Esther 2:19
What does Esther 2:19 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 2:19 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 2:19 means
A second gathering of virgins occurs, though the text does not explain its purpose. The narrative’s focus turns to Mordecai, who is now seated in the king’s gate—a place associated with official business and influence. This positioning brings him into the orbit of royal affairs and within earshot of critical information. The juxtaposition suggests that while Esther holds the crown inside, Mordecai holds a post outside, both placed strategically. The verse subtly prepares for the discovery of the assassination plot. It reminds us that God often coordinates events we cannot see—another gathering here, a man at a gate there—until their convergence serves His saving plan.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king’s gate.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when the virgins came together in the second house of the women, Mordecai took his seat in the doorway of the king's house.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862And in the virgins being gathered a second time, then Mordecai is sitting in the gate of the king;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when the virgins were sought the second time, and gathered together, Mardochai stayed at the king's gate,
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mordecai sat in the king's gate.
Context
Following the celebration, the story widens. The brief note about a second gathering provides a time marker but remains unexplained. More importantly, Mordecai’s presence at the gate is highlighted, transitioning attention from Esther’s coronation to his role. Verses 20–23 will couple Esther’s continued obedience and concealment with Mordecai’s alertness, culminating in the exposure of treason and the recording of his service.
v.18Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the bounty of the king.
v.19This passage
v.20Esther 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.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 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;
- Esther 5:13
Yet all this availeth me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.
- Esther 2:21
In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the threshold, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.
- Esther 3:2
And all the king’s servants, that were in the king’s gate, bowed down, and did reverence to Haman; for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not down, nor did him reverence.