Esther 2:7

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 2:7 serves as the pivotal introduction to Hadassah, known by her Persian name Esther, a young Jewish orphan who is the cousin and adopted daughter of Mordecai. The verse poignantly establishes her vulnerable status, her striking physical beauty, and Mordecai's compassionate and responsible act of taking her into his household as his own child after the death of her parents. This foundational description not only sets the stage for Esther's unexpected entry into the Persian royal court but also underscores the profound personal and providential dimensions that will shape her extraordinary role in the divine drama of her people's deliverance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 2:7 is strategically positioned within the narrative flow following the dramatic events of [Esther 1](/esther/1 "Esther 1 - Queen Vashti's Disobedience and Deposition"), which culminated in Queen Vashti's deposition and King Ahasuerus's subsequent decree to find a new queen. The preceding verses in [Esther 2:1-4](/esther/2-1-4 "Esther 2:1-4 - The Search for a New Queen") detail the king's search for beautiful virgins from across his vast empire to be brought to the citadel of Susa for a year-long purification process. This verse specifically introduces Esther as one of these eligible young women, providing her essential background and establishing her unique relationship with Mordecai. Her introduction here directly prepares the reader for her eventual entry into the royal harem and her subsequent elevation to queen, which serves as the critical catalyst for the entire book's plot, leading to the dramatic confrontation with Haman and the salvation of the Jewish people.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The book of Esther is set during the Achaemenid Persian Empire, specifically during the reign of King Ahasuerus, widely identified as Xerxes I (486-465 BC). His empire was immense, spanning 127 provinces from India to Ethiopia, with Susa as its opulent capital. At this time, many Jewish people remained in the diaspora, having chosen not to return to Judah after the Babylonian exile, despite Cyrus's decree permitting their return, as recorded in [Ezra 1:1-4](/ezra/1-1-4 "Ezra 1:1-4 - Cyrus's Decree for Jewish Return"). This context of exile rendered the Jewish community a vulnerable minority, often subject to the arbitrary power of foreign rulers and the prejudices of officials, a reality tragically highlighted by Haman's genocidal plot. The cultural norms of the Persian court, including the elaborate system of the royal harem, the king's absolute authority, and the practice of adopting new names for those entering royal service, are crucial for understanding Esther's challenging circumstances and the immense pressures she would face.
* **Key Themes:** Esther 2:7 introduces several foundational themes that permeate the entire book. The theme of **Divine Providence** is subtly yet powerfully present; though God's name is conspicuously absent from the book, His hidden hand is demonstrably at work in orchestrating Esther's placement and rise to power, aligning with the biblical truth that [the Lord directs the steps of a man, even when he plans his own way](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps"). **Identity** is central, highlighted by Esther's dual names (Hadassah, her Hebrew name, and Esther, her Persian name), which symbolize her dual heritage and the challenge of maintaining her Jewish identity while navigating a foreign culture. Furthermore, the theme of **Familial Responsibility and Compassion** is profoundly illustrated by Mordecai's selfless act of adopting and raising Esther, embodying the timeless biblical principle of [caring for the fatherless and the vulnerable](/james/1-27 "James 1:27 - Pure Religion and Care for Orphans"). Lastly, **Beauty and Purpose** emerge as Esther's physical attractiveness, while seemingly superficial, becomes a providential means through which God's larger redemptive purpose for her people is achieved, demonstrating how seemingly ordinary attributes can be consecrated for extraordinary divine ends.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Hadassah (Hebrew, _Hădaççâh'_):** This is Esther's original Hebrew name, meaning "myrtle." The myrtle tree was a common and esteemed plant in the Middle East, known for its fragrant leaves and beautiful white flowers. In Jewish tradition, the myrtle often symbolized peace, beauty, and blessing, and it was notably used during the Feast of Sukkot. This name subtly connects Esther to her deep Jewish heritage and may foreshadow her role in bringing peace and blessing, or even a sense of renewal, to her imperiled people.
* **Esther (Persian, _ʼEçtêr'_):** This is Esther's Persian name, widely believed to be derived from the Persian word _stara_, meaning "star," or possibly linked to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. The adoption of a Persian name underscores her assimilation into the foreign culture and highlights her dual identity, serving as a symbolic bridge between her Jewish roots and her new, challenging environment within the Persian court. It signifies her adaptation to a foreign context while retaining her true self.
* **Fair and beautiful (Hebrew, _yâpheh tôʼar w'ṭôwb marʼeh'_):** This compound phrase emphatically describes Esther's exceptional physical attractiveness. "Yâpheh tôʼar" (H3303 H8389) refers to a pleasing form or figure, emphasizing her overall physical outline and comeliness. "Ṭôwb marʼeh" (H2896 H4758) describes a good or beautiful appearance, focusing on her countenance and visual appeal. While her beauty is explicitly stated as a key factor in her selection by the king, the narrative subtly suggests it is not merely a superficial trait but an attribute providentially used by God for a specific, divine purpose in the unfolding drama.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he brought up Hadassah, that [is], Esther, his uncle's daughter":** This opening clause immediately introduces the central female protagonist, identifying her by both her Hebrew name (Hadassah) and her Persian name (Esther). It establishes her familial connection to Mordecai, specifying that she is his cousin, and highlights Mordecai's crucial role as her guardian and caregiver from a young age. The dual naming convention is significant, reflecting her identity in two distinct cultural contexts and foreshadowing the complexities of her future role.
* **"for she had neither father nor mother":** This concise phrase explains Esther's orphaned status. It underscores her vulnerability and dependence, providing the essential background that necessitated Mordecai's intervention and care. Her lack of parental protection makes Mordecai's subsequent actions not merely commendable but absolutely vital for her survival and well-being in a challenging world.
* **"and the maid [was] fair and beautiful":** This clause describes Esther's striking physical attributes, emphasizing her exceptional beauty. This detail is not merely descriptive but is narratively pivotal, as her attractiveness is the explicit reason she is chosen to be brought into the king's harem and ultimately becomes queen. It sets the stage for the mechanism through which God's hidden plan, though unstated, will unfold.
* **"whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took for his own daughter":** This concluding clause reiterates Esther's orphaned state and explicitly states Mordecai's compassionate and responsible act of adoption. He did not merely house her; he "took for his own daughter," signifying a profound, familial commitment that transcended mere guardianship, providing her with the love, security, and guidance of a true parent. This selfless act of care is foundational to their deep relationship and Esther's future willingness to obey Mordecai's counsel, which proves critical for her people's salvation.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 2:7 is rich with literary devices that deepen its meaning and foreshadow future events. **Characterization** is immediately evident, as Mordecai is portrayed as a compassionate and responsible guardian through his selfless act of adopting Esther, while Esther herself is introduced as vulnerable yet possessing remarkable beauty and a dual identity. **Foreshadowing** is subtly woven into the description of Esther's beauty and her unique position as an orphan under Mordecai's protective care; these seemingly ordinary details will prove to be divinely orchestrated and absolutely crucial for her extraordinary future role in saving her people. The **Symbolism** of her dual names, Hadassah (myrtle, representing her deep Jewish roots and potential for blessing) and Esther (star, representing her Persian assimilation and perhaps her destiny to shine), powerfully highlights the overarching theme of identity and the challenges of living faithfully in exile. Furthermore, the verse contributes to the pervasive **Irony** of the book, where God's providence operates through human actions and seemingly secular circumstances, rather than overt miracles, to achieve His divine and redemptive purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 2:7, though concise, is profoundly rich with theological and thematic implications that resonate throughout the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the concept of God's providential care for His people, even when His name is not explicitly mentioned in the text. Esther's orphaned status and Mordecai's compassionate adoption underscore the biblical emphasis on caring for the vulnerable and marginalized, reflecting God's own tender heart for the fatherless and the widow. This act of familial love becomes the foundational bedrock for Esther's future courage and obedience, demonstrating how personal relationships and seemingly small acts of kindness can be instrumental in God's grand redemptive plan. The verse also subtly introduces the theme of God using unexpected individuals and their natural attributes—such as Esther's remarkable beauty—to accomplish His sovereign will, demonstrating that every aspect of our lives, our gifts, and our circumstances can be consecrated for His divine purposes.

