Esther 2:13

KJV

Then thus came [every] maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then thus came {H935} every maiden {H5291} unto the king {H4428}; whatsoever she desired {H559} was given {H5414} her to go {H935} with her out of the house {H1004} of the women {H802} unto the king's {H4428} house {H1004}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, when the girl went to see the king, whatever she wanted would be given to her as she went from the harem's house to the king's palace.

Berean Standard Bible

When the young woman would go to the king, she was given whatever she requested to take with her from the harem to the king’s palace.

American Standard Version

then in this wise came the maiden unto the king: Whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king’s house.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 2:13 details the lavish and individualized preparations each maiden underwent before her presentation to King Ahasuerus as a candidate for queen. This verse highlights the unparalleled extravagance of the Persian court, granting each woman complete autonomy to select any items or attendants she desired for her appearance, underscoring the immense resources and absolute authority of the king in his quest for a new queen.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within the narrative of King Ahasuerus's search for a new queen, following the deposition of Queen Vashti for her defiance in [Esther 1](/esther/1 "Esther 1 - Queen Vashti's Defiance"). The preceding verses (Esther 2:1-12) describe the gathering of beautiful young virgins from across the empire, their placement under the care of Hegai, the king's eunuch, and a mandatory twelve-month purification regimen involving oils of myrrh and sweet odours. Esther 2:13 marks the culmination of this extensive preparation, detailing the specific provisions made for each maiden on the day she was to be presented individually to the king, transitioning from the "house of the women" (the harem) to the king's private chambers.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Esther is set during the reign of Ahasuerus, commonly identified as Xerxes I (486-465 BC), ruler of the vast Persian Empire. This empire was renowned for its immense wealth, elaborate court protocols, and absolute monarchical power. The practice of maintaining a royal harem was common in ancient Near Eastern monarchies, serving both as a symbol of the king's power and a source of potential consorts. Eunuchs, like Hegai, played crucial roles in managing these royal households, ensuring order and loyalty. The meticulous and extravagant preparation described in Esther 2:13 reflects the cultural emphasis on physical beauty, adornment, and the highly ritualized nature of royal presentations, where every detail contributed to the king's pleasure and the display of his grandeur.

