Esther 2:14
What does Esther 2:14 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 2:14 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 2:14 means
After her evening with the king, a woman returns the next morning to a second house, now overseen by Shaashgaz, the keeper of concubines. Unless the king especially remembers her by name and calls for her, she will not see him again. The verse makes clear the gravity and sadness of the process: a single night can decide a woman’s future, often leaving her set aside. It also shows the finality of becoming a concubine, with limited hope of elevation. Against this sober system, Esther’s forthcoming favor will appear all the more striking, as the king’s choice will lift her from anonymity to the crown.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, who kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and she were called by name.
KJV
King James Version · 1611In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king’s chamberlain, who kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and she were called by name.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In the evening she went, and on the day after she came back to the second house of the women, into the keeping of Shaashgaz, one of the king's unsexed servants who had the care of the king's wives: only if the king had delight in her and sent for her by name did she go in to him again.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862in the evening she hath gone in, and in the morning she hath turned back unto the second house of the women, unto the hand of Shaashgaz eunuch of the king, keeper of the concubines; she cometh not in any more unto the king except the king hath delighted in her, and she hath been called by name.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And she that went in at evening, came out in the morning, and from thence she was conducted to the second house, that was under the hand of Susagaz the eunuch, who had the charge over the king's concubines: neither could she return any more to the king, unless the king desired it, and had ordered her by name to come.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, unto the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, keeper of the concubines. She came in to the king no more, unless the king delighted in her, and she were called by name.
Context
Having described the preparations and presentation, the text clarifies the aftermath. The shift from Hegai’s house to Shaashgaz’s house indicates a change in status. This context helps readers feel the weight of Esther’s upcoming turn. Verse 15 will present her distinct approach and widespread favor, leading into verses 16–17 where the king’s response becomes the turning point of the chapter.
v.13then in this wise came the maiden unto the king: Whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house.
v.14This passage
v.15Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 34:19
And the young man deferred not to do the thing, because he had delight in Jacob’s daughter: and he was honored above all the house of his father.
- Isaiah 62:4
Thou shalt no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed Desolate: but thou shalt be called Hephzi-bah, and thy land Beulah; for Jehovah delighteth in thee, and thy land shall be married.
- Isaiah 43:1
But now thus saith Jehovah that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel: Fear not, for I have redeemed thee; I have called thee by thy name, thou art mine.
- Isaiah 45:4
For Jacob my servant’s sake, and Israel my chosen, I have called thee by thy name: I have surnamed thee, though thou hast not known me.
- Deuteronomy 21:14
And it shall be, if thou have no delight in her, then thou shalt let her go whither she will; but thou shalt not sell her at all for money, thou shalt not deal with her as a slave, because thou hast humbled her.
- Esther 4:11
All the king’s servants, and the people of the king’s provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law for him, that he be put to death, except those to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.