* [James 1:27](/james/1-27 "Pure Religion and Care for Orphans")
* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 2:7 offers profound and practical lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to live out our faith with intentionality and compassion. Mordecai's selfless act of adopting Esther and raising her as his own daughter calls us to look beyond the confines of our immediate families and extend radical compassion and practical care to the vulnerable in our communities—orphans, the marginalized, and those desperately in need of a loving home or supportive relationship. It powerfully reminds us that true, undefiled religion is demonstrated not merely by profession but through tangible acts of love, responsibility, and justice for the most defenseless among us. Furthermore, Esther's story, beginning with her beauty and Mordecai's devoted care, encourages us to recognize that God often works through ordinary circumstances and uses our unique gifts and attributes, even those we might consider superficial or insignificant, for His extraordinary purposes. We are called to cultivate a deep trust in His hidden hand, believing that He is sovereignly orchestrating events, even when His presence is not overtly evident or His plan seems unclear in our lives, and to remain available for His divine appointments, no matter how unexpected or daunting they may seem.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Mordecai's act of taking Esther "for his own daughter" challenge our contemporary understanding of familial responsibility and the call to care for the vulnerable in our society?**
* **In what specific ways might God be preparing us, even through seemingly ordinary circumstances, personal talents, or unique attributes, for a significant purpose in His unfolding kingdom narrative?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper, more resilient trust in God's providence, especially when His presence is not explicitly stated or His grand plan seems unclear in the midst of our personal trials and global uncertainties?**

