New International VersionWhen he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.
New Living TranslationWhen he saw Queen Esther standing there in the inner court, he welcomed her and held out the gold scepter to her. So Esther approached and touched the end of the scepter.
English Standard VersionAnd when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.
Berean Standard BibleAs 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.
King James BibleAnd it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
New King James VersionSo it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter.
New American Standard BibleWhen the king saw Esther the queen standing in the courtyard, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter.
NASB 1995When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter.
NASB 1977And it happened when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter.
Legacy Standard BibleNow it happened that when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she advanced in favor in his eyes; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and reached out and touched the top of the scepter.
Amplified BibleWhen the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she found favor in his sight; and the king extended to her the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter.
Christian Standard BibleAs soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she gained favor with him. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.
Holman Christian Standard BibleAs soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she won his approval. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.”
American Standard VersionAnd it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
Contemporary English VersionHe was happy to see Esther, and he held out the gold scepter to her. When Esther came up and touched the tip of the scepter,
English Revised VersionAnd it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationWhen the king saw Queen Esther standing in the entrance, she won his favor. So the king held out the golden scepter that was in his hand to Esther. Esther went up to him and touched the top of the scepter.
Good News TranslationWhen the king saw Queen Esther standing outside, she won his favor, and he held out to her the gold scepter. She then came up and touched the tip of it.
International Standard VersionWhen the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she won his favor, and the king extended to Esther the gold scepter that he was holding. Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter.
NET BibleWhen the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she met with his approval. The king extended to Esther the gold scepter that was in his hand, and Esther approached and touched the end of the scepter.
New Heart English BibleWhen the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther came near, and touched the top of the scepter.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAs 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.
World English BibleWhen the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand it comes to pass, at the king’s seeing Esther the queen standing in the court, she has received grace in his eyes, and the king holds out to Esther the golden scepter that [is] in his hand, and Esther draws near, and touches the top of the scepter.
Young's Literal Translation and it cometh to pass, at the king's seeing Esther the queen standing in the court, she hath received grace in his eyes, and the king holdeth out to Esther the golden sceptre that is in his hand, and Esther draweth near, and toucheth the top of the sceptre.
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd it will be when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the enclosure, she received favor in his eyes: and the king will stretch out to Esther the sceptre of gold which is in his hand: and Esther will draw near and touch upon the head of the sceptre. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when he saw Esther the queen standing, she pleased his eyes, and he held out toward her the golden sceptre, which he held in his hand: and she drew near, and kissed the top of his sceptre.
Catholic Public Domain VersionAnd when he saw Esther the queen standing there, she pleased his eyes, and he extended toward her the golden scepter, which he held in his hand, and she approached and kissed the top of his scepter.
New American Bible
When he saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she won his favor and he extended toward her the golden scepter he held. She came up to him, and touched the top of the scepter.]Translations from Aramaic Lamsa Bible
And when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near and held the top of the golden sceptre.
Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when the King saw Esthir the Queen standing in the court, she also received favor before him, and the King reached toward Esthir the scepter of gold which was in his hand, and Esthir came near and she held to the top of the scepter of gold.OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917
And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.
Brenton Septuagint Translation
And having raised the golden sceptre he laid it upon her neck, and embraced her, and said, Speak to me. And she said to him, I saw thee,my lord, as an angel of God, and my heart was troubled for fear of thy glory; for thou,my lord, art to be wondered at, and thy faceis full of grace. And while she was speaking, she fainted and fell. Then the king was troubled, and all his servants comforted her.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Esther Goes Before the King1On the third day, Esther put on her royal attire 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. 2As soon as the kingsawQueenEstherstandingin the court,she foundfavorin his sight.The kingextendedthe goldscepterin his handtoward Esther,and sheapproachedand touchedthe tipof the scepter.3“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.”…
Cross References 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 8:4The king extended the gold scepter toward Esther, and she arose and stood before the king.
Genesis 41:40You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.”
Nehemiah 2:4-5“What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven / and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.”
Proverbs 21:1The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.
Daniel 2:46At this, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, paid homage to Daniel, and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him.
Daniel 6:20-23When he reached the den, he cried out in a voice of anguish, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” / Then Daniel replied, “O king, may you live forever! / My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.” ...
Matthew 10:18-20On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. / But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.
Matthew 28:18Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.
Mark 6:22-23When 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!”
Luke 1:30So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.
Luke 12:11-12When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. / For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.”
