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Esther 2:12

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Esther 2:12 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

In the twelve months before her turn to go to King Xerxes, the harem regulation required each young woman to receive beauty treatments with oil of myrrh for six months, and then with perfumes and cosmetics for another six months.

King James Version KJV

¶ Now when every maid’s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)

American Standard Version ASV

Now when the turn of every maiden was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that it had been done to her according to the law for the women twelve months (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors and with the things for the purifying of the women),

Bible in Basic English BBE

Now every girl, when her turn came, had to go in to King Ahasuerus, after undergoing, for a space of twelve months, what was ordered by the law for the women (for this was the time necessary for making them clean, that is, six months with oil of myrrh and six months with sweet perfumes and such things as are needed for making women clean):

Free Bible Version FBV

Before it was the turn of a young woman to go to King Xerxes, she had to complete twelve months of beauty treatments for women that were required: six months with oil of myrrh, and six with perfumed oils and ointments.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

And when the course of euery mayd came, to go in to King Ahashuerosh, after that she had bene twelue moneths according to the maner of the women (for so were the dayes of their purifications accomplished, sixe moneths with oyle of myrrhe, and sixe moneths with sweete odours and in the purifying of the women:

Young's Literal Translation YLT

And in the drawing nigh of the turn of each young woman to come in unto the king Ahasuerus, at the end of there being to her — according to the law of the women — twelve months, for so they fulfil the days of their purifications; six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with spices, and with the purifications of women,

World English Bible WEB

Each young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus after her purification for twelve months (for so were the days of their purification accomplished, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet fragrances and with preparations for beautifying women).

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Now when every maid's turn had come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit , six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odors, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Now when every virgin’s turn came to go in to the king, after all had been done for setting them off to advantage, it was the twelfth month: so that for six months they were anointed with oil of myrrh, and for other six months they used certain perfumes and sweet spices.

Translation for Translators T4T

Before these women were taken to the king, they put ointments on the bodies of these women for one year to make them more beautiful. For six months they rubbed olive oil mixed with myrrh on their bodies each day. For the next six months they rubbed ointments and perfumes on their bodies.

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Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 2:12

BAB
Word Study

Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.

Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

Esther 2:12 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
HEB וּ/בְ/הַגִּ֡יעַ תֹּר֩ נַעֲרָ֨ה וְ/נַעֲרָ֜ה לָ/ב֣וֹא אֶל הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֗וֹשׁ מִ/קֵּץ֩ הֱי֨וֹת לָ֜/הּ כְּ/דָ֤ת הַ/נָּשִׁים֙ שְׁנֵ֣ים עָשָׂ֣ר חֹ֔דֶשׁ כִּ֛י כֵּ֥ן יִמְלְא֖וּ יְמֵ֣י מְרוּקֵי/הֶ֑ן שִׁשָּׁ֤ה חֳדָשִׁים֙ בְּ/שֶׁ֣מֶן הַ/מֹּ֔ר וְ/שִׁשָּׁ֤ה חֳדָשִׁים֙ בַּ/בְּשָׂמִ֔ים וּ/בְ/תַמְרוּקֵ֖י הַ/נָּשִֽׁים
וּ/בְ/הַגִּ֡יעַ nâgaʻ H5060 to touch Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
תֹּר֩ tôwr H8447 plait N-ms
נַעֲרָ֨ה naʻărâh H5291 maiden N-fs
וְ/נַעֲרָ֜ה naʻărâh H5291 maiden Conj | N-fs
לָ/ב֣וֹא bôwʼ H935 Lebo Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
אֶל ʼêl H413 to(wards) Prep
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 King's Art | N-ms
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֗וֹשׁ ʼĂchashvêrôwsh H325 Ahasuerus N-proper
מִ/קֵּץ֩ qêts H7093 end Prep | N-ms
הֱי֨וֹת hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Inf-a
לָ֜/הּ Prep | Suff
כְּ/דָ֤ת dâth H1881 law Prep | N-fs
הַ/נָּשִׁים֙ ʼishshâh H802 woman Art | N-fp
שְׁנֵ֣ים shᵉnayim H8147 two Adj
עָשָׂ֣ר ʻâsâr H6240 ten Adj
חֹ֔דֶשׁ chôdesh H2320 month N-ms
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 for Conj
כֵּ֥ן kên H3651 right Part
יִמְלְא֖וּ mâlêʼ H4390 to fill V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
יְמֵ֣י yôwm H3117 day N-mp
מְרוּקֵי/הֶ֑ן mârûwq H4795 rubbing N-mp | Suff
שִׁשָּׁ֤ה shêsh H8337 six Adj
חֳדָשִׁים֙ chôdesh H2320 month N-mp
בְּ/שֶׁ֣מֶן shemen H8081 oil Prep | N-ms
הַ/מֹּ֔ר môr H4753 myrrh Art | N-ms
וְ/שִׁשָּׁ֤ה shêsh H8337 six Conj | Adj
חֳדָשִׁים֙ chôdesh H2320 month N-mp
בַּ/בְּשָׂמִ֔ים besem H1314 spice Prep | N-mp
וּ/בְ/תַמְרוּקֵ֖י tamrûwq H8562 cosmetic Conj | Prep | N-mp
הַ/נָּשִֽׁים ʼishshâh H802 woman Art | N-fp
Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 2:12

וּ/בְ/הַגִּ֡יעַ nâgaʻ H5060 "to touch" Conj | Prep | V-Hiphil-Inf-a
This Hebrew word means to touch or reach something, and can also mean to strike or defeat someone. It is used in Exodus to describe God's power and in Psalms to describe human emotions. The word has various translations, including beat, bring, and plague.
Definition: 1) to touch, reach, strike 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to touch 1a2) to strike 1a3) to reach, extend to 1a4) to be stricken 1a4a) stricken (participle) 1b) (Niphal) to be stricken, be defeated 1c) (Piel) to strike 1d) (Pual) to be stricken (by disease) 1e) (Hiphil) to cause to touch, reach, approach, arrive 1e1) to cause to touch, apply 1e2) to reach, extend, attain, arrive, come 1e3) to approach (of time) 1e4) to befall (of fate)
Usage: Occurs in 142 OT verses. KJV: beat, ([idiom] be able to) bring (down), cast, come (nigh), draw near (nigh), get up, happen, join, near, plague, reach (up), smite, strike, touch. See also: Genesis 3:3; 2 Chronicles 3:12; Psalms 32:6.
תֹּר֩ tôwr H8447 "plait" N-ms
This word refers to a plait or circlet, like a braid of hair or a string of gold. It can also mean a succession or order, like a row of things.
Definition: 1) circlet, plait, turn (of hair or gold) 2) (CLBL) succession, order
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: border, row, turn. See also: Esther 2:12; Song of Solomon 1:10; Song of Solomon 1:11.
נַעֲרָ֨ה naʻărâh H5291 "maiden" N-fs
A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.
Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.
וְ/נַעֲרָ֜ה naʻărâh H5291 "maiden" Conj | N-fs
A maiden is a young, unmarried woman, often described as a servant or attendant. In the Bible, it refers to women like the maidens who served in the temple or the young women who were eligible for marriage.
Definition: 1) girl, damsel, female servant 1a) girl, damsel, little girl 1a1) of young woman, marriageable young woman, concubine, prostitute 1b) maid, female attendant, female servant
Usage: Occurs in 57 OT verses. KJV: damsel, maid(-en), young (woman). See also: Genesis 24:14; Ruth 2:5; Proverbs 9:3.
לָ/ב֣וֹא bôwʼ H935 "Lebo" Prep | V-Qal-Inf-a
This verb means to go or come, and is used in many contexts, such as entering a place or approaching someone, as seen in the book of Genesis. It can also mean to abide or apply, and is translated in various ways in the KJV Bible. This term is related to the name Lebo Hamath.
Definition: A shortened name of Lebo Hamath complined withcha.mat (חֲמָת "Hamath" H2574) This name means to go in, enter
Usage: Occurs in 2307 OT verses. KJV: abide, apply, attain, [idiom] be, befall, [phrase] besiege, bring (forth, in, into, to pass), call, carry, [idiom] certainly, (cause, let, thing for) to come (against, in, out, upon, to pass), depart, [idiom] doubtless again, [phrase] eat, [phrase] employ, (cause to) enter (in, into, -tering, -trance, -try), be fallen, fetch, [phrase] follow, get, give, go (down, in, to war), grant, [phrase] have, [idiom] indeed, (in-) vade, lead, lift (up), mention, pull in, put, resort, run (down), send, set, [idiom] (well) stricken (in age), [idiom] surely, take (in), way. See also: Genesis 2:19; Genesis 32:7; Exodus 1:19.
אֶל ʼêl H413 "to(wards)" Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
הַ/מֶּ֣לֶךְ melek H4428 "King's" Art | N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
אֲחַשְׁוֵר֗וֹשׁ ʼĂchashvêrôwsh H325 "Ahasuerus" N-proper
Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes, was a powerful king of Persia who ruled during the time of the Israelites' exile. He's mentioned in the book of Ezra and is known for his marriage to Vashti and his role in biblical history. Ahasuerus played a significant part in shaping the fate of the Israelites.
Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Ezr.4.6; married to Vashti (H2060); father of: Darius (H1868H) § Ahasuerus = "I will be silent and poor" title of the king of Persia, probably Xerxes
Usage: Occurs in 30 OT verses. KJV: Ahasuerus. See also: Ezra 4:6; Esther 3:7; Daniel 9:1.
מִ/קֵּץ֩ qêts H7093 "end" Prep | N-ms
The end refers to the extremity or conclusion of something, whether in time or space. It can also mean after or at the border of something, as in the utmost end of a process.
Definition: 1) end 1a) end, at the end of (of time) 1b) end (of space)
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after, (utmost) border, end, (in-) finite, [idiom] process. See also: Genesis 4:3; Isaiah 23:15; Psalms 39:5.
הֱי֨וֹת hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Inf-a
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
לָ֜/הּ "" Prep | Suff
כְּ/דָ֤ת dâth H1881 "law" Prep | N-fs
This word means a law or decree, like a royal command, as seen in Esther and Daniel. It can also refer to a custom or tradition, like the laws given to Moses. The word is used to describe the rules and regulations of a kingdom or society.
Definition: 1) decree, law, edict, regulation, usage 1a) decree, edict, commission 1b) law, rule Aramaic equivalent: dat (דָּת "law" H1882)
Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: commandment, commission, decree, law, manner. See also: Deuteronomy 33:2; Esther 3:15; Esther 9:14.
הַ/נָּשִׁים֙ ʼishshâh H802 "woman" Art | N-fp
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.
שְׁנֵ֣ים shᵉnayim H8147 "two" Adj
The Hebrew word for the number two appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing pairs and dualities. It can also mean double or twice. In the Bible, it is often used to describe things that come in twos, like two witnesses or two tablets.
Definition: 1) two 1a) two (the cardinal number) 1a1) two, both, double, twice 1b) second (the ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers 1d) both (a dual number)
Usage: Occurs in 646 OT verses. KJV: both, couple, double, second, twain, [phrase] twelfth, [phrase] twelve, [phrase] twenty (sixscore) thousand, twice, two. See also: Genesis 1:16; Exodus 30:4; Numbers 13:23.
עָשָׂ֣ר ʻâsâr H6240 "ten" Adj
In Hebrew, this word means ten, and is used to form numbers like eleven or thirteen, as seen in Genesis 31:41. It is always used in combination with other numbers.
Definition: 1) ten, -teen (in combination with other numbers) 1a) used only in combination to make the numbers 11-19
Usage: Occurs in 292 OT verses. KJV: (eigh-, fif-, four-, nine-, seven-, six-, thir-) teen(-th), [phrase] eleven(-th), [phrase] sixscore thousand, [phrase] twelve(-th). See also: Genesis 5:8; Joshua 21:7; 1 Chronicles 25:27.
חֹ֔דֶשׁ chôdesh H2320 "month" N-ms
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
כִּ֛י kîy H3588 "for" Conj
A conjunction used to show cause or connection, as in Genesis 2:23 where Adam says the woman is bone of his bone because she was taken out of him. It is often translated as 'for', 'because', or 'since'.
