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Esther 1:11

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Esther 1:11 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to show the peoples and the princes her beauty; for she was fair to look on.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to show the peoples and the princes her beauty; for she was fair to look on.
Esther 1:11 — American Standard Version

Context — Esther 1

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
8And the drinking was according to the law; none could compel: for so the king had appointed to all the officers of his house, that they should do according to every man`s pleasure.
9Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to king Ahasuerus.
10On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that ministered in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
11to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the crown royal, to show the peoples and the princes her beauty; for she was fair to look on.
12But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king`s commandment by the chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him.
13Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times, (for so was the king`s manner toward all that knew law and judgment;
14and the next unto him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king`s face, and sat first in the kingdom),
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“To bring Vashti the queen before the king, etc.] Not against her will, or by force; but they were sent to let her know it was the king’s pleasure that she should come to him immediately: with the crown royal; that is, upon her head, to make her look the more grand and majestic: to show the people and the princes her beauty; for she was fair to look upon; which was not wisely done, neither was it comely nor safe.”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“To bring Vashti the queen - This command, though contrary to Persian customs, is not out of harmony with the character of Xerxes; and is evidently related as something strange and unusual. Otherwise, the queen would not have refused to come. return to 'Top of Page'”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“1:11 she was a very beautiful woman: The king wanted to display one of his prized possessions.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Vashti: Pro 16:9, Pro 23:29-33; Mar 6:21, Mar 6:22 fair to look on: Heb. good of countenance, Sa1 25:3; Sa2 14:25; Pro 31:30 Esther 1:12”
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Related study paths

Read Esther 1 in contextBrowse Hebrew word studiesOpen this verse in the study reader

Sources and verification