Esther 2:16
New International Version
She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal residence in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

New Living Translation
Esther was taken to King Xerxes at the royal palace in early winter of the seventh year of his reign.

English Standard Version
And when Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign,

Berean Standard Bible
She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal palace in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

King James Bible
So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

New King James Version
So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, into his royal palace, in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

New American Standard Bible
So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus in his royal palace in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

NASB 1995
So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus to his royal palace in the tenth month which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

NASB 1977
So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus to his royal palace in the tenth month which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

Legacy Standard Bible
So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus to his royal house in the tenth month which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

Amplified Bible
So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus, to his royal palace in the tenth month, that is, the month of Tebeth (Dec-Jan), in the seventh year of his reign.

Christian Standard Bible
She was taken to King Ahasuerus in the palace in the tenth month, the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
She was taken to King Ahasuerus in the royal palace in the tenth month, the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

American Standard Version
So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

English Revised Version
So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
So Esther was taken to King Xerxes in his royal palace in the month of Tebeth, the tenth month, in the seventh year of his reign.

Good News Translation
So in Xerxes' seventh year as king, in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, Esther was brought to King Xerxes in the royal palace.

International Standard Version
Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus to his royal palace in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

Majority Standard Bible
She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal palace in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

NET Bible
Then Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus at his royal residence in the tenth month (that is, the month of Tebeth) in the seventh year of his reign.

New Heart English Bible
So Esther was taken to King Achshayarsh into his royal house in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

Webster's Bible Translation
So Esther was taken to king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

World English Bible
So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus into his royal house in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
And Esther is taken to King Ahasuerus, to his royal house, in the tenth month—it [is] the month of Tebeth—in the seventh year of his reign,

Young's Literal Translation
And Esther is taken unto the king Ahasuerus, unto his royal house, in the tenth month -- it is the month of Tebeth -- in the seventh year of his reign,

Smith's Literal Translation
And Esther will be taken to the king Ahasuerus, to the house of his kingdom, in the tenth month, this the month Tebeth, in the seventh year to his kingdom.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
So she was brought to the chamber of king Assuerus the tenth month, which is called Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And so she was led to the chamber of king Artaxerxes, in the tenth month, which is called Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

New American Bible
Esther was led to King Ahasuerus in his palace in the tenth month, Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

New Revised Standard Version
When Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus in his royal palace in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign,
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
So Esther entered before King Akhshirash into his royal house in the tenth month, that is, January, in the fourth year of his reign.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And Esthir entered before King Akhashiresh to the house of the King in the tenth month, which is the latter half of Canun, in year four of his kingdom.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
So Esther was taken unto king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
So Esther went in to king Artaxerxes in the twelfth month, which is Adar, in the seventh year of his reign.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Esther Finds Favor
15Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle from whom Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. And when it was her turn to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s trusted official in charge of the harem, had advised. And Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her. 16She was taken to King Xerxes in the royal palace in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

Cross References
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
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.

Esther 7:3
Queen Esther replied, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, grant me my life as my petition, and the lives of my people as my request.

Esther 8:1
That same day King Xerxes awarded Queen Esther the estate of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mordecai entered the king’s presence because Esther had revealed his relation to her.

Esther 9:25
But when it came before the king, he commanded by letter that the wicked scheme which Haman had devised against the Jews should come back upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.

Daniel 1:9
Now God had granted Daniel favor and compassion from the chief official,

Daniel 2:48
Then the king promoted Daniel and gave him many generous gifts. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and chief administrator over all the wise men of Babylon.

Nehemiah 2:6
Then the king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, “How long will your journey take, and when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me, and I set a time.

1 Samuel 16:12-13
So Jesse sent for his youngest son and brought him in. He was ruddy, with beautiful eyes and a handsome appearance. And the LORD said, “Rise and anoint him, for he is the one.” / So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of the LORD rushed upon David from that day forward. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah.

Genesis 41:40-41
You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” / Pharaoh also told Joseph, “I hereby place you over all the land of Egypt.”

Proverbs 21:1
The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases.

1 Kings 2:17
Adonijah replied, “Please speak to King Solomon, since he will not turn you down. Let him give me Abishag the Shunammite as my wife.”

1 Kings 10:13
King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired—whatever she asked—besides what he had given her out of his royal bounty. Then she left and returned to her own country, along with her servants.

2 Chronicles 9:12
King Solomon gave the queen of Sheba all she desired—whatever she asked—far more than she had brought the king. Then she left and returned to her own country, along with her servants.

Psalm 45:9-11
The daughters of kings are among your honored women; the queen stands at your right hand, adorned with the gold of Ophir. / Listen, O daughter! Consider and incline your ear: Forget your people and your father’s house, / and the king will desire your beauty; bow to him, for he is your lord.


Treasury of Scripture

So Esther was taken to king Ahasuerus into his house royal in the tenth month, which is the month Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign.

the tenth month.

Esther 8:9
Then were the king's scribes called at that time in the third month, that is, the month Sivan, on the three and twentieth day thereof; and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded unto the Jews, and to the lieutenants, and the deputies and rulers of the provinces which are from India unto Ethiopia, an hundred twenty and seven provinces, unto every province according to the writing thereof, and unto every people after their language, and to the Jews according to their writing, and according to their language.

the seventh.

