Esther 2:10
What does Esther 2:10 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 2:10 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 2:10 means
At Mordecai’s instruction, Esther keeps her Jewish identity and family background hidden. In a foreign court where prejudice or political calculation could endanger her, discretion is wisdom. The verse highlights Esther’s teachability and Mordecai’s protective oversight. There is a time to speak and a time to be silent; this is a time for silence that serves a larger purpose. Concealment here is not faithlessness but prudence within a hostile environment. The tension of a hidden identity will drive the story: Esther is a queen unknown as a Jew, positioned to reveal her people at the right moment and in a way that brings deliverance.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Esther had not made known her people nor her kindred; for Mordecai had charged her that she should not make it known.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Esther had not made known her people nor her kindred; for Mordecai had charged her that she should not make it known.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Esther had not said what family or people she came from, for Mordecai had given her orders not to do so.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Esther hath not declared her people, and her kindred, for Mordecai hath laid a charge on her that she doth not declare <FI>it<Fi> ;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And she would not tell him her people nor her country. For Mardochai had charged her to say nothing at all of that:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Esther had not made known her people nor her birth; for Mordecai had charged her that she should not make it known.
Context
After describing Esther’s swift favor, the narrative adds a note of restraint. Verses 10–11 pair secrecy with Mordecai’s daily concern, underscoring their ongoing relationship. This secrecy will be reiterated in verse 20, even after Esther becomes queen. The next section (verses 12–14) outlines the elaborate process for the women, setting up the contrast between typical strategies to gain favor and Esther’s different approach in verse 15.
v.9And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with her portions, and the seven maidens who were meet to be given her out of the king’s house: and he removed her and her maidens to the best place of the house of the women.
v.10This passage
v.11And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s house, to know how Esther did, and what would become of her.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Esther 4:13
Then Mordecai bade them return answer unto Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king’s house, more than all the Jews.
- Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
- Matthew 10:16
Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.
- Esther 3:8
And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from those of every people; neither keep they the king’s laws: therefore it is not for the king’s profit to suffer them.
- Esther 2:20
Esther had not yet made known 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 2:7
And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter.