Esther 1:11
New International Version
to bring before him Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown, in order to display her beauty to the people and nobles, for she was lovely to look at.

New Living Translation
to bring Queen Vashti to him with the royal crown on her head. He wanted the nobles and all the other men to gaze on her beauty, for she was a very beautiful woman.

English Standard Version
to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty, for she was lovely to look at.

Berean Standard Bible
to bring Queen Vashti before him, wearing her royal crown, to display her beauty to the people and officials. For she was beautiful to behold.

King James Bible
To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.

New King James Version
to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown, in order to show her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful to behold.

New American Standard Bible
to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal turban in order to display her beauty to the people and the officials, for she was beautiful.

NASB 1995
to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown in order to display her beauty to the people and the princes, for she was beautiful.

NASB 1977
to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown in order to display her beauty to the people and the princes, for she was beautiful.

Legacy Standard Bible
to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown in order to display her beauty to the people and the princes, for she was beautiful in appearance.

Amplified Bible
to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing her royal crown (high turban), to display her beauty before the people and the officials, for she was lovely to see.

Christian Standard Bible
to bring Queen Vashti before him with her royal crown. He wanted to show off her beauty to the people and the officials, because she was very beautiful.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
to bring Queen Vashti before him with her royal crown. He wanted to show off her beauty to the people and the officials, because she was very beautiful.

American Standard Version
to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to show the peoples and the princes her beauty; for she was fair to look on.

Contemporary English Version
to bring Queen Vashti to him. The king wanted her to wear her crown and let his people and his officials see how beautiful she was.

English Revised Version
to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the peoples and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
to bring Queen Vashti in front of the king, wearing her royal crown. He wanted to show the people, especially the officials, her beauty, because she was very attractive.

Good News Translation
He ordered them to bring in Queen Vashti, wearing her royal crown. The queen was a beautiful woman, and the king wanted to show off her beauty to the officials and all his guests.

International Standard Version
to bring Queen Vashti to the king, wearing the royal crown to display her beauty to the people and the officials, since she was lovely to look at.

Majority Standard Bible
to bring Queen Vashti before him, wearing her royal crown, to display her beauty to the people and officials. For she was beautiful to behold.

NET Bible
to bring Queen Vashti into the king's presence wearing her royal high turban. He wanted to show the people and the officials her beauty, for she was very attractive.

New Heart English Bible
to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the royal crown, to show the people and the officials her beauty; for she was beautiful.

Webster's Bible Translation
To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to show the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.

World English Bible
to bring Vashti the queen before the king wearing the royal crown, to show the people and the princes her beauty; for she was beautiful.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
to bring in Vashti the queen before the king, with a royal crown, to show the peoples and the heads her beauty, for she [is] of good appearance,

Young's Literal Translation
to bring in Vashti the queen before the king, with a royal crown, to shew the peoples and the heads her beauty, for she is of good appearance,

Smith's Literal Translation
To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown of the kingdom, to cause the people and the chiefs to see her beauty: for she was good of appearance.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
To bring in queen Vasthi before the king, with the crown set upon her head, to shew her beauty to all the people and the princes: for she was exceeding beautiful.

Catholic Public Domain Version
to bring in queen Vashti before the king, with the crown set upon her head, to show her beauty to the whole people and to the leaders, for she was very beautiful.

New American Bible
to bring Queen Vashti into his presence wearing the royal crown, that he might display her beauty to the populace and the officials, for she was lovely to behold.

New Revised Standard Version
to bring Queen Vashti before the king, wearing the royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the officials her beauty; for she was fair to behold.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
To bring Vashti the queen be fore the king with the royal crown, to show the people and the princes her beauty; for she was fair to look upon.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
To bring Vashti the Queen before the King with the crown of his kingdom, to show the people and the Nobles her beauty, because her appearance was beautiful.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to show the peoples and the princes her beauty; for she was fair to look on.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
to bring in the queen to him, to enthrone her, and crown her with the diadem, and to shew her to the princes, and her beauty to the nations: for she was beautiful.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Queen Vashti's Refusal
10On the seventh day, when the king’s heart was merry with wine, he ordered the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carkas— 11to bring Queen Vashti before him, wearing her royal crown, to display her beauty to the people and officials. For she was beautiful to behold. 12Queen Vashti, however, refused to come at the king’s command brought by his eunuchs. And the king became furious, and his anger burned within him.…

Cross References
Genesis 12:14-15
So when Abram entered Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very beautiful. / When Pharaoh’s officials saw Sarai, they commended her to him, and she was taken into the palace of Pharaoh.

1 Kings 10:1-3
Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. / She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind. / And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for the king to explain.

1 Kings 10:23-25
So King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. / The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart. / Year after year, each visitor would bring his tribute: articles of silver and gold, clothing, weapons, spices, horses, and mules.

