Esther 2:9 kjv
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.
Esther 2:9 nkjv
Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king's palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women.
Esther 2:9 niv
She pleased him and won his favor. Immediately he provided her with her beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven female attendants selected from the king's palace and moved her and her attendants into the best place in the harem.
Esther 2:9 esv
And the young woman pleased him and won his favor. And he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king's palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem.
Esther 2:9 nlt
Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king's palace, and he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem.
Esther 2 9 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 6:8 | But Noah found favor in the eyes of the LORD. | Divine favor leads to salvation. |
| Ex 3:21 | "And I will grant this people favor in the sight of the Egyptians..." | God grants favor for His people. |
| Gen 39:4 | So Joseph found favor in his sight and served him... | Joseph's immediate favor with Potiphar. |
| 1 Sam 2:7-8 | The LORD makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up... | God exalts the humble and lowly. |
| 1 Sam 16:7 | But the LORD said to Samuel, "Do not look at his appearance... | God looks beyond outward appearance to the heart. |
| Prov 3:4 | So you will find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. | Wisdom leads to favor. |
| Prov 12:2 | A good man obtains favor from the LORD... | The righteous find favor with God. |
| Prov 13:15 | Good understanding gives favor, But the way of the treacherous is hard. | Wisdom and understanding yield favor. |
| Prov 22:1 | A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, Loving favor rather than silver or gold. | Favor is more valuable than wealth. |
| Dan 1:9 | Now God had brought Daniel into the favor and goodwill of the chief of the eunuchs. | Divine favor for Daniel and companions. |
| Lk 2:52 | And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. | Jesus grew in favor, a parallel to Esther. |
| Acts 2:47 | praising God and having favor with all the people. | Early church received favor. |
| Acts 7:10 | and delivered him out of all his troubles, and gave him favor and wisdom in the presence of Pharaoh... | God gave Joseph favor and wisdom. |
| Neh 2:4 | Then the king said to me, "What do you request?" So I prayed to the God of heaven. | Example of prayer for favor from a king. |
| Eccl 9:11 | The race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong... nor favor to men of skill; | God's sovereignty over human success. |
| 1 Pet 3:3-4 | Do not let your adornment be merely outward... but let it be the hidden person of the heart... | Emphasizes inner character over outward adornment. |
| Ps 113:7-8 | He raises the poor from the dust, and lifts the needy from the ash heap, to make them sit with princes... | God raises the lowly to prominence. |
| Prov 16:9 | A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps. | God's unseen hand guiding human actions. |
| Is 45:7 | I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I am the LORD, who does all these things. | God's ultimate sovereignty over all events. |
| Jer 10:23 | O LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; It is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. | Human inability to control their path, divine direction. |
| Rom 8:28 | And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God... | God works all things for good for His purposes. |
| Eph 2:8-9 | For by grace you have been saved through faith... not of works... | Divine favor as unmerited grace. |
Esther 2 verses
Esther 2 9 Meaning
Esther 2:9 describes the immediate and pronounced favor Esther found with Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the king's harem. Upon her arrival, her demeanor and appearance so pleased him that he quickly provided her with special beauty treatments and an enriched diet. He also assigned her seven handpicked maidservants and transferred her to the most desirable location within the harem, signifying her rapid elevation to a favored status among the virgins.
Esther 2 9 Context
Esther chapter 2 opens with King Ahasuerus's anger having subsided, and he recalls Vashti and his decree. His attendants suggest a kingdom-wide search for beautiful young virgins to replace Vashti, with the most pleasing woman becoming queen. These women were gathered into the king's harem, placed under the care of Hegai, the king's eunuch in charge of the women. Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian, brings Esther (Hadassah) to the palace. This verse immediately follows Esther's introduction into Hegai's care, detailing her remarkable and immediate reception, distinguishing her from the other young women vying for the king's favor.
Esther 2 9 Word Analysis
- And the young woman (וְהַנַּעֲרָה, v'hana'arah): Refers to Esther. The Hebrew term na'arah highlights her youth and likely innocence, fitting for a potential queen candidate.
- pleased him (וַתִּיטַב בְּעֵינָיו, vatitav be'einaiv): Literally "she was good in his eyes." This indicates an immediate, subjective, and favorable impression Hegai formed of Esther. It suggests not only physical attractiveness but also a pleasing demeanor, disposition, or character that distinguished her.