Definition: 1) that, for, because, when, as though, as, because that, but, then, certainly, except, surely, since 1a) that 1a1) yea, indeed 1b) when (of time) 1b1) when, if, though (with a concessive force) 1c) because, since (causal connection) 1d) but (after negative) 1e) that if, for if, indeed if, for though, but if 1f) but rather, but 1g) except that 1h) only, nevertheless 1i) surely 1j) that is 1k) but if 1l) for though 1m) forasmuch as, for therefore
Usage: Occurs in 3910 OT verses. KJV: and, + (forasmuch, inasmuch, where-) as, assured(-ly), + but, certainly, doubtless, + else, even, + except, for, how, (because, in, so, than) that, + nevertheless, now, rightly, seeing, since, surely, then, therefore, + (al-) though, + till, truly, + until, when, whether, while, whom, yea, yet. See also: Genesis 1:4; Genesis 26:16; Genesis 42:15.
כֵּ֥ן kên H3651 "right" Part
In the Bible, this Hebrew word means 'so' or 'thus', often used to show agreement or confirmation, like in the book of Genesis. It can also mean 'rightly' or 'justly', as in doing something the correct way. It appears in various forms throughout the Old Testament.
Definition: adv adj 1) right, just, honest, true, veritable 1a) right, just, honest 1b) correct 1c) true, veritable
Usage: Occurs in 737 OT verses. KJV: [phrase] after that (this, -ward, -wards), as... as, [phrase] (for-) asmuch as yet, [phrase] be (for which) cause, [phrase] following, howbeit, in (the) like (manner, -wise), [idiom] the more, right, (even) so, state, straightway, such (thing), surely, [phrase] there (where) -fore, this, thus, true, well, [idiom] you. See also: Genesis 1:7; Exodus 37:19; Judges 7:17.
יִמְלְא֖וּ mâlêʼ H4390 "to fill" V-Qal-Imperf-3mp
To fill means to make something full or complete, like filling a container or fulfilling a promise. This word is used in many contexts, including being full of joy or having a job completed.
Definition: 1) to fill, be full 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to be full 1a1a) fulness, abundance (participle) 1a1b) to be full, be accomplished, be ended 1a2) to consecrate, fill the hand 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be filled, be armed, be satisfied 1b2) to be accomplished, be ended 1c) (Piel) 1c1) to fill 1c2) to satisfy 1c3) to fulfil, accomplish, complete 1c4) to confirm 1d) (Pual) to be filled 1e) (Hithpael) to mass themselves against Aramaic equivalent: me.la (מְלָא "to fill" H4391)
Usage: Occurs in 242 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, confirm, [phrase] consecrate, be at an end, be expired, be fenced, fill, fulfil, (be, become, [idiom] draw, give in, go) full(-ly, -ly set, tale), (over-) flow, fulness, furnish, gather (selves, together), presume, replenish, satisfy, set, space, take a (hand-) full, [phrase] have wholly. See also: Genesis 1:22; 2 Chronicles 16:14; Psalms 10:7.
יְמֵ֣י yôwm H3117 "day" N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
מְרוּקֵי/הֶ֑ן mârûwq H4795 "rubbing" N-mp | Suff
This Hebrew word means rubbing, often with perfumery, and is used to describe the purification process for girls in the harem. It involves bodily rubbings and scrapings. In the Bible, it is translated as purification.
Definition: 1) scraping, rubbing 1a) of year of preparation of girls for the harem; bodily rubbings
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: purification. See also: Esther 2:12.
שִׁשָּׁ֤ה shêsh H8337 "six" Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
חֳדָשִׁים֙ chôdesh H2320 "month" N-mp
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
