Esther 2:10
New International Version
Esther had not revealed her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had forbidden her to do so.

New Living Translation
Esther had not told anyone of her nationality and family background, because Mordecai had directed her not to do so.

English Standard Version
Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mordecai had commanded her not to make it known.

Berean Standard Bible
Esther did not reveal her people or her lineage, because Mordecai had instructed her not to do so.

King James Bible
Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.

New King James Version
Esther had not revealed her people or family, for Mordecai had charged her not to reveal it.

New American Standard Bible
Esther did not reveal her people or her kindred, because Mordecai had instructed her that she was not to reveal them.

NASB 1995
Esther did not make known her people or her kindred, for Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make them known.

NASB 1977
Esther did not make known her people or her kindred, for Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make them known.

Legacy Standard Bible
Esther did not tell anyone about her people or her kinsmen, for Mordecai had commanded her that she should not tell anyone about them.

Amplified Bible
Esther did not reveal [the Jewish background of] her people or her family, for Mordecai had instructed her not to do so.

Christian Standard Bible
Esther did not reveal her ethnicity or her family background, because Mordecai had ordered her not to make them known.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Esther did not reveal her ethnic background or her birthplace, because Mordecai had ordered her not to.

American Standard Version
Esther had not made known her people nor her kindred; for Mordecai had charged her that she should not make it known.

Contemporary English Version
Mordecai had warned Esther not to tell anyone that she was a Jew, and she obeyed him.

English Revised Version
Esther had not shewed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not shew it.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Esther did not reveal her nationality or her family background, because Mordecai had ordered her not to.

Good News Translation
Now, on the advice of Mordecai, Esther had kept it secret that she was Jewish.

International Standard Version
Esther did not make known her people or heritage because Mordecai had instructed her not to make it known.

Majority Standard Bible
Esther did not reveal her people or her lineage, because Mordecai had instructed her not to do so.

NET Bible
Now Esther had not disclosed her people or her lineage, for Mordecai had instructed her not to do so.

New Heart English Bible
Esther had not made known her people nor her relatives, because Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make it known.

Webster's Bible Translation
Esther had not showed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not show it.

World English Bible
Esther had not made known her people nor her relatives, because Mordecai had instructed her that she should not make it known.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Esther has not declared her people, and her family, for Mordecai has laid a charge on her that she does not declare [it];

Young's Literal Translation
Esther hath not declared her people, and her kindred, for Mordecai hath laid a charge on her that she doth not declare it;

Smith's Literal Translation
Esther announced not her people and her birth: for Mordecai commanded to her that she shall not announce.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And she would not tell him her people nor her country. For Mardochai had charged her to say nothing at all of that:

Catholic Public Domain Version
She was not willing to reveal to him her people or her native land. For Mordecai had instructed her that she should keep silent about all these things.

New American Bible
Esther did not reveal her nationality or family, for Mordecai had commanded her not to do so.

New Revised Standard Version
Esther did not reveal her people or kindred, for Mordecai had charged her not to tell.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Esther had not made known her people nor her kindred; for Mordecai had charged her that she should not make it known.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Esthir did not reveal her name or her family because Murdacai had ordered her that she would not reveal it.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
Esther had not made known her people nor her kindred; for Mordecai had charged her that she should not tell it.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
But Esther discovered not her family nor her kindred: for Mardochaeus had charged her not to tell.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Esther Finds Favor
9And the young woman pleased him and obtained his favor, so he quickly provided her with beauty treatments and the special diet. He assigned to her seven select maidservants from the palace and transferred her with them to the best place in the harem. 10Esther did not reveal her people or her lineage, because Mordecai had instructed her not to do so. 11And every day Mordecai would walk back and forth in front of the court of the harem to learn about Esther’s welfare and what was happening to her.…

Cross References
Esther 3:8
Then Haman informed King Xerxes, “There is a certain people scattered and dispersed among the peoples of every province of your kingdom. Their laws are different from everyone else’s, and they do not obey the king’s laws. So it is not in the king’s best interest to tolerate them.

