Esther 2:12

KJV

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;)

KJV (with Strong's)

Now when every maid's {H5291} turn {H8447} was come {H5060} to go in {H935} to king {H4428} Ahasuerus {H325}, after {H7093} that she had been twelve {H8147}{H6240} months {H2320}, according to the manner {H1881} of the women {H802},(for so were the days {H3117} of their purifications {H4795} accomplished {H4390}, to wit, six {H8337} months {H2320} with oil {H8081} of myrrh {H4753}, and six {H8337} months {H2320} with sweet odours {H1314}, and with other things for the purifying {H8562} of the women {H802};)

Complete Jewish Bible

Each girl had her turn to appear before King Achashverosh after she had undergone the full twelve-month preparation period prescribed for the women, consisting of a six-month treatment with oil of myrrh and six months with perfumes and other cosmetics for women.

Berean Standard Bible

In the twelve months before her turn to go to King Xerxes, the harem regulation required each young woman to receive beauty treatments with oil of myrrh for six months, and then with perfumes and cosmetics for another six months.

American Standard Version

Now when the turn of every maiden was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that it had been done to her according to the law for the women twelve months (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors and with the things for the purifying of the women),

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 2:12 offers a vivid portrayal of the elaborate and lengthy purification ritual mandated for every virgin before her presentation to King Ahasuerus. This meticulously detailed, twelve-month regimen, involving specific oils and perfumes, highlights the opulence and rigid customs of the Persian court, serving as a crucial backdrop to Esther's eventual elevation and underscoring the immense preparation deemed necessary for anyone entering the king's presence.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the broader narrative of King Ahasuerus's search for a new queen following his dismissal of Queen Vashti in [Esther 1](/esther/1 "Esther 1 - The Dismissal of Queen Vashti"). After a royal decree commanded the gathering of beautiful young virgins from across the vast Persian Empire to the citadel of Susa ([Esther 2:1-4](/esther/2-1 "Esther 2:1-4 - The Search for a New Queen")), these women were placed under the care of Hegai, the king's eunuch in charge of the harem. Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, is among these women ([Esther 2:5-7](/esther/2-5 "Esther 2:5-7 - The Introduction of Esther")). Esther 2:12 specifically describes the precise, year-long beautification and purification process that was a prerequisite for each woman before she was deemed ready to be presented to the king, emphasizing the strict protocols of the royal court and setting the stage for Esther's unique journey through this system.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Persian Empire, at its zenith under Ahasuerus (likely Xerxes I, 486-465 BC), was renowned for its vastness, wealth, and elaborate court protocols. The practice of maintaining a large harem was common among ancient Near Eastern monarchs, signifying royal power and prestige. The "manner of the women" refers to established court customs for preparing potential queens. Eunuchs, like Hegai, held significant and trusted positions within the royal household, often overseeing the women's quarters, as they were perceived as less of a threat to the king's lineage. The use of expensive oils, resins, and perfumes like myrrh and "sweet odours" underscores the immense resources at the king's disposal and the high value placed on physical beauty and fragrance in royal settings. Such a prolonged and costly regimen for potentially hundreds of women illustrates the absolute authority and extravagant lifestyle of the Persian monarchy.
* **Key Themes:** Esther 2:12 contributes significantly to several key themes within the book of Esther. Firstly, it highlights the **Extensive Preparation and Meticulousness** required for entry into the king's presence, underscoring the gravity and formality of the Persian court. This detailed process was not merely cosmetic but likely involved instruction in court etiquette and customs, demanding patience and submission from the women. Secondly, the verse showcases the **Royal Authority and Luxury** of King Ahasuerus, whose power allowed him to command such an elaborate and expensive beautification regimen for a multitude of women, reflecting the opulence of his empire. Thirdly, while the process appears purely human and secular, it subtly points to **Divine Providence**. This seemingly ordinary, albeit extravagant, human system was the very means through which God orchestrated Esther's elevation to queen, positioning her to deliver her people, as later emphasized by Mordecai in [Esther 4:14](/esther/4-14 "Esther 4:14 - Esther's Purpose"). The "purifications" also subtly introduce the theme of **Purity and Readiness**, which, while physical in this context, resonates with broader biblical concepts of spiritual preparation for divine purposes.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Purifications (Hebrew, _tamruqim'_):** This plural noun refers to cosmetics, ointments, and beautifying treatments. It implies a comprehensive regimen of cleansing, anointing, and perfuming rather than a ritualistic or religious purification. The term emphasizes the extensive nature of the preparations, designed to enhance the physical appearance and fragrance of the women to meet the king's exacting standards. It encompasses a wide array of substances and procedures aimed at making the skin soft, supple, and radiant, and the body exquisitely fragrant.
