Esther 2:13

Esther 2:13 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

When the young woman would go to the king, she was given whatever she requested to take with her from the harem to the king’s palace.

King James Version KJV

Then thus came every 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.

American Standard Version ASV

then 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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

And in this way the girl went in to the king; whatever she had a desire for was given to her to take with her from the women's house into the house of the king.

Free Bible Version FBV

When it was time for the young woman to go to the king, she was given whatever she asked for to take with her from the harem to the king's palace.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And thus went the maides vnto the King) whatsoeuer she required, was giuen her, to go with her out of the womens house vnto ye kings house.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and with this the young woman hath come in unto the king, all that she saith is given to her, to go in with her, out of the house of the women, unto the house of the king;

World English Bible WEB

The young woman then came to the king like this: whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the women’s house to the king’s house.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Then thus came every maiden to the king; whatever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women to the king's house.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And when they were going in to the king, whatsoever they asked to adorn themselves they received: and being decked out, as it pleased them, they passed from the chamber of the women to the king’s chamber.

Translation for Translators T4T

Then, when one of these women was summoned to go to the king, she was allowed to wear whatever clothes and jewelry she chose.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 2:13

BAB

Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Esther 2:13 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וּ/בָ/זֶ֕ה הַֽ/נַּעֲרָ֖ה בָּאָ֣ה אֶל הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ אֵת֩ כָּל אֲשֶׁ֨ר תֹּאמַ֜ר יִנָּ֤תֵֽן לָ/הּ֙ לָ/ב֣וֹא עִמָּ֔/הּ מִ/בֵּ֥ית הַ/נָּשִׁ֖ים עַד בֵּ֥ית הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ

וּ/בָ/זֶ֕ה zeh H2088 this Conj | Prep | Pron

הַֽ/נַּעֲרָ֖ה naʻărâh H5291 maiden Art | N-fs

בָּאָ֣ה bôwʼ H935 Lebo V-Qal

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

אֵת֩ ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 which Rel

תֹּאמַ֜ר ʼâmar H559 to say V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

יִנָּ֤תֵֽן nâthan H5414 to give V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

לָ/הּ֙ Prep | Suff

לָ/ב֣וֹא bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

עִמָּ֔/הּ ʻim H5973 with Prep | Suff

מִ/בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 place Prep | N-ms

הַ/נָּשִׁ֖ים ʼishshâh H802 woman Art | N-fp

עַד ʻad H5704 till Prep

בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 place N-ms

הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms

Hebrew Word Study

Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.

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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 2:13

וּ/בָ/זֶ֕ה zeh H2088 "this" Conj | Prep | Pron

This word is a pronoun meaning this or that, used to point out a specific person or thing. It appears in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms, to indicate something specific. The KJV translates it as he, here, or it.

Definition: 1) this, this one, here, which, this...that, the one...the other, another, such 1a) (alone) 1a1) this one 1a2) this...that, the one...the other, another 1b) (appos to subst) 1b1) this 1c) (as predicate) 1c1) this, such 1d) (enclitically) 1d1) then 1d2) who, whom 1d3) how now, what now 1d4) what now 1d5) wherefore now 1d6) behold here 1d7) just now 1d8) now, now already 1e) (poetry) 1e1) wherein, which, those who 1f) (with prefixes) 1f1) in this (place) here, then 1f2) on these conditions, herewith, thus provided, by, through this, for this cause, in this matter 1f3) thus and thus 1f4) as follows, things such as these, accordingly, to that effect, in like manner, thus and thus 1f5) from here, hence, on one side...on the other side 1f6) on this account 1f7) in spite of this, which, whence, how

Usage: Occurs in 1061 OT verses. KJV: he, [idiom] hence, [idiom] here, it(-self), [idiom] now, [idiom] of him, the one...the other, [idiom] than the other, ([idiom] out of) the (self) same, such (a one) that, these, this (hath, man), on this side...on that side, [idiom] thus, very, which. Compare H2063 (זֹאת), H2090 (זֹה), H2097 (זוֹ), H2098 (זוּ). See also: Genesis 5:1; Exodus 10:17; Numbers 14:16.

הַֽ/נַּעֲרָ֖ה naʻărâh H5291 "maiden" Art | N-fs

A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.

Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant

Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.

בָּאָ֣ה bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" V-Qal

This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.

Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)

Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.

הַ/מֶּ֑לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

אֵת֩ ʼêth H853 "Obj." DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

כָּל kôl H3605 "all" N-ms

The Hebrew word for 'all' or 'everything' is used throughout the Bible, like in Genesis 1:31, where God sees all He has made as very good. It encompasses the entirety of something, whether people, things, or situations.

Definition: 1) all, the whole 1a) all, the whole of 1b) any, each, every, anything 1c) totality, everything Aramaic equivalent: kol (כֹּל "all" H3606)

Usage: Occurs in 4242 OT verses. KJV: (in) all (manner, (ye)), altogether, any (manner), enough, every (one, place, thing), howsoever, as many as, (no-) thing, ought, whatsoever, (the) whole, whoso(-ever). See also: Genesis 1:21; Genesis 17:10; Genesis 41:40.

