Esther 2:3

Esther 2:3 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

and let the king appoint commissioners in each province of his kingdom to assemble all the beautiful young women into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the women, and let them be given beauty treatments.

King James Version KJV

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 Hege the king’s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:

American Standard Version ASV

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;

Bible in Basic English BBE

Let the king give authority to certain men in all the divisions of his kingdom, to get together all the fair young virgins and send them to Shushan, the king's town, to the women's house, under the care of Hegai, the king's servant, the keeper of the women: and let the things needed for making them clean be given to them;

Free Bible Version FBV

Your Majesty should appoint officers in each province of his empire to gather all the beautiful young women and bring them to the king's harem at the fortress of Susa. They should be placed under the supervision of Hegai, the king's eunuch in charge of the women, and they should be given beauty treatments.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And let the King appoynt officers through all the prouinces of his kingdome, and let them gather all the beautiful yong virgins vnto the palace of Shushan, into the house of the women, vnder the hand of Hege the Kings eunuche, keeper of the women, to giue them their things for purification.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

and the king doth appoint inspectors in all provinces of his kingdom, and they gather every young woman — virgin, of good appearance — unto Shushan the palace, unto the house of the women, unto the hand of Hege eunuch of the king, keeper of the women, and to give their purifications,

World English Bible WEB

Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the women’s house, to the custody of Hegai the king’s eunuch, keeper of the women. Let cosmetics be given them;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may collect all the fair young virgins to Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, into the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them :

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

And let some persons be sent through all the provinces to look for beautiful maidens and virgins: and let them bring them to the city of Susan, and put them into the house of the women under the hand of Egeus the eunuch, who is the overseer and keeper of the king’s women: and let them receive women’s ornaments, and other things necessary for their use.

Translation for Translators T4T

After they find some, you can appoint some officials in each province to bring them to the place where you keep ◄your wives/the women you sleep with► here in Susa. Then Hegai, the man who is in charge of these women, can arrange for ointments to be put on their bodies to make them more beautiful.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 2:3

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 2:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB וְ/יַפְקֵ֨ד הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ פְּקִידִים֮ בְּ/כָל מְדִינ֣וֹת מַלְכוּת/וֹ֒ וְ/יִקְבְּצ֣וּ אֶת כָּל נַעֲרָֽה בְ֠תוּלָה טוֹבַ֨ת מַרְאֶ֜ה אֶל שׁוּשַׁ֤ן הַ/בִּירָה֙ אֶל בֵּ֣ית הַ/נָּשִׁ֔ים אֶל יַ֥ד הֵגֶ֛א סְרִ֥יס הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַ/נָּשִׁ֑ים וְ/נָת֖וֹן תַּמְרוּקֵי/הֶֽן

וְ/יַפְקֵ֨ד pâqad H6485 to reckon Conj | V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms

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

פְּקִידִים֮ pâqîyd H6496 overseer N-mp

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 all Prep | N-ms

מְדִינ֣וֹת mᵉdîynâh H4082 province N-fp

מַלְכוּת/וֹ֒ malkûwth H4438 royalty N-fs | Suff

וְ/יִקְבְּצ֣וּ qâbats H6908 to gather Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3mp

אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. DirObjM

כָּל kôl H3605 all N-ms

נַעֲרָֽה naʻărâh H5291 maiden N-fs

בְ֠תוּלָה bᵉthûwlâh H1330 virgin N-fs

טוֹבַ֨ת ṭôwb H2896 pleasant Adj

מַרְאֶ֜ה marʼeh H4758 appearance N-ms

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

שׁוּשַׁ֤ן Shûwshan H7800 Susa N-proper

הַ/בִּירָה֙ bîyrâh H1002 palace Art | N-fs

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 place N-ms

הַ/נָּשִׁ֔ים ʼishshâh H802 woman Art | N-fp

אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep

יַ֥ד yâd H3027 hand N-cs

הֵגֶ֛א Hêgêʼ H1896 Hegai N-proper

סְרִ֥יס çârîyç H5631 eunuch N-ms

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

שֹׁמֵ֣ר shâmar H8104 to keep V-Qal

הַ/נָּשִׁ֑ים ʼishshâh H802 woman Art | N-fp

וְ/נָת֖וֹן nâthan H5414 to give Conj | V-Qal-Ptc

תַּמְרוּקֵי/הֶֽן tamrûwq H8562 cosmetic N-mp | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 2:3