בְּ/שֶׁ֣מֶן shemen H8081 "oil" Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word for oil, often referring to olive oil, which was highly valued in ancient times. It symbolizes richness, anointing, and healing, and is used in various biblical contexts, including rituals and medicinal practices.
Definition: 1) fat, oil 1a) fat, fatness 1b) oil, olive oil 1b1) as staple, medicament or unguent 1b2) for anointing 1c) fat (of fruitful land, valleys) (metaph)
Usage: Occurs in 176 OT verses. KJV: anointing, [idiom] fat (things), [idiom] fruitful, oil(-ed), ointment, olive, [phrase] pine. See also: Genesis 28:18; Deuteronomy 8:8; Psalms 23:5.
הַ/מֹּ֔ר môr H4753 "myrrh" Art | N-ms
Mor is the Hebrew word for myrrh, a bitter resin used in perfume and sacred oil. It is mentioned in the Bible as a valuable commodity.
Definition: 1) myrrh 1a) an Arabian gum from the bark of a tree, used in sacred oil and in perfume
Usage: Occurs in 11 OT verses. KJV: myrrh. See also: Exodus 30:23; Song of Solomon 3:6; Psalms 45:9.
וְ/שִׁשָּׁ֤ה shêsh H8337 "six" Conj | Adj
This Hebrew word means the number six, and is often used in the Bible to describe measurements, like the six days of creation in Genesis 1.
Definition: 1) six 1a) six (cardinal number) 1b) sixth (ordinal number) 1c) in combination with other numbers Aramaic equivalent: shet (שֵׁת "six" H8353)
Usage: Occurs in 202 OT verses. KJV: six(-teen, -teenth), sixth. See also: Genesis 7:6; 1 Kings 6:6; Proverbs 6:16.
חֳדָשִׁים֙ chôdesh H2320 "month" N-mp
The Hebrew term for month, specifically referring to the new moon and the lunar cycle, as described in the book of Exodus and the festivals of Israel. It marks the beginning of a new month in the Hebrew calendar.
Definition: : month 1) the new moon, month, monthly 1a) the first day of the month 1b) the lunar month
Usage: Occurs in 224 OT verses. KJV: month(-ly), new moon. See also: Genesis 7:11; 1 Chronicles 3:4; Psalms 81:4.
בַּ/בְּשָׂמִ֔ים besem H1314 "spice" Prep | N-mp
This word describes a pleasant smell, like a sweet perfume or fragrance. It can also refer to the balsam plant or tree, which was known for its sweet odor.
Definition: 1) spice, balsam, balsam tree, perfume 2) (TWOT) sweet, sweet smell, sweet odour
Usage: Occurs in 25 OT verses. KJV: smell, spice, sweet (odour). See also: Exodus 25:6; 2 Chronicles 9:24; Isaiah 3:24.
וּ/בְ/תַמְרוּקֵ֖י tamrûwq H8562 "cosmetic" Conj | Prep | N-mp
This word means a cleansing agent, like soap or perfume, used for purification. In the Bible, it represents spiritual cleansing, as in Psalm 51 where David asks God to purify his heart. It is a symbol of renewal.
Definition: 1) a scraping, rubbing 2) (CLBL) remedy (for an injury)
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] cleanse, (thing for) purification(-fying). See also: Esther 2:3; Esther 2:12; Proverbs 20:30.
הַ/נָּשִֽׁים ʼishshâh H802 "woman" Art | N-fp
The Hebrew word for woman, used to describe a female person, wife, or animal, appears in many biblical passages, including Genesis and Exodus, and is often translated as woman, wife, or female.
Definition: : woman 1) woman, wife, female 1a) woman (opposite of man) 1b) wife (woman married to a man) 1c) female (of animals) 1d) each, every (pronoun)
Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: (adulter) ess, each, every, female, [idiom] many, [phrase] none, one, [phrase] together, wife, woman. Often unexpressed in English. See also: Genesis 2:22; Genesis 34:4; Numbers 5:12.

