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Esther 2:20

Old Testament Historical ASV (1901)

What does Esther 2:20 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Esther had not yet made known her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Esther had not yet made known her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
Esther 2:20 — American Standard Version

Context — Esther 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
17And 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.
18Then the king made a great feast unto all his princes and his servants, even Esther`s feast; and he made a release to the provinces, and gave gifts, according to the bounty of the king.
19And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai was sitting in the king`s gate.
20Esther had not yet made known her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
21In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king`s gate, two of the king`s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the threshold, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.
22And the thing became known to Mordecai, who showed it unto Esther the queen; and Esther told the king [thereof] in Mordecai`s name.
23And when inquisition was made of the matter, and it was found to be so, they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.
← Esther 2:19Esther 2:21 →
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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
“Esther had not showed her kindred nor her people, as Mordecai had charged her, etc.] As not before, so neither since she was made queen, (see <170210>Esther 2:10), though, according to the Targums, she was urged to it by the king himself: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him: which showed great humility in her, notwithstanding her advancement, great respect to him, and a sense of gratitude for the kindness he had shown; and this charge to her was still continued by Mordecai, partly that she might not fall into contempt, and partly to prevent hatred and envy to the Jewish nation, through her promotion; but chiefly so it was ordered in…”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“2:20 keep her family background and nationality a secret: That this is mentioned twice (see also 2:10) indicates how important it was for the rest of the story. • With humility, she was still following Mordecai’s directions. She did not become conceited and forget her people or the family that raised her.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“had not yet showed: Est 2:10 for Esther: Eph 6:1-3 Esther 2:21”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification