In the evening she went, and on the morrow she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz, the king's chamberlain, which kept the concubines: she came in unto the king no more, except the king delighted in her, and that she were called by name.
ESTHER 2:14KJVWhat does Esther 2:14 mean?
Esther 2:14 describes how each young woman who went to see King Ahasuerus in the evening would return the next morning to a different part of the palace, under the care of Shaashgaz, who was responsible for the king’s concubines. After this visit, a woman would not see the king again unless he especially remembered her and asked for her by name.
This verse is part of the story where many young women are brought before the king as he searches for a new queen. The verse explains the process and rules for these women: after their night with the king, they moved from the main group of women to a separate house for concubines, showing a clear distinction in their status. Only if the king took special pleasure in one of them would she be called back again.
The Hebrew behind Esther 2:14
- שֵׁנִי (sheniy, "second"): This word refers to the "second house of the women," making it clear there was a separate, secondary place for those who had already seen the king. This highlights the structured and hierarchical nature of the king’s household.
- שַׁעַשְׁגַּז (Shaashgaz): The name of the official in charge of the concubines. Mentioning him by name shows the importance and organization of the royal court.
- פִּילֶגֶשׁ (pilegesh, "concubines"): This term means women who were not wives but still had a recognized relationship with the king. It clarifies that after their visit, these women were no longer considered potential queens but were instead moved to a different status.
- קָרָא (qara, "called") and שֵׁם (shem, "name"): The verse says a woman would only return to the king if he "called her by name," emphasizing that only the king’s personal choice could bring her back, not her own wishes or status.
Why Esther 2:14 matters
- Esther 2:14 clarifies the strict and impersonal process by which women were brought before the king, showing how little control they had over their own futures.
- The verse highlights the separation between those who were still candidates to be queen and those who became concubines, which helps explain the stakes and risks for Esther herself.
- Understanding this process gives more depth to Esther’s unique situation and the courage it took for her to approach the king later in the story, since most women would never see him again unless specifically summoned.