2 Samuel 11:2-4
One evening David got up from his bed and strolled around on the roof of the palace. And from the roof he saw a woman bathing—a very beautiful woman. / So David sent and inquired about the woman, and he was told, “This is Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite.” / Then David sent messengers to get her, and when she came to him, he slept with her. (Now she had just purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she returned home.

1 Kings 1:3-4
Then they searched throughout Israel for a beautiful girl, and they found Abishag the Shunammite and brought her to the king. / The girl was unsurpassed in beauty; she cared for the king and served him, but he had no relations with her.

Daniel 5:2-4
Under the influence of the wine, Belshazzar gave orders to bring in the gold and silver vessels that Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken from the temple in Jerusalem, so that the king could drink from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. / Thus they brought in the gold vessels that had been taken from the temple, the house of God in Jerusalem, and the king drank from them, along with his nobles, his wives, and his concubines. / As they drank the wine, they praised their gods of gold and silver, bronze and iron, wood and stone.

Proverbs 31:30
Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

1 Samuel 25:3
His name was Nabal, and his wife’s name was Abigail. She was an intelligent and beautiful woman, but her husband, a Calebite, was harsh and evil in his dealings.

1 Kings 21:5-7
Soon his wife Jezebel came in and asked, “Why are you so sullen that you refuse to eat?” / Ahab answered, “Because I spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and told him, ‘Give me your vineyard for silver, or if you wish, I will give you another vineyard in its place.’ And he replied, ‘I will not give you my vineyard!’” / But his wife Jezebel said to him, “Do you not reign over Israel? Get up, eat some food, and be cheerful, for I will get you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.”

Ezekiel 16:14
Your fame spread among the nations on account of your beauty, for it was perfect in the splendor I bestowed on you, declares the Lord GOD.

Matthew 14:6-8
On Herod’s birthday, however, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased Herod / so much that he promised with an oath to give to her whatever she asked. / Prompted by her mother, she said, “Give me here on a platter the head of John the Baptist.”

Mark 6:22-25
When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” / And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!” / Then she went out and asked her mother, “What should I request?” And her mother answered, “The head of John the Baptist.” ...

Luke 7:37-38
When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. / As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume.

John 4:16-18
Jesus told her, “Go, call your husband and come back.” / “I have no husband,” the woman replied. Jesus said to her, “You are correct to say that you have no husband. / In fact, you have had five husbands, and the man you now have is not your husband. You have spoken truthfully.”

Acts 12:21-23
On the appointed day, Herod donned his royal robes, sat on his throne, and addressed the people. / And they began to shout, “This is the voice of a god, not a man!” / Immediately, because Herod did not give glory to God, an angel of the Lord struck him down, and he was eaten by worms and died.


Treasury of Scripture

To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to show the people and the princes her beauty: for she was fair to look on.

Vashti.

Proverbs 16:9
A man's heart deviseth his way: but the LORD directeth his steps.

Proverbs 23:29-33
Who hath woe? who hath sorrow? who hath contentions? who hath babbling? who hath wounds without cause? who hath redness of eyes? …

Mark 6:21,22
And when a convenient day was come, that Herod on his birthday made a supper to his lords, high captains, and chief estates of Galilee; …

fair to look on.

1 Samuel 25:3
Now the name of the man was Nabal; and the name of his wife Abigail: and she was a woman of good understanding, and of a beautiful countenance: but the man was churlish and evil in his doings; and he was of the house of Caleb.

2 Samuel 14:25
But in all Israel there was none to be so much praised as Absalom for his beauty: from the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish in him.

Proverbs 31:30
Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the LORD, she shall be praised.

Jump to Previous
Appearance Beautiful Beauty Captains Countenance Crown Crowned Display Fair Good Heads Lovely Nobles Order Peoples Princes Queen Royal Shew Show Vashti Wearing
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Appearance Beautiful Beauty Captains Countenance Crown Crowned Display Fair Good Heads Lovely Nobles Order Peoples Princes Queen Royal Shew Show Vashti Wearing
Esther 1
1. Xerxes makes royal feasts.
10. Vashti, sent for, refuses to come.
13. Xerxes, by the counsel of Memucan, puts away Vashti, and decrees men's sovereignty.














to bring Queen Vashti before him
This phrase indicates King Xerxes' command to present Queen Vashti at the royal banquet. In the Persian Empire, the king's word was law, reflecting the absolute power he wielded. Vashti's presence was intended to showcase her as part of the king's wealth and splendor. This event sets the stage for the unfolding drama in the Book of Esther, highlighting themes of power, authority, and the role of women in ancient Persia.

wearing her royal crown
The royal crown symbolizes Vashti's status and the honor bestowed upon her as queen. In ancient Persia, the crown was a sign of authority and dignity. The emphasis on the crown suggests that the king wanted to display not just Vashti's beauty but also her royal status, enhancing his own prestige. This request can be seen as a precursor to the later events where Esther, another queen, would play a pivotal role in the salvation of the Jewish people.

to display her beauty to the people and officials
This phrase underscores the cultural norms of the time, where women were often valued for their physical appearance. The king's desire to display Vashti's beauty reflects the objectification and commodification of women in ancient societies. It also highlights the contrast between Vashti's refusal to be objectified and Esther's later strategic use of her own beauty and wisdom to influence the king for a greater purpose.

