Esther 2:9 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.

◄ Esther 2:9 ►

New International Version
She pleased him and won his favor. Immediately he provided her with her beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven female attendants selected from the king’s palace and moved her and her attendants into the best place in the harem.

New Living Translation
Hegai was very impressed with Esther and treated her kindly. He quickly ordered a special menu for her and provided her with beauty treatments. He also assigned her seven maids specially chosen from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maids into the best place in the harem.

English Standard Version
And the young woman pleased him and won his favor. And he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her portion of food, and with seven chosen young women from the king’s palace, and advanced her and her young women to the best place in the harem.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids unto the best place of the house of the women.

New King James Version
Now the young woman pleased him, and she obtained his favor; so he readily gave beauty preparations to her, besides her allowance. Then seven choice maidservants were provided for her from the king’s palace, and he moved her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women.

New American Standard Bible
Now the young lady pleased him and found favor with him. So he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and food, gave her seven choice female attendants from the king’s palace, and transferred her and her attendants to the best place in the harem.

NASB 1995
Now the young lady pleased him and found favor with him. So he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and food, gave her seven choice maids from the king’s palace and transferred her and her maids to the best place in the harem.

NASB 1977
Now the young lady pleased him and found favor with him. So he quickly provided her with her cosmetics and food, gave her seven choice maids from the king’s palace, and transferred her and her maids to the best place in the harem.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the young lady was good in his eyes, and she advanced in lovingkindness before him. So he hurried to give her cosmetics and portions of food to her, and to give to her seven choice young women from the king’s house. And he transferred her and her young women to the best place in the harem.

Amplified Bible
Now the young woman pleased Hegai and found favor with him. So he quickly provided her with beauty preparations and her [portion of] food, and he gave her seven choice maids from the king’s palace; then he transferred her and her maids to the best place in the harem.

Christian Standard Bible
The young woman pleased him and gained his favor so that he accelerated the process of the beauty treatments and the special diet that she received. He assigned seven hand-picked female servants to her from the palace and transferred her and her servants to the harem’s best quarters.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The young woman pleased him and gained his favor so that he accelerated the process of the beauty treatments and the special diet that she received. He assigned seven hand-picked female servants to her from the palace and transferred her and her servants to the harem’s best quarters.

American Standard Version
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with her portions, and the seven maidens who were meet to be given her out of the king's house: and he removed her and her maidens to the best place of the house of the women.

Contemporary English Version
and from the first day, Esther was his favorite. He began her beauty treatments at once. He also gave her plenty of food and seven special maids from the king's palace, and they had the best rooms.

English Revised Version
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with her portions, and the seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he removed her and her maidens to the best place of the house of the women.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
The young woman pleased him and won his affection. So he immediately provided her with the beauty treatment, a daily supply of food, and seven suitable female servants from the king's palace. Then he moved her and her servants to the best place in the women's quarters.

Good News Translation
Hegai liked Esther, and she won his favor. He lost no time in beginning her beauty treatment of massage and special diet. He gave her the best place in the harem and assigned seven young women specially chosen from the royal palace to serve her.

International Standard Version
The young woman pleased him and gained his favor. He quickly provided her beauty treatments and gave her portions of food to her. He also assigned her seven suitable young women from the palace and transferred her and her young women to the best place in the harem.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
This young woman pleased him, and she found favor with him. He quickly provided her with her cosmetics and her rations; he also provided her with the seven specially chosen young women who were from the palace. He then transferred her and her young women to the best quarters in the harem.

New Heart English Bible
The maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him. He quickly gave her cosmetics and her portions of food, and the seven choice maidens who were to be given her out of the king's house. He moved her and her maidens to the best place in the women's house.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens who were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids to the best place of the house of the women.

World English Bible
The maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him. He quickly gave her cosmetics and her portions of food, and the seven choice maidens who were to be given her out of the king’s house. He moved her and her maidens to the best place in the women’s house.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and the young woman is good in his eyes, and she receives kindness before him, and he hurries her purifications and her portions—to give to her, and the seven young women who are provided—to give to her, from the house of the king, and he changes her and her young women to a good [place in] the house of the women.

Young's Literal Translation
and the young woman is good in his eyes, and she receiveth kindness before him, and he hasteneth her purifications and her portions -- to give to her, and the seven young women who are provided -- to give to her, from the house of the king, and he changeth her and her young women to a good place in the house of the women.

Smith's Literal Translation
And the maiden will be good in his eyes, and she will receive mercy before him; and he will hasten her purifications, and to give her portion to her, and to give to her seven chosen maidens from the house of the king: and he will change her and her maidens for good to the house of the women.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And she pleased him, and found favour in his sight. And he commanded the eunuch to hasten the women's ornaments, and to deliver to her her part, and seven of the most beautiful maidens of the king's house, and to adorn and deck out both her and her waiting maids.

