Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

ESTHER 2:15KJV
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Esther 2:15 (KJV)

What does Esther 2:15 mean?

Esther 2:15 describes the moment when Esther’s turn comes to meet King Ahasuerus, and she chooses to take only what Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the women, advises her to bring. Because of this, Esther wins the favor of everyone who sees her.

The verse is set in the Persian royal court, during the process of selecting a new queen. Esther, who has been raised by her cousin Mordecai after losing her parents, is presented as humble and wise by trusting Hegai’s guidance instead of asking for extra adornments. The verse highlights Esther’s character and the positive impression she makes on those around her.

The Hebrew behind Esther 2:15

  • "Required" (בָּקַשׁ, baqash): This word means to seek or ask for. Esther’s choice not to "require" anything extra shows her restraint and trust in Hegai’s advice, rather than relying on her own preferences.
  • "Favour" (חֵן, chen): This word often means grace or charm. The verse notes that Esther "obtained favour" with everyone who saw her, emphasizing her appealing presence and the goodwill she inspired.
  • "Keeper" (שָׁמַר, shamar): Used for Hegai as the "keeper of the women," this word means to guard or watch over. It underscores Hegai’s trusted role and why Esther’s reliance on him is significant.

Why Esther 2:15 matters

  • Esther’s decision to follow Hegai’s advice, rather than seeking her own advantage, highlights her humility and wisdom, which sets her apart from the other women in the selection process.
  • The verse makes clear that Esther’s favor with people is not just due to outward beauty or possessions, but something deeper in her character and approach.
  • This moment prepares the reader for Esther’s later actions as queen, showing early signs of the qualities that will define her leadership and courage in the story.

Where else these words appear

“Hegai” Hebrew H1896 · used in 3 verses

  • 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 given them:
  • Esther 2:8 So 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.

“turn” Hebrew H8447 · used in 4 verses

  • Esther 2:12 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women,(for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
  • Song of Solomon 1:10 Thy cheeks are comely with rows of jewels, thy neck with chains of gold.
  • Song of Solomon 1:11 We will make thee borders of gold with studs of silver.

“Abihail” Hebrew H32 · used in 6 verses

  • Numbers 3:35 And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail: these shall pitch on the side of the tabernacle northward.
  • 1 Chronicles 2:29 And the name of the wife of Abishur was Abihail, and she bare him Ahban, and Molid.
  • 2 Chronicles 11:18 And Rehoboam took him Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David to wife, and Abihail the daughter of Eliab the son of Jesse;

“chamberlain” Hebrew H5631 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.
  • 1 Chronicles 28:1 And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.
  • Isaiah 56:3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.