New International VersionWhen the king’s order and edict had been proclaimed, many young women were brought to the citadel of Susa and put under the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king’s palace and entrusted to Hegai, who had charge of the harem.
New Living TranslationAs a result of the king’s decree, Esther, along with many other young women, was brought to the king’s harem at the fortress of Susa and placed in Hegai’s care.
English Standard VersionSo when the king’s order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in Susa the citadel in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king’s palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women.
Berean Standard BibleWhen 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.
King James BibleSo it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
New King James VersionSo it was, when the king’s command and decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered at Shushan the citadel, under the custody of Hegai, that Esther also was taken to the king’s palace, into the care of Hegai the custodian of the women.
New American Standard BibleSo it came about, when the command and decree of the king were heard and many young ladies were gathered to the citadel of Susa into the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken to the king’s palace into the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the women.
NASB 1995So it came about when the command and decree of the king were heard and many young ladies were gathered to the citadel of Susa into the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken to the king’s palace into the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the women.
NASB 1977So it came about when the command and decree of the king were heard and many young ladies were gathered to Susa the capital into the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken to the king’s palace into the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the women.
Legacy Standard BibleNow it happened that when the word and law of the king were heard and many young ladies were gathered to the citadel of Susa into the hand of Hegai, that Esther was taken to the king’s house into the hand of Hegai, who kept charge of the women.
Amplified BibleSo it came about when the king’s command and his decree were proclaimed and when many young women were gathered together in the citadel of Susa into the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken to the king’s palace [and placed] in the custody of Hegai, who was in charge of the women.
Christian Standard BibleWhen the king’s command and edict became public knowledge and when many young women were gathered at the fortress of Susa under Hegai’s supervision, Esther was taken to the palace, into the supervision of Hegai, keeper of the women.
Holman Christian Standard BibleWhen the king’s command and edict became public knowledge, many young women gathered at the fortress of Susa under Hegai’s care. Esther was also taken to the palace and placed under the care of Hegai, who was in charge of the women.
American Standard VersionSo it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
Contemporary English VersionWhen the king ordered the search for beautiful women, many were taken to the king's palace in Susa, and Esther was one of them. Hegai was put in charge of all the women,
English Revised VersionSo it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen the king's announcement and decree were heard, many young women were gathered together and brought to the fortress of Susa. They were placed in the care of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the king's palace and placed in the care of Hegai, the guardian of the women.
Good News TranslationWhen the king had issued his new proclamation and many young women were being brought to Susa, Esther was among them. She too was put in the royal palace in the care of Hegai, who had charge of the harem.
International Standard VersionThe king's order and edict was proclaimed, and many young women were brought to Susa the capital under the care of Hegai. Esther was taken to the palace into the care of Hegai, who was in charge of the women.
NET BibleIt so happened that when the king's edict and his law became known many young women were taken to Susa the citadel to be placed under the authority of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the royal palace to be under the authority of Hegai, who was overseeing the women.
New Heart English BibleSo it happened, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to the citadel of Shushan, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
Webster's Bible TranslationSo it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree were heard, and when many maidens were assembled at Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also to the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleWhen 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.
World English BibleSo, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to the citadel of Susa, to the custody of Hegai, Esther was taken into the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd it comes to pass, in the word of the king, even his law, being heard, and in many young women being gathered to Shushan the palace, to the hand of Hegai, that Esther is taken to the house of the king, to the hand of Hegai, keeper of the women,
Young's Literal Translation And it cometh to pass, in the word of the king, even his law, being heard, and in many young women being gathered unto Shushan the palace, unto the hand of Hegai, that Esther is taken unto the house of the king, unto the hand of Hegai, keeper of the women,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd it will be in hearing the word of the king and his edict, and in the gathering together of the many maidens to Shushan the fortress, to the hand of Hegai, and Esther will be taken to the house of the king to the hand of Hegai watching the women. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when the king's ordinance was noised abroad, and according to his commandment many beautiful virgins were brought to Susan, and were delivered to Egeus the eunuch: Esther also among the rest of the maidens was delivered to him to be kept in the number of the women.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd when the king’s command became very well-known, in accordance with his command, many beautiful virgins were brought to Susa, and were delivered to Hegai the eunuch. Likewise, Esther, along with the other young women, was delivered to him, to be protected with the assembled women.
