Esther 2:17 And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

◄ Esther 2:17 ►

New International Version
Now the king was attracted to Esther more than to any of the other women, and she won his favor and approval more than any of the other virgins. So he set a royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

New Living Translation
And the king loved Esther more than any of the other young women. He was so delighted with her that he set the royal crown on her head and declared her queen instead of Vashti.

English Standard Version
the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she won grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Berean Standard Bible
And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

King James Bible
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

New King James Version
The king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

New American Standard Bible
The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal turban on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

NASB 1995
The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

NASB 1977
And the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Legacy Standard Bible
And the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she advanced in favor and lovingkindness before him more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

Amplified Bible
Now the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found favor and kindness with him more than all the [other] virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen in the place of Vashti.

Christian Standard Bible
The king loved Esther more than all the other women. She won more favor and approval from him than did any of the other virgins. He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
The king loved Esther more than all the other women. She won more favor and approval from him than did any of the other young women. He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

American Standard Version
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Contemporary English Version
Xerxes liked Esther more than he did any of the other young women. None of them pleased him as much as she did, and he immediately fell in love with her and crowned her queen in place of Vashti.

English Revised Version
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Now, the king loved Esther more than all the other women and favored her over all the other virgins. So he put the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Good News Translation
The king liked her more than any of the other women, and more than any of the others she won his favor and affection. He placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

International Standard Version
The king loved Esther more than any of the other women, so he favored her and was kinder to her than he was to any of the other virgins. He put the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

Majority Standard Bible
And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

NET Bible
And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she met with his loving approval more than all the other young women. So he placed the royal high turban on her head and appointed her queen in place of Vashti.

New Heart English Bible
The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Webster's Bible Translation
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

World English Bible
The king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained favor and kindness in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
and the king loves Esther above all the women, and she receives grace and kindness before him above all the virgins, and he sets a royal crown on her head, and causes her to reign instead of Vashti,

Young's Literal Translation
and the king loveth Esther above all the women, and she receiveth grace and kindness before him above all the virgins, and he setteth a royal crown on her head, and causeth her to reign instead of Vashti,

Smith's Literal Translation
And the king will love Esther above all the women, and she will receive favor and mercy before him above all the virgins; and he will set the crown of the kingdom upon her head, and he will cause her to reign instead of Vashti.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
And the king loved her more than all the women, and she had favour and kindness before him above all the women, and he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vasthi.

Catholic Public Domain Version
And the king loved her more than all the women, and she had favor and mercy in his eyes above all the women, and he set the royal crown on her head, and he made her queen instead of Vashti.

New American Bible
The king loved Esther more than all other women, and of all the virgins she won his favor and good will. So he placed the royal crown on her head and made her queen in place of Vashti.

New Revised Standard Version
the king loved Esther more than all the other women; of all the virgins she won his favor and devotion, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the other virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And the King loved Esthir more than all the women, and she obtained favor from before him more than all the virgins, and she received the crown of the kingdom on her head, and she became Queen in the place of Vashti.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favour in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown upon her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And the king loved Esther, and she found favour beyond all the other virgins: and he put on her the queen's crown.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Esther Becomes Queen
17And the king loved Esther more than all the other women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all of the other virgins. So he placed the royal crown upon her head and made her queen in place of Vashti. 18Then the king held a great banquet, Esther’s banquet, for all his officials and servants. He proclaimed a tax holiday in the provinces and gave gifts worthy of the king’s bounty.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Esther 5:2
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.

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 8:5
“If it pleases the king,” she said, “and if I have found favor in his sight, and the matter seems proper to the king, and I am pleasing in his sight, may an order be written to revoke the letters that the scheming Haman son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, wrote to destroy the Jews in all the king’s provinces.

Esther 9:12
who said to Queen Esther, “In the citadel of Susa the Jews have killed and destroyed five hundred men, including Haman’s ten sons. What have they done in the rest of the royal provinces? Now what is your petition? It will be given to you. And what further do you request? It will be fulfilled.”

1 Samuel 16:22
Then Saul sent word to Jesse, saying, “Let David remain in my service, for I am pleased with him.”

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 2:19
So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand.

Psalm 45:11
and the king will desire your beauty; bow to him, for he is your lord.

Proverbs 31:10
A wife of noble character, who can find? She is far more precious than rubies.

Song of Solomon 1:4
Take me away with you—let us hurry! May the king bring me to his chambers. We will rejoice and delight in you; we will praise your love more than wine. It is only right that they adore you.

Song of Solomon 4:9
You have captured my heart, my sister, my bride; you have stolen my heart with one glance of your eyes, with one jewel of your neck.

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

Matthew 5:14-16
You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. / Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. / In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 25:34
Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

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

Treasury of Scripture

And the king loved Esther above all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins; so that he set the royal crown on her head, and made her queen instead of Vashti.

favour.

Esther 4:14
For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?

1 Samuel 2:8
He raiseth up the poor out of the dust, and lifteth up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes, and to make them inherit the throne of glory: for the pillars of the earth are the LORD'S, and he hath set the world upon them.

Psalm 75:6,7
For promotion cometh neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south…

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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.

