Esther 2:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Esther {H635} had not yet shewed {H5046} her kindred {H4138} nor her people {H5971}; as Mordecai {H4782} had charged {H6680} her: for Esther {H635} did {H6213} the commandment {H3982} of Mordecai {H4782}, like as when she was brought up {H545} with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

Ester had not yet revealed her family ties or her people, as Mordekhai had ordered her; for Ester continued obeying what Mordekhai told her to do, as she had when he was raising her.

Berean Standard Bible

Esther still had not revealed her lineage or her people, just as Mordecai had instructed. She obeyed Mordecai’s command, as she had done under his care.

American Standard Version

Esther had not yet made known 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 2:20 reveals a pivotal instruction given by Mordecai to his adopted daughter, Esther, upon her entry into King Ahasuerus's palace: she was to conceal her Jewish heritage and family background. The verse highlights Esther's unwavering obedience to this command, emphasizing that her submission was not new but a consistent characteristic, mirroring the obedience she demonstrated throughout her upbringing under Mordecai's care. This discreet act of concealment, born of Mordecai's wisdom and Esther's faithfulness, sets the stage for the unfolding drama of the book, where her true identity will later prove instrumental in the salvation of her people.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Esther's ascent to the Persian throne. It follows the initial selection process where many young virgins, including Esther, were gathered into the king's harem (Esther 2:1-14) and precedes Esther's actual presentation to King Ahasuerus and her subsequent elevation to queen (Esther 2:16-18). The immediate preceding verses detail Esther's favor with Hegai, the eunuch in charge of the women, and Mordecai's consistent visits to inquire about her welfare (Esther 2:15-19). Verse 20 acts as a crucial narrative pivot, explaining *why* Esther was so favored and successful in the palace: her obedience, particularly to Mordecai's strategic counsel regarding her hidden identity. This concealment is not merely a detail but a foundational element that will directly enable the dramatic events of the book, especially the confrontation with Haman in [Esther 3](/esther/3 "Esther 3 - Haman's Plot") and [Esther 4](/esther/4 "Esther 4 - Mordecai's Plea to Esther").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of Esther unfold in the Persian Empire during the reign of Ahasuerus, generally identified as Xerxes I (486-465 BC), with Susa as the capital city. The Jewish people were living in diaspora, having been exiled from their homeland. In such a foreign, often polytheistic, and potentially hostile environment, maintaining one's distinct ethnic and religious identity could be perilous. The Persian court was a place of immense power, political intrigue, and absolute monarchy, where the king's decrees were unchangeable (as seen in [Esther 1:19](/esther/1-19 "Esther 1:19 - King's Decree") and [Esther 8:8](/esther/8-8 "Esther 8:8 - Law of the Medes and Persians")). Mordecai's instruction to Esther was a prudent act of self-preservation and strategic discretion, recognizing the potential dangers of revealing her Jewish heritage in a court where ethnic prejudice could easily be exploited, as Haman later demonstrates with his genocidal plot against the Jews in [Esther 3:8-9](/esther/3-8 "Esther 3:8-9 - Haman's Accusation Against the Jews")).
* **Key Themes:** Esther 2:20 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the book. Firstly, it highlights **Obedience and Submission**, portraying Esther as a character defined by her consistent adherence to wise counsel, a trait that serves her well in navigating the complex royal court. Her obedience to Mordecai, even after gaining a position of influence, underscores the value of heeding guidance from trusted mentors, a principle echoed in wisdom literature like [Proverbs 1:8](/proverbs/1-8 "Proverbs 1:8 - Listen to Your Father's Instruction"). Secondly, the verse introduces the theme of **Discretion and Wisdom**. Mordecai's charge for Esther to conceal her identity is a strategic act of prudence, demonstrating foresight in a potentially dangerous environment. This discretion is not about deception but about wise navigation and protection, a concept found in [Proverbs 11:12](/proverbs/11-12 "Proverbs 11:12 - The Discerning Person Holds Their Tongue"). Thirdly, and perhaps most profoundly, it subtly points to **Divine Providence**. While God is notably absent from the text of Esther, the careful, strategic actions of Mordecai and Esther's faithful obedience are often interpreted as the means through which God's unseen hand is working to preserve His people. Esther's hidden identity becomes a crucial element in God's plan to position her as the deliverer of the Jews, illustrating how God works through human choices and circumstances to accomplish His sovereign purposes, even when His presence is not overtly declared, as seen in the broader narrative of [the book of Esther](/esther/1 "The Book of Esther - God's Providence").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **shewed (Hebrew, _higgîḏāh'_):** This verb, derived from the root נגד (n-g-d), means "to tell, declare, make known, report." In this context, it carries the nuance of revealing information that was previously undisclosed or kept secret. It implies a conscious act of disclosure, which Esther refrained from doing, thereby maintaining her hidden identity.
* **kindred (Hebrew, _môlaḏtāh'_):** This noun refers to one's birth, lineage, or native place/country. It encompasses her family origin, her ancestry, and the place from which her family came. This term, combined with "people," specifically points to her Jewish heritage, which was tied to a distinct lineage and homeland.
* **commandment (Hebrew, _ma’ămar'_):** This word signifies a word, saying, command, or decree. It emphasizes the authoritative nature of Mordecai's instruction. It wasn't merely a suggestion but a directive that Esther was expected to obey, highlighting the strong bond of trust and respect between them, akin to a legal or binding instruction.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people;":** This clause establishes Esther's immediate action (or inaction) upon entering the king's palace. Despite being immersed in a new, opulent, and potentially intimidating environment, she steadfastly refrained from revealing her family background or her ethnic identity as a Jew. This secrecy was not accidental but deliberate, indicating a conscious adherence to a prior instruction.
* **"as Mordecai had charged her:":** This phrase provides the crucial explanation for Esther's discreet behavior. Her concealment was a direct result of a specific command given to her by Mordecai, her guardian and cousin. The word "charged" implies an authoritative and serious instruction, underscoring Mordecai's foresight and his protective concern for Esther in a foreign and potentially dangerous court.
* **"for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.":** This final clause offers a profound insight into Esther's character and the nature of her relationship with Mordecai. It explains *why* she obeyed: because it was her consistent pattern. Her obedience in the palace was not an isolated incident but a continuation of the submission and trust she had demonstrated throughout her entire upbringing under Mordecai's care. This emphasizes her faithfulness, loyalty, and deep respect for his counsel, highlighting a character trait that would prove vital for her role in God's plan.

