Esther 5:2
What does Esther 5:2 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 5:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 5:2 means
Everything turns on the king’s first look. When Ahasuerus sees Esther waiting in the court, she finds favor in his eyes. He stretches out the golden sceptre—Persia’s sign of acceptance and safe approach—so she may draw near. By touching its tip, Esther humbly acknowledges his authority and receives permission to speak. Death is averted; a door opens. The text emphasizes favor, not chance. Esther’s courage meets a providentially softened heart. God is not named, yet His hidden governance is felt in the sudden shift from peril to welcome, granting Esther a platform to intercede for her people at the right time.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
KJV
King James Version · 1611And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949And when the king saw Esther the queen waiting in the inner room, looking kindly on her he put out the rod of gold in his hand to her. So Esther came near and put her fingers on the top of the rod.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and it cometh to pass, at the king's seeing Esther the queen standing in the court, she hath received grace in his eyes, and the king holdeth out to Esther the golden sceptre that <FI>is<Fi> in his hand, and Esther draweth near, and toucheth the top of the sceptre.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And when he saw Esther the queen standing, she pleased his eyes, and he held out toward her the golden sceptre, which he held in his hand and she drew near, and kissed the top of his sceptre.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890And it was so, when the king saw the queen Esther standing in the court, that she obtained grace in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand; and Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
Context
Following Esther’s risky placement in verse 1, this verse resolves the immediate danger. The extended sceptre means permission to approach and ensures she will live to speak. With access secured, the narrative moves from survival to supplication. The king’s benevolent response sets up the generous offer of verse 3 and gives Esther space to unfold her plan by inviting the king and Haman to a private setting, which comes in verses 4–5.
v.1Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, over against the king’s house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the entrance of the house.
v.2This passage
v.3Then said the king unto her, What wilt thou, queen Esther? and what is thy request? it shall be given thee even to the half of the kingdom.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Esther 2:9
And 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.
- Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is in the hand of Jehovah as the watercourses: He turneth it whithersoever he will.
- Esther 8:4
Then the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre. So Esther arose, and stood before the king.
- 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.
- Acts 10:4
And he, fastening his eyes upon him, and being affrighted, said, What is it, Lord? And he said unto him, Thy prayers and thine alms are gone up for a memorial before God.
- Psalms 116:1
I love Jehovah, because he heareth My voice and my supplications.