For she was beautiful to behold
Vashti's beauty is noted as a significant attribute, which was likely a factor in her selection as queen. This emphasis on physical beauty is a recurring theme in the Book of Esther, where Esther's own beauty plays a crucial role in her rise to prominence. The narrative invites readers to consider the deeper qualities of character and courage that ultimately define true beauty and worth, as seen in Esther's later actions.

Persons / Places / Events
1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)
The Persian king who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. He is known for his opulent lifestyle and grand banquets.

2. Queen Vashti
The queen of Persia, known for her beauty and dignity. Her refusal to appear before the king's guests sets the stage for the events that follow in the Book of Esther.

3. Susa (Shushan)
The capital city of the Persian Empire where the events of the Book of Esther take place. It was a center of political power and cultural influence.

4. The Royal Banquet
A lavish feast hosted by King Ahasuerus for his nobles and officials, lasting 180 days, followed by a seven-day feast for all people present in the citadel of Susa.

5. The King's Command
Ahasuerus's order to bring Vashti before the assembly to showcase her beauty, highlighting the cultural norms and expectations of women in the Persian Empire.
Teaching Points
The Dignity of Refusal
Vashti's refusal to be objectified is a powerful statement about personal dignity and integrity. It challenges us to stand firm in our values, even when pressured by authority.

Cultural Expectations vs. Godly Standards
The cultural norms of the Persian Empire placed value on external beauty and public display. As Christians, we are called to uphold godly standards that prioritize inner beauty and character.

The Consequences of Pride and Power
King Ahasuerus's demand reflects the dangers of pride and the misuse of power. We must be cautious not to let pride lead us to make unreasonable demands on others.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
Vashti's account sets the stage for Esther's rise, reminding us that God can use all circumstances, even those involving cultural oppression, to fulfill His purposes.

The Importance of Respect in Relationships
The interaction between Ahasuerus and Vashti highlights the need for mutual respect in relationships. True leadership respects and honors the dignity of others.(11) To bring Vashti.--It is evident from the way in which the incident is introduced that had Ahasuerus been sober he would not have asked such a thing. Vashti naturally sends a refusal.

Crown royal.--If this were like that worn by a king, it would be a tall cap decked with gems, and with a linen fillet of blue and white; this last was the diadem. (See Trench, New Testament Synonyms, ? 23.)

Verse 11. - Vashti ... with the crown royal. We have no representation of a Persian queen among the sculptures; but Mousa, a Parthian queen, appears on a coin of her son Phraataces ('Sixth Oriental Monarchy,' p. 220), crowned with a very elaborate tiara. It consists of a tall stiff cap, not unlike the cidaris of a Persian king, but is apparently set with large jewels. Vashti's "crown royal" was probably not very dissimilar. To show the princes and the people her beauty. More than one Oriental monarch is reported to have desired to have his own opinion of his wife's beauty confirmed by the judgment of others. Candaules, king of Lydia, is said to have lost his crown and his life through imprudently indulging this desire (Herod., 1:8-12). So public an exposure, however, as that designed by Ahasuerus is not recorded of any other monarch, and would scarcely have been attempted by any one less extravagant in his conduct than Xerxes.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
to bring
לְ֠הָבִיא (lə·hā·ḇî)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

Queen
הַמַּלְכָּ֛ה (ham·mal·kāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4436: Queen -- a queen

Vashti
וַשְׁתִּ֧י (waš·tî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2060: Vashti -- queen of Pers

before
לִפְנֵ֥י (lip̄·nê)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct
Strong's 6440: The face

him,
הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

[wearing] her royal
מַלְכ֑וּת (mal·ḵūṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4438: Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom

crown,
בְּכֶ֣תֶר (bə·ḵe·ṯer)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3804: A circlet, a diadem

to display
לְהַרְא֨וֹת (lə·har·’ō·wṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Hifil - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200: To see

her beauty
יָפְיָ֔הּ (yā·p̄ə·yāh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 3308: Beauty

to the people
הָֽעַמִּ֤ים (hā·‘am·mîm)
Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

and officials.
וְהַשָּׂרִים֙ (wə·haś·śā·rîm)
Conjunctive waw, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince

For
כִּֽי־ (kî-)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

she [was]
הִֽיא׃ (hî)
Pronoun - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1931: He, self, the same, this, that, as, are

beautiful
טוֹבַ֥ת (ṭō·w·ḇaṯ)
Adjective - feminine singular construct
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

to behold.
מַרְאֶ֖ה (mar·’eh)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4758: Sight, appearance, vision


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OT History: Esther 1:11 To bring Vashti the queen before (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 1:10
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