John 18:33-37Pilate went back into the Praetorium, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” / “Are you saying this on your own,” Jesus asked, “or did others tell you about Me?” / “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?” ...
Acts 4:8-12Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people! / If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, / then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ...
Acts 23:1-5Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.” / At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. / Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit here to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck.” ...
Treasury of Scripture And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter. she. Genesis 32:28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer. Psalm 116:1 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voiceand my supplications. golden sceptre. Esther 4:11 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called,there is one law of his to puthim to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. Esther 8:4 Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king, Jump to Previous CourtDrewEstherFavorFavourFoundGoldenHandHeldObtainedQueenScepterSceptreSightStandingTopTouchedJump to Next CourtDrewEstherFavorFavourFoundGoldenHandHeldObtainedQueenScepterSceptreSightStandingTopTouchedEsther 5 1.Esther, adventuring on the king's favor, obtains the grace of the golden sceptre,4.and invites the king and Haman to a banquet.6.She, being encouraged by the king in her suit, invites them to another banquet.9.Haman, proud of his advancement, repines at the contempt of Mordecai.14.By the counsel of Zeresh he prepares for him a gallows.As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtThis phrase highlights the immediacy of the king's recognition of Esther, emphasizing her boldness in approaching the king uninvited, which was a dangerous act due to the Persian law that could result in death unless the king extended his favor. The court was a place of authority and power, and Esther's presence there signifies her courage and determination to intercede for her people. This moment is pivotal in the narrative, showcasing Esther's role as a mediator, a type of Christ who intercedes on behalf of others. she found favor in his sight
Finding favor is a recurring theme in the Bible, often indicating divine intervention or blessing. Esther's favor with the king can be seen as a result of God's providence, aligning with the biblical principle that God grants favor to those who seek His will. This mirrors the favor found by Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 39:4) and Daniel in Babylon (Daniel 1:9), suggesting a pattern of God's people being placed in positions of influence for His purposes. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther
The gold scepter symbolizes royal authority and the king's willingness to grant Esther an audience, signifying acceptance and mercy. In ancient Persian culture, the scepter was a powerful emblem of the king's rule and his ability to grant life or death. This act of extending the scepter can be seen as a foreshadowing of Christ's role as the mediator who grants access to the Father, as seen inHebrews 4:16, where believers are encouraged to approach the throne of grace with confidence. and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter
Touching the scepter was a formal act of submission and respect, acknowledging the king's authority while also signifying the acceptance of his favor. This act can be compared to the biblical theme of drawing near to God, as seen inJames 4:8, where believers are encouraged to draw near to God with the promise that He will draw near to them. Esther's approach is a model of faith and obedience, reflecting the believer's approach to God through Christ, who is the ultimate mediator. 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 opulence and the vastness of his empire. 2. Queen EstherA Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. Her Hebrew name was Hadassah. She is known for her bravery and wisdom in approaching the king to save her people. 3. The Royal CourtThe setting where Esther approaches the king. It is a place of authority and power, where uninvited appearances could result in death unless the king extended his favor. 4. The Gold ScepterA symbol of the king's authority and favor. Extending it to someone meant granting them permission to approach and speak. 5. FavorThe Hebrew word for "favor" (chen) implies grace and acceptance. Esther found favor in the king's eyes, which was crucial for her mission. Teaching Points Courage in the Face of DangerEsther's willingness to approach the king uninvited demonstrates courage. Believers are encouraged to act bravely when standing for righteousness, trusting in God's protection. The Power of FavorDivine favor can open doors that seem impossible. Just as Esther found favor with the king, Christians should seek God's favor in their endeavors. Intercession and AdvocacyEsther's approach to the king is a form of intercession for her people. Believers are called to intercede for others, bringing their needs before God. God's SovereigntyThe account of Esther highlights God's control over circumstances and leaders. Trusting in His sovereignty can bring peace in uncertain times. Preparation and TimingEsther's preparation before approaching the king (fasting and prayer) underscores the importance of spiritual readiness and discerning the right timing in our actions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Esther 5:2?
2.How does Esther 5:2 demonstrate God's favor in Esther's life?
3.What can we learn about courage from Esther's approach to the king?
4.How does Esther 5:2 connect with Proverbs 21:1 about a king's heart?
5.In what ways can we seek God's favor in our daily decisions?
6.How can Esther's boldness inspire us to act in faith today?
7.Why did King Xerxes show favor to Esther in Esther 5:2?
8.How does Esther 5:2 demonstrate God's providence in Esther's life?
9.What cultural significance does the scepter hold in Esther 5:2?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 5?
