King James Version

What Does Esther 2:5 Mean?

Esther 2:5 in the King James Version says “Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son ...” — study this verse from Esther chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“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 2:5 · KJV

Context

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: unto the: Heb. unto the hand Hege: or, Hegai

4

And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so.

5

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;

6

Who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity which had been carried away with Jeconiah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. Jeconiah: or, Jehoiachin

7

And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle's daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maid was fair and beautiful ; whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter. brought: Heb. nourished fair: Heb. fair of form, and good of countenance

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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; The narrative shifts dramatically from Persian imperial grandeur to introduce "a certain Jew," emphasizing his ethnic identity above all other characteristics. The name Mordecai possibly derives from Marduk, Babylon's chief deity, showing Jewish assimilation to surrounding culture despite maintaining distinct ethnic identity. The genealogy provides crucial context: Kish was Saul's father (1 Samuel 9:1-2), making Mordecai a descendant of Israel's first king from the tribe of Benjamin. This genealogical note carries theological significance: the ancient conflict between Saul and Agag king of the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15) will resurface in the Mordecai-Haman conflict. God's redemptive purposes span generations, and unfinished business from Saul's failure finds resolution through Mordecai's faithfulness. That God chose a Benjamite descended from Saul to accomplish what Saul failed to do demonstrates divine grace overcoming human failure.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Mordecai's presence in Shushan indicates he was among the many Jews who remained in Persia rather than returning to Judah after Cyrus's decree (539 BCE). The Jewish diaspora throughout the Persian Empire faced the challenge of maintaining religious and ethnic identity while fully participating in the dominant culture. Mordecai's Persian name, position "in the king's gate," and apparent comfort in Shushan demonstrate significant cultural integration, though he maintained Jewish identity and loyalty. The reference to "Shushan the palace" locates Mordecai at the empire's political center. Archaeological excavations at Susa confirm massive gate structures where officials gathered, conducted business, and exercised authority. The genealogical connection to Kish and Benjamin recalls biblical history. Saul's incomplete obedience in destroying the Amalekites (1 Samuel 15:1-9), particularly sparing King Agag, resulted in his rejection as king. Haman's identification as "the Agagite" (3:1) signals his Amalekite descent, creating the theological framework for understanding Esther's narrative as continuation of ancient spiritual warfare.

Reflection Questions

  1. What does Mordecai's genealogical connection to Saul and the upcoming conflict with Haman teach about God's faithfulness across generations to accomplish His purposes despite human failure?
  2. How should believers navigate the tension between cultural integration and maintaining distinct covenant identity?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
אִ֣ישׁ1 of 15

“there was a certain”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

יְהוּדִ֔י2 of 15

“Jew”

H3064

a jehudite (i.e., judaite or jew), or descendant of jehudah (i.e., judah)

הָיָ֖ה3 of 15
H1961

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

בְּשׁוּשַׁ֣ן4 of 15

“Now in Shushan”

H7800

shushan, a place in persia

הַבִּירָ֑ה5 of 15

“the palace”

H1002

a castle or palace

וּשְׁמ֣וֹ6 of 15

“whose name”

H8034

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

מָרְדֳּכַ֗י7 of 15

“was Mordecai”

H4782

mordecai, an israelite

בֶּן8 of 15

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

יָאִ֧יר9 of 15

“of Jair”

H2971

jair, the name of four israelites

בֶּן10 of 15

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

שִׁמְעִ֛י11 of 15

“of Shimei”

H8096

shimi, the name of twenty israelites

בֶּן12 of 15

“the son”

H1121

a son (as a builder of the family name), in the widest sense (of literal and figurative relationship, including grandson, subject, nation, quality or

קִ֖ישׁ13 of 15

“of Kish”

H7027

kish, the name of five israelites

אִ֥ישׁ14 of 15
H0
יְמִינִֽי׃15 of 15

“a Benjamite”

H1145

a benjaminite, or descendent of benjamin

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 2:5 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 2:5 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

2 Samuel 16:5Esther 1:2Esther 3:2-6Esther 2:31 Samuel 9:1Esther 10:3

Places in This Verse

SusaSettlement · Modern: Shush · 32.19°N, 48.26°E20 verses across 4 books
View all places in Esther 2 →

Test Your Knowledge

Esther 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterEsther Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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