Esther 2 20

Esther 2:20 kjv

Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

Esther 2:20 nkjv

Now Esther had not revealed her family and her people, just as Mordecai had charged her, for Esther obeyed the command of Mordecai as when she was brought up by him.

Esther 2:20 niv

But Esther had kept secret her family background and nationality just as Mordecai had told her to do, for she continued to follow Mordecai's instructions as she had done when he was bringing her up.

Esther 2:20 esv

Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mordecai had commanded her, for Esther obeyed Mordecai just as when she was brought up by him.

Esther 2:20 nlt

Esther continued to keep her family background and nationality a secret. She was still following Mordecai's directions, just as she did when she lived in his home.

Esther 2 verses

Esther 2 20 Meaning

Esther 2:20 highlights Esther's consistent obedience to Mordecai's directive to conceal her Jewish heritage. This verse establishes her character as faithful to the training she received, demonstrating a deeply ingrained respect for Mordecai's commands, just as she had practiced throughout her upbringing. Her hidden identity, kept private from the Persian court, becomes a crucial element in God's unfolding plan for His people.

Esther 2 20 Context

Esther 2:20 is found within the narrative describing Esther's journey to the king's palace and eventual ascent to queen. Prior to this verse (2:10), Esther had initially concealed her people and kindred at Mordecai's command. Verse 20 reinforces and elaborates upon this earlier point, emphasizing the continuing nature of her obedience, both during her initial presentation to the palace and even after she had found favor with Hegai and the king, leading to her being crowned queen in verse 17. The setting is the Persian Empire under King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), where Jewish exiles like Esther and Mordecai lived under foreign rule. Mordecai, as Esther's guardian and older relative, was her primary authority figure, having raised her from childhood. The act of concealment, while strategic in the immediate political environment of the Persian court, also reflects a deeper, providentially guided preparation for her future role. It underscores the theme of hidden identity, which is paralleled by the hiddenness of God's direct action throughout the book of Esther, as His presence is only discernible through the providential outworking of events.

Esther 2 20 Word analysis

• Esther: Her Persian name, contrasting with her Hebrew name Hadassah (Myrtle), symbolizes her double identity – externally assimilated while inwardly Jewish. This dual nomenclature subtly hints at the very act of concealment the verse describes.
• had not made known: Implies an active decision to withhold information, not merely passive ignorance. This secrecy was deliberate and sustained.
• her kindred: (Hebrew: moladetāh - מולדְתָהּ) Refers to her birth family, lineage, or place of birth, emphasizing her immediate ancestry and the group from which she originated.
• nor her people: (Hebrew: v'et-‘ammāh - וְאֶת-עַמָּהּ) Points specifically to her national or ethnic group, in this case, the Jews. This goes beyond immediate family to encompass the wider collective identity.
• as Mordecai had charged her: (Hebrew: ka’ǎsher tsivvah ‘āleyhā Mordechai - כַּאֲשֶׁר צִוָּה עָלֶיהָ מָרְדֳּכַי) The Hebrew word tsivvah means "commanded" or "instructed with authority." This was not a mere suggestion but a binding directive, highlighting Mordecai's role as a figure of authority and wisdom in Esther's life.
• for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai: (Hebrew: ki ma’ămăr Mordechai ‘Osāh Ester - כִּי מַאֲמַר מָרְדֳּכַי עֹשָׂה אֶסְתֵּר) This phrase reaffirms and re-emphasizes her ongoing and consistent obedience. Ma’ămăr is a strong word meaning "decree" or "mandate," signifying a weighty directive.
• like as when she was brought up with him: (Hebrew: ka’ăsher hāyethā ‘immō b’yāmāyū - כַּאֲשֶׁר הָיְתָה עִמּוֹ בְּיָמֶיהָ) This powerful comparison underlines that Esther's obedience was not new or superficial, but deeply ingrained through years of careful upbringing and consistent discipline under Mordecai's care. It speaks to her character and formation from youth.
• Words-group analysis:
  • "Esther had not made known her kindred nor her people": This highlights Esther's strategic concealment, an act of discretion and prudence in a foreign court. It implies potential danger or benefit associated with her identity.
  • "as Mordecai had charged her; for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai": This doubled emphasis underscores the critical role of Mordecai's instruction and Esther's absolute adherence to it, presenting her as an exceptionally obedient individual.
  • "like as when she was brought up with him": This concluding phrase reveals the root of her obedience: a deep-seated respect and habit cultivated from her formative years. It signifies the lasting impact of early training and discipleship.

Esther 2 20 Bonus section

• The absence of God's name in the Book of Esther finds a parallel in Esther's own hidden identity; both reflect the theme of God's hidden but active hand in human affairs.
• Mordecai's command to Esther demonstrates a form of practical wisdom in exile, preparing her, perhaps unknowingly, for a situation where her true identity would become instrumental in saving her people.
• The consistent obedience of Esther highlights the importance of spiritual training from childhood in forming character, which then enables individuals to respond faithfully to future divine calls, even if these calls are disguised in political circumstances.

Esther 2 20 Commentary

Esther 2:20 is a pivotal verse, revealing Esther's foundational characteristic: unwavering obedience to Mordecai. Her deliberate act of not revealing her Jewish background, initially commanded by Mordecai and continually adhered to, showcases a disciplined character developed through her consistent upbringing. This isn't merely a factual statement, but a testament to Esther's deep respect for authority and her established habit of compliance, setting the stage for greater acts of obedience later in the narrative. While the immediate practical reasons for concealment might have been security or political expediency, from a theological perspective, it exemplifies how God orchestrates events through seemingly mundane human choices and hidden aspects, ultimately positioning Esther to fulfill His providential plan for the deliverance of His people, without explicit divine instruction.