Esther 2 22

Esther 2:22 kjv

And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name.

Esther 2:22 nkjv

So the matter became known to Mordecai, who told Queen Esther, and Esther informed the king in Mordecai's name.

Esther 2:22 niv

But Mordecai found out about the plot and told Queen Esther, who in turn reported it to the king, giving credit to Mordecai.

Esther 2:22 esv

And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mordecai.

Esther 2:22 nlt

But Mordecai heard about the plot and gave the information to Queen Esther. She then told the king about it and gave Mordecai credit for the report.

Esther 2 verses

Esther 2 22 Meaning

Esther 2:22 describes how Esther informed King Ahasuerus about a conspiracy by two of his palace eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who guarded the king’s threshold, to lay hands on him. Importantly, Esther relayed this critical intelligence to the king in the name of Mordecai, ensuring that Mordecai received the credit for uncovering the plot. This verse highlights a crucial moment of loyalty, vigilance, and divine providence that would significantly impact future events in the book of Esther.

Esther 2 22 Context

Esther chapter 2 details Esther's rise to queenship, culminating in her being chosen by King Ahasuerus. Mordecai, her cousin and guardian, advises her to keep her Jewish identity secret (Esther 2:10). The preceding verses describe Esther being crowned queen (2:17) and Mordecai continuing his work at the king's gate, where he overhears the plot (2:19-21). This specific verse, Esther 2:22, marks the immediate consequence of Mordecai's vigilance: Esther faithfully and precisely relays the information, attributing it to Mordecai. This event lays critical groundwork for future developments in the narrative, ensuring that Mordecai's loyalty is documented in the royal chronicles (Esther 2:23), a detail that will prove pivotal later in the book (Esther 6:1-3). The broader historical context is the vast Persian Empire, where political intrigue and assassination plots were not uncommon in the courts of powerful rulers like Ahasuerus (Xerxes I).

Esther 2 22 Word analysis

• Esther (אֶסְתֵּר, 'Esther'): The new queen, a Jewish exile who has achieved a position of great influence. Her name means "star." Her active role here, transmitting information, demonstrates her intelligence and loyalty.
• told (וַתַּגֵּ֣ד, vattaggêd): Simple declaration, "caused to be told." Implies clear communication. Her action is decisive.
• the king (לַמֶּ֗לֶךְ, lammęlęḵ): Refers to King Ahasuerus (Xerxes), the reigning monarch of the Persian Empire. This highlights the seriousness of the intelligence as it concerns the king's safety directly.
• in the name of Mordecai (בְּשֵׁ֣ם מָרְדֳּכָ֑י, bəšēm mordəḵāy): This is a crucial phrase. Esther explicitly gives credit where credit is due. It shows her humility, integrity, and deep respect for her guardian. It ensures Mordecai's deed is recognized and recorded under his own name, which becomes providentially significant later in the narrative when the king recalls this event. "In the name of" here means "on the authority of," "on account of," or "at the instigation of" Mordecai.
• the matter or the plot (הַדָּבָ֔ר, haddāvār): While 'davar' can mean "word" or "thing," here it signifies a serious "matter," "affair," or "conspiracy." Its gravity is immediately apparent from the context.
• Bigthan (בִּגְתָ֣ן, Biḡṯān) and Teresh (תֶרֶשׁ, Tereš): The specific names of the two eunuchs. This specificity adds authenticity and historical realism to the account. Eunuchs often held positions of trust and authority in royal courts but could also be prone to disaffection due to their unique social status.
• of those who guarded the threshold (מִשֹּׁמְרֵי הַסַּף, miššomrê hassaph): Describes their role as doorkeepers or chamberlains responsible for the king's personal security and access to his chambers. Their position gave them close access, making their plot particularly dangerous and insidious.
• sought (בִקְשׁוּ, biqšû): Implies an active search or deliberate planning. They were actively attempting to.
• to lay hands on (לִשְׁלֹ֣חַ יָ֔ד, lišlōaḥ yāḏ): An idiom meaning "to harm," "to assault," or "to kill." In this context, it unequivocally means plotting to assassinate the king.

Esther 2 22 Bonus section

• The careful record-keeping of the Persian court, implied in this verse and made explicit in 2:23, becomes a crucial plot device in God's providence. It highlights that no act, especially one of loyalty or treachery, goes unnoticed by higher powers, ultimately referring to God.
• The plot by Bigthan and Teresh underscores the inherent instability and danger of life in a despotic court, contrasting with the loyalty shown by Mordecai and Esther. This court intrigue sets a grim backdrop that makes the later threat from Haman all the more believable and perilous.
• Esther's faithfulness in relaying the information demonstrates her obedience not only to Mordecai (as per 2:20) but also her new responsibility as queen. It solidifies her character as a wise and trustworthy individual, capable of handling significant affairs.

Esther 2 22 Commentary

Esther 2:22 encapsulates a pivotal moment within the larger narrative, subtly underscoring divine providence at work. Though God's name is not mentioned, His unseen hand is evident. Mordecai's vigilance at the gate, an act that could seem mundane, coupled with Esther's obedient and trustworthy communication, averts a catastrophe for the Persian Empire. This incident is far from isolated; it meticulously sets the stage for future events, particularly Mordecai's subsequent elevation. The act of giving credit to Mordecai—"in the name of Mordecai"—is key. It is an act of humility and faithfulness from Esther, which providentially ensures that Mordecai's loyalty is documented. This very documentation will resurface later in the book (Esther 6), leading to Mordecai's honor and Haman's downfall. The verse thus illustrates the principles of integrity, loyalty, and God's sovereign oversight, where seemingly small human actions are precisely woven into His greater plan for the deliverance of His people.