Esther 2 7

Esther 2:7 kjv

And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.

Esther 2:7 nkjv

And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman was lovely and beautiful. When her father and mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.

Esther 2:7 niv

Mordecai had a cousin named Hadassah, whom he had brought up because she had neither father nor mother. This young woman, who was also known as Esther, had a lovely figure and was beautiful. Mordecai had taken her as his own daughter when her father and mother died.

Esther 2:7 esv

He was bringing up Hadassah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother. The young woman had a beautiful figure and was lovely to look at, and when her father and her mother died, Mordecai took her as his own daughter.

Esther 2:7 nlt

This man had a very beautiful and lovely young cousin, Hadassah, who was also called Esther. When her father and mother died, Mordecai adopted her into his family and raised her as his own daughter.

Esther 2 verses

Esther 2 7 Meaning

This verse introduces Hadassah, known by her Persian name Esther, detailing her relationship to Mordecai as his orphaned cousin whom he raised as his own daughter. It underscores Mordecai's deep compassion and provides a crucial backdrop, noting Esther's remarkable physical beauty which would prove pivotal in her destiny and the deliverance of her people.

Esther 2 7 Context

This verse is situated in Esther chapter 2, following King Ahasuerus's dismissal of Queen Vashti and his subsequent decree to gather beautiful young virgins from across his vast kingdom. It specifically introduces Hadassah/Esther, an orphan of Jewish descent residing in Susa, the Persian capital. The chapter's primary focus is on the rigorous purification and preparation of these young women for their introduction to the king, ultimately leading to Esther's elevation as queen. Historically, this occurs during the Persian Empire under Xerxes I (Ahasuerus) in the 5th century BC, a period when many Jews remained in exile following the Babylonian captivity. They lived as a minority within a foreign empire, often having to navigate assimilation while striving to preserve their religious and cultural identity, which makes Mordecai's actions and Esther's dual name particularly significant.

Esther 2 7 Word analysis

• And he had brought up (וְאֹמֵן - v'omen): The Hebrew word אָמַן (aman) implies more than just providing sustenance; it means to foster, nurse, or train with faithfulness and steadfastness. It's the root for "amen" and denotes deep care, reliability, and establishing truth. Mordecai's guardianship was not merely custodial but involved loving, consistent nurturing and education, shaping Esther for her future.
• Hadassah (הֲדַסָּה - Hadassah): Her original Hebrew name means "myrtle tree." In Jewish tradition (e.g., Isa 41:19, Zec 1:8), the myrtle symbolizes beauty, peace, and divine promise, particularly of Israel's restoration and flourishing even in desolate conditions. This name subtly links her to the hopeful future of her people.
• that is, Esther (הִיא אֶסְתֵּר - hi Ester): Her Persian name, likely given in the royal court to assimilate. It probably derives from the Old Persian word stara ("star") or could be related to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar (Astarte), though the former is more commonly accepted. This dual naming highlights her dual identity – Jewish heritage concealed under a Gentile facade, a strategic move necessary for survival in the diaspora.
• his uncle's daughter: Specifies her familial relation to Mordecai as his first cousin. In ancient societies, family, particularly the nearest male kin, was responsible for the care of orphaned relatives, emphasizing Mordecai's adherence to familial duty.
• for she had neither father nor mother: Explicitly states her orphaned status, underlining her extreme vulnerability and destitution. This detail intensifies the compassion inherent in Mordecai's subsequent actions, setting her apart as a truly dependent individual.
• and the young woman was beautiful in form (יְפַת תֹּאַר - yefat to'ar): Describes her pleasing physical shape, figure, or physique, denoting a well-proportioned and attractive bodily structure.
• and appearance (וְטוֹבַת מַרְאֶה - v'tovat mar'eh): Refers to her overall pleasing countenance, encompassing facial features, expression, and the general impression she conveyed. The combination emphasizes her exceptional, all-encompassing physical allure.
• and when her father and mother died: Reemphasizes the timing and the depth of her orphanhood, confirming that she was utterly dependent on Mordecai from that point onward.
• Mordecai took her as his own daughter (וַיִּקַּח אֹתָהּ מָרְדֳּכַי לוֹ לְבַת - vayyiqqah otah Mordekhay lo lebat): This phrase signifies an act of adoption or formal guardianship. It suggests that Mordecai did not merely house her but treated her with the love, responsibility, and rights akin to a biological child, providing her with the critical security, upbringing, and belonging she desperately needed.

Words-group analysis

• "he had brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther": This phrase establishes Mordecai’s foundational, parental role in Esther’s life. His meticulous "bringing up" likely involved instilling Jewish values and practices, even as she acquired a Persian name. This deep bond and his faithful guidance are critical to her later development and obedience in pivotal moments, illustrating how God uses prepared individuals, through the dedicated care of others.
• "for she had neither father nor mother... Mordecai took her as his own daughter": This highlights Esther's initial extreme vulnerability as an orphan and emphasizes Mordecai’s profound compassion and familial obligation. His act of formal adoption or committed guardianship fulfills the biblical imperative to care for the fatherless. This act of kindness positions Esther within a protected, loving environment, which becomes a key catalyst for God’s unseen plan for her life and the salvation of her people.
• "beautiful in form and appearance": This detailed description of Esther’s exceptional beauty is not merely a descriptive aside. It is the very characteristic that places her in the royal selection process, acting as a crucial element in God’s unfolding providence. Her beauty, a neutral trait, is here divinely leveraged as the means to open the doors to the palace, leading her to her appointed destiny.

Esther 2 7 Bonus section

• The Hebrew verb אֹמֵן (omen) for "brought up" is related to אֱמֶת (emet), meaning "truth," and אֱמוּנָה (emunah), meaning "faithfulness." This linguistic connection hints that Mordecai's care for Esther was rooted in truthfulness and steadfast fidelity, forming a strong and reliable bond foundational to Esther's character and trust in him.
• The significance of the "myrtle tree" (Hadassah) in Jewish thought often extends to representing modesty and justice, as it typically grows lower to the ground, unlike taller, more showy trees. This suggests a humble, righteous character perhaps cultivated by Mordecai in Esther.
• The Book of Esther, unique for not mentioning God explicitly, deeply relies on the concept of Divine Providence (Hashgacha Pratit). This verse, detailing Esther's vulnerable beginning and Mordecai's faithful care, subtly establishes the intricate human conditions through which God's hidden hand operates to achieve His will for His people.

Esther 2 7 Commentary

Esther 2:7 serves as a crucial introductory verse, laying the groundwork for the remarkable story that unfolds. Mordecai's loving decision to "bring up" his orphaned cousin, Hadassah (Esther), reflects deep familial loyalty and embodies the biblical value of caring for the vulnerable and fatherless (Deu 10:18). Esther's dual names, Hadassah (myrtle, symbolizing hope and Israel) and Esther (star, or potentially Ishtar, denoting her integration into the Persian context), highlight the inherent tension of Jewish identity in the diaspora: preserving heritage while adapting to foreign life. Her striking beauty is presented as a plain fact, yet it becomes the precise attribute that draws her into the king's orbit. This verse beautifully illustrates how God, though unnamed in the entire book, works through seemingly ordinary human kindness, physical attributes, and difficult circumstances to position individuals for His extraordinary purposes, orchestrating every detail to protect His chosen people. For practical application, consider how acts of loving care and nurturing, like Mordecai’s for Esther, can providentially prepare individuals for their unique God-given callings, or how God might use even secular contexts and unexpected talents to advance His kingdom.