Catholic Public Domain Version
She was pleasing to him, and she found favor in his sight. And he commanded a eunuch to hasten the women’s ornaments, and to deliver her share to her, along with seven of the most beautiful young women of the king’s house, so as to both adorn and honor her and her handmaids.

New American Bible
The young woman pleased him and won his favor. So he promptly furnished her with cosmetics and provisions. Then choosing seven maids for her from the royal palace, he transferred both her and her maids to the best place in the harem.

New Revised Standard Version
The girl pleased him and won his favor, and he quickly provided her with her cosmetic treatments and her portion of food, and with seven chosen maids from the king’s palace, and advanced her and her maids to the best place in the harem.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained favor of him; and he speedily gave her things for purification, such things which were her portion, and seven maidens who were worthy to be given her from the king's house; and he preferred her and her maidens much more than all the other women.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the girl was pleasing in his eyes, and she received favor before him, and he hurried to give her gown to her and her portion, and seven Maidens who were worthy to give to her from the house of the King, and he distinguished her and her Maidens above all the women.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her ointments, with her portions, and the seven maidens, who were meet to be given her out of the king's house; and he advanced her and her maidens to the best place in the house of the women.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the damsel pleased him, and she found favour in his sight; and he hasted to give her the things for purification, and her portion, and the seven maidens appointed her out of the palace: and he treated her and her maidens well in the women's apartment.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Esther Finds Favor
…8When 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. 9And 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. 10Esther did not reveal her people or her lineage, because Mordecai had instructed her not to do so.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Genesis 39:4
Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned.

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

Nehemiah 2:8
And may I have a letter to Asaph, keeper of the king’s forest, so that he will give me timber to make beams for the gates of the citadel to the temple, for the city wall, and for the house I will occupy.” And because the gracious hand of my God was upon me, the king granted my requests.

Proverbs 3:4
Then you will find favor and high regard in the sight of God and man.

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

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

1 Kings 10:24
The whole world sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.

Acts 7:10
and rescued him from all his troubles. He granted Joseph favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh king of Egypt, who appointed him ruler over Egypt and all his household.

Ruth 2:13
“My lord,” she said, “may I continue to find favor in your eyes, for you have comforted and spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your servant girls.”

1 Peter 3:4
but from the inner disposition of your heart, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in God’s sight.

Genesis 18:3
“My lord,” said Abraham, “if I have found favor in your sight, please do not pass your servant by.

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

Proverbs 16:7
When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.

2 Chronicles 9:23
All the kings of the earth sought an audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom that God had put in his heart.

Acts 2:47
praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

Treasury of Scripture

And the maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him; and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidens, which were meet to be given her, out of the king's house: and he preferred her and her maids to the best place of the house of the women.

she obtained.

Genesis 39:21
But the LORD was with Joseph, and shewed him mercy, and gave him favour in the sight of the keeper of the prison.

1 Kings 8:50
And forgive thy people that have sinned against thee, and all their transgressions wherein they have transgressed against thee, and give them compassion before them who carried them captive, that they may have compassion on them:

Ezra 7:6
This Ezra went up from Babylon; and he was a ready scribe in the law of Moses, which the LORD God of Israel had given: and the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the LORD his God upon him.

her her things.

Esther 2:3,12
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: …

such things.

Jump to Previous

Advanced Belonged Best Choice Cosmetics Food House Kindness King's Lady Maiden Maidens Maids Meet Moved Obtained Ointments Pleased Portions Preferred Purification Quickly Seven Speedily Women Women's Young

Jump to Next

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

And the girl pleased him
The phrase "pleased him" indicates a favorable impression that Esther made on Hegai, the custodian of the women. The Hebrew root word here is "yatab," which means to be good, pleasing, or well. This suggests that Esther's demeanor, character, or perhaps even divine favor, made her stand out. In a historical context, this favor is significant as it sets the stage for Esther's rise in a foreign court, highlighting God's providence and the unfolding of His plan through seemingly ordinary events.

and gained his favor
"Gained his favor" is a critical phrase that underscores the divine orchestration in Esther's life. The Hebrew word "chesed" often translated as "favor" or "loving-kindness," implies a deeper, covenantal love and mercy. This favor is not merely human preference but suggests a divine intervention where God inclines the hearts of others towards His chosen instruments. In the broader scriptural context, this reflects the theme of God's sovereignty and grace working through human affairs.

So he quickly provided her
The word "quickly" indicates urgency and eagerness in Hegai's actions. The Hebrew root "mahar" conveys a sense of haste, suggesting that Hegai was not only impressed but also motivated to act swiftly on Esther's behalf. This rapid provision can be seen as a reflection of God's timely intervention, ensuring that Esther is prepared for her future role in saving her people.

with beauty treatments and special food
"Beauty treatments" and "special food" refer to the preparations necessary for a woman to be presented to the king. The Hebrew term for "beauty treatments" is "tamruq," which involves purification and adornment processes. This preparation is symbolic of the spiritual and physical readiness required for a significant calling. The "special food" indicates nourishment that sets Esther apart, possibly reflecting the favor and provision of God in her life, ensuring she is equipped for her destiny.

