Esther 2:15 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.

◄ Esther 2:15 ►

New International Version
When the turn came for Esther (the young woman Mordecai had adopted, the daughter of his uncle Abihail) to go to the king, she asked for nothing other than what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the harem, suggested. And Esther won the favor of everyone who saw her.

New Living Translation
Esther was the daughter of Abihail, who was Mordecai’s uncle. (Mordecai had adopted his younger cousin Esther.) When it was Esther’s turn to go to the king, she accepted the advice of Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem. She asked for nothing except what he suggested, and she was admired by everyone who saw her.

English Standard Version
When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king’s eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

New King James Version
Now when the turn came for Esther the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the custodian of the women, advised. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all who saw her.

New American Standard Bible
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai who had taken her as his daughter, came to go in to the king, she did not request anything except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the women, advised. And Esther was finding favor in the eyes of all who saw her.

NASB 1995
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai who had taken her as his daughter, came to go in to the king, she did not request anything except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the women, advised. And Esther found favor in the eyes of all who saw her.

NASB 1977
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai who had taken her as his daughter, came to go in to the king, she did not request anything except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who was in charge of the women, advised. And Esther found favor in the eyes of all who saw her.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now when it reached the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she did not seek anything except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch who kept charge of the women, said. And Esther advanced in favor in the eyes of all who saw her.

Amplified Bible
Now as for Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai who had taken her in as his [own] daughter, when her turn came to go in to the king, she requested nothing except what Hegai the king’s eunuch [and attendant] who was in charge of the women, advised. And Esther found favor in the sight of all who saw her.

Christian Standard Bible
Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai who had adopted her as his own daughter. When her turn came to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch, keeper of the women, suggested. Esther gained favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai who had adopted her as his own daughter. When her turn came to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s trusted official in charge of the harem, suggested. Esther won approval in the sight of everyone who saw her.

American Standard Version
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

English Revised Version
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
(Esther was the daughter of Abihail, Mordecai's uncle. Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter.) When Esther's turn came to go to the king, she asked only for what the king's eunuch Hegai, the guardian of the women, advised. Everyone who saw Esther liked her.

Good News Translation
The time came for Esther to go to the king. Esther--the daughter of Abihail and the cousin of Mordecai, who had adopted her as his daughter; Esther--admired by everyone who saw her. When her turn came, she wore just what Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the harem, advised her to wear.

International Standard Version
Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, who had been Mordecai's uncle. Mordecai had taken Esther in as his own daughter. When her turn came to go in to the king, she did not want anything except what Hegai, the king's eunuch in charge of the harem, advised. Esther found favor with everyone who saw her.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
When it became the turn of Esther daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai (who had raised her as if she were his own daughter) to go to the king, she did not request anything except what Hegai the king's eunuch, who was overseer of the women, had recommended. Yet Esther met with the approval of all who saw her.

New Heart English Bible
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the keeper of the women, advised. Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who looked at her.

Webster's Bible Translation
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, had come to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

World English Bible
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the keeper of the women, advised. Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who looked at her.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
And in the drawing near of the turn of Esther—daughter of Abihail, uncle of Mordecai, whom he had taken to himself for a daughter—to come in to the king, she has not sought a thing except that which Hegai eunuch of the king, keeper of the women, says, and Esther is receiving grace in the eyes of all seeing her.

Young's Literal Translation
And in the drawing nigh of the turn of Esther -- daughter of Abihail, uncle of Mordecai, whom he had taken to him for a daughter -- to come in unto the king, she hath not sought a thing except that which Hegai eunuch of the king, keeper of the women, saith, and Esther is receiving grace in the eyes of all seeing her.

Smith's Literal Translation
And in the coming of the turn of Esther the daughter of Abihail, uncle of Mordecai, which he took to him for a daughter, to go in to the king, she sought not a word except what Hegai the king's eunuch watching the women shall say. And Esther will be taking up favor in the eyes of all seeing her.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And as the time came orderly about, the day was at hand, when Esther, the daughter of Abihail the brother of Mardochai, whom he had adopted for his daughter, was to go in to the king. But she sought not women's ornaments, but whatsoever Egeus the eunuch the keeper of the virgins had a mind, he gave her to adorn her. For she was exceeding fair, and her incredible beauty made her appear agreeable and amiable in the eyes of all.