Study Notes — Esther 2:12

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 1 Thessalonians 4:4–5 each of you must know how to control his own body in holiness and honor, not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God;
2 Proverbs 7:17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, with aloes, and with cinnamon.
3 Isaiah 57:9 You went to Molech with oil and multiplied your perfumes. You have sent your envoys a great distance; you have descended even to Sheol itself.
4 Song of Solomon 3:6 Who is this coming up from the wilderness like a column of smoke, scented with myrrh and frankincense from all the spices of the merchant?
5 Luke 7:37–38 When a sinful woman from that town learned that Jesus was dining there, she brought an alabaster jar of perfume. As she stood behind Him at His feet weeping, she began to wet His feet with her tears and wipe them with her hair. Then she kissed His feet and anointed them with the perfume.

Esther 2:12 Summary

[Esther 2:12 tells us that each young woman in the harem had to go through a twelve-month beauty treatment to prepare her to meet King Xerxes. This shows us that preparation is important, just like how we prepare to meet God, as in Matthew 5:8. The young women had to be patient and trust in the process, and we can learn from their example. By trusting in God's plan and preparation, we can become the people He wants us to be, as seen in Romans 8:29.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the purpose of the beauty treatments in Esther 2:12?

The beauty treatments were part of the harem regulation to prepare each young woman to meet King Xerxes, as seen in Esther 2:12, similar to how God prepares us for our purposes, as mentioned in Jeremiah 29:11.

How long did the beauty treatments last for each young woman?

According to Esther 2:12, the beauty treatments lasted for twelve months, with six months of oil of myrrh treatments followed by six months of perfumes and cosmetics, demonstrating the extensive preparation required to meet the king.

What can we learn from the harem regulation in Esther 2:12?

The harem regulation shows us that God is a God of preparation and detail, as seen in Esther 2:12, and we can trust in His plan for our lives, just as Esther did, with faith like in Hebrews 11:1.

How does Esther 2:12 relate to our spiritual preparation?

Just as the young women in the harem were prepared to meet the king, we are being prepared to meet our heavenly King, as mentioned in 2 Corinthians 11:2, and we should strive to be pure and holy, as in 1 Peter 1:15-16.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways I am being 'prepared' by God for His purposes, and how can I trust in His plan?
  2. How can I apply the principle of preparation seen in Esther 2:12 to my own spiritual growth and development?
  3. What are some 'beauty treatments' that I can apply to my own heart and life to become more like Christ, such as in Romans 12:2?
  4. In what ways can I surrender to God's preparation and plan for my life, just as Esther surrendered to the harem regulation?

Gill's Exposition on Esther 2:12

Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to King Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of women,.... That were prepared in the house of the women to be

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 2:12

Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished,

Matthew Poole's Commentary on Esther 2:12

According to the manner of the women; who were kept so long, partly, for their better purification, as it here follows; partly, out of state, as that which became so great a king; and partly, that being so long in safe custody, the king might be sure that the child begotten upon any of them was his own. With oil of myrrh; which is useful both for making the skin exactly clean, and smooth, and solid, and for giving strength and rigour to the body. With sweet odours; which was the more necessary, because the bodies of men and women in those hot countries did of themselves yield very ill scents, if not corrected and qualified by art.