#### Literary Devices
The verse effectively employs several literary devices. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as Esther's hidden identity is introduced as a seemingly minor detail but will become the central pivot for the entire plot, leading to the dramatic confrontation with Haman and the salvation of the Jews. The repetition of the idea of Mordecai's instruction and Esther's obedience ("charged her," "did the commandment") serves as **Emphasis**, highlighting the significance of this act of discretion and Esther's consistent character. The phrase "like as when she was brought up with him" uses **Simile** to draw a comparison between her past and present obedience, reinforcing the depth of her submission and trust in Mordecai. This consistent obedience also contributes to **Characterization**, portraying Esther as a faithful, disciplined, and submissive individual, qualities that make her a suitable instrument for God's purposes, even in a secular context. There is also an element of **Situational Irony**, as the very act of concealment, intended for safety, ultimately positions Esther to reveal her identity at the most critical moment, securing the deliverance of her people.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 2:20 offers a profound glimpse into the subtle workings of divine providence, even in a book where God's name is never explicitly mentioned. Mordecai's wise counsel and Esther's unwavering obedience are not merely human actions but are depicted as crucial steps in a larger, unseen divine plan. This verse underscores that God often works through the seemingly ordinary decisions and faithful responses of His people, positioning them in strategic places for His purposes. It highlights the importance of discretion, obedience to wise counsel, and the preservation of identity in challenging environments, demonstrating that faithfulness in small matters can prepare you for significant roles. The hiddenness of Esther's identity parallels the hiddenness of God's hand, both to be revealed at the appointed time for the deliverance of His people.

