Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;

ESTHER 2:5KJV
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Esther 2:5 (KJV)

What does Esther 2:5 mean?

Esther 2:5 introduces a Jewish man named Mordecai who lived in Shushan, the royal city, and traces his family line back through his father Jair, grandfather Shimei, and great-grandfather Kish, identifying him as a descendant of the tribe of Benjamin. This verse sets up Mordecai’s background and roots, which will be important for the story that follows.

The verse is part of the introduction to the main characters in the Book of Esther. The setting is Shushan (also called Susa), the capital city where the Persian king’s palace was located. By mentioning Mordecai’s ancestry and his tribal identity as a Benjamite, the text connects him to the Jewish people living in exile and hints at his significance in the unfolding events.