Esther 5:2
New International Version
When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

New Living Translation
When he saw Queen Esther standing there in the inner court, he welcomed her and held out the gold scepter to her. So Esther approached and touched the end of the scepter.

English Standard Version
And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.

New King James Version
So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter.

New American Standard Bible
When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the courtyard, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter.

NASB 1995
When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter.

NASB 1977
And it happened when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter.

Legacy Standard Bible
Now it happened that when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she advanced in favor in his eyes; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and reached out and touched the top of the scepter.

Amplified Bible
When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she found favor in his sight; and the king extended to her the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter.

Christian Standard Bible
As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she gained favor with him. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she won his approval. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.”

American Standard Version
And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.

Contemporary English Version
He was happy to see Esther, and he held out the gold scepter to her. When Esther came up and touched the tip of the scepter,

English Revised Version
And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the entrance, she won his favor. So the king held out the golden scepter that was in his hand to Esther. Esther went up to him and touched the top of the scepter.

Good News Translation
When the king saw Queen Esther standing outside, she won his favor, and he held out to her the gold scepter. She then came up and touched the tip of it.

International Standard Version
When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she won his favor, and the king extended to Esther the gold scepter that he was holding. Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she met with his approval. The king extended to Esther the gold scepter that was in his hand, and Esther approached and touched the end of the scepter.

New Heart English Bible
When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther came near, and touched the top of the scepter.

Webster's Bible Translation
And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter.

World English Bible
When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
and it comes to pass, at the king’s seeing Esther the queen standing in the court, she has received grace in his eyes, and the king holds out to Esther the golden scepter that [is] in his hand, and Esther draws near, and touches the top of the scepter.

Young's Literal Translation
and it cometh to pass, at the king's seeing Esther the queen standing in the court, she hath received grace in his eyes, and the king holdeth out to Esther the golden sceptre that is in his hand, and Esther draweth near, and toucheth the top of the sceptre.

Smith's Literal Translation
And it will be when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the enclosure, she received favor in his eyes: and the king will stretch out to Esther the sceptre of gold which is in his hand: and Esther will draw near and touch upon the head of the sceptre.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
And when he saw Esther the queen standing, she pleased his eyes, and he held out toward her the golden sceptre, which he held in his hand: and she drew near, and kissed the top of his sceptre.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And when he saw Esther the queen standing there, she pleased his eyes, and he extended toward her the golden scepter, which he held in his hand, and she approached and kissed the top of his scepter.

New American Bible
When he saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she won his favor and he extended toward her the golden scepter he held. She came up to him, and touched the top of the scepter.]
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
And when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near and held the top of the golden sceptre.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And when the King saw Esthir the Queen standing in the court, she also received favor before him, and the King reached toward Esthir the scepter of gold which was in his hand, and Esthir came near and she held to the top of the scepter of gold.
OT Translations
JPS Tanakh 1917
And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And having raised the golden sceptre he laid it upon her neck, and embraced her, and said, Speak to me. And she said to him, I saw thee, my lord, as an angel of God, and my heart was troubled for fear of thy glory; for thou, my lord, art to be wondered at, and thy face is full of grace. And while she was speaking, she fainted and fell. Then the king was troubled, and all his servants comforted her.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Esther Goes Before the King
1On the third day, Esther put on her royal attire 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. 2 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. 3“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.”…

Cross References
Esther 4:11
“All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the gold scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.”

Esther 8:4
The king extended the gold scepter toward Esther, and she arose and stood before the king.

Genesis 41:40
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.”

Nehemiah 2:4-5
“What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven / and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.”

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

Daniel 2:46
At this, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, paid homage to Daniel, and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him.

Daniel 6:20-23
When he reached the den, he cried out in a voice of anguish, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, has your God, whom you serve continually, been able to deliver you from the lions?” / Then Daniel replied, “O king, may you live forever! / My God sent His angel and shut the mouths of the lions. They have not hurt me, for I was found innocent in His sight, and I have done no wrong against you, O king.” ...

Matthew 10:18-20
On My account you will be brought before governors and kings as witnesses to them and to the Gentiles. / But when they hand you over, do not worry about how to respond or what to say. In that hour you will be given what to say. / For it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you.

Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me.

Mark 6:22-23
When the daughter of Herodias came and danced, she pleased Herod and his guests, and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you wish, and I will give it to you.” / And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give you, up to half my kingdom!”

Luke 1:30
So the angel told her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.

Luke 12:11-12
When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how to defend yourselves or what to say. / For at that time the Holy Spirit will teach you what you should say.”

John 18:33-37
Pilate went back into the Praetorium, summoned Jesus, and asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” / “Are you saying this on your own,” Jesus asked, “or did others tell you about Me?” / “Am I a Jew?” Pilate replied. “Your own people and chief priests handed You over to me. What have You done?” ...

Acts 4:8-12
Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of the people! / If we are being examined today about a kind service to a man who was lame, to determine how he was healed, / then let this be known to all of you and to all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed. ...

