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.

And he brought up {H539} Hadassah {H1919}, that is, Esther {H635}, his uncle's {H1730} daughter {H1323}: for she had neither father {H1} nor mother {H517}, and the maid {H5291} was fair {H3303}{H8389} and beautiful {H2896}{H4758}; whom Mordecai {H4782}, when her father {H1} and mother {H517} were dead {H4194}, took {H3947} for his own daughter {H1323}.

He had raised Hadassah, that is, Ester, his uncle's daughter; because she had neither father nor mother. The girl was shapely and good-looking; after her father's and mother's death, Mordekhai had adopted her as his own daughter.

And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah (that is, Esther), the daughter of his uncle, because she did not have a father or mother. The young woman was lovely in form and appearance, and when her father and mother had died, Mordecai had taken her in as his own daughter.

And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter: for she had neither father nor mother, and the maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter.

Context

The book of Esther unfolds during the Persian Empire's reign, specifically in the third year of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), who ruled over 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia. This verse introduces us to a crucial character, Esther, a young Jewish woman living in exile in Susa, the capital. Following the deposition of Queen Vashti, King Ahasuerus initiated a search for a new queen, setting the stage for Esther's unexpected rise. This historical backdrop is essential for understanding the unique challenges and opportunities faced by the Jewish diaspora.

Key Figures and Themes

  • Mordecai's Paternal Care: The verse immediately establishes Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian, as a central figure. Having lost her parents, Esther (Hadassah) was taken in by Mordecai and raised "for his own daughter." This act of adoption highlights a profound sense of familial responsibility and compassion within the Jewish community, mirroring biblical principles of caring for the fatherless and vulnerable. Mordecai's care sets the foundation for Esther's future role.
  • Esther's Beauty and Significance: Esther is described as "fair and beautiful," a quality that would undeniably play a role in her selection process. While her physical attractiveness is noted, the narrative of Esther ultimately suggests that this beauty served as a means through which God's hidden hand was guiding events, placing her in a position to protect her people.

Linguistic Insights

The verse reveals Esther's dual identity through her two names. Her Hebrew name, Hadassah (הֲדַסָּה), means 'myrtle,' a fragrant plant often symbolizing peace, beauty, and blessing in Jewish tradition. Her Persian name, Esther, is widely believed to be derived from the Persian word for 'star' (stara) or possibly linked to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. These dual names subtly reflect her heritage and her new environment, foreshadowing her role as a bridge between two cultures.

Practical Application

Esther 2:7 offers timeless lessons. It reminds us of the importance of compassion and responsibility towards those who are vulnerable, especially orphans and those without family support. Mordecai's selfless act provides a powerful example of nurturing and investing in the lives of others. Furthermore, it subtly points to the idea that our personal attributes, including outward appearance, can be used by God for a greater purpose, often in ways we don't initially understand. It encourages us to trust in divine providence, even when God's presence is not explicitly stated, as His plan unfolds through ordinary people and circumstances.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Esther 2:15

    Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, was come to go in unto the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed. And Esther obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her.

  • Ephesians 6:4

    And, ye fathers, provoke not your children to wrath: but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord.

  • Daniel 1:6

    Now among these were of the children of Judah, Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah:

  • Daniel 1:7

    Unto whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names: for he gave unto Daniel [the name] of Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, of Shadrach; and to Mishael, of Meshach; and to Azariah, of Abednego.

  • 2 Corinthians 6:18

    And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

  • Esther 1:11

    To bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to shew the people and the princes her beauty: for she [was] fair to look on.

  • Jeremiah 32:7

    Behold, Hanameel the son of Shallum thine uncle shall come unto thee, saying, Buy thee my field that [is] in Anathoth: for the right of redemption [is] thine to buy [it].

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