וְ/יַפְקֵ֨ד pâqad H6485 "to reckon" Conj | V-Hiphil-Juss-3ms

This word means to visit or oversee, and can imply a range of actions, from friendly to hostile. It is used in various contexts, including appointing, avenging, or delivering something into someone's care. The KJV translates it in many ways, including appoint, avenge, or commit.

Definition: : list/count 1) to attend to, muster, number, reckon, visit, punish, appoint, look after, care for 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to pay attention to, observe 1a2) to attend to 1a3) to seek, look about for 1a4) to seek in vain, need, miss, lack 1a5) to visit 1a6) to visit upon, punish 1a7) to pass in review, muster, number 1a8) to appoint, assign, lay upon as a charge, deposit 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be sought, be needed, be missed, be lacking 1b2) to be visited 1b3) to be visited upon 1b4) to be appointed 1b5) to be watched over 1c) (Piel) to muster, call up 1d) (Pual) to be passed in review, be caused to miss, be called, be called to account 1e) (Hiphil) 1e1) to set over, make overseer, appoint an overseer 1e2) to commit, entrust, commit for care, deposit 1f) (Hophal) 1f1) to be visited 1f2) to be deposited 1f3) to be made overseer, be entrusted 1g) (Hithpael) numbered 1h) (Hothpael) numbered

Usage: Occurs in 269 OT verses. KJV: appoint, [idiom] at all, avenge, bestow, (appoint to have the, give a) charge, commit, count, deliver to keep, be empty, enjoin, go see, hurt, do judgment, lack, lay up, look, make, [idiom] by any means, miss, number, officer, (make) overseer, have (the) oversight, punish, reckon, (call to) remember(-brance), set (over), sum, [idiom] surely, visit, want. See also: Genesis 21:1; Numbers 26:47; Psalms 8:5.

הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ 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.

פְּקִידִים֮ pâqîyd H6496 "overseer" N-mp

This Hebrew word means a person in charge, like a governor or officer, who oversees others in a civil, military, or religious setting. It appears in the Bible as a title for someone with authority. In Exodus, Moses appoints overseers to help him lead the Israelites.

Definition: commissioner, deputy, overseer, officer

Usage: Occurs in 13 OT verses. KJV: which had the charge, governor, office, overseer, (that) was set. See also: Genesis 41:34; Nehemiah 11:14; Jeremiah 20:1.

בְּ/כָל kôl H3605 "all" Prep | 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.

מְדִינ֣וֹת mᵉdîynâh H4082 "province" N-fp

Means a province or district, referring to a region or jurisdiction, like a judgeship or area ruled by a judge.

Definition: 1) province, district 1a) district 1b) province Aramaic equivalent: me.di.nah (מְדִינָה "province" H4083)

Usage: Occurs in 40 OT verses. KJV: ([idiom] every) province. See also: 1 Kings 20:14; Esther 8:5; Daniel 11:24.

מַלְכוּת/וֹ֒ malkûwth H4438 "royalty" N-fs | Suff

Royalty or royal power refers to the authority and dominion of a king or queen, like Solomon's reign in Israel. It can also mean the kingdom or territory ruled by a monarch. The word is used in the Bible to describe sovereign power and authority.

Definition: 1) royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom, sovereign power 1a) royal power, dominion 1b) reign 1c) kingdom, realm Aramaic equivalent: mal.khu (מַלְכוּ "kingdom" H4437)

Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: empire, kingdom, realm, reign, royal. See also: Numbers 24:7; Esther 1:9; Psalms 45:7.

