second time." This phrase is pivotal. It could imply:
    1. The ongoing, systemic nature of collecting women for the vast royal harem, suggesting the initial selection for the queen did not end the process.
    2. A replenishment or expansion of the existing pool of concubines.
    3. Some interpretations suggest this refers to a later review of concubines after Esther was made queen, not a competition for the queen's role.The exact reason for this "second time" is debated but clearly points to continued activity within the palace concerning the king's consorts, emphasizing the magnitude and routine nature of this aspect of court life.

• then Mordecai (וּמָרְדֳּכַ֖י - ūmārḏōḵay):

  • ū (וּ): Connective "and/then," shifting the focus to Mordecai.
  • Mārḏōḵay (מָרְדֳּכַי): Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian. His personal identity is key as he is the instrumental figure in God's hidden plan, constantly watching over his people.

• sat (יֹשֵׁב - yōšêḇ):

  • yōšêḇ (יֹשֵׁב): Hebrew participle "sitting" or "was sitting." This indicates a habitual or continuous action rather than a singular event. Mordecai's consistent presence at this location highlights his vigilance, availability, and access to palace news and activities. It signifies his established routine and importance to watch over Esther.

• in the king's gate (בְּשַׁ֣עַר הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ - bəšaʿar hammelḵ):

  • bə (בְּ): Hebrew preposition "in."
  • šaʿar hammelḵ (שַׁעַר הַמֶּלֶךְ): Hebrew noun phrase "the gate of the king." This refers to the main public entrance to the royal palace complex in Susa. In ancient Near Eastern societies, the "gate" was not just an entrance but a central place for:
    1. Administration and Judiciary: Where legal judgments were rendered and official decrees made (Ruth 4:1-2; Deut 21:19).
    2. Public Assembly and Commerce: Where people gathered for news, trade, and social interaction (Prov 31:23; Neh 2:8).
    3. Political Intelligence: A hub for news, gossip, and royal edicts. Mordecai's presence here gives him vital access to information, which becomes critical when he uncovers the assassination plot against King Ahasuerus in a subsequent verse (Esth 2:21-23). It denotes his significant, though perhaps informal, position within the palace orbit.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And when the virgins were gathered together the second time": This phrase depicts the ongoing, systematic exploitation of young women for the king's pleasure and harem, underscoring the world's ways contrasting with God's distinct purposes for Esther. The "second time" reinforces that Esther's selection was perhaps unique or that the continuous nature of gathering for the vast royal concubine system persisted. It reflects a court driven by lust and power.

• "then Mordecai sat in the king's gate": This clause immediately shifts focus to Mordecai's faithful and strategic positioning. While the king continues his earthly pursuits, Mordecai's constant presence at the nerve center of the kingdom shows his steadfast commitment, loyalty, and God-given positioning for the unfolding drama. His "sitting" implies a persistent and deliberate act of surveillance and availability for action, pivotal for future developments and protecting his people.

Esther 2 19 Bonus section

• The Book of Esther never mentions God's name, but His hand is powerfully evident throughout the narrative. Mordecai's constant presence at the gate is a prime example of divine orchestration, placing a faithful individual at the crucial intersection of human events and political intelligence.
• Mordecai's "sitting" contrasts with the dynamic activities around the gate. It conveys an image of steady, thoughtful watchfulness rather than frenetic movement. This patient endurance and strategic observation become a catalyst for God's plan.
• This verse subtly reinforces Esther's unique position. The "second gathering" likely implies the selection process for concubines or further members of the royal harem, distinguishing her already established status as Queen.
• The "king's gate" served as a primary point of contact for subjects to address the king's officials. Mordecai's presence there positions him as a silent sentinel, always accessible for unexpected revelations or divine promptings.

Esther 2 19 Commentary

Esther 2:19 is a quiet but immensely significant verse within the narrative of Esther, marking a subtle shift and underscoring key themes. The "second gathering of virgins" illustrates the opulence, excess, and transactional nature of the Persian court, where women were essentially property. It suggests that even after Esther became queen, the harem continued to be expanded or maintained, reminding readers of the vast scale of King Ahasuerus's domains and appetites. Amidst this backdrop of earthly power and human desire, the verse pivots to Mordecai's seemingly ordinary but crucial act: his continued presence "in the king's gate." This location was not merely a physical entrance but the public, administrative, and political heart of the empire. Mordecai's consistent "sitting" there reveals his deep commitment to Esther's welfare and, by extension, to his people. This posture is not passive but one of constant vigilance, making him privy to information and events, such as the plot against the king, which providentially sets the stage for his and Esther's future elevation and the deliverance of the Jews. The verse beautifully highlights God's sovereignty working through seemingly ordinary human routines and strategic placements, demonstrating His quiet guidance even in a book where His name is not explicitly mentioned.