Esther 2:20

Esther 2:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

Esther still had not revealed her lineage or her people, just as Mordecai had instructed. She obeyed Mordecai’s command, as she had done under his care.

King James Version KJV

Esther had not yet shewed 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.

American Standard Version ASV

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.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Esther had still said nothing of her family or her people, as Mordecai had given her orders; for Esther did what Mordecai said, as when she was living with him.

Free Bible Version FBV

Esther still did not let anyone know about her family or her nationality, as Mordecai had ordered her. She followed Mordecai's instructions just as she did when he brought her up.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Ester had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people, as Mordecai had charged her: for Ester did after the worde of Mordecai, as when she was nourished with him.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

Esther is not declaring her kindred and her people, as Mordecai hath laid a charge upon her, and the saying of Mordecai Esther is doing as when she was truly with him.

World English Bible WEB

Esther had not yet made known her relatives nor her people, as Mordecai had commanded her; for Esther obeyed Mordecai, like she did when she was brought up by him.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Esther had not yet showed her kindred, nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther performed the commandment of Mordecai, as when she was brought up with him.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Neither had Esther as yet declared her country and people, according to his commandment. For whatsoever he commanded, Esther observed: and she did all things in the same manner as she was wont at that time when he brought her up a little one.

Translation for Translators T4T

But Esther still did not tell anyone that she was a Jew. She continued to do what Mordecai had told her to do.

Study Highlights

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Berean Amplified Bible — Esther 2:20

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 2:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

HEB אֵ֣ין אֶסְתֵּ֗ר מַגֶּ֤דֶת מֽוֹלַדְתָּ/הּ֙ וְ/אֶת עַמָּ֔/הּ כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה עָלֶ֖י/הָ מָרְדֳּכָ֑י וְ/אֶת מַאֲמַ֤ר מָרְדֳּכַי֙ אֶסְתֵּ֣ר עֹשָׂ֔ה כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר הָיְתָ֥ה בְ/אָמְנָ֖ה אִתּֽ/וֹ

אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 nothing Part

אֶסְתֵּ֗ר ʼEçtêr H635 Esther N-proper

מַגֶּ֤דֶת nâgad H5046 to tell V-Hiphil

מֽוֹלַדְתָּ/הּ֙ môwledeth H4138 relatives N-fs | Suff

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

עַמָּ֔/הּ ʻam H5971 Amaw N-ms | Suff

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

צִוָּ֥ה tsâvâh H6680 to command V-Piel-Perf-3ms

עָלֶ֖י/הָ ʻal H5921 upon Prep | Suff

מָרְדֳּכָ֑י Mordᵉkay H4782 Mordecai N-proper

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 Obj. Conj | DirObjM

מַאֲמַ֤ר maʼămar H3982 command N-ms

מָרְדֳּכַי֙ Mordᵉkay H4782 Mordecai N-proper

אֶסְתֵּ֣ר ʼEçtêr H635 Esther N-proper

עֹשָׂ֔ה ʻâsâh H6213 to make V-Qal

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 which Prep | Rel

הָיְתָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 to be V-Qal-Perf-3fs

בְ/אָמְנָ֖ה ʼomnâh H545 brought up Prep | N-fs

אִתּֽ/וֹ ʼêth H854 with Prep | Suff

Hebrew Word Study

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Hebrew Word Reference — Esther 2:20

אֵ֣ין ʼayin H369 "nothing" Part

This word means nothing or not, often used to indicate the absence of something, as in Genesis 1:2 where the earth was without form. It emphasizes the idea of something lacking or non-existent.

Definition: 1) nothing, not, nought n 1a) nothing, nought neg 1b) not 1c) to have not (of possession) adv 1d) without w/prep 1e) for lack of

Usage: Occurs in 686 OT verses. KJV: else, except, fail, (father-) less, be gone, in(-curable), neither, never, no (where), none, nor, (any, thing), not, nothing, to nought, past, un(-searchable), well-nigh, without. Compare H370 (אַיִן). See also: Genesis 2:5; Deuteronomy 14:27; 1 Kings 15:22.

אֶסְתֵּ֗ר ʼEçtêr H635 "Esther" N-proper

Esther was a brave Jewish woman who became queen of Persia, as told in the book of Esther. She was adopted by her cousin Mordecai and later helped save the Jewish people from persecution.

Definition: A woman living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.2.7; daughter of: Abihail (H0032K); also called Hadassah at Est.2.7; Also named: ha.das.sah (הֲדַסָּה "Hadassah" H1919) § Esther = "star" the queen of Persia, heroine of the book of Esther-daughter of Abihail, cousin and adopted daughter of Mordecai, of the tribe of Benjamin, made queen by king Ahasuerus to replace divorced queen, Vashti.

Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: Esther. See also: Esther 2:7; Esther 5:4; Esther 9:32.

מַגֶּ֤דֶת nâgad H5046 "to tell" V-Hiphil

To tell or declare something openly, as in Genesis 3:11 where God asks Adam to tell the truth. It means to stand boldly and announce something to someone present. In Exodus 32:27, Moses tells the Levites to declare their actions to the people.

