What does Esther 2:20 mean?

"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." - Esther 2:20

"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." - Esther 2:20

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."

The book of Esther is a unique and fascinating part of the Bible. It is distinguished for being one of the only two books in the Bible that does not mention God. Despite this, it is clear that God's hand is at work throughout the story, orchestrating events behind the scenes to deliver His people. Esther, who was a Jewish orphan living in Persia, was chosen to be the queen of King Xerxes. The verse Esther 2:20 comes at a pivotal point in Esther's story. It reveals her obedience to her cousin Mordecai, who had raised her, and the tension she faced in concealing her Jewish heritage.

One of the prominent themes in the book of Esther is the providence of God. Esther's rise to become queen was not a coincidence, but a part of God's plan to deliver the Jewish people from destruction. Mordecai's influence on Esther's life was crucial in this plan, as he demanded Esther to keep her identity as a Jew a secret.

In Esther 2:20, we see Esther's obedience to Mordecai's instruction. Mordecai had charged Esther to keep her kindred and people a secret, knowing that her Jewish heritage would put her at risk in the royal court. Despite the potential dangers, Esther dutifully followed Mordecai's commandments. This shows Esther's humility and submission to authority, as well as her commitment to fulfilling her responsibilities.

The verse also highlights the bond between Esther and Mordecai. It is notable that Esther continued to follow Mordecai's instructions even after becoming the queen of Persia. This demonstrates the deep respect and loyalty Esther had for Mordecai, and the impact his guidance had on her life. Although Mordecai's advice may have seemed counterintuitive, it ultimately played a vital role in God's plan for Esther to save her people.

Moreover, Esther 2:20 conveys the tension and complexity of Esther's position. She had to navigate her dual identity as a Jew and a queen, and the difficulty of concealing her true heritage. This conveys the internal struggle Esther faced as she grappled with the risks and responsibilities of her position.

The symbolism in this verse is powerful. It illustrates the importance of obedience, humility, and trust in God's providence. Esther's obedience to Mordecai's guidance reflects her humility and submission to God's plan, even when it seemed risky or challenging. Additionally, it demonstrates the significance of maintaining trust and respect in relationships, as Esther's loyalty to Mordecai played a significant role in God's deliverance of the Jewish people.

Overall, Esther 2:20 provides valuable insights into the complexities and challenges of Esther's position, the importance of obedience and loyalty, and the providence of God at work in the lives of His people. It serves as a reminder to trust in God's plan, to remain faithful in obedience, and to recognize the impact of influential relationships in our lives.

Have questions about Esther 2:20?

Dive deeper into this scripture with Bible Chat — an AI-powered tool for exploring God's Word through conversation. Ask questions, get context, and grow in your understanding of the Bible.

Esther 2:20 Artwork

Esther 2:20 - "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."

Esther 2:20 - "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."

"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." - Esther 2:20

"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." - Esther 2:20

Esther 2:22 - "And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name."

Esther 2:22 - "And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name."

Esther 5:2 - "And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre."

Esther 5:2 - "And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre."

Esther 7:2 - "And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom."

Esther 7:2 - "And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom."

Esther 5:2

Esther 5:2

Esther 5:2

Esther 5:2

Esther 5:2

Esther 5:2

Esther 2:11 - "And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her."

Esther 2:11 - "And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her."

Esther 2:10 - "Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it."

Esther 2:10 - "Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it."

Esther 5:2 - "And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre."

Esther 5:2 - "And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre."

"And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name." - Esther 2:22

"And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name." - Esther 2:22

Esther 2:16 - "So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign."

Esther 2:16 - "So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign."

Esther 8:2 - "And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman."

Esther 8:2 - "And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it unto Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman."

Esther 9:20 - "¶ And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,"

Esther 9:20 - "¶ And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,"

Esther 8:2 focus on the ring

Esther 8:2 focus on the ring

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."

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."

Esther 2:2 - "Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:"

Esther 2:2 - "Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, Let there be fair young virgins sought for the king:"

Esther 1:20 - "And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small."

Esther 1:20 - "And when the king's decree which he shall make shall be published throughout all his empire, (for it is great,) all the wives shall give to their husbands honour, both to great and small."

Esther 2:17 - "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."

Esther 2:17 - "And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti."

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."

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 it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre." - Esther 5:2

"And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre." - Esther 5:2

Esther 2:8 - "¶ So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women."

Esther 2:8 - "¶ So it came to pass, when the king's commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together unto Shushan the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also unto the king's house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women."

Esther 2:19 - "And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate."

Esther 2:19 - "And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate."

Esther 1:2 - "That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,"

Esther 1:2 - "That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,"

Esther 4:2 - "And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth."

Esther 4:2 - "And came even before the king's gate: for none might enter into the king's gate clothed with sackcloth."

"Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it." - Esther 2:10

"Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it." - Esther 2:10

"And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her." - Esther 2:11

"And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her." - Esther 2:11

"And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom." - Esther 7:2

"And the king said again unto Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, What is thy petition, queen Esther? and it shall be granted thee: and what is thy request? and it shall be performed, even to the half of the kingdom." - Esther 7:2

Esther 2:4 - "And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so."

Esther 2:4 - "And let the maiden which pleaseth the king be queen instead of Vashti. And the thing pleased the king; and he did so."