Esther 2:1-4
New English Translation
Esther Becomes Queen in Vashti’s Place
2 When these things had been accomplished[a] and the rage of King Ahasuerus had diminished, he remembered[b] Vashti and what she had done and what had been decided[c] against her. 2 The king’s servants who attended him said, “Let a search be conducted on the king’s behalf for attractive young women.[d] 3 And let the king appoint officers throughout all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the attractive young women to Susa the citadel, to the harem[e] under the authority of Hegai, the king’s eunuch who oversees the women, and let him provide whatever cosmetics they desire.[f] 4 Let the young woman whom the king finds most attractive[g] become queen in place of Vashti.” This seemed like a good idea to the king,[h] so he acted accordingly.
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- Esther 2:1 tn Heb “after these things” (so KJV, NASB, NRSV). The expression is very vague from a temporal standpoint, not indicating precisely just how much time might have elapsed. Cf. v. 21.
- Esther 2:1 sn There may be a tinge of regret expressed in the king’s remembrance of Vashti. There is perhaps a hint that he wished for her presence once again, although that was not feasible from a practical standpoint. The suggestions by the king’s attendants concerning a replacement seem to be an effort to overcome this nostalgia. Certainly it was to their advantage to seek the betterment of the king’s outlook. Those around him the most were probably the most likely to suffer the effects of his ire.
- Esther 2:1 tn Or “decreed” (so NAB, NASB, NRSV); TEV “and about his proclamation against her.”
- Esther 2:2 tn Heb “young women, virgins, good of form.” The same phrase also occurs in v. 3.
- Esther 2:3 tn Heb “the house of the women” (so KJV, ASV). So also in vv. 9, 11, 13, and 14.
- Esther 2:3 tn Heb “their ointments”; cf. NIV, CEV, NLT “beauty treatments.”
- Esther 2:4 tn Heb “who is good in the eyes of the king.”
- Esther 2:4 tn Heb “the matter was good in the eyes of the king.” Cf. TEV “The king thought this was good advice.”
Esther 2:1-4
International Standard Version
The King Searches for a New Queen
2 After this, when the anger of King Ahasuerus had subsided, he remembered Vashti, what she had done, and what had been decreed about her. 2 Then the young men who attended the king suggested, “Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king. 3 Let the king appoint officials in all the provinces of his kingdom to bring all the beautiful young virgins into the harem in Susa the capital. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, who is in charge of the women to give them their beauty treatments.[a] 4 Then let the young woman who pleases the king rule in place of Vashti.” This advice[b] pleased the king, and he did this.
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- Esther 2:3 Lit. their massages
- Esther 2:4 The Heb. lacks advice
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