Esther 4:13-14
he sent back to her this reply: “Do not imagine that because you are in the king’s palace you alone will escape the fate of all the Jews. / For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s house will perish. And who knows if perhaps you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

Esther 7:4
For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.”

Daniel 1:7
The chief official gave them new names: To Daniel he gave the name Belteshazzar; to Hananiah, Shadrach; to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abednego.

Daniel 3:12
But there are some Jews you have appointed to manage the province of Babylon—Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—who have ignored you, O king, and have refused to serve your gods or worship the golden statue you have set up.”

Daniel 6:10
Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before.

Nehemiah 2:10
But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were deeply disturbed that someone had come to seek the well-being of the Israelites.

Nehemiah 4:1-2
Now when Sanballat heard that we were rebuilding the wall, he was furious and filled with indignation. He ridiculed the Jews / before his associates and the army of Samaria, saying, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Can they restore the wall by themselves? Will they offer sacrifices? Will they complete it in a day? Can they bring these burnt stones back to life from the mounds of rubble?”

Nehemiah 6:6-7
that read: “It is reported among the nations—and Geshem agrees—that you and the Jews are plotting to revolt, and this is why you are building the wall. According to these reports, you are to become their king, / and you have even appointed prophets in Jerusalem to proclaim on your behalf: ‘There is a king in Judah.’ Soon these rumors will reach the ears of the king. So come, let us confer together.”

Genesis 12:11-13
As he was about to enter Egypt, he said to his wife Sarai, “Look, I know that you are a beautiful woman, / and when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife.’ Then they will kill me but will let you live. / Please say you are my sister, so that I will be treated well for your sake, and on account of you my life will be spared.”

Genesis 20:2
Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him.

Genesis 26:7
But when the men of that place asked about his wife, he said, “She is my sister.” For he was afraid to say, “She is my wife,” since he thought to himself, “The men of this place will kill me on account of Rebekah, because she is so beautiful.”

Exodus 2:1-2
Now a man of the house of Levi married a Levite woman, / and she conceived and gave birth to a son. When she saw that he was a beautiful child, she hid him for three months.

1 Samuel 16:2
“How can I go?” Samuel asked. “Saul will hear of it and kill me!” The LORD answered, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the LORD.’

Matthew 10:16
Behold, I am sending you out like sheep among wolves; therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.


Treasury of Scripture

Esther had not showed her people nor her kindred: for Mordecai had charged her that she should not show it.

had not shewed.

Esther 3:8
And Haman said unto king Ahasuerus, There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of thy kingdom; and their laws are diverse from all people; neither keep they the king's laws: therefore it is not for the king's profit to suffer them.

Esther 4:13,14
Then Mordecai commanded to answer Esther, Think not with thyself that thou shalt escape in the king's house, more than all the Jews…

Esther 7:4
For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king's damage.

for Mordecai.

Esther 2:7,20
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…

Ephesians 6:1
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.

Jump to Previous
Background Birth Charge Charged Declare Esther Family Instructed Kindred Laid Mordecai Mor'decai Nationality Orders Relatives Revealed Shew Shewed Show Showed
Jump to Next
Background Birth Charge Charged Declare Esther Family Instructed Kindred Laid Mordecai Mor'decai Nationality Orders Relatives Revealed Shew Shewed Show Showed
Esther 2
1. Out of the choice of virgins a queen is to be chosen.
5. Mordecai the nursing father of Esther.
8. Esther preferred before the rest.
12. The manner of purification, and going in to the king.
15. Esther, best pleasing the king, is made queen.
21. Mordecai, discovering a treason, is recorded in the chronicles.














