Topical Encyclopedia
Hegai is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Esther, specifically in
Esther 2:3, 8, and 15. He is identified as a eunuch who served in the court of King Ahasuerus (commonly identified with Xerxes I) of Persia. Hegai held the significant position of custodian of the women, overseeing the royal harem. His role was crucial during the selection process of a new queen following the deposition of Queen Vashti.
Role and Responsibilities:Hegai's primary responsibility was to care for the women brought to the king's palace, ensuring they were prepared for their potential presentation to the king. This preparation included beauty treatments and other forms of grooming, which were part of a year-long process.
Esther 2:3 states, "Let the king appoint commissioners in each province of his realm to bring all the beautiful young virgins into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, custodian of the women, and let them be given beauty treatments."
Favor with Esther:Hegai is noted for showing favor to Esther, a Jewish woman who was among those brought to the palace.
Esther 2:9 records, "The young woman pleased him and gained his favor, so he quickly provided her with beauty treatments and special food. He assigned to her seven chosen attendants from the king’s palace and moved her and her attendants into the best place in the harem." This favor was instrumental in Esther's eventual selection as queen, as it ensured she received the best care and preparation.
Significance in the Narrative:Hegai's role, while seemingly administrative, is pivotal in the unfolding of the narrative of Esther. His favor towards Esther can be seen as part of the divine providence that permeates the account, leading to Esther's rise to queenship and her subsequent role in saving the Jewish people from Haman's plot. Hegai's actions, though not overtly religious, contribute to the fulfillment of God's plan for His people.
Cultural and Historical Context:In the Persian Empire, eunuchs often held positions of significant influence and trust, particularly in royal courts. Their status as eunuchs made them ideal for roles involving the royal harem, as they were perceived to be loyal and without personal ambitions that could threaten the king. Hegai's position reflects this cultural practice, highlighting the structured and hierarchical nature of the Persian court.
Conclusion:Hegai's presence in the Book of Esther, though brief, underscores the intricate workings of God's providence through seemingly ordinary and secular roles. His favor towards Esther is a key element in the narrative, demonstrating how God can use individuals in positions of authority to accomplish His purposes.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Hegaior Hege, meditation; word; groaning; separation
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Hegai(eunuch), one of the eunuchs of the court of Ahasuerus. (Esther 2:8,15) (B.C. 474.)
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Eunuch, had charge of the harem of Ahasuerus (
Esther 2:8).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
HEGAI; HEGEhe'-ga-i, he'-ge (heghay; Gai (Esther 2:8, 15), and heghe', Hege (Esther 2:3)): One of the officers of the Persian king Ahasuerus; a chamberlain or eunuch (keeper of women), into whose custody the "fair young virgins" were delivered from whom the king intended to choose his queen in the place of the discredited Vashti.
Strong's Hebrew
1896. Hege' -- eunuch of Ahasuerus... 1895, 1896. Hege'. 1896a . eunuch of Ahasuerus. Transliteration: Hege' Phonetic
Spelling: (hay-gay') Short Definition:
Hegai.
Hegai, Hege
...1896a. Hege -- eunuch of Ahasuerus
... eunuch of Ahasuerus. Transliteration: Hege Short Definition:Hegai. Word Origin
of foreign origin Definition eunuch of Ahasuerus NASB Word UsageHegai (4)....
Library
Esther, the Queen.
... heard that the king was seeking for a maiden worthy to be a queen through all his
provinces, he brought Esther and placed her in care ofHegai, who had the...
Queen Esther's Love for Her People
... known, and when many girls were brought to the royal palace at Susa, Esther also
was taken into the king's palace and placed in the charge ofHegai, who took...
Thesaurus
Hegai (3 Occurrences)... Eunuch, had charge of the harem of Ahasuerus (Esther 2:8). Int. Standard Bible
Encyclopedia.
HEGAI; HEGE.
... Multi-Version Concordance
Hegai (3 Occurrences).
...Girls (27 Occurrences)
... of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to
the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to the custody ofHegai the king's...
Citadel (20 Occurrences)
... of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to
the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to the custody ofHegai the king's...
Susa (20 Occurrences)
... of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to
the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to the custody ofHegai the king's...
Castle (26 Occurrences)
... 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 ofHegai the king's...
Custody (27 Occurrences)
... of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to
the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to the custody ofHegai the king's...
Capital (29 Occurrences)
... of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to
the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to the custody ofHegai the king's...
Keeper (72 Occurrences)
... of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to
the citadel of Susa, to the women's house, to the custody ofHegai the king's...
Ladies (8 Occurrences)
... 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 ofHegai, that Esther...
Edict (22 Occurrences)
... 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 ofHegai, that Esther...
Resources
Who was Esther in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgSummary of the Book of Esther - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgDid Esther have sex with Xerxes before they were married? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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