* [Proverbs 1:8](/proverbs/1-8 "Proverbs 1:8 - Hear, my son, your father's instruction")
* [Hebrews 13:17](/hebrews/13-17 "Hebrews 13:17 - Obey your leaders and submit to them")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God works all things for good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 2:20 invites us to consider the profound impact of obedience and discretion in our own lives. Esther's consistent submission to Mordecai, even when it meant concealing a fundamental aspect of her identity, ultimately positioned her to save her people. This teaches us that wisdom often involves knowing when to speak and when to remain silent, when to reveal and when to conceal, not out of deception, but out of strategic prudence for a greater good. In a world that often pressures us to conform or to reveal all, Esther's story reminds us that there are times when quiet faithfulness and strategic discernment are more powerful than overt action. We are called to be obedient to godly counsel and to exercise wisdom in navigating complex situations, trusting that God can use our seemingly small acts of faithfulness to accomplish His extraordinary purposes, even when we cannot see the full picture. Our hidden acts of obedience can be the very foundation upon which God builds His visible work.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life might God be calling you to exercise greater discretion or quiet obedience, even if it feels counter-intuitive?**
* **Who are the "Mordecais" in your life—wise counselors whose guidance you should consistently heed?**
* **How does Esther's consistent obedience, "like as when she was brought up with him," challenge your own patterns of obedience to God and to wise counsel?**
* **Can you identify a time when God used a seemingly insignificant or hidden aspect of your life to accomplish something significant?**

### FAQ
**Was Esther's concealment of her Jewish identity an act of deception or a compromise of her faith?**

Answer: Esther's concealment of her Jewish identity, as instructed by Mordecai, is best understood as an act of strategic discretion and prudence rather than deception or a compromise of her faith. In the highly volatile and often prejudiced environment of the Persian court, revealing her identity could have put her life, and potentially the lives of her people, at immediate risk, especially given the later plot by Haman to exterminate the Jews (as detailed in [Esther 3](/esther/3 "Esther 3 - Haman's Plot")). Mordecai's charge was a protective measure, designed to give Esther flexibility and safety until the opportune moment. Her faith was not compromised, as she later risked her life to intercede for her people (see [Esther 4:16](/esther/4-16 "Esther 4:16 - Esther's Courageous Decision")), demonstrating that her identity remained firmly rooted in her heritage, even when hidden. This act of concealment was a tactical decision, allowing God to position her for the ultimate deliverance of her people, rather than an abandonment of her true self.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 2:20, with its emphasis on hidden identity, strategic obedience, and divine providence, finds a profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Esther's true identity was concealed for a time, preparing her for a pivotal role in the salvation of her people, so too was the full glory and divine nature of Christ often veiled during His earthly ministry. Though He was God incarnate, He "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Humiliation")). His divine identity was hidden from many, revealed only to those with spiritual eyes to see (e.g., [Matthew 16:17](/matthew/16-17 "Matthew 16:17 - Peter's Confession")). Furthermore, Esther's unwavering obedience to Mordecai foreshadows Christ's perfect and absolute obedience to His Father's will, even to the point of death on a cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). This obedience was not merely a character trait but the very means by which God's ultimate plan of salvation for all humanity was accomplished, a plan that was "hidden for ages and generations but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people" ([Colossians 1:26](/colossians/1-26 "Colossians 1:26 - The Mystery Revealed")). Just as Esther was strategically positioned and prepared to deliver her people, Christ was born into the world at the perfect time ([Galatians 4:4](/galatians/4-4 "Galatians 4:4 - The Fullness of Time")) to fulfill God's redemptive purposes, demonstrating God's sovereign hand working through seemingly ordinary circumstances and the perfect obedience of His Son to bring about the greatest deliverance.

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

Esther 2:10

Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew [it].

Ephesians 6:1

¶ Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Ephesians 6:3

That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.

Esther 2:7

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.