New American Bible
When the king’s order and decree had been proclaimed and many young women brought together to the royal precinct of Susa under the care of Hegai, Esther also was brought in to the royal palace under the care of Hegai, guardian of the women.
New Revised Standard Version
So when the king’s order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many young women were gathered in the citadel of Susa in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king’s palace and put in custody of Hegai, who had charge of the women.Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
So when the king's commandment and his decree were heard, and when many virgins were gathered together in Shushan the palace in the custody of Hegai, the eunuch, that Esther was brought also to the king's house to the custody of Hegai, the keeper of the women.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when the word of King was heard, and his command, and as many virgins were gathered to Shushan the Palace to Haggi, the Eunuch, Esthir also was led to the house of the King, to the Keeper of the women.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was published, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the castle, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was taken into the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
And because the king's ordinance was published, many damsels were gathered to the city Susa under the hand of Gai; and Esther was brought to Gai the keeper of the women.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Esther Finds Favor… 7And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah (that is, Esther), the daughter of his uncle, because she did not have a father or mother. The young woman was lovely in form and appearance, and when her father and mother had died, Mordecai had taken her in as his own daughter. 8Whenthe king’scommandand edicthad been proclaimed,manyyoung womengatheredatthe citadelof Susaunderthe careof Hegai.Estherwas also takentothe palaceand placed underthe careof Hegai,the custodianof 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.…
Cross References Esther 1:19-22So if it pleases the king, let him issue a royal decree, and let it be recorded in the laws of Persia and Media so that it cannot be repealed, that Vashti shall never again enter the presence of King Xerxes, and that her royal position shall be given to a woman better than she. / The edict the king issues will be heard throughout his vast kingdom—and so all women, from the least to the greatest, will honor their husbands.” / The king and his princes were pleased with this counsel; so the king did as Memucan advised. ...
Esther 3:13And the letters were sent by couriers to each of the royal provinces with the order to destroy, kill, and annihilate all the Jews—young and old, women and children—and to plunder their possessions on a single day, the thirteenth day of Adar, the twelfth month.
Esther 4:14For 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 8:8Now you may write in the king’s name as you please regarding the Jews, and seal it with the royal signet ring. For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked.”
Esther 9:1-2On the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, the month of Adar, the king’s command and edict were to be executed. On this day the enemies of the Jews had hoped to overpower them, but their plan was overturned and the Jews overpowered those who hated them. / In each of the provinces of King Xerxes, the Jews assembled in their cities to attack those who sought to harm them. No man could withstand them, because the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples.
Daniel 1:3-5Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, the chief of his court officials, to bring in some Israelites from the royal family and the nobility— / young men without blemish, handsome, gifted in all wisdom, knowledgeable, quick to understand, and qualified to serve in the king’s palace—and to teach them the language and literature of the Chaldeans. / The king assigned them daily provisions of the royal food and wine. They were to be trained for three years, after which they were to enter the king’s service.
Daniel 1:9Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official,
1 Samuel 16:10-13Thus Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel, but Samuel told him, “The LORD has not chosen any of these.” / And Samuel asked him, “Are these all the sons you have?” “There is still the youngest,” Jesse replied, “but he is tending the sheep.” “Send for him,” Samuel replied. “For we will not sit down to eat until he arrives.” / So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” ...
Genesis 41:14So Pharaoh sent for Joseph, who was quickly brought out of the dungeon. After he had shaved and changed his clothes, he went in before Pharaoh.
1 Kings 2:17Adonijah replied, “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.”
1 Kings 10:1-3Now 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.
2 Chronicles 9:1-2Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke with him about all that was on her mind. / And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for him to explain.
Proverbs 21:1The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.
Proverbs 31:10A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.
Isaiah 49:23Kings will be your foster fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They will bow to you facedown and lick the dust at your feet. Then you will know that I am the LORD; those who hope in Me will never be put to shame.”