Acts 23:1-5
Paul looked directly at the Sanhedrin and said, “Brothers, I have conducted myself before God in all good conscience to this day.” / At this, the high priest Ananias ordered those standing near Paul to strike him on the mouth. / Then Paul said to him, “God will strike you, you whitewashed wall! You sit here to judge me according to the law, yet you yourself violate the law by commanding that I be struck.” ...


Treasury of Scripture

And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter.

she.

Genesis 32:28
And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed.

Nehemiah 1:11
O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

Psalm 116:1
I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.

golden sceptre.

Esther 4:11
All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days.

Esther 8:4
Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king,

Jump to Previous
Court Drew Esther Favor Favour Found Golden Hand Held Obtained Queen Scepter Sceptre Sight Standing Top Touched
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Court Drew Esther Favor Favour Found Golden Hand Held Obtained Queen Scepter Sceptre Sight Standing Top Touched
Esther 5
1. Esther, adventuring on the king's favor, obtains the grace of the golden sceptre,
4. and invites the king and Haman to a banquet.
6. She, being encouraged by the king in her suit, invites them to another banquet.
9. Haman, proud of his advancement, repines at the contempt of Mordecai.
14. By the counsel of Zeresh he prepares for him a gallows.














When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court
This phrase sets the scene for a pivotal moment in the narrative. The Hebrew word for "saw" (רָאָה, ra'ah) implies not just a casual glance but a significant recognition. Esther's presence in the court was a bold and courageous act, as approaching the king unsummoned could result in death. Historically, Persian kings were known for their absolute authority, and the royal court was a place of both power and danger. Esther's bravery is underscored by her willingness to risk her life for her people.

she found favor in his sight
The phrase "found favor" (חֵן, chen) is significant in the Hebrew context, often indicating grace or acceptance beyond what is expected. This divine favor is a recurring theme in the Bible, where God intervenes in the hearts of rulers to accomplish His purposes. Esther's favor with the king is not merely a result of her beauty or demeanor but is seen as orchestrated by God to protect His people. This moment reflects the providential hand of God working behind the scenes.

The king extended the gold scepter in his hand to Esther
The "gold scepter" symbolizes royal authority and acceptance. In ancient Persia, the scepter was a sign of the king's power and his willingness to grant an audience. By extending it to Esther, the king not only spares her life but also shows his openness to her request. This act is a turning point in the story, highlighting the theme of divine intervention and the reversal of expected outcomes. The scepter's extension is a physical manifestation of the king's favor and God's unseen hand guiding the events.

and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter
Esther's action of touching the "tip of the scepter" is a gesture of respect and submission, acknowledging the king's authority while also signifying her acceptance of his favor. This act is steeped in cultural significance, as it was customary to show deference to the king in this manner. Esther's approach is both humble and bold, reflecting her wisdom and the careful balance she maintains between courage and respect. This moment encapsulates the delicate interplay of human agency and divine providence, as Esther steps forward in faith, trusting in God's plan for her and her people.

Verse 2. - Esther... touched the top of the sceptre. This was, no doubt, the customary act by which the king's grace was, as it were, accepted and appropriated. It is analogous to that touch of the person or of the garments which secured the suppliant mercy among the Greeks.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Hebrew
As soon as the king
הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

saw
כִרְא֨וֹת (ḵir·’ō·wṯ)
Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7200: To see

Queen
הַמַּלְכָּ֗ה (ham·mal·kāh)
Article | Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4436: Queen -- a queen

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

standing
עֹמֶ֙דֶת֙ (‘ō·me·ḏeṯ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular
Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations

in the courtyard,
בֶּֽחָצֵ֔ר (be·ḥā·ṣêr)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular
Strong's 2691: A yard, a hamlet

she found
נָשְׂאָ֥ה (nā·śə·’āh)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

favor
חֵ֖ן (ḥên)
Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2580: Graciousness, subjective, objective

in his sight.
בְּעֵינָ֑יו (bə·‘ê·nāw)
Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain

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

extended
וַיּ֨וֹשֶׁט (way·yō·wō·šeṭ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 3447: To extend, hold out

the gold
הַזָּהָב֙ (haz·zā·hāḇ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky

scepter
שַׁרְבִ֤יט (šar·ḇîṭ)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8275: A rod of empire

in his hand
בְּיָד֔וֹ (bə·yā·ḏōw)
Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 3027: A hand

toward Esther,
לְאֶסְתֵּ֗ר (lə·’es·têr)
Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular
Strong's 635: Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel

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

approached
וַתִּקְרַ֣ב (wat·tiq·raḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 7126: To come near, approach

and touched
וַתִּגַּ֖ע (wat·tig·ga‘)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5060: To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike

the tip
בְּרֹ֥אשׁ (bə·rōš)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 7218: The head

of the scepter.
הַשַּׁרְבִֽיט׃ (haš·šar·ḇîṭ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 8275: A rod of empire


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OT History: Esther 5:2 When the king saw Esther the queen (Est Esth. Es)
Esther 5:1
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