וְ/יִקְבְּצ֣וּ qâbats H6908 "to gather" Conj | V-Qal-Juss-3mp

To gather or collect people or things, like when the Israelites assembled in the book of Numbers. It's about bringing things or people together in one place.

Definition: 1) to gather, assemble 1a) (Qal) to gather, collect, assemble 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to assemble, gather 1b2) to be gathered 1c) (Piel) to gather, gather together, take away 1d) (Pual) to be gathered together 1e) (Hithpael) to gather together, be gathered together

Usage: Occurs in 121 OT verses. KJV: assemble (selves), gather (bring) (together, selves together, up), heap, resort, [idiom] surely, take up. See also: Genesis 41:35; Proverbs 28:8; Psalms 41:7.

אֶת 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

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

נַעֲרָֽה naʻărâh H5291 "maiden" 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.

בְ֠תוּלָה bᵉthûwlâh H1330 "virgin" N-fs

A virgin, or bride, is described by this word, emphasizing her private and untouched state, as seen in the stories of Genesis and Esther.

Definition: virgin

Usage: Occurs in 50 OT verses. KJV: maid, virgin. See also: Genesis 24:16; Isaiah 23:12; Psalms 45:15.

טוֹבַ֨ת ṭôwb H2896 "pleasant" Adj

In the Bible, this Hebrew word means good or welfare, describing something that is beneficial or pleasing, like a good deed or a happy time. It is used in many contexts, including Genesis and Psalms. This word is often translated as 'good' or 'beautiful'.

Definition: adj 1) good, pleasant, agreeable 1a) pleasant, agreeable (to the senses) 1b) pleasant (to the higher nature) 1c) good, excellent (of its kind) 1d) good, rich, valuable in estimation 1e) good, appropriate, becoming 1f) better (comparative) 1g) glad, happy, prosperous (of man's sensuous nature) 1h) good understanding (of man's intellectual nature) 1i) good, kind, benign 1j) good, right (ethical) Aramaic equivalent: tav (טָב "fine" H2869)

Usage: Occurs in 521 OT verses. KJV: beautiful, best, better, bountiful, cheerful, at ease, [idiom] fair (word), (be in) favour, fine, glad, good (deed, -lier, -liest, -ly, -ness, -s), graciously, joyful, kindly, kindness, liketh (best), loving, merry, [idiom] most, pleasant, [phrase] pleaseth, pleasure, precious, prosperity, ready, sweet, wealth, welfare, (be) well(-favoured). See also: Genesis 1:4; Ruth 2:22; 2 Chronicles 3:8.

מַרְאֶ֜ה marʼeh H4758 "appearance" N-ms

This Hebrew word refers to a sight or appearance, and can describe something beautiful or a supernatural vision. It encompasses various aspects of seeing, including physical and mental perceptions, and is used in different contexts throughout the Bible.

Definition: 1) sight, appearance, vision 1a) sight, phenomenon, spectacle, appearance, vision 1b) what is seen 1c) a vision (supernatural) 1d) sight, vision (power of seeing)

Usage: Occurs in 82 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] apparently, appearance(-reth), [idiom] as soon as beautiful(-ly), countenance, fair, favoured, form, goodly, to look (up) on (to), look(-eth), pattern, to see, seem, sight, visage, vision. See also: Genesis 2:9; Job 41:1; Isaiah 11:3.

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.

שׁוּשַׁ֤ן Shûwshan H7800 "Susa" N-proper

Shushan refers to a place in Persia where the Persian kings lived during winter, also meaning lily. It is mentioned in the Bible as the location of important events. The city was located on the river Ulai.

Definition: Shushan or Susa = "lily" the winter residence of the Persian kings; located on the river Ulai or Choaspes Also named: shu.shan.khi (שׁוּשַׁנְכָיֵא "Susa" H7801)

Usage: Occurs in 19 OT verses. KJV: Shushan. See also: Nehemiah 1:1; Esther 8:14; Daniel 8:2.

הַ/בִּירָה֙ bîyrâh H1002 "palace" Art | N-fs

The Hebrew word for palace refers to a grand building, like King Solomon's palace in 1 Kings 7:1-12. It is a symbol of wealth and power.

Definition: 1) palace, castle 2) temple Aramaic equivalent: bi.ra (בִּירְתָא "citadel" H1001)

Usage: Occurs in 16 OT verses. KJV: palace. See also: 1 Chronicles 29:1; Esther 2:5; Daniel 8:2.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

בֵּ֣ית bayith H1004 "place" 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/נָּשִׁ֔ים 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.

אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep

יַ֥ד yâd H3027 "hand" N-cs

In the Bible, 'yad' refers to an open hand, symbolizing power or direction. It can also mean strength or a part of something, like a side or a share. The word is used in many contexts, including anatomy and everyday life.

Definition: : hand/arm[anatomy] 1) hand 1a) hand (of man) 1b) strength, power (fig.) 1c) side (of land), part, portion (metaph.) (fig.) 1d) (various special, technical senses) 1d1) sign, monument 1d2) part, fractional part, share 1d3) time, repetition 1d4) axle-trees, axle 1d5) stays, support (for laver) 1d6) tenons (in tabernacle) 1d7) a phallus, a hand (meaning unsure) 1d8) wrists

Usage: Occurs in 1446 OT verses. KJV: ([phrase] be) able, [idiom] about, [phrase] armholes, at, axletree, because of, beside, border, [idiom] bounty, [phrase] broad, (broken-) handed, [idiom] by, charge, coast, [phrase] consecrate, [phrase] creditor, custody, debt, dominion, [idiom] enough, [phrase] fellowship, force, [idiom] from, hand(-staves, -y work), [idiom] he, himself, [idiom] in, labour, [phrase] large, ledge, (left-) handed, means, [idiom] mine, ministry, near, [idiom] of, [idiom] order, ordinance, [idiom] our, parts, pain, power, [idiom] presumptuously, service, side, sore, state, stay, draw with strength, stroke, [phrase] swear, terror, [idiom] thee, [idiom] by them, [idiom] themselves, [idiom] thine own, [idiom] thou, through, [idiom] throwing, [phrase] thumb, times, [idiom] to, [idiom] under, [idiom] us, [idiom] wait on, (way-) side, where, [phrase] wide, [idiom] with (him, me, you), work, [phrase] yield, [idiom] yourselves. See also: Genesis 3:22; Exodus 7:19; Leviticus 14:22.

הֵגֶ֛א Hêgêʼ H1896 "Hegai" N-proper

Hêgê was a eunuch in the court of King Xerxes, also known as Ahasuerus. He is mentioned in the book of Esther, where he plays a role in the story of Esther's rise to queen.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.2.3 § Hegai or Hege = "eunuch" one of the eunuchs of the court of Ahasuerus

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: Hegai, Hege. See also: Esther 2:3; Esther 2:8; Esther 2:15.

סְרִ֥יס çârîyç H5631 "eunuch" N-ms

A eunuch was a high-ranking official in a royal court, often in charge of the female apartments. This word is used in the Bible to describe important ministers of state. In the book of Acts, the Ethiopian eunuch was a prominent official who met Philip and became a Christian.

Definition: official, eunuch

Usage: Occurs in 42 OT verses. KJV: chamberlain, eunuch, officer. Compare H7249 (רַב־סָרִיס). See also: Genesis 37:36; Esther 2:21; Isaiah 39:7.

הַ/מֶּ֖לֶךְ 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.

שֹׁמֵ֣ר shâmar H8104 "to keep" V-Qal

To keep or obey means to protect, attend to, or guard something, like keeping a promise or watching over someone, as seen in the commands to observe the Sabbath.

