אֶסְתֵּר (es.ter)
es.ter
Esther
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 45 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Esther, or אֶסְתֵּר, appears exclusively in the biblical book that bears her title. It identifies a Jewish woman from the tribe of Benjamin who became queen of Persia under King Ahasuerus. Originally known as Hadassah, she is described as the cousin and adopted daughter of Mordecai, serving as the central heroine of the narrative.
Lexical sources identify the name as having Persian origins, deriving from a word meaning "star." This etymology connects it to terms for Venus or good fortune in related ancient languages. The choice of this name likely reflected her status and favor within the royal court after she replaced Queen Vashti.
As a proper noun, Esther functions primarily to anchor the historical account of the Jewish people's preservation during the exile. Its meaning as a star provides a subtle thematic link to guidance and visibility, mirroring her role in revealing Haman’s plot to save her people from destruction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Esther means star, a fitting title for someone who brought light to a dark situation. In the story, she was hidden in the royal palace, yet her presence became the instrument of salvation for her people. This reminds us that our own positions, whether visible or concealed, can be used for good when we remain faithful to God's leading.
Her courage did not come from confidence in herself but from a willingness to step forward despite fear. When she approached the king, she risked everything to speak truth and seek justice. We can find encouragement in her example, knowing that God places us where we are needed most, even in difficult circumstances.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 45 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Esther39×
- to/ Esther11×
- O Esther2×
- from/ Esther1×
- and/ Esther1×
- [is] Esther1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֶסְתֵּר֙7×
- אֶסְתֵּ֔ר7×
- לְ/אֶסְתֵּ֣ר5×
- אֶסְתֵּ֣ר5×
- אֶסְתֵּ֖ר4×
- אֶסְתֵּ֨ר3×
- אֶסְתֵּ֑ר3×
- לְ/אֶסְתֵּ֗ר2×
- לְ/אֶסְתֵּ֔ר2×
- אֶסְתֵּֽר\׃2×
- אֶסְתֵּ֥ר2×
- אֶסְתֵּ֤ר2×
Key Verses
-
Esther 2:7
He brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter; for she had neither father nor mother. The maiden was fair and beautiful; and when her father and mother were dead, Mordecai took her for his own daughter.
This verse establishes her identity as Hadassah and highlights the protective care of Mordecai, showing how family bonds sustained her during a vulnerable time.
-
Esther 4:13
Then Mordecai asked them to return this answer to Esther: “Don’t think to yourself that you will escape in the king’s house any more than all the Jews.
Mordecai’s challenge here frames her entire role, suggesting that her elevation to queen was not for personal gain but for a specific moment of deliverance.
-
Esther 5:2
When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter.
The king extending the golden scepter marks the turning point where Esther’s boldness meets royal favor, allowing her to intervene on behalf of the Jewish people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Esther mean?
Was Esther originally named something else?
Why is Esther important in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (45 verses across 1 books)
Esther 45 verses
He brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter; for she had neither father nor mother. The maiden was…
Esther 2:8So, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to the citadel…
Esther 2:10Esther had not made known her people nor her relatives, because Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make it…
Esther 2:11Mordecai walked every day in front of the court of the women’s house, to find out how Esther was doing, and what would…
Esther 2:15Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to…
Esther 2:16So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus into his royal house in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the…
Esther 2:17The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the…
Esther 2:18Then the king made a great feast for all his princes and his servants, even Esther’s feast; and he proclaimed a holiday…
Esther 2:20Esther had not yet made known her relatives nor her people, as Mordecai had commanded her; for Esther obeyed Mordecai,…
Esther 2:22This thing became known to Mordecai, who informed Esther the queen; and Esther informed the king in Mordecai’s name.
Esther 4:4Esther’s maidens and her eunuchs came and told her this, and the queen was exceedingly grieved. She sent clothing to…
Esther 4:5Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king’s eunuchs, whom he had appointed to attend her, and commanded him to go…
Esther 4:8He also gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given out in Susa to destroy them, to show it to…
Esther 4:9Hathach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai.
Esther 4:10Then Esther spoke to Hathach, and gave him a message to Mordecai:
Esther 4:12They told Esther’s words to Mordecai.
Esther 4:13Then Mordecai asked them to return this answer to Esther: “Don’t think to yourself that you will escape in the king’s…
Esther 4:15Then Esther asked them to answer Mordecai,
Esther 4:17So Mordecai went his way, and did according to all that Esther had commanded him.
Esther 5:1Now on the third day, Esther put on her royal clothing and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, next to the…
Esther 5:2When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to…
Esther 5:3Then the king asked her, “What would you like, queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you even to the…
Esther 5:4Esther said, “If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for…
Esther 5:5Then the king said, “Bring Haman quickly, so that it may be done as Esther has said.” So the king and Haman came to the…
Esther 5:6The king said to Esther at the banquet of wine, “What is your petition? It shall be granted you. What is your request?…
Esther 5:7Then Esther answered and said, “My petition and my request is this.
Esther 5:12Haman also said, “Yes, Esther the queen let no man come in with the king to the banquet that she had prepared but…
Esther 6:14While they were yet talking with him, the king’s eunuchs came, and hurried to bring Haman to the banquet that Esther…
Esther 7:1So the king and Haman came to banquet with Esther the queen.
Esther 7:2The king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, “What is your petition, queen Esther? It shall…
Esther 7:3Then Esther the queen answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life…
Esther 7:5Then King Ahasuerus said to Esther the queen, “Who is he, and where is he who dared presume in his heart to do so?”
Esther 7:6Esther said, “An adversary and an enemy, even this wicked Haman!” Then Haman was afraid before the king and the queen.
Esther 7:7The king arose in his wrath from the banquet of wine and went into the palace garden. Haman stood up to make request…
Esther 7:8Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman had fallen on the…
Esther 8:1On that day, King Ahasuerus gave the house of Haman, the Jews’ enemy, to Esther the queen. Mordecai came before the…
Esther 8:2The king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. Esther set Mordecai over the house…
Esther 8:3Esther spoke yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet and begged him with tears to put away the mischief of…
Esther 8:4Then the king held out to Esther the golden scepter. So Esther arose, and stood before the king.
Esther 8:7Then King Ahasuerus said to Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, “See, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and…
Esther 9:12The king said to Esther the queen, “The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in the citadel of Susa,…
Esther 9:13Then Esther said, “If it pleases the king, let it be granted to the Jews who are in Susa to do tomorrow also according…
Esther 9:29Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew wrote with all authority to confirm this second…
Esther 9:31to confirm these days of Purim in their appointed times, as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had decreed, and as…
Esther 9:32The commandment of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim; and it was written in the book.