* **Key Themes:** Esther 2:13 contributes to several overarching themes within the book. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates the **Royal Extravagance and Absolute Power** of King Ahasuerus, whose resources were seemingly limitless in his pursuit of a new queen. The phrase "whatsoever she desired was given her" emphasizes this boundless authority and wealth. Secondly, the verse highlights the theme of **Meticulous Preparation and Presentation**, showcasing the immense cultural value placed on outward appearance and the lengths to which individuals would go to impress the king in such a high-stakes competition. Thirdly, while granting a degree of agency, the process inherently underscores the **Objectification and Vulnerability of Women** in this ancient society, where their worth was primarily determined by their physical attractiveness and ability to please the king, a stark contrast to the biblical emphasis on inner character found in passages like [1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - Adorning with Inner Beauty"). Lastly, beneath the surface of human ambition and worldly display, this verse subtly sets the stage for the theme of **Divine Providence**, demonstrating how God can work through seemingly secular and self-serving human actions to accomplish His sovereign purposes, as hinted at in [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in the Lord's Hand").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Desired (Hebrew, _tō’mar'_):** The Hebrew word תֹּאמַר (transliterated _tō’mar'_), derived from the root אָמַר (_’āmar_), literally means "she said" or "she asked." The phrase "whatsoever she desired" is a translation of כֹּל אֲשֶׁר תֹּאמַר (_kol asher tō’mar_), meaning "all that she said/asked." This emphasizes the complete and utter freedom granted to each maiden; whatever request she vocalized, no matter how extravagant, was immediately fulfilled. It highlights the king's boundless resources and his determination to ensure each woman presented herself in the most captivating manner possible.
* **House of the women (Hebrew, _bêt ha-nāšîm'_):** This term (בֵּית הַנָּשִׁים, transliterated _bêt ha-nāšîm'_) refers specifically to the royal harem or the women's quarters, a distinct part of the palace complex where the virgins were housed, purified, and prepared under the supervision of Hegai. It was a place of seclusion and meticulous grooming, separate from the king's private residence. The movement "out of the house of the women unto the king's house" signifies the transition from this preparatory, communal space to the intimate, high-stakes encounter with the king in his personal chambers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then thus came [every] maiden unto the king;":** This clause describes the individual, sequential presentation of each young woman to King Ahasuerus. After a year of preparation, each maiden was brought forward from the "house of the women" for her singular audience. The emphasis is on the direct, personal encounter, marking the culmination of the elaborate selection process.
* **"whatsoever she desired was given her":** This phrase underscores the king's immense wealth and absolute generosity. It signifies that each maiden had carte blanche to request any items, attire, jewelry, or even additional attendants she believed would enhance her appearance and presentation before the king. This provision was not limited; every wish was granted, reflecting the boundless resources of the Persian Empire and the king's desire for the most captivating consort.
* **"to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house.":** This final clause specifies the purpose and destination of the desired provisions. The chosen items and personnel accompanied the maiden as she transitioned from the communal quarters where she had been prepared to the king's private residence, where the pivotal encounter would take place. It highlights the journey from a state of general preparation to a moment of individualized, high-stakes presentation.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several subtle literary devices. **Hyperbole** is evident in the phrase "whatsoever she desired was given her," suggesting an almost limitless provision that underscores the king's immense wealth and power. This exaggeration serves to emphasize the opulence of the Persian court and the extraordinary nature of the queen selection process. There is also an implicit **Contrast** between the maidens' initial anonymity and communal living within the "house of the women" and their grand, individualized procession to the "king's house," highlighting the dramatic shift in their status and the high stakes of their personal encounter. Furthermore, the meticulous detail given to these external preparations subtly serves as **Foreshadowing** for Esther's unique approach in the very next verse (Esther 2:15), where her lack of desire for such extravagant adornments sets her apart and ultimately highlights her inner character, which would prove more pleasing to the king than outward display.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 2:13, despite its focus on worldly extravagance and human vanity, subtly yet profoundly illustrates the overarching theme of God's sovereign providence. Even in a context seemingly far removed from spiritual concerns—a pagan king's beauty pageant—God's unseen hand is at work, orchestrating events and positioning individuals for His ultimate purposes. The king's absolute power and seemingly arbitrary choices are, in fact, subject to a higher divine will, demonstrating that human desires and actions, however grand or self-serving, can be woven into God's intricate tapestry of redemption. This verse reminds us that God is not limited by human circumstances or even by the ungodly nature of a situation; He can use any means to accomplish His perfect plan, often working behind the scenes to prepare the way for His chosen instruments.

* [Proverbs 21:1](/proverbs/21-1 "Proverbs 21:1 - The King's Heart in God's Hand")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")
* [Isaiah 46:10](/isaiah/46-10 "Isaiah 46:10 - God Declares the End from the Beginning")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 2:13 presents a fascinating juxtaposition of human opulence and divine sovereignty. In a world obsessed with external appearances and material possessions, this verse showcases the extreme lengths to which a powerful king would go to satisfy his desires. For us today, it serves as a powerful reminder that while the world often prioritizes outward beauty, wealth, and status, God's kingdom operates on a different set of values. The meticulous preparation of these maidens, focused entirely on external adornment, stands in stark contrast to the biblical emphasis on cultivating inner beauty, a gentle and quiet spirit, and a character shaped by righteousness. Yet, even within this worldly context, we can discern the subtle hand of God, preparing the way for Esther, a woman who would ultimately rely not on outward display but on divine favor and courage. This encourages us to look beyond the superficialities of our own lives and circumstances, trusting that God is at work even in the mundane, the chaotic, or the seemingly unspiritual, orchestrating events for His glory and our good.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does this verse, despite its worldly context, reveal aspects of God's sovereign control over human affairs?**
* **In what ways do contemporary cultures emphasize external appearance and material desires over inner character, and how does biblical wisdom challenge this perspective?**
* **How can we discern God's hand at work in seemingly secular or ordinary circumstances in our own lives, trusting His providential care?**