He assigned to her seven chosen maidens
The number "seven" in biblical terms often symbolizes completeness or perfection. The assignment of "seven chosen maidens" suggests a fullness of support and resources provided to Esther. This provision can be seen as God's perfect arrangement, ensuring Esther is surrounded by the necessary support system. Historically, this also reflects the opulence and structure of the Persian court, where such arrangements were a sign of honor and status.

from the king’s palace
The phrase "from the king’s palace" indicates the origin of the maidens, emphasizing their quality and the honor bestowed upon Esther. Being from the palace suggests that these maidens were well-trained and accustomed to royal protocols, further highlighting the special favor Esther received. This detail underscores the theme of divine elevation from humble beginnings to a place of influence and authority.

and moved her and her maids to the best place in the harem
"Moved her and her maids to the best place" signifies a strategic positioning within the harem. The "best place" implies a place of prominence and favor, setting Esther apart from the other women. This relocation is a physical manifestation of the favor she has found, both with Hegai and ultimately with God. In a broader theological context, it reflects the biblical theme of God positioning His people for His purposes, often in ways that are beyond human understanding or expectation.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(9) Obtained kindness of him.--This is the same phrase as that which is rendered "obtained favour in his sight" in Esther 2:17.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 9. - The maiden pleased him. Literally, "was good in his eyes," the same expression as that which occurs in Esther 1:21. And she obtained kindness of him. This is a phrase peculiar to the Book of Esther, and a favourite one with the author (see vers. 15, 17; and Esther 5:2). It is better translated "she obtained favour" (as in all the other places where it occurs) than "she obtained kindness," though the latter translation is more literal. Her things for purification. See ver. 12. With such things as belonged to her. Literally, as in the margin, "with her portions" - by which is probably meant her daily allowance of food. And seven maidens. Rather, "and her seven maidens." It is implied that each virgin had seven female attendants assigned to her. Meet to be given her. It was in this point that the "favour" or "kindness of Hegel was shown. He selected for her use the most suitable of the attendants.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

And the young woman
הַנַּעֲרָ֣ה (han·na·‘ă·rāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 5291: A girl, maiden

pleased him
וַתִּיטַ֨ב (wat·tî·ṭaḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3190: To be good, well, glad, or pleasing

and obtained
וַתִּשָּׂ֣א (wat·tiś·śā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

his
לְפָנָיו֒ (lə·p̄ā·nāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

favor,
חֶ֣סֶד (ḥe·seḏ)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

so he quickly
וַ֠יְבַהֵל (way·ḇa·hêl)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 926: To tremble inwardly, be, alarmed, agitated, to hasten anxiously

provided her
לָתֵ֣ת (lā·ṯêṯ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

with beauty treatments
תַּמְרוּקֶ֤יהָ (tam·rū·qe·hā)
Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8562: A scouring, soap, perfumery for, the bath, a detergent

and the special diet.
מָנוֹתֶ֙הָ֙ (mā·nō·w·ṯe·hā)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4490: Something weighed out, a division, a ration, a lot

He assigned
לָֽתֶת־ (lā·ṯeṯ-)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 5414: To give, put, set

to her
לָ֖הּ (lāh)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's Hebrew

seven
שֶׁ֣בַע (še·ḇa‘)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

select
הָרְאֻי֥וֹת (hā·rə·’u·yō·wṯ)
Article | Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - feminine plural
Strong's 7200: To see

maidservants
הַנְּעָר֔וֹת (han·nə·‘ā·rō·wṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5291: A girl, maiden

from the palace
מִבֵּ֣ית (mib·bêṯ)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

and transferred her
וַיְשַׁנֶּ֧הָ (way·šan·ne·hā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 8138: To fold, duplicate, to transmute

with them
נַעֲרוֹתֶ֛יהָ (na·‘ă·rō·w·ṯe·hā)
Noun - feminine plural construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5291: A girl, maiden

to the best
לְט֖וֹב (lə·ṭō·wḇ)
Preposition-l | Adjective - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2896: Pleasant, agreeable, good

place in the harem.
בֵּ֥ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

Links

Esther 2:9 NIV
Esther 2:9 NLT
Esther 2:9 ESV
Esther 2:9 NASB
Esther 2:9 KJV

Esther 2:9 BibleApps.com
Esther 2:9 Biblia Paralela
Esther 2:9 Chinese Bible
Esther 2:9 French Bible
Esther 2:9 Catholic Bible

OT History: Esther 2:9 The maiden pleased him and she obtained (Est Esth. Es)