Catholic Public Domain Version
But, as the order continued to progress, the day arrived when Esther, the daughter of Abihail the brother of Mordecai, whom he had adopted as his daughter, was required to go in to the king. She did not seek feminine ornaments, except that whatever Hegai the eunuch and keeper of the virgins chose, he gave her to adorn her. For she was very attractive, and her incredible beauty made her appear gracious and amiable in the eyes of all.

New American Bible
As for Esther, daughter of Abihail and adopted daughter of his nephew Mordecai, when her turn came to visit the king, she did not ask for anything but what the royal eunuch Hegai, guardian of the women, suggested. And she won the admiration of all who saw her.

New Revised Standard Version
When the turn came for Esther daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had adopted her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king’s eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised. Now Esther was admired by all who saw her.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in before the king, she asked for nothing but what Hegai the king's eunuch, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who saw her.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when the time of Esthir, daughter of Abikhel, paternal uncle of Murdacai, who took her to himself as a daughter, arrived to enter in front of the King, she did not ask for anything but what Haggi the Eunuch Keeper of the women said, and Esthir received favor in the eyes of all who saw her.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And when the time. was fulfilled for Esther the daughter of Aminadab the brother of Mardochaeus' father to go in to the king, she neglected nothing which the chamberlain, the women's keeper, commanded; for Esther found grace in the sight of all that looked upon her.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Esther Finds Favor
…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. 16She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal palace in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

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

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

1 Samuel 16:22
Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”

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

Ruth 2:2
And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Please let me go into the fields and glean heads of grain after someone in whose sight I may find favor.” “Go ahead, my daughter,” Naomi replied.

1 Peter 3:3-4
Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair or gold jewelry or fine clothes, / but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

1 Samuel 2:26
And the boy Samuel continued to grow in stature and in favor with the LORD and with man.

1 Timothy 2:9-10
Likewise, I want the women to adorn themselves with respectable apparel, with modesty, and with self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or expensive clothes, / but with good deeds, as is proper for women who profess to worship God.

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 Peter 2:12
Conduct yourselves with such honor among the Gentiles that, though they slander you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day He visits us.

2 Corinthians 8:21
For we are taking great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of men.

Proverbs 3:3-4
Never let loving devotion or faithfulness leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. / Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.

Luke 2:52
And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.

Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think on these things.

1 Corinthians 15:10
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.

Treasury of Scripture

Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all them that looked on her.

who had taken.

Esther 2:7
And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter.

Esther.

Song of Solomon 6:9
My dove, my undefiled is but one; she is the only one of her mother, she is the choice one of her that bare her. The daughters saw her, and blessed her; yea, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her.

Song of Solomon 8:10
I am a wall, and my breasts like towers: then was I in his eyes as one that found favour.

Acts 7:10
And delivered him out of all his afflictions, and gave him favour and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt; and he made him governor over Egypt and all his house.

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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.

Berean Study Bible

Now Esther
The name "Esther" is derived from the Persian word for "star," and it is also related to the Hebrew word "Hadassah," meaning "myrtle." The myrtle tree is a symbol of peace and thanksgiving in Jewish tradition. Esther's dual names reflect her unique position as a Jewish woman in a Persian court, embodying both her cultural heritage and her role in a foreign land. Her account is a testament to God's providence and the way He uses individuals to fulfill His purposes.

was the daughter of Abihail
Abihail, meaning "my father is might," signifies the strength and heritage from which Esther comes. Although her parents are not central figures in the narrative, their mention underscores the importance of lineage and identity in Jewish culture. Esther's connection to Abihail roots her in a legacy of faith and courage, which she embodies throughout the story.

the uncle of Mordecai
Mordecai, whose name may be derived from the Babylonian god Marduk, is a pivotal figure in Esther's life. As her cousin and adoptive father, Mordecai represents the Jewish community's resilience and faithfulness. His guidance and wisdom are instrumental in Esther's development and her eventual role as a savior of her people.

who had adopted her as his own daughter
The act of adoption here is significant, highlighting themes of family, loyalty, and divine orchestration. Mordecai's adoption of Esther is a reflection of God's adoption of His people, providing care, protection, and purpose. This relationship sets the stage for Esther's rise to prominence and her ability to influence the king.

