Esther 2:15
What does Esther 2:15 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 2:15 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 2:15 means
When Esther’s turn arrives, identified as the adopted daughter of Mordecai’s uncle Abihail, she requests nothing beyond what Hegai recommends. Her restraint and teachability distinguish her from others who might rely on lavish adornment. The result is broad favor—everyone who sees her is impressed. The verse suggests that wisdom submits to good counsel, especially from one who knows the king’s tastes. Esther’s beauty is real, but her humility and prudence enhance it. Grace attracts grace; favor begets favor. She neither manipulates nor grandstands, and in that quiet confidence she gains admiration that prepares the way for the king’s singular approval.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Now 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Now 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 favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Now 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Now when the time came for Esther, the daughter of Abihail, his father's brother, whom Mordecai had taken as his daughter, to go in to the king, she made request for nothing but what Hegai, the king's servant and keeper of the women, had given her. And Esther was looked on kindly by all who saw her.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And in the drawing nigh of the turn of Esther--daughter of Abihail, uncle of Mordecai, whom he had taken to him for a daughter--to come in unto the king, she hath not sought a thing except that which Hegai eunuch of the king, keeper of the women, saith, and Esther is receiving grace in the eyes of all seeing her.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And as the time came orderly about, the day was at hand, when Esther, the daughter of Abihail the brother of Mardochai, whom he had adopted for his daughter, was to go in to the king. But she sought not women's ornaments, but whatsoever Egeus the eunuch the keeper of the virgins had a mind, he gave her to adorn her. For she was exceeding fair, and her incredible beauty made her appear agreeable and amiable in the eyes of all.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained grace in the sight of all them that saw her.
Context
Verses 12–14 established the norm; verse 15 showcases Esther’s contrast. Her reliance on Hegai ties back to the favor of verse 9 and anticipates the king’s favor in verses 16–17. The narrative emphasizes both her lineage and her adoption, reinforcing Mordecai’s role. The next verse will time-stamp her presentation to Ahasuerus, moving from preparation to decisive encounter.
v.14In 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.
v.15This passage
v.16So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Acts 7:10
and delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.
- 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.
- Esther 9:29
Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew, wrote with all authority to confirm this second letter of Purim.
- Song of Solomon 6:9
My dove, my undefiled, is but one; She is the only one of her mother; She is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and called her blessed; Yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.
- Esther 2:3
and let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hegai the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them;
- Song of Solomon 8:10
I am a wall, and my breasts like the towersthereof Then was I in his eyes as one that found peace.