### FAQ
**Why does Esther have two names, Hadassah and Esther?**

Answer: Esther's dual names reflect her dual identity and the complex cultural context of the Jewish diaspora during the Persian Empire. Hadassah was her Hebrew name, meaning "myrtle," which deeply connected her to her Jewish heritage, traditions, and the covenant people of God. Esther, on the other hand, was her Persian name, likely derived from the Persian word for "star" (_stara_) or possibly linked to the Babylonian goddess Ishtar. Adopting a Persian name would have been a practical necessity for her integration into the foreign court and society, allowing her to navigate between her Jewish identity and the demands of her new environment. This dual naming highlights the pervasive theme of assimilation versus maintaining one's unique cultural and religious identity in a foreign land, a common challenge for exiles and minorities throughout history, and a subtle nod to the providential way God uses her unique position to save her people.

**Is Esther's beauty the primary reason for her selection as queen?**

Answer: While Esther's exceptional beauty, explicitly described as "fair and beautiful," was undoubtedly a critical factor in her initial selection by the king's eunuchs and her subsequent favor with King Ahasuerus, the narrative suggests it was not the ultimate or sole reason for her elevation. The book of Esther, though uniquely omitting any explicit mention of God, strongly implies that divine providence was intricately at work throughout the entire story. Her beauty served as the providential means through which God positioned her in a place of immense influence to ultimately save her people from annihilation. It was a tool in God's sovereign hand, rather than the ultimate determinant of her destiny. The story ultimately emphasizes her character, wisdom, courage, and obedience to Mordecai's counsel as the true drivers of her profound impact, rather than just her physical appearance, reminding us of the timeless biblical truth that [charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised](/proverbs/31-30 "Charm is Deceptive, Beauty is Fleeting").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 2:7, with its poignant portrayal of Mordecai's adoptive love and Esther's journey from vulnerability to a position of profound influence and deliverance, offers rich Christ-centered fulfillment. Mordecai's compassionate act of taking Esther "for his own daughter" beautifully foreshadows God the Father's gracious and redemptive act of adopting us into His eternal family through Christ Jesus ([Ephesians 1:5](/ephesians/1-5 "Adoption Through Christ")). Just as Esther was an orphan, vulnerable and without earthly parents, humanity is spiritually orphaned, alienated from God by sin, until Christ, through His redemptive work, makes us sons and daughters of God ([Galatians 4:4-5](/galatians/4-4-5 "God Sent His Son to Redeem Us")). Esther, a seemingly ordinary and vulnerable young woman, is elevated to a position of power and becomes a divinely appointed instrument of salvation for her people, powerfully prefiguring Christ, who, though humble and taking the form of a servant, was exalted by God to be the ultimate Deliverer and Savior of all who believe ([Philippians 2:7-9](/phil/2-7-9 "Christ's Humility and Exaltation")). Her beauty, used for a divine purpose, points to the perfect beauty and holiness of Christ, whose sacrificial love on the cross is the true allure that draws all humanity to God ([John 12:32](/john/12-32 "Jesus Lifted Up Draws All People")). The hidden hand of God in Esther's story, orchestrating events through seemingly ordinary circumstances and human choices, ultimately points to the sovereign work of Christ, who upholds all things by the word of His power and whose unseen hand continually guides history towards His ultimate redemptive purposes for His elect ([Colossians 1:17](/colossians/1-17 "Christ Holds All Things Together")).

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 2:15

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].