Study Bible

Book ◦ Chapter

And the king loved Esther
The phrase "the king loved Esther" signifies a deep affection and preference that King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) had for Esther. The Hebrew word for "loved" here is "אָהַב" (ahav), which conveys a sense of strong emotional attachment and favor. This love is not merely romantic but also indicative of divine providence, as God orchestrates events to place Esther in a position of influence. Historically, this love is significant because it sets the stage for Esther's role in the deliverance of the Jewish people.

more than all the other women
This phrase emphasizes Esther's unique position among the women in the king's harem. The Hebrew word for "more than" is "מִכָּל" (mikkol), indicating a comparison that elevates Esther above all others. This distinction is crucial, as it highlights God's favor upon Esther, setting her apart for a divine purpose. In the historical context of the Persian Empire, where many women vied for the king's attention, Esther's elevation is remarkable and underscores the theme of God's sovereignty.

and she won his favor and approval
The words "favor and approval" are translated from the Hebrew "חֵן" (chen) and "חֶסֶד" (chesed), respectively. "Chen" refers to grace or charm, while "chesed" often denotes loving-kindness or steadfast love. Esther's ability to win the king's favor and approval suggests a divine endowment of grace that enabled her to stand out. This favor is not just personal but also providential, as it positions Esther to act on behalf of her people.

more than any of the other virgins
This phrase reiterates Esther's exceptional status among the young women brought to the palace. The term "virgins" (בְּתוּלוֹת, betulot) refers to unmarried young women, highlighting the cultural and historical practice of selecting a queen from among the most eligible women. Esther's surpassing of all others is a testament to her unique qualities and God's hand in her life.

So he set the royal crown on her head
The act of setting "the royal crown" on Esther's head is symbolic of her official recognition as queen. The Hebrew word for "crown" is "כֶּתֶר" (keter), which signifies authority and honor. This crowning is not only a personal elevation for Esther but also a pivotal moment in the narrative, as it marks the beginning of her influence in the Persian court. Archaeologically, crowns were significant symbols of power and legitimacy in ancient Near Eastern cultures.

and made her queen in place of Vashti
This final phrase underscores the transition of power and favor from Vashti to Esther. The Hebrew word for "made" is "וַיַּמְלִיכֶהָ" (vayamliekha), which means to enthrone or install as queen. Esther's rise to queenship in place of Vashti, who was deposed for her disobedience, highlights the theme of divine reversal and the fulfillment of God's purposes through unlikely means. Historically, this change in queenship reflects the volatile nature of royal favor and the precarious position of women in ancient courts. Esther's ascent is a powerful reminder of God's ability to elevate the humble and use them for His glory.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Esther
A Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia. Her Hebrew name is Hadassah, meaning "myrtle." Esther's rise to queenship is a pivotal moment in the account, showcasing God's providence.

2. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)
The Persian king who chooses Esther as his queen. His decision is crucial in the unfolding of God's plan for the Jewish people.

3. Vashti
The former queen who was deposed for her refusal to appear before the king. Her removal sets the stage for Esther's rise.

4. The Royal Crown
Symbolizes authority and favor. Esther receiving the crown signifies her acceptance and the beginning of her influence in the kingdom.

5. The Other Virgins
Represents the competition Esther faced. Her selection over them highlights her unique qualities and God's favor upon her.

Teaching Points

Divine Favor and Providence
God's hand is evident in Esther's rise to queenship. Believers can trust that God is at work in their lives, orchestrating events for His purposes.

Inner Beauty and Character
Esther's favor with the king was not solely due to her outward appearance but also her character. Christians are encouraged to cultivate inner beauty and a gentle spirit.

Courage and Influence
Esther's position as queen gave her a platform to influence the king. Believers should use their positions and opportunities to advocate for righteousness and justice.

God's Sovereignty in Leadership
The account of Esther reminds us that God can use anyone, even those in secular authority, to accomplish His will. We should pray for our leaders and trust God's sovereignty over them.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 17. - Above all the women. i.e. "above all his former secondary wives, as well as above all the virgins." The royal crown. See the comment on Esther 1:11.

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

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

loved
וַיֶּאֱהַ֨ב (way·ye·’ĕ·haḇ)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 157: To have affection f

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

more than all
מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

the [other] women,
הַנָּשִׁ֔ים (han·nā·šîm)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 802: Woman, wife, female

and she found
וַתִּשָּׂא־ (wat·tiś·śā-)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular
Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take

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

and favor
וָחֶ֛סֶד (wā·ḥe·seḏ)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 2617: Kindness, piety, reproof, beauty

in his sight
לְפָנָ֖יו (lə·p̄ā·nāw)
Preposition-l | Noun - common plural construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 6440: The face

more than all
מִכָּל־ (mik·kāl)
Preposition-m | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3605: The whole, all, any, every

of the other virgins.
הַבְּתוּלֹ֑ת (hab·bə·ṯū·lōṯ)
Article | Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 1330: A virgin, sometimes, a bride

So he placed
וַיָּ֤שֶׂם (way·yā·śem)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7760: Put -- to put, place, set

the royal
מַלְכוּת֙ (mal·ḵūṯ)
Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 4438: Royalty, royal power, reign, kingdom

crown
כֶּֽתֶר־ (ke·ṯer-)
Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 3804: A circlet, a diadem

upon her head
בְּרֹאשָׁ֔הּ (bə·rō·šāh)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singular
Strong's 7218: The head

and made her queen
וַיַּמְלִיכֶ֖הָ (way·yam·lî·ḵe·hā)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular | third person feminine singular
Strong's 4427: To reign, inceptively, to ascend the throne, to induct into royalty, to take counsel

in place of
תַּ֥חַת (ta·ḥaṯ)
Preposition
Strong's 8478: The bottom, below, in lieu of

Vashti.
וַשְׁתִּֽי׃ (waš·tî)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 2060: Vashti -- queen of Pers

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OT History: Esther 2:17 The king loved Esther more than all (Est Esth. Es)