Treasury of Scripture So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also to the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. Hegai. Esther 2:3 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 giventhem: Jump to Previous AssembledCastleChargeCitadelCommandCommandmentCustodyDecreeEstherGatheredHeardHegaiHouseKeeperKing'sMaidensPalacePublishedShushanSusaTogetherWomenJump to Next AssembledCastleChargeCitadelCommandCommandmentCustodyDecreeEstherGatheredHeardHegaiHouseKeeperKing'sMaidensPalacePublishedShushanSusaTogetherWomenEsther 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.When the king’s command and edict had been proclaimedThis phrase refers to the decree issued by King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) to gather young women for his harem after Queen Vashti was deposed. The king's command highlights the absolute authority of Persian monarchs, whose edicts were irrevocable ( Esther 1:19). This reflects the historical context of the Persian Empire, where royal decrees were binding and executed swiftly across the vast empire. many young women gathered at the citadel of Susa
Susa, one of the capitals of the Persian Empire, was a significant city both politically and administratively. The gathering of young women here underscores the centralized power of the Persian court. Archaeological findings have confirmed the grandeur of Susa, aligning with its depiction in the Book of Esther. The gathering of women from across the empire also illustrates the extensive reach of the king's command. under the care of Hegai
Hegai, a eunuch, was responsible for the women in the king's harem. Eunuchs often held positions of trust in ancient royal courts due to their perceived loyalty and inability to establish their own dynasties. This role of Hegai is consistent with historical practices in Persian and other ancient Near Eastern courts, where eunuchs managed royal harems. Esther was also taken to the palace
Esther's inclusion among the young women taken to the palace marks the beginning of her journey from obscurity to prominence. Her Jewish identity, initially hidden, becomes central to the narrative. This phrase foreshadows her future role in God's providential plan to save her people, drawing parallels to Joseph's rise in Egypt (Genesis 41:41-43). and placed under the care of Hegai, the custodian of the women
The repetition of Hegai's role emphasizes the structured and hierarchical nature of the Persian court. Esther's placement under Hegai's care signifies her entry into a world of political intrigue and divine purpose. This setting provides a backdrop for God's unseen hand at work, as Esther finds favor with Hegai, reminiscent of Daniel's favor in Babylon (Daniel 1:9). Persons / Places / Events 1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)The Persian king who issued the command to gather young women for his harem. 2. Esther (Hadassah)A Jewish orphan who was taken to the king's palace and later became queen. 3. HegaiThe eunuch in charge of the king's harem, responsible for the care and preparation of the women. 4. Citadel of SusaThe royal palace complex where the events took place, located in the Persian Empire. 5. The King's Command and EdictThe royal decree to gather young women for the king's selection of a new queen. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Unlikely CircumstancesEven in situations that seem beyond our control, God is at work. Esther's placement in the palace was not by chance but part of God's divine plan. Favor and PreparationEsther found favor with Hegai, which was crucial for her future role. This reminds us that God prepares and equips us for His purposes, often through the favor of others. Courage and ObedienceEsther's willingness to go to the palace, despite the uncertainty, demonstrates courage and obedience. We are called to trust and obey God, even when the path is unclear. Identity and PurposeEsther's Jewish identity was initially hidden, yet it became central to her purpose. Our identity in Christ is foundational to fulfilling God's calling in our lives. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Esther 2:8?
2.How does Esther 2:8 demonstrate God's providence in Esther's life?
3.What can we learn from Esther's obedience and humility in Esther 2:8?
4.How does Esther 2:8 connect to Romans 8:28 about God's purpose?
5.In what ways can we trust God's plan when facing uncertain situations?
6.How can Esther's example inspire us to serve faithfully in our roles?
7.Why was Esther taken to the king's palace in Esther 2:8?
8.How does Esther 2:8 reflect God's sovereignty in difficult circumstances?
9.What cultural practices are highlighted in Esther 2:8?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 2?
11.Why does the Book of Esther lack references to known historical Persian rulers?
12.Where is God's presence in the Book of Esther?
13.How do we reconcile Esther 4:14's mention of deliverance with the absence of God's name throughout the book?
14.Esther 5:2 - Does the king's death-penalty-for-approach truly align with known Persian court laws?What Does Esther 2:8 Mean When the king’s command and edict had been proclaimed• Xerxes’ decree (Esther 2:2–4) had the force of Persian law, similar to the unalterable edict inEsther 1:19 and the irrevocable order inDaniel 6:8–9. • The passage underscores God’s sovereignty over the decisions of earthly rulers (Proverbs 21:1). What seemed like a purely political act was woven into God’s plan to raise up a deliverer for His people (Psalm 33:10–11).
Many young women gathered at the citadel of Susa under the care of Hegai• The search was empire-wide, gathering “many young women,” reflecting the vastness of Xerxes’ domain (Esther 1:1). • Hegai, a trusted official of the harem, managed their preparation, foreshadowing how God would place Esther where she needed to be (Esther 2:9). • Even in a pagan palace, God was preserving a remnant, much as He did for Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 45:7) and Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 1:9).
Esther was also taken to the palace• “Taken” highlights Esther’s lack of control, yet God was guiding her steps (Psalm 37:23;Romans 8:28). • Her Jewish identity was hidden for now (Esther 2:10), echoing Moses’ early life in Pharaoh’s palace (Exodus 2:9–10) until God’s appointed moment. • The text reminds believers that circumstances beyond our choosing can be divinely orchestrated for future deliverance (Philippians 1:12).
Placed under the care of Hegai, the custodian of the women• By God’s providence Esther found favor with this official (Esther 2:15), paralleling Joseph’s favor with Potiphar and the prison warden (Genesis 39:4, 21). • Hegai’s oversight ensured Esther received the best preparation (Esther 2:9), illustrating how God equips His servants before strategic moments (Ephesians 2:10). • The repetition of Hegai’s role stresses protection and provision in an unfamiliar environment—an Old Testament echo of the promise inPsalm 91:1, “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.”
summaryEsther 2:8 records more than palace protocol; it reveals God’s unseen hand directing royal decrees, shaping circumstances, and positioning His chosen servant. Though Esther had no control over being gathered, taken, and entrusted to Hegai, each step was guided by the Lord to place her exactly where she would one day intercede for her people. The verse encourages believers to trust God’s sovereignty in every situation, confident that He weaves even the actions of earthly powers into His redemptive plan. Verse 8. - His decree. Literally, "his law" - the same word as that which occurs in the phrase "the law of the Medes and Persians, which altereth not" ( Daniel 6:8, 12, etc.). Hegai. The "Hege" of ver. 3. Slight differences in the mode of spelling names were common at this period. Esther was brought. Some have rendered, "was forcibly brought;" and in the second Targum on Esther there is a story that Mordecai concealed her to prevent her from becoming an inmate of the royal harem, and that the king's authority was invoked to force him to give her up; but the Hebrew word translated "was brought" does not contain any idea of violence; and the Persian Jews probably saw no disgrace, but rather honour, in one of their nation becoming even a secondary wife to the great king.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew Whenוַיְהִ֗י(way·hî)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, bethe king’sהַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingcommandדְּבַר־(də·ḇar-)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1697:A word, a matter, thing, a causeand edictוְדָת֔וֹ(wə·ḏā·ṯōw)Conjunctive waw | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1881:A royal edict, statutehad been proclaimed,בְּהִשָּׁמַ֤ע(bə·hiš·šā·ma‘)Preposition-b | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 8085:To hear intelligentlymanyרַבּ֛וֹת(rab·bō·wṯ)Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 7227:Much, many, greatyoung womenנְעָר֥וֹת(nə·‘ā·rō·wṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5291:A girl, maidengatheredוּֽבְהִקָּבֵ֞ץ(ū·ḇə·hiq·qā·ḇêṣ)Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 6908:To gather, collectatאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe citadelהַבִּירָ֖ה(hab·bî·rāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 1002:A castle, palaceof Susaשׁוּשַׁ֥ן(šū·šan)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 7800:Susa -- residence of person kingsunderאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe careיַ֣ד(yaḏ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027:A handof Hegai.הֵגָ֑י(hê·ḡāy)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1896:Hege -- HegaiEstherאֶסְתֵּר֙(’es·têr)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 635:Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israelwas also takenוַתִּלָּקַ֤ח(wat·til·lā·qaḥ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3947:To taketoאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe palaceבֵּ֣ית(bêṯ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004:A houseand placed underאֶל־(’el-)Preposition
Strong's 413:Near, with, among, tothe careיַ֥ד(yaḏ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3027:A handof Hegai,הֵגַ֖י(hê·ḡay)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 1896:Hege -- Hegaithe custodianשֹׁמֵ֥ר(šō·mêr)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 8104:To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend toof the women.הַנָּשִֽׁים׃(han·nā·šîm)Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 802:Woman, wife, female
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OT History: Esther 2:8 So it happened when the king's commandment (Est Esth. Es) |
