King James Version
What Does Esther 2:19 Mean?
“And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate.”
Context
17
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti. favour: or, kindness in his: Heb. before him
18
Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther's feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the state of the king. release: Heb. rest
19
And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate.
20
Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
21
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. Bigthan: or, Bigthana the door: Heb. the threshold
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(19) **And when the virgins** **. . .**—Here begins a fresh incident in the history, whose date we cannot fix precisely, save that it falls between the marriage of Esther and the twelfth year of Ahasuerus (Esther 3:7). The king “loved Esther above all the women,” but how the word “love “is degraded in this connection is seen by the fact that after she had been his wife certainly less (possibly much less) than five years, there takes place a second gathering of virgins (there is no article in the Hebrew), like the one previously mentioned (Esther 2:2). We should treat Esther 2:20 as parenthetical, and join Esther 2:21 closely to Esther 2:19.
**Then Mordecai sat.**—Translate, *and Mordecai was sitting.*
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of Esther. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
Esther 2:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to Esther 2:19
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge