19 (A)Now when the virgins were gathered together for the second time, then Mordecai (B)was sitting at the king’s gate. 20 (C)Esther still had not revealed her relatives or her people, just as Mordecai had instructed her; for Esther did [a]what Mordecai told her just as she had (D)when under his care.

Mordecai Saves the King

21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, (E)Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s officials from those who guarded the door, became angry and sought to [b]attack King Ahasuerus. 22 But the [c]plot became known to Mordecai and (F)he informed Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in Mordecai’s name. 23 Then when the plot was investigated and found to be so, they were both hanged on a wooden gallows; and it was written in (G)the Book of the Chronicles in the king’s presence.

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Footnotes

  1. Esther 2:20 Lit the command of Mordecai
  2. Esther 2:21 Or kill; lit put out a hand against
  3. Esther 2:22 Lit matter, so also v 23

19 When the young women(A) were assembled together for a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the King’s Gate.(B) 20 Esther still had not revealed her birthplace or her ethnic background, as Mordecai had directed. She obeyed Mordecai’s orders, as she always had while he raised her.

Mordecai Saves the King

21 During those days while Mordecai was sitting at the King’s Gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two eunuchs(C) who guarded the king’s entrance, became infuriated and planned to assassinate[a] King Ahasuerus. 22 When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she told the king on Mordecai’s behalf.(D) 23 When the report was investigated and verified, both men were hanged on the gallows.(E) This event was recorded in the Historical Record in the king’s presence.

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Footnotes

  1. Esther 2:21 Lit and they sought to stretch out a hand against