Esther 2:4

Verse

Then let the young woman who pleases the king become queen in place of Vashti.” This suggestion pleased the king, and he acted accordingly.

American Standard Version (1901)

and let the maiden that pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.

Bible in Basic English

And let the girl who is pleasing to the king be queen in place of Vashti. And the king was pleased with this suggestion; and he did so.

Free Bible Version

The young woman the king finds most attractive can become queen in place of Vashti.” The king thought this was a good idea, so he acted upon it.

Geneva Bible 1599

And the mayde that shall please the King, let her reigne in the steade of Vashti. And this pleased the King, and he did so.

King James (Authorized) Version

And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.

Translation for Translators

Then the woman who pleases you most can become queen instead of Vashti.” The king liked what they suggested, so he did it.

Unlocked Literal Bible

Let the young girl who pleases the king become queen in the place of Vashti.” This advice pleased the king, and he did so.

Noah Webster Bible

And let the maiden who pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.

World English Bible

and let the maiden who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” The thing pleased the king, and he did so.

Young's Literal Translation

and the young woman who is good in the eyes of the king doth reign instead of Vashti;' and the thing is good in the eyes of the king, and he doth so.

Context

Seeking Vashti’s Successor

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.

Sermons

The Book of Esther

Jacob Prasch

1.8K

Summary

Esther 2:4 describes the selection process for finding a new queen to replace Vashti in King Xerxes' court. Young women from all the provinces were gathered and brought to the palace to undergo beauty treatments and preparation for a chance to be chosen as the queen. This verse sets the stage for the remarkable story of Esther, highlighting the providential hand of God in placing her in a position to ultimately save her people from destruction. It also reveals the cultural practices and expectations of the time, showcasing the power dynamics and beauty standards prevalent in the Persian empire.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti,.... Have the royal estate, that was taken from Vashti, given to her, the crown royal set on her head, &c. and the thing pleased the king, and he did so; appointed officers in all his provinces to seek out the most beautiful virgins, and bring them to his palace; so with the Chinese now, the king never marries with any of his kindred, though ever so remote; but there is sought throughout his kingdom a damsel of twelve or fourteen years, of perfect beauty, good natural parts, and well inclined to virtue; whence, for the most part, the queen is the daughter of some artisan; and in their history (e), mention is made of one that was the daughter of a mason. (e) Semedo's History of China, part 1. ch. 23.