הֵגֵא (he.ge)
he.ge
Hegai
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Hegai refers to a specific individual in the Book of Esther, identified as a eunuch serving in the court of King Ahasuerus. The Hebrew word הֵגֵא appears only three times in Scripture, all within this single narrative. Its meaning is tied directly to his role: it translates to "eunuch," indicating a man who held a position of trust and access within the royal household.
As one of the king’s officials, Hegai was responsible for managing the women brought into the palace. The text highlights his authority when he selects Esther from among many candidates, granting her special privileges and favor. This brief mention underscores how God can work through unexpected figures in secular positions to preserve His people, even when their names are rarely recorded elsewhere.
The scarcity of this name outside Esther emphasizes its specificity. It serves as a reminder that the story of Purim involves real historical actors, not just archetypes. Hegai’s actions, though motivated by courtly duty, become part of a larger divine plan that Christians and Jews alike see as providential.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hegai appears only three times in Scripture, marking him as a eunuch and keeper of the women in King Ahasuerus’s court. While his role was administrative, his actions carried significant weight. In Esther 2:15, he advises Esther to ask for nothing but what he suggested, showing a practical kindness that helped her navigate a dangerous situation.
This brief mention reminds us that God works through unexpected people in secular positions. Hegai’s authority and favor with the king became part of a larger plan to preserve His people. We see that ordinary duties can serve divine purposes when we remain faithful in our stations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hegai4×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֵגָ֑י1×
- הֵגַ֥י1×
- הֵגַ֖י1×
- הֵגֶ֛א1×
Key Verses
-
Esther 2:3
Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the women’s house, to the custody of Hegai the king’s eunuch, keeper of the women. Let cosmetics be given them;
This verse establishes Hegai’s official title and responsibility for gathering the women, setting the stage for Esther’s entry into the palace.
-
Esther 2:8
So, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to the citadel of Susa, to the custody of Hegai, Esther was taken into the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women.
It highlights Hegai’s custody over Esther, showing how he became the immediate authority figure in her new life at court.
-
Esther 2:15
Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to go in to the king, she required nothing but what Hegai the king’s eunuch, the keeper of the women, advised. Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who looked at her.
This occurrence is crucial because Hegai’s advice directly influences Esther’s approach to the king, demonstrating his role in her success.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Hegai mean?
Why is Hegai important in the story of Esther?
How many times is Hegai mentioned in the Bible?
Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)
Esther 3 verses
Let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful…
Esther 2:8So, when the king’s commandment and his decree was heard, and when many maidens were gathered together to the citadel…
Esther 2:15Now when the turn of Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for his daughter, came to…