Esther 2:13 Meaning and Explanation
“Then thus came every maiden unto the king; whatsoever she desired was given her to go with her out of the house of the women unto the king's house.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Each woman could take whatever she wished from the harem to adorn herself before the king.
What Does Esther 2:13 Mean?
When her turn came, each young woman could request whatever she desired to take with her from the harem to the king's house, any adornment, any finery, to improve her chance of pleasing him. The custom invited each to grasp at every advantage, to gild herself against the competition.
This verse sets up the contrast that will define Esther. Where others would seize everything offered, she will ask for almost nothing. The narrator describes the open invitation precisely so that her restraint in the next verse stands out. The system rewards self-promotion; Esther will win favor by a humbler path.
Frequently Asked Questions About Esther 2:13
What does Esther 2:13 mean?
Each woman could take whatever she wished from the harem to adorn herself before the king.