- and she obtained favor (וַתִּשָּׂא חֶסֶד לְפָנָיו, vatissa chesed lefanav): This phrase translates to "she lifted up kindness/favor before him." The word ḥeseḏ (favor, loving-kindness) is significant. While often referring to God's covenant loyalty and grace, here it signifies a deep, unmerited positive regard from Hegai, bordering on affection or special goodwill. It suggests a more profound level of approval than merely "pleasing." This human favor, unseen, sets the stage for God's larger plan.
- from him (לְפָנָיו, lefanav): Literally "before his face/presence." It emphasizes that the favor originated directly and personally from Hegai.
- so he speedily provided (וַיְבַהֵל... לָתֵת לָהּ, vayvahel... latet lah): "He hastened/hurried to give her." The verb bahal signifies urgency and promptness, indicating Hegai's eagerness to treat Esther with priority and special care. He wasted no time.
- her cosmetics (אֶת־תַּמְרוּקֶיהָ, et tamrukyeha): These were specific beauty treatments, including oils, perfumes, and other substances used for purification and enhancement. The verse 2:12 explains this purification process took a full twelve months, showing the elaborateness of the process and Hegai's commitment to her full preparation.
- and her portions (וּמָנוֹתֶיהָ, u'manoteha): Special food or allotted provisions. This means Esther received not just standard fare but enhanced or preferred sustenance, further indicating her distinguished status and Hegai's special care for her health and appearance during the preparation period.
- and seven choice maidservants (וְשֶׁבַע נְעָרוֹת מְיֻחָדוֹת, ve'sheva nearot meyuḥadot): The number "seven" often denotes completeness or perfection in biblical numerology. "Choice" or "chosen" (məyuḥādôṯ) implies these servants were specifically selected for their quality or skill, perhaps even their beauty, to attend to Esther exclusively. This was a mark of luxury and privilege.
- from the king's palace (מִבֵּית הַמֶּלֶךְ, mibeit ha'melech): Indicates that these maidservants were drawn from the king's own household, further emphasizing the high status and special nature of the provision for Esther.
- and he transferred her and her maidservants (וַיְשַׁנֶּהָ וְאֶת־נַעֲרוֹתֶיהָ, vayshaneha ve'et naaroteha): Hegai took personal action to relocate her. The verb means to change or move.
- to the best place in the harem (לְטוֹב הַגִּבְת הַנָּשִׁים, letov hagibath hanashim): The harem (the women's quarter, literally "house of women") had different sections or levels of accommodation. "Best place" suggests a prime location, likely more spacious, comfortable, and possibly closer to the eunuch's office or even the king's own chambers, granting her more advantageous proximity and comfort over the other virgins. This relocation cemented her preferred status.
Esther 2 9 Bonus Section
- Hegai's Discerning Eye: This verse highlights Hegai's role as more than a mere custodian. He appears to be a discerning individual who recognizes potential and chooses to invest in it. His assessment of Esther's character and appearance was a critical factor in her initial success within the highly competitive royal system. His decision to grant her special treatment acted as a prophetic seal of approval.
- The Unseen Hand: While the Book of Esther notably does not mention God, this verse is a prime example of His providential "unseen hand" at work. Esther’s finding favor, like Joseph's (Gen 39:4, 21) or Daniel's (Dan 1:9), is presented as an unexpected blessing that strategically positions her for divine purpose. What seems like mere human preference is God aligning circumstances for His people's salvation.
- Preparation for a Purpose: The elaborate "cosmetics" and the one-year purification process mentioned in the wider context (Esth 2:12) signify meticulous preparation for royalty. This verse shows Esther receiving the best possible resources for this preparation, ensuring she would be presented to the king under the most favorable conditions.
Esther 2 9 Commentary
Esther 2:9 marks a crucial turning point in Esther's journey, showcasing her rapid ascension to a favored status even before she met the king. Hegai, as the head of the royal harem, held significant power and influence over the women, and his positive judgment was essential for any contender. Esther's ability to "please him" and "obtain favor" was not merely superficial; it hints at an inner quality, a humble and perhaps graceful demeanor that stood out. Her compliance and lack of demanding attitude (contrasted with others later in the chapter who might have requested much, see Esth 2:15) might have made her exceptionally amenable to Hegai. The preferential treatment—swift provision of cosmetics, enhanced portions, a retinue of maidservants, and a superior living space—highlights Hegai's deep conviction in her potential. This swift and strong endorsement by a key figure demonstrates a divine orchestration at work, even though God is not explicitly mentioned in the Book of Esther. This human favor becomes a channel for God's providential plan, positioning Esther uniquely for her future role.