אֲשֶׁ֨ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

תֹּאמַ֜ר ʼâmar H559 "to say" V-Qal-Imperf-3fs

This Hebrew word means to say or speak, and it's used in many different ways in the Bible. It can mean to command, promise, or think, and it's translated in the KJV as 'answer', 'appoint', or 'command'.

Definition: 1) to say, speak, utter 1a) (Qal) to say, to answer, to say in one's heart, to think, to command, to promise, to intend 1b) (Niphal) to be told, to be said, to be called 1c) (Hithpael) to boast, to act proudly 1d) (Hiphil) to avow, to avouch Aramaic equivalent: a.mar (אֲמַר "to say" H0560)

Usage: Occurs in 4337 OT verses. KJV: answer, appoint, avouch, bid, boast self, call, certify, challenge, charge, [phrase] (at the, give) command(-ment), commune, consider, declare, demand, [idiom] desire, determine, [idiom] expressly, [idiom] indeed, [idiom] intend, name, [idiom] plainly, promise, publish, report, require, say, speak (against, of), [idiom] still, [idiom] suppose, talk, tell, term, [idiom] that is, [idiom] think, use (speech), utter, [idiom] verily, [idiom] yet. See also: Genesis 1:3; Genesis 18:23; Genesis 25:32.

יִנָּ֤תֵֽן nâthan H5414 "to give" V-Niphal-Imperf-3ms

This word means to give, put, or set something, with a wide range of applications. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, describing God's actions and human interactions. The word is used to convey giving, selling, or exchanging something.

Definition: : give/deliver/send/produce 1) to give, put, set 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to give, bestow, grant, permit, ascribe, employ, devote, consecrate, dedicate, pay wages, sell, exchange, lend, commit, entrust, give over, deliver up, yield produce, occasion, produce, requite to, report, mention, utter, stretch out, extend 1a2) to put, set, put on, put upon, set, appoint, assign, designate 1a3) to make, constitute 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be given, be bestowed, be provided, be entrusted to, be granted to, be permitted, be issued, be published, be uttered, be assigned 1b2) to be set, be put, be made, be inflicted 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be given, be bestowed, be given up, be delivered up 1c2) to be put upon

Usage: Occurs in 1816 OT verses. KJV: add, apply, appoint, ascribe, assign, [idiom] avenge, [idiom] be (healed), bestow, bring (forth, hither), cast, cause, charge, come, commit, consider, count, [phrase] cry, deliver (up), direct, distribute, do, [idiom] doubtless, [idiom] without fail, fasten, frame, [idiom] get, give (forth, over, up), grant, hang (up), [idiom] have, [idiom] indeed, lay (unto charge, up), (give) leave, lend, let (out), [phrase] lie, lift up, make, [phrase] O that, occupy, offer, ordain, pay, perform, place, pour, print, [idiom] pull, put (forth), recompense, render, requite, restore, send (out), set (forth), shew, shoot forth (up), [phrase] sing, [phrase] slander, strike, (sub-) mit, suffer, [idiom] surely, [idiom] take, thrust, trade, turn, utter, [phrase] weep, [phrase] willingly, [phrase] withdraw, [phrase] would (to) God, yield. See also: Genesis 1:17; Genesis 40:21; Exodus 30:12.

לָ/הּ֙ "" Prep | Suff

לָ/ב֣וֹא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a

Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter

עִמָּ֔/הּ ʻim H5973 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means with or together, like when God is with his people in Exodus 33:14-15. It's used to describe accompaniment or association, and can also mean against or beside. The word is used to convey a sense of relationship or proximity between people or things.

Definition: 1) with 1a) with 1b) against 1c) toward 1d) as long as

Usage: Occurs in 919 OT verses. KJV: accompanying, against, and, as ([idiom] long as), before, beside, by (reason of), for all, from (among, between), in, like, more than, of, (un-) to, with(-al). See also: Genesis 3:6; Exodus 21:14; Deuteronomy 29:11.

מִ/בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 "place" Prep | N-ms

The Hebrew word for house refers to a dwelling place, including a family home, temple, or even the human body. It appears in various contexts, such as the temple in Jerusalem or the household of a family. In the Bible, it is often used to describe a place of worship or a family's living space.

Definition: nm place, origin, between

Usage: Occurs in 1712 OT verses. KJV: court, daughter, door, [phrase] dungeon, family, [phrase] forth of, [idiom] great as would contain, hangings, home(born), (winter) house(-hold), inside(-ward), palace, place, [phrase] prison, [phrase] steward, [phrase] tablet, temple, web, [phrase] within(-out). See also: Genesis 6:14; Exodus 8:5; Numbers 1:45.

הַ/נָּשִׁ֖ים ʼishshâh H802 "woman" Art | N-fp

The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.

Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

עַד ʻad H5704 "till" Prep

This Hebrew word means until or as far as, describing a point in time or space. It's used in the Bible to set boundaries or limits, like in Exodus when describing the Israelites' journey.