Trapp's Commentary on Esther 2:12

Esther 2:12 Now when every maid’ s turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women, (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, [to wit], six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with [other] things for the purifying of the women;) Ver. 12. Now when every maid’ s turn was come] Their turns then they took, and held it their happiness to lose that which was their honour. See 1 Thessalonians 4:4, their bodies were first adulterated, and then vitiated. This was abominable. After that she had been twelve months] Time spent without spare, and woefully wasted in making provision for the flesh to fulfil the lusts thereof; which the prophet Amos rightly calleth a thing of nought, Amos 6:13; Amos 4:5-6. Is time no better worth than to be thus rioted out in vanity? doth not eternity depend upon it, even the heaviest weights upon the weakest wires? It is therefore a good rule that one giveth, Corrige praeteritum, rege praesens, cerne futurum. According to the manner of the women] Who of themselves are apt enough (without an order to do so, as here) to cast away too much time and cost in tricking and trimming their bodies (those painted sheaths), as the comedians have tartly taxed them. Negotii quantum in muliere una est! saith Plautus. What a deal of do is there with one woman in this kind! And Nosti mores mulierum, saith Terence, dum moliuntur, dum comuntur, annus est. And as for the Persian women, Aelian saith that they were above all others most addicted to this vanity (Lib. xii. cap. 1); and yet the haughty daughters of Zion are deeply censured, and heavily threatened, Isaiah 3:18, where the prophet gives us an inventory of those ladies’ gallantry, and tells them that their fineness shall be turned into filthiness, their neatness become nastiness. For so were the days of their purification accomplished] What strange preparation was here for the impure bed of a heathen! Every virgin must be six months purified, and six months perfumed. O God, saith one, what care and cost is requisite to that soul which should be addressed a fit bride for thy holy and glorious Majesty! To wit, six months with oil of myrrh] To cleanse them, and to clear up their countenances. And six months with sweet odours] Of these there is a lawful use (why else were they created?), to please the sense, refresh the spirits, comfort the brain, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 2:12

(12) Manner.—Translate, law or ordinance, as in Esther 1:8; Esther 1:15.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on Esther 2:12

Verse 12. Six months with oil of myrrh] See on Es 2:3. The reason of this purification seems not to be apprehended by any writer I have seen. The most beautiful of all the young virgins of all the provinces of Babylon were to be selected; and these were taken out of all classes of the people, indiscriminately; consequently there must have been many who were brought up in low life. Now we know that those who feed on coarse strong food, which is not easily digested, have generally a copious perspiration, which is strongly odorous; and in many, though in every respect amiable, and even beautiful, this odour is far from being pleasant. Pure, wholesome, easily digested, and nourishing aliment, with the frequent use of the hot bath, continued for twelve months. the body frequently rubbed with olive oil, will in almost every case remove all that is disagreeable of this kind. This treatment will give a healthy action to all the subcutaneous vessels, and in every respect promote health and comfort.

Cambridge Bible on Esther 2:12

12. after that it had been done to her according to the law for the women, twelve months] More accurate than A.V. after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women. sweet odours] spices or balsam. The Hebrew and English words for myrrh (môr) and balsam (bôsem) are etymologically identical. These spices came to us from the East, and retained their Eastern names in European languages. the things for the purifying] a general designation including the two items just mentioned. The A.V. less accurately has other things for the purifying.

Whedon's Commentary on Esther 2:12

12. According to the manner of the women — Rather, the law of the women; that is, the order or requirement indicated in Esther 2:2 and explained in the sequel of this verse, according to which these

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W.J. Erdman On Believers,-God's Vessels by W.J. Erdman W.J. Erdman preaches on the significance of believers being vessels in the spiritual temple, drawing parallels from the Old Testament vessels used in God's house. Believers must be
John Gill 1 Peter 3:7 by John Gill John Gill emphasizes the importance of husbands dwelling with their wives in a manner that honors and respects them, highlighting the need for understanding and fulfilling marital
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