### FAQ

**Why was such an elaborate process necessary for choosing a queen?**

Answer: The elaborate process for choosing a queen, culminating in the provisions of Esther 2:13, was necessary for several reasons rooted in the cultural and political realities of the Persian Empire. Firstly, the king's queen was not merely a consort but a figure of immense political and social significance, representing the king's power and the stability of the throne. After Queen Vashti's public defiance and deposition ([Esther 1](/esther/1 "Esther 1 - Queen Vashti's Defiance")), King Ahasuerus needed a queen who would be utterly submissive and pleasing, reinforcing his absolute authority. Secondly, the sheer scale of the Persian Empire meant that the selection process was a grand display of the king's wealth and power, drawing the most beautiful women from across his vast dominion. The year-long purification and the unlimited provisions for presentation ensured that the king would be presented with the most exquisite candidates, reflecting the empire's opulence. Finally, such a rigorous and public selection process legitimized the chosen queen in the eyes of the court and the populace, ensuring her acceptance and preventing future challenges to her position.

**Does this verse condone the objectification of women?**

Answer: While Esther 2:13 describes a process that, by modern standards, can be seen as objectifying women—treating them primarily as commodities to be judged for their physical attractiveness and ability to please the king—the biblical narrative itself does not necessarily condone this practice. The Bible often describes cultural realities and historical events as they happened, without explicitly endorsing or condemning every aspect. The book of Esther, in particular, functions as a historical narrative that portrays the often harsh and ungodly realities of a pagan court. It highlights the vulnerability of women in such a system, where their value was tied to their physical appearance and obedience. However, the broader biblical witness consistently elevates the dignity of all human beings, created in God's image ([Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Created in God's Image")), and emphasizes inner character and spiritual beauty over mere external adornment ([1 Peter 3:3-4](/1_peter/3-3 "1 Peter 3:3-4 - Adorning with Inner Beauty"); [Proverbs 31:30](/proverbs/31-30 "Proverbs 31:30 - Charm is Deceitful, Beauty is Fleeting")). The story of Esther, while set within this context, ultimately showcases how God can work through imperfect human systems to accomplish His redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 2:13, with its depiction of a king's lavish provision for his prospective bride, offers a profound, albeit indirect, foreshadowing of Christ's relationship with His Church. Just as Ahasuerus desired a perfectly adorned queen, lavishing "whatsoever she desired" upon each maiden, so too does Christ, the true King, prepare and adorn His bride, the Church, not with earthly finery but with His own righteousness and grace. While the maidens sought external beauty to please an earthly king, believers are called to be clothed in the righteousness of Christ, a spiritual beauty that is eternal and truly pleasing to God ([Galatians 3:27](/galatians/3-27 "Galatians 3:27 - Clothed in Christ"); [Philippians 3:9](/philippians/3-9 "Philippians 3:9 - Righteousness Through Faith")). The "desire" of the maidens was for temporary adornment; the "desire" of all nations, the ultimate fulfillment of all longing, is Christ Himself ([Haggai 2:7](/haggai/2-7 "Haggai 2:7 - The Desire of All Nations")). He has not merely given us what we desired, but infinitely more—He has given us Himself, sanctifying and cleansing His Church "that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish" ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church as His Bride")). Thus, Esther 2:13, in its worldly splendor, points to the infinitely greater, spiritual splendor of Christ's transforming work, making us beautiful not for a fleeting moment, but for eternity.

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.