Definition: prep 1) as far as, even to, until, up to, while, as far as 1a) of space 1a1) as far as, up to, even to 1b) in combination 1b1) from...as far as, both...and (with 'min' -from) 1c) of time 1c1) even to, until, unto, till, during, end 1d) of degree 1d1) even to, to the degree of, even like conj 2) until, while, to the point that, so that even Aramaic equivalent: ad (עַד "till" H5705)

Usage: Occurs in 1128 OT verses. KJV: against, and, as, at, before, by (that), even (to), for(-asmuch as), (hither-) to, [phrase] how long, into, as long (much) as, (so) that, till, toward, until, when, while, ([phrase] as) yet. See also: Genesis 3:19; Exodus 32:20; Numbers 23:24.

בֵּ֥ית bayith H1004 "place" N-ms

Definition: nm place, origin, between

הַ/מֶּֽלֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms

Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)

Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.

Study Notes — Esther 2:13

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Esther 2:13 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Esther 2:13
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 2:13
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 2:13
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 2:13
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 2:13
Cambridge Bible on Esther 2:13
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 2:13

Context — Esther Finds Favor

11And every day Mordecai would walk back and forth in front of the court of the harem to learn about Esther’s welfare and what was happening to her. 12In the twelve months before her turn to go to King Xerxes, the harem regulation required each young woman to receive beauty treatments with oil of myrrh for six months, and then with perfumes and cosmetics for another six months.

13When the young woman would go to the king, she was given whatever she requested to take with her from the harem to the king’s palace.

14She would go there in the evening, and in the morning she would return to a second harem under the care of Shaashgaz, the king’s eunuch in charge of the concubines. She would not return to the king unless he delighted in her and summoned her by name. 15Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle from whom Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. And when it was her turn to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s trusted official in charge of the harem, had advised. And Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her.

Esther 2:13 Summary

[Esther 2:13 shows that when the young woman went to meet the king, she was given whatever she needed to feel comfortable and prepared, much like how God provides for our needs, as promised in Matthew 6:33 and Philippians 4:19. This verse illustrates the king's generosity and highlights the young woman's trust in the system. As we reflect on this verse, we can consider how God provides for us and how we can trust in His goodness, just as the young woman trusted in the king's provision. By doing so, we can grow in our understanding of God's character and His love for us.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the gifts given to the young woman when she went to the king?

The gifts were likely intended to ensure the young woman's comfort and preparation for her meeting with the king, as seen in Esther 2:13, similar to how Esther 5:2-3 describes the king's generosity to those who pleased him.

How did the harem system work in relation to the king's palace?

According to Esther 2:13-14, when a young woman was summoned to the king, she would go to the palace and then return to a separate harem, unless the king desired her to stay, illustrating the organizational structure of the royal household, similar to the administrative systems described in 1 Kings 4:7-19.

What can be inferred about the king's character from this verse?

The fact that the young woman was given whatever she requested suggests that the king was generous and possibly trying to win her favor, as seen in Esther 2:13, which contrasts with the warnings against selfishness and excess in Proverbs 21:26 and Ecclesiastes 5:10.

How does this verse relate to the broader theme of God's sovereignty in the book of Esther?

Although God is not explicitly mentioned in Esther 2:13, the events that unfold demonstrate His providential care, as seen in Esther 4:14 and Romans 8:28, where God works through human decisions to achieve His purposes.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which I can prepare myself to meet with God, just as the young woman prepared to meet with the king?
How can I trust in God's sovereignty when I face uncertain or challenging circumstances, like Esther did in the harem?
In what ways can I demonstrate generosity and kindness to others, as the king showed to the young woman, and how can this reflect God's character, as seen in Psalm 103:2-5?
What can I learn from the young woman's experience about the importance of patience, trust, and obedience in my own life, as encouraged in Psalm 37:7 and Proverbs 3:5-6?

Gill's Exposition on Esther 2:13

Then thus came every virgin unto the king,.... When her twelve months were up, and she was purified in the manner before observed: whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 2:13

Then thus came every 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. Then thus came every maiden unto the king.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 2:13

Then thus; thus purified and prepared; and thus as it follows. Whatsoever she desired, for ornament, or by way of attendance.

Trapp's Commentary on Esther 2:13

Esther 2:13 Then thus came [every] 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.Ver. 13. Then thus came every maiden to the king] Thus prepared, anointed, appointed, &c., rejoicing in that whereof they had reason rather to repent, as too many do now-a-days, while they go dancing to hell in their bolts. Whatsoever she desired was given her] Omne quod dicebat, was but ask and have; so lavish is lust, and so foolish are men to bestow cost upon so hard a reckoning. Unto the king’ s house] Ad regis cubiculum, saith the old interpreter, to the king’ s bed chamber.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 2:13

Verse 13. Whatsoever she desired] When any of the young women were called to go to the king, it appears that it was an ordinance that whatever kind of dress stuff, colour, jewels, &c., they thought best to set off their persons, and render them more engaging, should be given them.

Cambridge Bible on Esther 2:13

13. then in this wise] better than then thus of A.V., as marking more forcibly the commencement of the apodosis, answering to the somewhat distant ‘Now when’ at the beginning of Est 2:12.

Whedon's Commentary on Esther 2:13

13. Whatsoever she desired — In the way of jewels, ornaments, or dress.

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