Esther 2:11
New International Version
Every day he walked back and forth near the courtyard of the harem to find out how Esther was and what was happening to her.

New Living Translation
Every day Mordecai would take a walk near the courtyard of the harem to find out about Esther and what was happening to her.

English Standard Version
And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her.

Berean Standard Bible
And 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.

King James Bible
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.

New King James Version
And every day Mordecai paced in front of the court of the women’s quarters, to learn of Esther’s welfare and what was happening to her.

New American Standard Bible
And every day Mordecai walked back and forth in front of the courtyard of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her.

NASB 1995
Every day Mordecai walked back and forth in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and how she fared.

NASB 1977
And every day Mordecai walked back and forth in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and how she fared.

Legacy Standard Bible
And every day Mordecai walked back and forth in front of the court of the harem to know the well-being of Esther and how she fared.

Amplified Bible
Every day Mordecai [who was an attendant in the king’s court] walked back and forth in front of the courtyard of the harem to learn how Esther was getting along and what was happening to her.

Christian Standard Bible
Every day Mordecai took a walk in front of the harem’s courtyard to learn how Esther was doing and to see what was happening to her.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Every day Mordecai took a walk in front of the harem’s courtyard to learn how Esther was doing and to see what was happening to her.

American Standard Version
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what would become of her.

Contemporary English Version
He was anxious to see how Esther was getting along and to learn what had happened to her. So each day he would walk back and forth in front of the court where the women lived.

English Revised Version
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Every day Mordecai would walk back and forth in front of the courtyard of the women's quarters to find out how Esther was and what was happening to her.

Good News Translation
Every day Mordecai would walk back and forth in front of the courtyard of the harem, in order to find out how she was getting along and what was going to happen to her.

International Standard Version
Every day Mordecai would walk back and forth in front of the court of the harem to find out about Esther's well-being and what was happening to her.

Majority Standard Bible
And 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.

NET Bible
And day after day Mordecai used to walk back and forth in front of the court of the harem in order to learn how Esther was doing and what might happen to her.

New Heart English Bible
Mordecai walked every day in front of the court of the women's house, to find out how Esther did, and what would become of her.

Webster's Bible Translation
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what would become of her.

World English Bible
Mordecai walked every day in front of the court of the women’s house, to find out how Esther was doing, and what would become of her.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and during every day Mordecai is walking up and down before the court of the house of the women to know the welfare of Esther, and what is done with her.

Young's Literal Translation
and during every day Mordecai is walking up and down before the court of the house of the women to know the welfare of Esther, and what is done with her.

Smith's Literal Translation
And in every day and day, Mordecai going about before the enclosure of the house of the women, to know the peace of Esther, and what will be done with her.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And he walked every day before the court of the house, in which the chosen virgins werre kept, having a care for Esther's welfare, and desiring to know what would befall her.

Catholic Public Domain Version
He went for a walk every day, in the front courtyard of the house in which the chosen virgins were kept, having concern for Esther’s welfare and wanting to know what would happen to her.

New American Bible
Day by day Mordecai would walk about in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was faring and what was to become of her.

New Revised Standard Version
Every day Mordecai would walk around in front of the court of the harem, to learn how Esther was and how she fared.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house to learn how Esther did and what should become of her.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And every day Murdacai was walking before the court of the women to know the account of Esthir and what was done for her.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what would become of her.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But Mardochaeus used to walk every day by the women's court, to see what would become of Esther.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Esther Finds Favor
10Esther did not reveal her people or her lineage, because Mordecai had instructed her not to do so. 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.…

Cross References
Esther 4:13-14
he sent back to her this reply: “Do not imagine that because you are in the king’s palace you alone will escape the fate of all the Jews. / For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Esther 3:5-6
When Haman saw that Mordecai would not bow down or pay him homage, he was filled with rage. / And when he learned the identity of Mordecai’s people, he scorned the notion of laying hands on Mordecai alone. Instead, he sought to destroy all of Mordecai’s people, the Jews, throughout the kingdom of Xerxes.

Esther 8:6
For how could I bear to see the disaster that would befall my people? How could I bear to see the destruction of my kindred?”

Esther 4:11
“All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the gold scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.”

Esther 5:1-2
On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. / As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

Esther 7:3-4
Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request. / For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.”

Esther 9:25
But when it came before the king, he commanded by letter that the wicked scheme which Haman had devised against the Jews should come back upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

Nehemiah 1:11
O Lord, may Your ear be attentive to my prayer and to the prayers of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success this day, I pray, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” (At that time I was the cupbearer to the king.)

Daniel 1:9
Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official,

Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.

Genesis 39:21
the LORD was with him and extended kindness to him, granting him favor in the eyes of the prison warden.

Philippians 4:6
Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.

Romans 8:28
And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.

1 Peter 5:7
Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you.

James 1:5
Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.


Treasury of Scripture

And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.

Mordecai.

walked.

Esther 2:13,14
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…

how Esther did.

Genesis 37:14
And he said to him, Go, I pray thee, see whether it be well with thy brethren, and well with the flocks; and bring me word again. So he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem.

1 Samuel 17:18
And carry these ten cheeses unto the captain of their thousand, and look how thy brethren fare, and take their pledge.

