King James Version

What Does Esther 2:20 Mean?

Esther 2:20 in the King James Version says “Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mor...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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.”

Esther 2:20 · KJV

Context

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

22

And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name.

Read Esther 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The repetition of Esther's concealment (first stated in v. 10) emphasizes its importance and her continued obedience even after becoming queen. The phrase "Esther did the commandment of Mordecai" (ta'as Ester et-ma'amar Mordekhai, תַּעֲשֶׂה אֶסְתֵּר אֶת־מַאֲמַר מָרְדֳּכָי) uses strong language suggesting authoritative instruction, not mere suggestion. The comparison "like as when she was brought up with him" indicates Esther maintained the habits of obedience and respect formed during her upbringing. This detail proves crucial: her continued responsiveness to Mordecai's guidance will enable their coordinated response when crisis comes (chapter 4). The relationship of trust and obedience established in ordinary times prepared them for extraordinary crisis.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient honor-shame cultures emphasized obedience to parental or guardian authority even into adulthood. Esther's continued deference to Mordecai despite being queen demonstrates cultural values of filial piety and loyalty. Her concealment of Jewish identity remained strategic: premature disclosure might create hostility or complications before God's timing. That she maintained this discretion even after becoming queen—when she might have felt secure enough to reveal her identity—shows remarkable discipline and trust in Mordecai's wisdom. The narrative presents this sustained obedience positively, suggesting the authors viewed it as commendable faithfulness rather than problematic deception.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Esther's sustained obedience to Mordecai model the importance of maintaining faithful relationships and habits formed in preparation seasons?
  2. What does this teach about the strategic nature of wise timing in disclosure versus the importance of eventual truthfulness when circumstances require it?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
אֵ֣ין1 of 19
H369

a nonentity; generally used as a negative particle

אֶסְתֵּ֣ר2 of 19

“Esther”

H635

ester, the jewish heroine

מַגֶּ֤דֶת3 of 19

“had not yet shewed”

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

מֽוֹלַדְתָּהּ֙4 of 19

“her kindred”

H4138

nativity (plural birth-place); by implication, lineage, native country; also offspring, family

וְאֶת5 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

עַמָּ֔הּ6 of 19

“nor her people”

H5971

a people (as a congregated unit); specifically, a tribe (as those of israel); hence (collectively) troops or attendants; figuratively, a flock

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר7 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

צִוָּ֥ה8 of 19

“had charged”

H6680

(intensively) to constitute, enjoin

עָלֶ֖יהָ9 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

מָרְדֳּכַי֙10 of 19

“as Mordecai”

H4782

mordecai, an israelite

וְאֶת11 of 19
H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

מַֽאֲמַ֤ר12 of 19

“the commandment”

H3982

something (authoritatively) said, i.e., an edict

מָרְדֳּכַי֙13 of 19

“as Mordecai”

H4782

mordecai, an israelite

אֶסְתֵּ֣ר14 of 19

“Esther”

H635

ester, the jewish heroine

עֹשָׂ֔ה15 of 19

“did”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

כַּֽאֲשֶׁ֛ר16 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הָֽיְתָ֥ה17 of 19
H1961

to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)

בְאָמְנָ֖ה18 of 19

“like as when she was brought up”

H545

tutelage

אִתּֽוֹ׃19 of 19
H854

properly, nearness (used only as a preposition or an adverb), near; hence, generally, with, by, at, among, etc

Study Guide

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 2:20 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 2:20 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Ephesians 6:1-3Esther 2:10Esther 2:7

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