Definition: : obey/observe 1) to keep, guard, observe, give heed 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to keep, have charge of 1a2) to keep, guard, keep watch and ward, protect, save life 1a2a) watch, watchman (participle) 1a3) to watch for, wait for 1a4) to watch, observe 1a5) to keep, retain, treasure up (in memory) 1a6) to keep (within bounds), restrain 1a7) to observe, celebrate, keep (sabbath or covenant or commands), perform (vow) 1a8) to keep, preserve, protect 1a9) to keep, reserve 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be on one's guard, take heed, take care, beware 1b2) to keep oneself, refrain, abstain 1b3) to be kept, be guarded 1c) (Piel) to keep, pay heed 1d) (Hithpael) to keep oneself from

Usage: Occurs in 440 OT verses. KJV: beward, be circumspect, take heed (to self), keep(-er, self), mark, look narrowly, observe, preserve, regard, reserve, save (self), sure, (that lay) wait (for), watch(-man). See also: Genesis 2:15; Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 Kings 14:8.

הַ/נָּשִׁ֑ים 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)

וְ/נָת֖וֹן nâthan H5414 "to give" Conj | V-Qal-Ptc

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.

תַּמְרוּקֵי/הֶֽן tamrûwq H8562 "cosmetic" N-mp | Suff

This word means a cleansing agent, like soap or perfume, used for purification. In the Bible, it represents spiritual cleansing, as in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. It is a symbol of renewal.

Definition: 1) a scraping, rubbing 2) (CLBL) remedy (for an injury)

Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] cleanse, (thing for) purification(-fying). See also: Esther 2:3; Esther 2:12; Proverbs 20:30.

Study Notes — Esther 2:3

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Esther 2:3 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Esther 2:3
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 2:3
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 2:3
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 2:3
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 2:3
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 2:3
Cambridge Bible on Esther 2:3
Barnes' Notes on Esther 2:3
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 2:3
Sermons on Esther 2:3

Context — Seeking Vashti’s Successor

1Some time later, when the anger of King Xerxes had subsided, he remembered Vashti and what she had done, and what had been decreed against her. 2Then the king’s attendants proposed, “Let a search be made for beautiful young virgins for the king,

3and let the king appoint commissioners in each province of his kingdom to assemble all the beautiful young women into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the women, and let them be given beauty treatments.

4Then let the young woman who pleases the king become queen in place of Vashti.” This suggestion pleased the king, and he acted accordingly. 5Now there was at the citadel of Susa a Jewish man from the tribe of Benjamin named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Esther 2:12–15	In 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. 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. She 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. Now 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.
2	Esther 2:8–9	When the king’s command and edict had been proclaimed, many young women gathered at the citadel of Susa under the care of Hegai. Esther was also taken to the palace and placed under the care of Hegai, the custodian of the women. And the young woman pleased him and obtained his favor, so he quickly provided her with beauty treatments and the special diet. He assigned to her seven select maidservants from the palace and transferred her with them to the best place in the harem.
3	Esther 1:1–2	This is what happened in the days of Xerxes, who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. In those days King Xerxes sat on his royal throne in the citadel of Susa.
4	Isaiah 3:18–23	In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents; their pendants, bracelets, and veils; their headdresses, ankle chains, and sashes; their perfume bottles and charms; their signet rings and nose rings; their festive robes, capes, cloaks, and purses; and their mirrors, linen garments, tiaras, and shawls.

Esther 2:3 Summary

[This verse is about King Xerxes looking for a new queen to replace Vashti, and he wants to find the most beautiful young women in his kingdom. He appoints commissioners to find these women and bring them to the harem at the citadel of Susa, where they will be cared for by Hegai, the king's eunuch. This is similar to how God cares for us, as seen in Psalm 138:8, where it says that God will fulfill His purpose for us. The king wants to find a new queen who will please him, just like we want to please God with our lives, as seen in Colossians 1:10.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of assembling all the beautiful young women in the harem at the citadel of Susa?

The purpose was to find a new queen to replace Vashti, as suggested by the king's attendants, and as seen in Esther 2:2 and Esther 2:4, this suggestion pleased the king and he acted accordingly.

Who was Hegai and what was his role in the harem?

Hegai was the king's eunuch in charge of the women, and his role was to care for the women and oversee their beauty treatments, as mentioned in Esther 2:3, and also in Esther 2:8, where he is seen taking care of Esther.

What kind of beauty treatments were the young women given?

The Scripture does not specify the exact treatments, but it can be inferred that they were given the best care and attention to prepare them to meet the king, similar to how Esther was treated in Esther 2:9, and as seen in Psalm 45:11, where the beauty of the queen is praised.

How does this verse relate to the broader story of Esther?

This verse sets the stage for the introduction of Esther, a Jewish woman who would become the new queen, and as seen in Esther 2:5, Mordecai, Esther's cousin, is introduced, which ultimately leads to the salvation of the Jewish people, as seen in Esther 7-10, and as promised in Jeremiah 29:11, God's plan to prosper His people.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can prepare myself to meet God, just like the young women were prepared to meet the king?
How can I trust God's sovereignty in my life, even when circumstances seem uncertain, like the young women who were brought to the harem?
What are some ways that I can demonstrate humility and obedience, like Esther, who was taken from her ordinary life and placed in a position of royalty?
How can I use my position and influence to bring glory to God, like Esther, who used her position to save her people?

Gill's Exposition on Esther 2:3

And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom,.... Who best knew where beautiful virgins might be found in their respective provinces, in which they dwelt: that they may

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 2:3

Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king: No JFB commentary on these verses.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 2:3

Keeper of the women; either, 1. Of the virgins, who are oft called women, as here, ,12, and elsewhere. So it is a synecdoche. Or, 2. Of all the women, both virgins and concubines; only the virgins he himself took care of, as requiring more care and caution, and the concubines he committed to Shaashgaz, , his deputy. For purification, i.e. to cleanse them from all impurities and indecencies, to anoint, and perfume, and adorn, and every way prepare them for the king’ s presence and service; for the legal purifications of the Jews he never regarded.

Trapp's Commentary on Esther 2:3

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 Hege the king’ s chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given [them]:Ver. 3. And let the king appoint officers] Praeficiat praefectos. Costly counsel. This could not be done without much trouble and charge to the king. Two or three years are spent in gathering, purifying, and preparing these choice virgins for the impure bed of this heathen prince, while he is following the chase of his ambition, in the wars of Greece. In all the provinces of his kingdom] A large commission they must have, the whole kingdom is their circuit; and note that they went not to foreigners; which those princes that do, while thereby they seek for greatness, they many times miss goodness; while they labour to be strong abroad (and so to have a stake in store, as they say, however the dice chance to turn), they weaken themselves at home, and while by foreign matches they intend unity, it proves an occasion both of civil and foreign dissensions. We of this nation have had sad experience of these mischiefs. That they may gather together] This could not be done without the great grief and general discontent of the king’ s best subjects ( nimium serviliter huic hirco subiectorum, as one hath it), thus bereft and despoiled of their dearest daughters, the staves of their age. All the fair young virgins] Beauty (the best pearl in a carnal eye) is all that is here looked after, quae plerumque virtute et pudicitia caret, which is oft without virtue and common honesty, as, where they meet, it is a rare mixture. The heathen man saith, Non est formosa mulier cuius crus laudatur aut brachium, sed illa cuius universa facies admirationem singulis partibus abstulit. Now if this be true, long enough might these commissionated officers look for fair young virgins, truly so called, there being very few that are not peccant in some minnum, some tittle of beauty, or other. It is a praise peculiar to the virgin daughter of Zion to be all fair, Son 4:7, to be αμωμος, Ephesians 5:26, such as in whom even Momus himself could find no error. Unto Shushan the palace] In which one place there might have been found choice enough, without speaking further; but that lust is unsatisfiable. The eye is not satisfied with seeing; and in such a multitude how could it be but that the king’ s mind must needs be distracted, which one to make choice of? To the house of the women] Such as is now the Turk’ s Seraglio. See the description of the Grand Signior’ s Seraglio, by Master John Greanes, chap. iv. Unto the custody of Hege] Who was their keeper, or rather their jailer.

Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 2:3

(3) The house of the women.—The harem, then as now, a prominent feature in the establishment of an Eastern king. Hege.—Called Hegai in Esther 2:8; a eunuch whose special charge seems to have been the virgins, while another, named Shaashgaz (Esther 2:14), had the custody of the concubines. The whole verse shows, as conclusively as anything could do, in how degrading an aspect Eastern women were, as a whole, viewed. It was reserved for Christianity to indicate the true position of woman, not man’s plaything, but the help meet for him, able to aid him in his spiritual and intellectual progress, yielding him intelligent obedience, not slavery.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 2:3

Verse 3. Hege the king's chamberlain] הגא סריס המלך Hege seris hammelech, "Hege, the king's eunuch;" so the Septuagint, Vulgate, Targum, and Syriac. In the Eastern countries the women are intrusted to the care of the eunuchs only. Let their things for purification be given them] תמרקיהן tamrukeyhen, their cosmetics. What these were we are told in Es 2:12; oil of myrrh, and sweet odours. The myrrh was employed for six months, and the odours for six months more, after which the person was brought to the king. This space was sufficient to show whether the young woman had been chaste; whether she were with child or not, that the king might not be imposed on, and be obliged to father a spurious offspring, which might have been the case had not this precaution been used. Instead of the oil or myrrh, the Targum says it was the oil of unripe olives which caused the hair to fall off, and rendered the skin delicate.

Cambridge Bible on Esther 2:3

3. to the house of the women] the harem, which must have been of large dimensions, and was made up, as we see from Esther 2:14, of more than one building. It most likely consisted of three portions, viz. the house of the queen, such as Solomon built for Pharaoh’s daughter (1 Kings 7:8), the house of the virgins (Esther 2:9), and that of the concubines (Esther 2:14). Hegai] It is best, for the sake of uniformity, to spell thus throughout (cp. Esther 2:8; Esther 2:15). The A.V. follows the Heb., which is inconsistent, giving in this verse Hege, and elsewhere Hegai. their things for purification] See Esther 2:12. The Heb. word for ‘purification’ means properly scraping or rubbing, for the purpose of cleansing or polishing.

Barnes' Notes on Esther 2:3

The house of the women - i. e. the “gynaeceon,” or “haram” - always an essential part of an Oriental palace (Compare 1 Kings 7:8).

Whedon's Commentary on Esther 2:3

3. In all the provinces… that they may gather — Had the king been wanting a legitimate wife, no Persian officer would have proposed a measure like this.

Sermons on Esther 2:3

	Sermon	Description
	Studies in Esther-01 Esther1-2 by William MacDonald	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Esther from the Bible. He starts by highlighting how God was displeased with the behavior of men who were given over to wine and

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Esther 2:3

Esther 2:3 in Multiple Translations

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Study Highlights

Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 2:3

Esther 2:3 Interlinear (Deep Study)

Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 2:3

Study Notes — Esther 2:3

Context — Seeking Vashti’s Successor

Cross References

Esther 2:3 Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Reflection Questions

Gill's Exposition on Esther 2:3

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 2:3

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 2:3

Trapp's Commentary on Esther 2:3

Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 2:3

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 2:3

Cambridge Bible on Esther 2:3

Barnes' Notes on Esther 2:3

Whedon's Commentary on Esther 2:3

Sermons on Esther 2:3