Acts 15:36
And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

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Court Courtyard Esther Fared Find Forth Front Harem House Learn Mordecai Mor'decai Square Walk Walked Walking Welfare Women Women's
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Court Courtyard Esther Fared Find Forth Front Harem House Learn Mordecai Mor'decai Square Walk Walked Walking Welfare Women Women's
Esther 2
1. Out of the choice of virgins a queen is to be chosen.
5. Mordecai the nursing father of Esther.
8. Esther preferred before the rest.
12. The manner of purification, and going in to the king.
15. Esther, best pleasing the king, is made queen.
21. Mordecai, discovering a treason, is recorded in the chronicles.














And every day Mordecai would walk back and forth
Mordecai's daily actions demonstrate his deep concern and vigilance for Esther's well-being. This phrase highlights his consistent dedication and protective nature. In the cultural context of ancient Persia, the harem was a secluded area, and access was restricted. Mordecai's persistent presence underscores his commitment and possibly his anxiety about Esther's situation. His actions can be seen as a reflection of God's providential care, as Mordecai is used to ensure Esther's safety and success.

in front of the court of the harem
The court of the harem was a place of seclusion where the king's concubines and wives resided. This setting emphasizes the separation between Esther and the outside world, including her family. The harem was a symbol of the king's wealth and power, and its security was paramount. Mordecai's position outside the court suggests his limited access but also his strategic placement to gather information. This reflects the broader theme of God's people living in exile, maintaining their identity and faithfulness amidst foreign influences.

to learn about Esther’s welfare
Mordecai's concern for Esther's welfare indicates the familial bond and responsibility he feels towards her. Esther, an orphan raised by Mordecai, is now in a vulnerable position within the royal harem. This phrase highlights the uncertainty and potential danger she faces. Mordecai's actions can be seen as a type of Christ, who cares for His people and intercedes on their behalf. The narrative foreshadows the protective and guiding role that God plays in the lives of His people.

and what was happening to her
This phrase suggests the unfolding of events beyond Mordecai's control, emphasizing the theme of divine providence. Esther's situation is precarious, and Mordecai's desire to know what is happening reflects the tension and suspense in the narrative. Historically, the selection process for a new queen was competitive and fraught with uncertainty. This mirrors the broader biblical theme of God's sovereignty, where He orchestrates events for the deliverance of His people, as seen in other scriptures like Joseph's rise to power in Egypt.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Mordecai
A Jew living in Susa, the capital of the Persian Empire. He is Esther's cousin and adoptive father, showing deep concern for her well-being.

2. Esther
A young Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia. She is in the harem as part of the king's search for a new queen.

3. The Courtyard of the Harem
The area where Mordecai would walk to gather news about Esther. It signifies his persistent care and vigilance.

4. Susa
The capital city of the Persian Empire, where the events of the Book of Esther take place.

5. The Harem
The place where Esther and other women were kept as part of the king's selection process for a new queen.
Teaching Points
Persistent Care and Vigilance
Mordecai's daily visits to the courtyard highlight the importance of consistent care and vigilance in our relationships. We are called to be attentive and proactive in supporting those we love.

God's Providence Through Human Actions
Mordecai's concern for Esther is a reminder that God often works through the actions of His people. Our seemingly small acts of care can be part of God's larger plan.

Trust in Uncertain Times
Mordecai's actions show trust in God's plan despite uncertainty. We are encouraged to trust God and act faithfully, even when we cannot see the outcome.

The Role of Family and Community
Mordecai's relationship with Esther underscores the importance of family and community support. We are called to be a source of strength and guidance for one another.(11) Mordecai walked . . .--Apparently he was one of the royal doorkeepers. (See Esther 2:21; Esther 5:13.)

Verse 11. - Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house. Mordecai seems to have been one of the porters at the main entrance to the palace, and his proper place was at the gateway. He contrived, however, during some part of each day to visit the court in front-of the seraglio, in order to see Esther, or at any rate obtain intelligence concerning her.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Every day
וּבְכָל־ (ū·ḇə·ḵāl)
Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

Mordecai
מָרְדֳּכַי֙ (mā·rə·do·ḵay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4782: Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther

walked back and forth
מִתְהַלֵּ֔ךְ (miṯ·hal·lêḵ)
Verb - Hitpael - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk

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

of the courtyard
חֲצַ֣ר (ḥă·ṣar)
Noun - common singular construct
Strong's 2691: A yard, a hamlet

of the harem
בֵּית־ (bêṯ-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

to learn
לָדַ֙עַת֙ (lā·ḏa·‘aṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 3045: To know

about
אֶת־ (’eṯ-)
Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

Esther's
אֶסְתֵּ֔ר (’es·têr)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 635: Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel

welfare
שְׁל֣וֹם (šə·lō·wm)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7965: Safe, well, happy, friendly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace

and what
וּמַה־ (ū·mah-)
Conjunctive waw | Interrogative
Strong's 4100: What?, what!, indefinitely what

was happening
יֵּעָשֶׂ֖ה (yê·‘ā·śeh)
Verb - Nifal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6213: To do, make

to her.
בָּֽהּ׃ (bāh)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew


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OT History: Esther 2:11 Mordecai walked every day in front (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 2:10
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