* **Oil of myrrh (Hebrew, _shemen ha-mor'_):** Myrrh is an aromatic resin obtained from the Commiphora myrrha tree, highly valued in ancient times for its fragrance, medicinal properties, and preservative qualities. As an oil, it was used as a perfume, an anointing oil, and a skin conditioner. Its inclusion for the first six months suggests its primary role in deep cleansing, softening the skin, and perhaps even its antiseptic properties, preparing the body for subsequent treatments. Its strong, distinctive scent also served as a foundational fragrance.
* **Sweet odours (Hebrew, _besamim'_):** This term is a general plural noun for spices, perfumes, or aromatic substances. It refers to a variety of fragrant ingredients, likely including various resins, oils, and powdered aromatics, used to impart a pleasant scent. The use of "sweet odours" in the latter six months indicates a focus on perfuming and refining the women's scent, making them alluring and pleasing to the king, and perhaps also serving as a final layer of preparation and presentation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus,"**: This clause sets the stage, indicating that the process described is a prerequisite for the ultimate presentation of each woman to the king. It highlights the sequential nature of the presentations, implying a structured and orderly system within the harem, where each woman awaited her appointed time.
* **"after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women,"**: This specifies the duration of the preparatory period—a full year—and affirms that this was a standard, established custom ("manner") for women being prepared for royal presentation. The length of time underscores the meticulousness and importance attached to this process, suggesting it was far more than a superficial beautification.
* **"(for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, [to wit],"**: This parenthetical explanation clarifies the purpose of the twelve-month period: it was dedicated entirely to their "purifications" or beautifying treatments. The phrase "to wit" (an archaic expression meaning "namely" or "that is to say") introduces the detailed breakdown of this year-long regimen.
* **"six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with [other] things for the purifying of the women;)"**: This provides the specific breakdown of the twelve-month process. The first half of the year was dedicated to myrrh oil, likely for deep cleansing, softening, and perhaps as a base fragrance. The second half involved "sweet odours," which would be various perfumes and aromatics for final scenting and presentation. The concluding phrase "and with [other] things for the purifying of the women" indicates that these two main categories were supplemented by other unspecified treatments, highlighting the comprehensive and holistic nature of the beauty regimen.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 2:12 employs several literary devices to convey its meaning and impact. **Detailing** is prominent, as the verse meticulously outlines the precise duration and components of the purification process, immersing the reader in the opulence and strict protocols of the Persian court. This specificity lends credibility and vividness to the narrative. The sheer length of the twelve-month period, coupled with the mention of expensive substances like myrrh and other "sweet odours," functions as **Hyperbole** or **Exaggeration**, emphasizing the king's immense wealth, absolute power, and the extraordinary lengths to which the court went to prepare women for his presence. This also sets a tone of high stakes for the women involved. Furthermore, the entire elaborate preparation process can be seen as **Foreshadowing** Esther's eventual elevation. Though the verse focuses on external beauty, it subtly hints at the divine preparation at play, as this rigorous process is the very mechanism through which Esther is positioned for her pivotal role, illustrating how seemingly secular human customs can serve God's overarching plan. The "purification" itself, while physical, also carries a symbolic resonance of being made ready for a significant purpose.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 2:12, while detailing a secular beautification process, offers profound theological and thematic connections. The extensive and meticulous preparation required for the maidens to enter the king's presence serves as a powerful earthly parallel to the spiritual preparation and sanctification required for believers to draw near to God. Just as the Persian king demanded a year-long regimen of cleansing and beautification, God calls His people to a lifelong process of purification and transformation, not merely external but internal. This process, often long and demanding, involves shedding old ways and being renewed in character and spirit, making us fit for His service and presence. The patience and submission required of the maidens can mirror the believer's need for endurance and trust in God's timing and refining work, even when the purpose or outcome is not immediately clear. Ultimately, the verse subtly underscores God's sovereign hand, working through human circumstances, even extravagant ones, to accomplish His divine purposes for His people.