11.Esther 5:2 – Does the king’s death-penalty-for-approach truly align with known Persian court laws?
12.How did Esther save her people from Xerxes' decree?
13.Who was Mordecai in the Bible?
14.What does God's favor mean?What Does Esther 5:2 Mean As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court“ As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court …” (Esther 5:2) • Esther steps into a place of risk; by Persian law anyone who approached the king uninvited could be executed (Esther 4:11). • Her courage mirrors other faith-driven acts of obedience—think of Daniel entering the lions’ den (Daniel 6:10) or Peter stepping out of the boat (Matthew 14:29). • God’s providence is already at work;Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “A king’s heart is like streams of water in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases.”
She found favor in his sight“ …she found favor in his sight.” • Divine favor surrounds Esther, just as Joseph “found favor in [Potiphar’s] sight” (Genesis 39:4) and Samuel “found favor both with the LORD and with men” (1 Samuel 2:26). • The unseen hand of God overrides human laws.Psalm 5:12 affirms, “You surround the righteous with favor as a shield.” • Favor here is not mere luck; it is the tangible evidence of God’s covenant faithfulness to preserve His people (Exodus 3:7-8).
The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther“ The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther …” • The scepter symbolizes royal authority and mercy. Without this gesture, Esther would have faced death (Esther 4:11). • This act foreshadows the greater King who extends grace to sinners.Hebrews 4:16 invites us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” a privilege purchased by Christ’s atonement. •Psalm 45:6 links the scepter with righteousness, underscoring that true authority flows from God.
She approached and touched the tip of the scepter“ … and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.” • Esther responds promptly, accepting the king’s invitation—faith acts when the door opens (2 Corinthians 6:2). • Touching the scepter signifies acceptance of mercy and readiness to present her petition, echoing Jacob’s bold wrestle for blessing (Genesis 32:26). • Her respectful gesture balances humility and confidence, modeling how believers draw near to God (James 4:8).
summaryEsther 5:2 showcases the seamless weaving of Divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Esther’s daring entrance, the king’s favorable gaze, the extended scepter, and her respectful approach all reveal God orchestrating events to protect His covenant people. The verse invites believers to trust His unseen guidance, step out in courageous obedience, and confidently receive the grace He extends through our greater King, Jesus Christ. Verse 2. - Esther... touched the top of the sceptre. This was, no doubt, the customary act by which the king's grace was, as it were, accepted and appropriated. It is analogous to that touch of the person or of the garments which secured the suppliant mercy among the Greeks.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew As soon as the kingהַמֶּ֜לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingsawכִרְא֨וֹת(ḵir·’ō·wṯ)Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200:To seeQueenהַמַּלְכָּ֗ה(ham·mal·kāh)Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4436:Queen -- a queenEstherאֶסְתֵּ֣ר(’es·têr)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 635:Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israelstandingעֹמֶ֙דֶת֙(‘ō·me·ḏeṯ)Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 5975:To stand, in various relationsin the courtyard,בֶּֽחָצֵ֔ר(be·ḥā·ṣêr)Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 2691:A yard, a hamletshe foundנָשְׂאָ֥ה(nā·śə·’āh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5375:To lift, carry, takefavorחֵ֖ן(ḥên)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2580:Graciousness, subjective, objectivein his sight.בְּעֵינָ֑יו(bə·‘ê·nāw)Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5869:An eye, a fountainThe kingהַמֶּ֜לֶךְ(ham·me·leḵ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428:A kingextendedוַיּ֨וֹשֶׁט(way·yō·wō·šeṭ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3447:To extend, hold outthe goldהַזָּהָב֙(haz·zā·hāḇ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091:Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear skyscepterשַׁרְבִ֤יט(šar·ḇîṭ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8275:A rod of empirein his handבְּיָד֔וֹ(bə·yā·ḏōw)Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027:A handtoward Esther,לְאֶסְתֵּ֗ר(lə·’es·têr)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 635:Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israeland sheאֶסְתֵּ֔ר(’es·têr)Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 635:Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israelapproachedוַתִּקְרַ֣ב(wat·tiq·raḇ)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7126:To come near, approachand touchedוַתִּגַּ֖ע(wat·tig·ga‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5060:To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strikethe tipבְּרֹ֥אשׁ(bə·rōš)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7218:The headof the scepter.הַשַּׁרְבִֽיט׃(haš·šar·ḇîṭ)Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8275:A rod of empire
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OT History: Esther 5:2 When the king saw Esther the queen (Est Esth. Es) |