When her turn came to go to the king
This phrase marks a pivotal moment in Esther's life, a transition from obscurity to influence. The timing of events in the Book of Esther is a recurring theme, emphasizing God's sovereignty and perfect timing. Esther's preparation and her moment before the king are orchestrated by divine providence, underscoring the belief that God is in control of history.

she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the harem, had recommended
Esther's humility and wisdom are evident in her decision to rely on Hegai's guidance. Hegai, as the king's eunuch, had insight into what would please the king, and Esther's trust in his advice demonstrates her discernment and strategic thinking. This choice reflects a deeper spiritual truth about reliance on God's wisdom rather than human understanding.

And Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her
The favor Esther receives is a recurring theme in her story, symbolizing God's grace and blessing upon her life. This favor is not merely human admiration but a divine endorsement of her mission. Esther's beauty and character win the hearts of those around her, preparing the way for her to fulfill her God-given purpose in saving her people.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 15. - Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai. Literally, "the paternal uncle," or "father's brother." The genealogy may be thus exhibited: - Kish —> Shimei —> {(Jair—>Abihail) (Mordecai—>Esther)} Who had taken her for his daughter (see the comment on ver. 7). She required nothing, etc. Esther would not trust to the extraneous and adventitious beauty of dress or ornaments, or at any rate would give herself no trouble about such things. If she succeeded, it should be without effort. Hegai might dress her as he pleased. She left all to him. Esther obtained favour, etc. Either this is intended as a general assertion - "No one could ever see Esther without admiring her and feeling favourably disposed towards her," - or it has special reference to the particular occasion - "No one who saw Esther on this evening but admired her and felt well disposed towards her."

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

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

[was] the daughter
בַּת־ (baṯ-)
Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 1323: A daughter

of Abihail,
אֲבִיחַ֣יִל (’ă·ḇî·ḥa·yil)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 32: Abihail -- 'my father is might', an Israelite name

the uncle
דֹּ֣ד (dōḏ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1730: To love, a love-token, lover, friend, an uncle

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

had adopted
לָקַֽח־ (lā·qaḥ-)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

her
ל֨וֹ (lōw)
Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's Hebrew

as his own daughter.
לְבַ֜ת (lə·ḇaṯ)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1323: A daughter

And when it was her turn
תֹּר־ (tōr-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8447: A succession, a string, order

to go
לָב֣וֹא (lā·ḇō·w)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

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

she did not
לֹ֤א (lō)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

ask for
בִקְשָׁה֙ (ḇiq·šāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

anything
דָּבָ֔ר (dā·ḇār)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 1697: A word, a matter, thing, a cause

except
כִּ֠י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

what
אֲשֶׁ֥ר (’ă·šer)
Pronoun - relative
Strong's 834: Who, which, what, that, when, where, how, because, in order that

Hegai,
הֵגַ֥י (hê·ḡay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1896: Hege -- Hegai

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

trusted official
סְרִיס־ (sə·rîs-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 5631: A eunuch, valet, a minister of state

in charge of
שֹׁמֵ֣ר (šō·mêr)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

the harem,
הַנָּשִׁ֑ים (han·nā·šîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

had advised.
יֹאמַ֛ר (yō·mar)
Verb - Qal - Imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 559: To utter, say

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

found
נֹשֵׂ֣את (nō·śêṯ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular construct
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

favor
חֵ֔ן (ḥên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2580: Graciousness, subjective, objective

in the eyes
בְּעֵינֵ֖י (bə·‘ê·nê)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

of everyone
כָּל־ (kāl-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

who saw her.
רֹאֶֽיהָ׃ (rō·’e·hā)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7200: To see

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OT History: Esther 2:15 Now when the turn of Esther (Est Esth. Es)