Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Before a young woman’s turn came to go in to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments prescribed for the women, six months with oil of myrrh and six with perfumes and cosmetics. New Living Translation Before each young woman was taken to the king’s bed, she was given the prescribed twelve months of beauty treatments—six months with oil of myrrh, followed by six months with special perfumes and ointments. English Standard Version Now when the turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus, after being twelve months under the regulations for the women, since this was the regular period of their beautifying, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and ointments for women— Berean Standard Bible In the twelve months before her turn to go to King Xerxes, the harem regulation required each young woman to receive beauty treatments with oil of myrrh for six months, and then with perfumes and cosmetics for another six months. King James Bible Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;) New King James Version Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after she had completed twelve months’ preparation, according to the regulations for the women, for thus were the days of their preparation apportioned: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and preparations for beautifying women. New American Standard Bible Now when the turn came for each young woman to go in to King Ahasuerus, after the end of her twelve months under the regulations for the women—for the days of their beauty treatment were completed as follows: six months with oil of myrrh and six months with balsam oil and the cosmetics for women— NASB 1995 Now when the turn of each young lady came to go in to King Ahasuerus, after the end of her twelve months under the regulations for the women— for the days of their beautification were completed as follows: six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and the cosmetics for women— NASB 1977 Now when the turn of each young lady came to go in to King Ahasuerus, after the end of her twelve months under the regulations for the women—for the days of their beautification were completed as follows: six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and the cosmetics for women— Legacy Standard Bible Now when it reached the turn of each young lady to go in to King Ahasuerus, after the end of her twelve months under the regulations for the women—for the days of their cosmetic treatment were fulfilled as follows: six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and the cosmetics for women— Amplified Bible Now when it was each young woman’s turn to go before King Ahasuerus, after the end of her twelve months under the regulations for the women—for the days of their beautification were completed as follows: six months with oil of myrrh and six months with [sweet] spices and perfumes and the beauty preparations for women— Christian Standard Bible During the year before each young woman’s turn to go to King Ahasuerus, the harem regulation required her to receive beauty treatments with oil of myrrh for six months and then with perfumes and cosmetics for another six months. Holman Christian Standard Bible During the year before each young woman’s turn to go to King Ahasuerus, the harem regulation required her to receive beauty treatments with oil of myrrh for six months and then with perfumes and cosmetics for another six months. American Standard Version Now when the turn of every maiden was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that it had been done to her according to the law for the women twelve months (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors and with the things for the purifying of the women), Contemporary English Version The young women were given beauty treatments for one whole year. The first six months their skin was rubbed with olive oil and myrrh, and the last six months it was treated with perfumes and cosmetics. Then each of them spent the night alone with King Xerxes. English Revised Version Now when the turn of every maiden was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that it had been done to her according to the law for the women, twelve months, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with the things for the purifying of the women,) GOD'S WORD® Translation Each young woman had her turn to go to King Xerxes after she had completed the required 12-month treatment for women. The time of beauty treatment was spent as follows: six months using oil of myrrh and six months using perfumes and other treatments for women. Good News Translation The regular beauty treatment for the women lasted a year--massages with oil of myrrh for six months and with oil of balsam for six more. After that, each woman would be taken in turn to King Xerxes. International Standard Version Each young woman's turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus at the end of the twelve month period, at which time she was treated according to the regulations for women. This process completed the period of her beauty treatments—six months with oil of myrrh and six months with spices and cosmetics for women. Majority Standard Bible In the twelve months before her turn to go to King Xerxes, the harem regulation required each young woman to receive beauty treatments with oil of myrrh for six months, and then with perfumes and cosmetics for another six months. NET Bible At the end of the twelve months that were required for the women, when the turn of each young woman arrived to go to King Ahasuerus--for in this way they had to fulfill their time of cosmetic treatment: six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfume and various ointments used by women-- New Heart English Bible Each young woman's turn came to go in to King Achshayarsh after her purification for twelve months (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women). Webster's Bible Translation Now when every maid's turn had come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with other things for the purifying of the women;) World English Bible Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after her purification for twelve months (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women). Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd in the drawing near of the turn of each young woman to come in to King Ahasuerus, at the end of there being to her—according to the law of the women—twelve months, for so they fulfill the days of their purifications; six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes, and with the purifications of women, Young's Literal Translation And in the drawing nigh of the turn of each young woman to come in unto the king Ahasuerus, at the end of there being to her -- according to the law of the women -- twelve months, for so they fulfil the days of their purifications; six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with spices, and with the purifications of women, Smith's Literal Translation And in the coming of the order of maiden and maiden to come in to the king Ahasuerus, from the end of there being to her, according to edict; of women twelve months (for so shall be completed the days of their purifications, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with spices, and with the purifications of the women;) Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleNow when every virgin's turn came to go in to the king, after all had been done for setting them off to advantage, it was the twelfth month: so that for six months they were anointed with oil of myrrh, and for other six months they used certain perfumes and sweet spices. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible After the twelve months’ preparation decreed for the women, each one went in turn to visit King Ahasuerus. During this period of beautifying treatment, six months were spent with oil of myrrh, and the other six months with perfumes and cosmetics. New Revised Standard Version The turn came for each girl to go in to King Ahasuerus, after being twelve months under the regulations for the women, since this was the regular period of their cosmetic treatment, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with perfumes and cosmetics for women. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleNow when the turn of each maiden was come to go in before King Akhshirash, after she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, every six days with oil of myrrh and every six days with spices and with other things for the purifying of the women); Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And whenever the time had arrived that one of the girls was to enter before King Akhashiresh, when twelve days were done for her according to the law of women, because thus were finished the days of their adornments, six days of oil of myrrh, and six days of ointment and in the adorning of the women OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Now when the turn of every maiden was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that it had been done to her according to the law for the women, twelve months--for so were the days of their anointing accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six month with sweet odours, and with other ointments of the women-- Brenton Septuagint Translation Now this was the time for a virgin to go into the king, when she should have fulfilled twelve months; for so are the days of purification fulfilled, six months while they are anointing themselves with oil of myrrh, and six months with spices and women's purifications. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Esther Finds Favor…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. 12In the twelve months before her turn to go to King Xerxes, the harem regulation required each young woman to receive beauty treatments with oil of myrrh for six months, and then with perfumes and cosmetics for another six months. 13When the young woman would go to the king, she was given whatever she requested to take with her from the harem to the king’s palace.… Cross References Esther 1:3-4 In the third year of his reign, Xerxes held a feast for all his officials and servants. The military leaders of Persia and Media were there, along with the nobles and princes of the provinces. / And for a full 180 days he displayed the glorious riches of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness. Esther 4:14 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 5:1-2 On the third day, Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. / As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Esther 8:15 Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal garments of blue and white, with a large gold crown and a purple robe of fine linen. And the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced. Esther 9:20-22 Mordecai recorded these events and sent letters to all the Jews in all the provinces of King Xerxes, both near and far, / to establish among them an annual celebration on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar / as the days on which the Jews gained rest from their enemies and the month in which their sorrow turned to joy and their mourning into a holiday. He wrote that these were to be days of feasting and joy, of sending gifts to one another and to the poor. 1 Kings 10:1-2 Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the LORD, she came to test him with difficult questions. / She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in great abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke to him all that was on her mind. 1 Kings 2:12-14 So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his kingdom was firmly established. / Now Adonijah son of Haggith went to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, and she asked, “Do you come in peace?” “Yes, in peace,” he replied. / Then he said, “I have something to tell you.” “Say it,” she answered. 2 Chronicles 9:1-2 Now when the queen of Sheba heard about the fame of Solomon, she came to test him with difficult questions. She arrived in Jerusalem with a very large caravan—with camels bearing spices, gold in abundance, and precious stones. And she came to Solomon and spoke with him about all that was on her mind. / And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was too difficult for him to explain. Proverbs 31:10-12 A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies. / The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he lacks nothing of value. / She brings him good and not harm all the days of her life. Song of Solomon 1:3 The fragrance of your perfume is pleasing; your name is like perfume poured out. No wonder the maidens adore you. Song of Solomon 4:10-11 How delightful is your love, my sister, my bride! Your love is much better than wine, and the fragrance of your perfume than all spices. / Your lips, my bride, drip sweetness like the honeycomb; honey and milk are under your tongue, and the fragrance of your garments is like the aroma of Lebanon. Isaiah 3:16-24 The LORD also says: “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty—walking with heads held high and wanton eyes, prancing and skipping as they go, jingling the bracelets on their ankles— / the Lord will bring sores on the heads of the daughters of Zion, and the LORD will make their foreheads bare.” / In that day the Lord will take away their finery: their anklets and headbands and crescents; ... Ezekiel 23:40 Furthermore, you sisters sent messengers for men who came from afar; and behold, when they arrived, you bathed for them, painted your eyes, and adorned yourself with jewelry. Daniel 1:5 The king assigned