Esther did not reveal her people or her lineage
Esther's concealment of her Jewish identity is a strategic decision in the narrative. In the Persian Empire, Jews were a minority and often faced prejudice. By not revealing her heritage, Esther avoids potential discrimination and positions herself to later act on behalf of her people. This secrecy is reminiscent of other biblical figures who concealed their identity for a greater purpose, such as Joseph in Egypt. The theme of hidden identity also foreshadows the eventual revelation and deliverance of the Jewish people.

because Mordecai had instructed her not to do so
Mordecai's instruction to Esther highlights his wisdom and understanding of the political climate. As a Jew living in exile, Mordecai is aware of the potential dangers and prejudices that could arise if Esther's Jewish identity were known. His guidance reflects a protective and strategic approach, ensuring Esther's safety and influence within the royal court. This instruction also sets the stage for the unfolding of God's providential plan, as Esther's hidden identity becomes crucial in the deliverance of the Jews. Mordecai's role as a guardian and advisor is pivotal, paralleling the protective and guiding nature of God over His people.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Esther (Hadassah)
A Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, Esther becomes queen of Persia. Her Jewish identity is initially kept secret.

2. Mordecai
Esther's cousin and guardian, who advises her to keep her Jewish heritage hidden from the Persian court.

3. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)
The Persian king who chooses Esther as his queen, unaware of her Jewish background.

4. Susa (Shushan)
The capital of the Persian Empire, where the events of the Book of Esther take place.

5. The Persian Court
The setting where Esther's identity is concealed, highlighting the tension between her Jewish heritage and her royal position.
Teaching Points
Wisdom in Timing
Esther 2:10 demonstrates the importance of discerning when to reveal certain truths. Esther's concealment of her identity was strategic and wise, guided by Mordecai's counsel.

Obedience and Trust
Esther's obedience to Mordecai's instruction reflects a trust in his wisdom and God's providence. This teaches us the value of godly counsel and submission to authority.

Identity and Faith
The tension between Esther's Jewish identity and her role as queen challenges us to consider how we maintain our faith and identity in environments that may not support them.

Divine Providence
Esther's account is a testament to God's unseen hand at work, even when His presence is not overtly mentioned. This encourages believers to trust in God's plan, even in silence.

Courage and Preparation
Esther's eventual revelation of her identity required courage, which was built through preparation and faith. This encourages us to be ready to stand for our beliefs when the time is right.(10) Esther had not shewed . . .--From the hope on Mordecai's part that she might pass for a native Persian, and that her Jewish birth should be no hindrance to her advancement. The king does not learn his wife's nation till some time afterwards (Esther 7:4).

Verse 10. - Esther had not showed her people. To have confessed that she was a Jewess would probably have roused a prejudice against her, or at any rate have prevented her from being received with special favour. Mordecai, knowing this, had instructed her to say nothing to Hegel on the subject, and no one else, it would seem, had enlightened him.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
Esther
אֶסְתֵּ֔ר (’es·têr)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 635: Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel

did not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

reveal
הִגִּ֣ידָה (hig·gî·ḏāh)
Verb - Hifil - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous

her people
עַמָּ֖הּ (‘am·māh)
Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5971: A people, a tribe, troops, attendants, a flock

or
וְאֶת־ (wə·’eṯ-)
Conjunctive waw | Direct object marker
Strong's 853: Untranslatable mark of the accusative case

her lineage,
מֽוֹלַדְתָּ֑הּ (mō·w·laḏ·tāh)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4138: Nativity, lineage, native country, offspring, family

because
כִּ֧י (kî)
Conjunction
Strong's 3588: A relative conjunction

Mordecai
מָרְדֳּכַ֛י (mā·rə·do·ḵay)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4782: Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther

had instructed
צִוָּ֥ה (ṣiw·wāh)
Verb - Piel - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 6680: To lay charge (upon), give charge (to), command, order

her
עָלֶ֖יהָ (‘ā·le·hā)
Preposition | third person feminine singular
Strong's 5921: Above, over, upon, against

not
לֹא־ (lō-)
Adverb - Negative particle
Strong's 3808: Not, no

to do so.
תַגִּֽיד׃ (ṯag·gîḏ)
Verb - Hifil - Imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5046: To be conspicuous


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OT History: Esther 2:10 Esther had not made known her people (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 2:9
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