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כֶּ֫תֶר (ke.ter)

ke.ter

crown

H3804 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 3 verses

H:N-M

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
3 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
H:N-M

Word Overview

The noun keter refers to a crown, specifically the ornamental headpiece worn by royalty or high officials. In the Hebrew Bible, this term is rare, appearing only three times, and its usage is tightly bound to the narrative of Esther. It signifies honor, authority, and the visible mark of status within the Persian court.

Its most prominent appearance occurs in Esther 2:17, where King Ahasuerus sets Esther’s crown above those of all other women, marking her selection as queen. The word also appears in Esther 3:10 and 8:2, describing the signet ring bearing the king’s seal, which is sometimes translated as a "crown" or "ring with a royal seal." This usage highlights that keter can represent not just personal adornment, but the legal power and authority delegated by the monarch.

Unlike other Hebrew words for headgear, keter is almost exclusively associated with Persian royal imagery in these texts. It serves as a concrete symbol of divine providence working through political structures, as Esther’s elevation to this position becomes pivotal for the survival of her people. The word anchors the story in its historical setting, reminding readers that earthly power can be used for unexpected purposes.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

The Hebrew word keter refers to a crown, specifically the ornamental headpiece worn by royalty or high officials. In the Hebrew Bible, this term is rare, appearing only three times, and its usage is tightly bound to the narrative of Esther. It signifies honor, authority, and the visible mark of status within the Persian court.

Its most prominent appearance occurs in Esther 2:17, where King Ahasuerus sets Esther’s crown above those of all other women, marking her selection as queen. The word also appears in Esther 3:10 and 8:2, describing the signet ring bearing the king’s seal, which is sometimes translated as a "crown" or "ring with a royal seal." This usage highlights that keter can represent not just personal adornment, but the legal power and authority delegated by the monarch.

Unlike other Hebrew words for headgear, keter is almost exclusively associated with Persian royal imagery in these texts. It serves as a concrete symbol of divine providence working through political structures, as Esther’s elevation to this position becomes pivotal for the survival of her people. The word anchors the story in its historical setting, reminding readers that earthly power can be used for unexpected purposes.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • with/ a crown of1×
  • a head-dress of1×
  • a crown of1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • כֶּֽתֶר\־1×
  • כֶּ֥תֶר1×
  • בְּ/כֶ֣תֶר1×

Key Verses

  • Esther 2:17
    The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

    This verse marks Esther's elevation to queenhood, as the king places the royal crown on her head, signifying her new authority and favor.

  • Esther 6:8
    let royal clothing be brought which the king uses to wear, and the horse that the king rides on, and on the head of which a royal crown is set.

    Here the crown is placed on a horse's head during the honor bestowed upon Mordecai, illustrating how the symbol of royal power was temporarily transferred to recognize his loyalty.

  • Esther 1:11
    to bring Vashti the queen before the king wearing the royal crown, to show the people and the princes her beauty; for she was beautiful.

    The crown appears here as part of Vashti's attire when summoned before the king, establishing it as the standard insignia of the reigning queen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Hebrew word keter mean?

Keter means "crown" and specifically refers to the ornamental headpiece worn by royalty or high officials in ancient Persia. It is a rare word in the Hebrew Bible, appearing only three times.

Where does keter appear in the Bible?

It appears exclusively in the book of Esther: Esther 1:11, 2:17, and 6:8. In these verses, it denotes the royal crown worn by queens or placed on a horse to honor a loyal subject.

Is keter used for any other type of headwear?

No, keter is almost exclusively associated with Persian royal imagery in these texts. It signifies honor, authority, and the visible mark of status within the court, rather than general headgear.

Every Occurrence (3 verses across 1 books)

Esther 3 verses
Esther 1:11

to bring Vashti the queen before the king wearing the royal crown, to show the people and the princes her beauty; for…

Esther 2:17

The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the…

Esther 6:8

let royal clothing be brought which the king uses to wear, and the horse that the king rides on, and on the head of…