* [Hebrews 12:14](/hebrews/12-14 "Hebrews 12:14 - Pursue Peace and Holiness")
* [1 Peter 1:15-16](/1_peter/1-15 "1 Peter 1:15-16 - Be Holy in All Your Conduct")
* [Romans 12:2](/romans/12-2 "Romans 12:2 - Transformed by the Renewal of Your Mind")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The detailed account of the twelve-month purification in Esther 2:12, while culturally distant, offers timeless principles for personal and spiritual growth. It reminds us that significant opportunities, whether in the secular or spiritual realm, often demand dedicated periods of preparation, discipline, and refinement. Just as the maidens patiently underwent a demanding regimen for a chance to stand before the king, believers are called to a continuous process of sanctification—a setting apart and making ready for God's purposes. This involves consistent engagement with God's Word, prayer, community, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to cleanse, transform, and equip us. This preparation is not always glamorous or immediate; it requires patience, endurance, and trust in the process, even when the outcome is uncertain or the waiting period feels long. We are being prepared not for an earthly king, but for the King of Kings, to fulfill the unique purposes He has for our lives and to ultimately stand in His glorious presence.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "purification" or preparation might God be calling me to undergo in this season of my life?**
* **How does the idea of a twelve-month, meticulous preparation challenge my desire for instant gratification or quick results in spiritual growth?**
* **In what areas of my life do I need to cultivate more patience and submission to God's refining process?**
* **How does understanding God's sovereign hand in seemingly secular processes (like Esther's preparation) encourage me to trust Him in my own circumstances?**

### FAQ

**What was the purpose of the twelve-month purification described in Esther 2:12?**

Answer: The twelve-month purification was a mandatory, elaborate beautification and conditioning regimen for every virgin gathered for King Ahasuerus. Its purpose was multifaceted: to ensure the women were in peak physical condition, exquisitely fragrant, and presented in the most appealing way possible to the king. This lengthy process likely involved not only cosmetic treatments but also an introduction to court etiquette, customs, and perhaps even basic Persian language skills, ensuring they were fully prepared for the demanding role of queen. It underscored the immense value placed on physical perfection and royal protocol in the Persian court.

**What was "oil of myrrh" and "sweet odours" used for in this context?**

Answer: "Oil of myrrh" was an expensive, aromatic resin used for the first six months of the purification. It was likely applied for deep cleansing, skin softening, and its antiseptic properties, serving as a foundational treatment. Myrrh has a strong, distinctive scent. "Sweet odours" refers to various aromatic spices and perfumes used in the latter six months. These were employed to impart a pleasant and alluring fragrance, serving as a final layer of perfuming and presentation. Both substances highlight the luxury and meticulousness of the Persian royal beauty regimen, aimed at making the women as attractive and fragrant as possible for the king.

**How does this verse relate to Esther's story and the broader narrative of the book?**

Answer: Esther 2:12 is crucial to Esther's story because it describes the very process through which she, a Jewish orphan, was prepared and presented to King Ahasuerus. Without this elaborate and lengthy purification, Esther would not have had the opportunity to enter the king's presence and ultimately be chosen as queen. This verse highlights the seemingly ordinary, yet divinely orchestrated, human circumstances that God used to elevate Esther to a position of influence, enabling her to later save her people from annihilation, as anticipated in [Esther 4:14](/esther/4-14 "Esther 4:14 - Esther's Purpose"). It underscores the theme of divine providence working through human systems and protocols.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 2:12, with its vivid description of a meticulous, year-long purification for an earthly king, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the spiritual preparation of the Church, the Bride of Christ, for her eternal King. Just as the maidens underwent a rigorous process to be made ready for Ahasuerus, Christ Himself is actively purifying and sanctifying His Church, preparing her to be presented to Him "without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ and the Church")). This spiritual "purification" is accomplished not through myrrh and sweet odours, but through the washing of water by the word and by His shed blood, which cleanses us from all sin ([Hebrews 9:14](/hebrews/9-14 "Hebrews 9:14 - The Blood of Christ")). The long, patient process of the maidens' preparation mirrors the believer's lifelong journey of sanctification, where we are continually being conformed to the image of Christ ([Romans 8:29](/romans/8-29 "Romans 8:29 - Conformed to the Image of His Son")). Ultimately, this preparation culminates in the glorious "marriage supper of the Lamb," where the Bride has "made herself ready" ([Revelation 19:7-8](/revelation/19-7 "Revelation 19:7-8 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")), a perfect and eternal union with her King, Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Thessalonians 4:4

That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour;

1 Thessalonians 4:5

Not in the lust of concupiscence, even as the Gentiles which know not God:

Isaiah 57:9

And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase [thyself even] unto hell.

Proverbs 7:17

I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon.

Song Of Solomon 3:6

¶ Who [is] this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant?

Luke 7:37

And, behold, a woman in the city, which was a sinner, when she knew that [Jesus] sat at meat in the Pharisee's house, brought an alabaster box of ointment,

Luke 7:38

And stood at his feet behind [him] weeping, and began to wash his feet with tears, and did wipe [them] with the hairs of her head, and kissed his feet, and anointed [them] with the ointment.