them daily provisions of the royal food and wine. They were to be trained for three years, after which they were to enter the king’s service. Matthew 6:17 But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, Treasury of Scripture Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with other things for the purifying of the women;) A. 1 Thessalonians 4:4,5 That every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honour; … six months. Proverbs 7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. Song of Solomon 3:6 Who is this that cometh out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all powders of the merchant? Isaiah 57:9 And thou wentest to the king with ointment, and didst increase thy perfumes, and didst send thy messengers far off, and didst debase thyself even unto hell. Jump to Previous Accomplished Ahasuerus Anointing Fragrances Maiden Maid's Manner Months Myrrh Odors Odours Oil Preparations Purification Six Sweet Turn Twelve Wit Woman's Women YoungJump to Next Accomplished Ahasuerus Anointing Fragrances Maiden Maid's Manner Months Myrrh Odors Odours Oil Preparations Purification Six Sweet Turn Twelve Wit Woman's Women YoungEsther 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. In the twelve months before her turn to go to King Xerxes This phrase sets the stage for the preparation period required for the young women before they could meet King Xerxes. The twelve-month period reflects the Persian custom of extensive preparation, emphasizing the importance placed on physical beauty and presentation in the royal court. This time frame also indicates the level of competition and the high stakes involved in being chosen as queen. The mention of King Xerxes connects to the historical figure known as Xerxes I, who reigned from 486-465 BC, providing a historical anchor for the events in the Book of Esther. the harem regulation required each young woman to receive beauty treatments with oil of myrrh for six months and then with perfumes and cosmetics for another six months Persons / Places / Events 1. EstherA Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia. Her account is central to the Book of Esther, highlighting her courage and faith. 2. King Xerxes The Persian king who seeks a new queen, leading to Esther's rise to prominence. 3. Susa The capital of the Persian Empire, where the events of the Book of Esther take place. 4. Beauty Treatments A year-long regimen of beautification for women, involving oil of myrrh and perfumes, as part of the preparation to meet the king. 5. Persian Empire The vast empire ruled by King Xerxes, setting the backdrop for the events in Esther. Teaching Points Preparation and PurposeJust as Esther underwent a period of preparation, God often prepares us for His purposes in ways we may not immediately understand. Inner vs. Outer Beauty While Esther's account involves physical beauty treatments, Scripture consistently emphasizes the importance of inner beauty and character. Divine Timing Esther's preparation period reminds us that God's timing is perfect, and we must trust His process in our lives. Cultural Context Understanding the cultural practices of the time helps us appreciate the challenges Esther faced and the courage she displayed. Faith in Action Esther's account encourages us to act in faith, trusting that God can use us in significant ways, even in challenging circumstances.(12) Manner.--Translate, law or ordinance, as in Esther 1:8; Esther 1:15.Verse 12. - After she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women. Rather, "After she had been (in the palace), according to the law prescribed to the women, twelve months." A year's purification was considered necessary before any maiden could approach the king (see the comment on ver. 3). Six months with oil of myrrh. Myrrh was highly esteemed, both for its scent and for its purifying power, by the ancients. In Egypt it was employed largely in the preparation of mummies (Herod., 2:86). The Jews were directed to make it one of the chief ingredients in their "holy anointing oil" (Exodus 30:23-25). Dresses and beds were scented with it (Psalm 45:8; Proverbs 7:17). And six months with sweet odours. The word translated "sweet odours" seems to mean "spices" generally (comp. Song of Solomon 4:16). Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew In the twelveשְׁנֵ֣ים (šə·nêm) Number - md Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number) months חֹ֔דֶשׁ (ḥō·ḏeš) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month before [her] נַעֲרָ֨ה (na·‘ă·rāh) Noun - feminine singular Strong's 5291: A girl, maiden turn תֹּר֩ (tōr) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8447: A succession, a string, order to go לָב֣וֹא ׀ (lā·ḇō·w) Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 935: To come in, come, go in, go to אֶל־ (’el-) Preposition Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to King הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king Xerxes, אֲחַשְׁוֵר֗וֹשׁ (’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 325: Ahasuerus -- king of Persia the harem הַנָּשִׁים֙ (han·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female regulation required כְּדָ֤ת (kə·ḏāṯ) Preposition-k | Noun - feminine singular construct Strong's 1881: A royal edict, statute [each young woman] הַנָּשִֽׁים׃ (han·nā·šîm) Article | Noun - feminine plural Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female to receive beauty treatments מְרוּקֵיהֶ֑ן (mə·rū·qê·hen) Noun - masculine plural construct | third person feminine plural Strong's 4795: A scraping, rubbing with oil בְּשֶׁ֣מֶן (bə·še·men) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8081: Grease, liquid, richness of myrrh הַמֹּ֔ר (ham·mōr) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4753: Myrrh for six שִׁשָּׁ֤ה (šiš·šāh) Number - masculine singular Strong's 8337: Six (a cardinal number) months, חֳדָשִׁים֙ (ḥo·ḏā·šîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month and then with perfumes בַּבְּשָׂמִ֔ים (bab·bə·śā·mîm) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural Strong's 1314: Fragrance, spicery, the balsam plant and cosmetics וּבְתַמְרוּקֵ֖י (ū·ḇə·ṯam·rū·qê) Conjunctive waw, Preposition-b | Noun - masculine plural construct Strong's 8562: A scouring, soap, perfumery for, the bath, a detergent for another six וְשִׁשָּׁ֤ה (wə·šiš·šāh) Conjunctive waw | Number - masculine singular Strong's 8337: Six (a cardinal number) months. חֳדָשִׁים֙ (ḥo·ḏā·šîm) Noun - masculine plural Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month Links Esther 2:12 NIVEsther 2:12 NLT Esther 2:12 ESV Esther 2:12 NASB Esther 2:12 KJV Esther 2:12 BibleApps.com Esther 2:12 Biblia Paralela Esther 2:12 Chinese Bible Esther 2:12 French Bible Esther 2:12 Catholic Bible OT History: Esther 2:12 Each young woman's turn came to go (Est Esth. 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