Esther 2:1,3
After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her…

Ezra 7:8
And he came to Jerusalem in the fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king.

Jump to Previous
Ahasuerus Ahasu-E'rus Esther House Month Palace Reign Residence Royal Rule Seventh Tenth Xerxes
Jump to Next
Ahasuerus Ahasu-E'rus Esther House Month Palace Reign Residence Royal Rule Seventh Tenth Xerxes
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.














She was taken
This phrase indicates a passive action, suggesting that Esther did not go to the king of her own volition but was brought to him as part of a larger plan. The Hebrew root for "taken" is "לָקַח" (laqach), which can mean to take, seize, or capture. This reflects the lack of agency women often had in ancient times, especially in royal contexts. Esther's journey to the palace was not just a personal account but part of God's providential plan for His people.

to King Xerxes
Xerxes, known in Hebrew as Ahasuerus, was the ruler of the Persian Empire, a vast and powerful kingdom. Historically, Xerxes is known for his ambitious military campaigns and grandiose building projects. His reign is well-documented in both biblical and secular history, providing a backdrop of opulence and authority against which Esther's account unfolds. The mention of Xerxes highlights the significant power dynamics at play and sets the stage for Esther's courageous actions later in the narrative.

in the royal palace
The royal palace was not just a residence but a symbol of power, wealth, and authority. Archaeological findings at Susa, the location of Xerxes' palace, reveal the grandeur and splendor of the Persian court. This setting emphasizes the dramatic shift in Esther's life from a Jewish orphan to a queen in the most powerful empire of the time, underscoring the theme of divine providence and favor.

in the tenth month, the month of Tebeth
The month of Tebeth corresponds to December-January in the Gregorian calendar. The specificity of the timing indicates the historical accuracy and attention to detail in the narrative. It also situates Esther's account within the Jewish calendar, reminding readers of the cultural and religious context of the events. This timing is significant as it marks a new beginning for Esther and foreshadows the unfolding of God's plan for deliverance.

in the seventh year of his reign
The seventh year of Xerxes' reign places the events around 479-478 BC. This chronological marker provides historical context and aligns with other known events of the Persian Empire. The number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in biblical literature, suggesting that the timing of Esther's rise to queenship was divinely orchestrated. This detail reassures believers of God's perfect timing and sovereignty in the affairs of nations and individuals.

(16) The month Tebeth.--This extended from the new moon in January to that in February; the name occurs only here. The fifth Egyptian month, lasting from December 20 to January 20, was called Tybi. The time referred to in the verse will be the January or February of the year 478 B.C., and must have been very shortly after Xerxes' return to Susa from the West. The long delay in replacing Vashti is simply to be explained by the long absence of Xerxes in Greece.

Verse 16. - The tenth month, which is the month Tebeth. This is the only mention of the month Tebeth in Scripture. It followed Chisleu, and corresponded to the end of December and the earlier part of January. The word seems to have come in from Egypt, where the corresponding month was called Tobi, or Tubi. In the seventh year of his reign. Four years after the disgrace of Vashti, probably in January, B.C. 479. Xerxes had recently returned from the Grecian expedition defeated and disgraced. He was glad to dismiss warlike matters from his thoughts, and to console himself for his failure by the pleasures of the seraglio.

Parallel Commentaries ...


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

was taken
וַתִּלָּקַ֨ח (wat·til·lā·qaḥ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Nifal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 3947: To take

to
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

King
הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Xerxes
אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ֙ (’ă·ḥaš·wê·rō·wōš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 325: Ahasuerus -- king of Persia

in
אֶל־ (’el-)
Preposition
Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to

the royal
מַלְכוּת֔וֹ (mal·ḵū·ṯōw)
Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4438: Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom

palace
בֵּ֣ית (bêṯ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 1004: A house

in the tenth
הָעֲשִׂירִ֖י (hā·‘ă·śî·rî)
Article | Number - ordinal masculine singular
Strong's 6224: Tenth, tenth month, part

month,
בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ (ba·ḥō·ḏeš)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month

the month
חֹ֣דֶשׁ (ḥō·ḏeš)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2320: The new moon, a month

Tebeth,
טֵבֵ֑ת (ṭê·ḇêṯ)
Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 2887: Tenth Hebrew month

in the seventh
שֶׁ֖בַע (še·ḇa‘)
Number - feminine singular
Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number

year
בִּשְׁנַת־ (biš·naṯ-)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 8141: A year

of his reign.
לְמַלְכוּתֽוֹ׃ (lə·mal·ḵū·ṯōw)
Preposition-l | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4438: Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom


Links
Esther 2:16 NIV
Esther 2:16 NLT
Esther 2:16 ESV
Esther 2:16 NASB
Esther 2:16 KJV

Esther 2:16 BibleApps.com
Esther 2:16 Biblia Paralela
Esther 2:16 Chinese Bible
Esther 2:16 French Bible
Esther 2:16 Catholic Bible

OT History: Esther 2:16 So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 2:15
Top of Page
Top of Page