Definition: 1) to be conspicuous, tell, make known 1a) (Hiphil) to tell, declare 1a1) to tell, announce, report 1a2) to declare, make known, expound 1a3) to inform of 1a4) to publish, declare, proclaim 1a5) to avow, acknowledge, confess 1a5a) messenger (participle) 1b) (Hophal) to be told, be announced, be reported

Usage: Occurs in 344 OT verses. KJV: bewray, [idiom] certainly, certify, declare(-ing), denounce, expound, [idiom] fully, messenger, plainly, profess, rehearse, report, shew (forth), speak, [idiom] surely, tell, utter. See also: Genesis 3:11; 1 Samuel 14:33; 2 Kings 9:15.

מֽוֹלַדְתָּ/הּ֙ môwledeth H4138 "relatives" N-fs | Suff

Relatives or birthplace is the meaning of this word. It refers to family, native country, or circumstances of birth, and is used to describe heritage. It appears in various forms in the Bible.

Definition: 1) kindred, birth, offspring, relatives 1a) kindred 1b) birth, circumstances of birth 1c) one born, begotten, issue, offspring, female offspring

Usage: Occurs in 21 OT verses. KJV: begotten, born, issue, kindred, native(-ity). See also: Genesis 11:28; Leviticus 18:11; Jeremiah 22:10.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

In the original Hebrew, this word points out the object of a verb or preposition, like 'namely' or 'even'. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus. It's not directly translated in English, but helps clarify the meaning of sentences.

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

עַמָּ֔/הּ ʻam H5971 "Amaw" N-ms | Suff

A people or nation is what this Hebrew word represents, like the nation of Israel in Exodus 33:13. It can also mean a tribe, troops, or attendants, and is used to describe a group of people gathered together. The word is often used to refer to the people of God.

Definition: This name means nation, people

Usage: Occurs in 1655 OT verses. KJV: folk, men, nation, people. See also: Genesis 11:6; Exodus 16:4; Leviticus 17:9.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when

Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.

צִוָּ֥ה tsâvâh H6680 "to command" V-Piel-Perf-3ms

To command or give orders, as seen in the Bible when God gives charge to his people. It can also mean to appoint or ordain someone for a task. This word is used in various forms throughout the Old Testament.

Definition: 1) to command, charge, give orders, lay charge, give charge to, order 1a)(Piel) 1a1) to lay charge upon 1a2) to give charge to, give command to 1a3) to give charge unto 1a4) to give charge over, appoint 1a5) to give charge, command 1a6) to charge, command 1a7) to charge, commission 1a8) to command, appoint, ordain (of divine act) 1b) (Pual) to be commanded

Usage: Occurs in 475 OT verses. KJV: appoint, (for-) bid, (give a) charge, (give a, give in, send with) command(-er, -ment), send a messenger, put, (set) in order. See also: Genesis 2:16; Leviticus 10:13; Deuteronomy 12:11.

עָלֶ֖י/הָ ʻal H5921 "upon" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.

Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)

Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.

מָרְדֳּכָ֑י Mordᵉkay H4782 "Mordecai" N-proper

Mordecai was a brave Israelite who lived during the Exile and Return, and is known for saving the Jews from Haman's plot with Queen Esther's help. He's also the cousin and adoptive father of Esther.

Definition: A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.2.5; son of: Jair (H2971J) § Mordecai = "little man" or "worshipper of Mars" 1) cousin and adoptive father of queen Esther; son of Jair of the tribe of Benjamin; deliverer under Divine providence of the children of Israel from the destruction plotted by Haman the chief minister of Ahasuerus; institutor of the feast of Purim 2) a Jew who returned from exile with Zerubbabel

Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Mordecai. See also: Ezra 2:2; Esther 4:17; Esther 10:3.

וְ/אֶת ʼêth H853 "Obj." Conj | DirObjM

Definition: sign of the definite direct object, not translated in English but generally preceding and indicating the accusative Aramaic equivalent: yat (יָת "whom" H3487)

Usage: Occurs in 6782 OT verses. KJV: (as such unrepresented in English). See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 10:8; Genesis 19:21.

מַאֲמַ֤ר maʼămar H3982 "command" N-ms

In the Bible, this word means a command or edict, something that is authoritatively said or decreed. It is used to describe the words or commands of God or those in authority. This concept is seen in the commands given to the Israelites.

Definition: word, command Aramaic equivalent: me.mar (מֵאמַר "command" H3983)

Usage: Occurs in 3 OT verses. KJV: commandment, decree. See also: Esther 1:15; Esther 2:20; Esther 9:32.

מָרְדֳּכַי֙ Mordᵉkay H4782 "Mordecai" N-proper

Mordecai was a brave Israelite who lived during the Exile and Return, and is known for saving the Jews from Haman's plot with Queen Esther's help. He's also the cousin and adoptive father of Esther.

Usage: Occurs in 52 OT verses. KJV: Mordecai. See also: Ezra 2:2; Esther 4:17; Esther 10:3.

אֶסְתֵּ֣ר ʼEçtêr H635 "Esther" N-proper

Esther was a brave Jewish woman who became queen of Persia, as told in the book of Esther. She was adopted by her cousin Mordecai and later helped save the Jewish people from persecution.

Usage: Occurs in 45 OT verses. KJV: Esther. See also: Esther 2:7; Esther 5:4; Esther 9:32.

עֹשָׂ֔ה ʻâsâh H6213 "to make" V-Qal

This verb means to make or do something, and is used over 2,600 times in the Bible. It is first used in Genesis 1:7 to describe God's creation of the world and is also used in Exodus 31:5 to describe the work of skilled craftsmen.

Definition: : make(OBJECT) 1) to do, fashion, accomplish, make 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to do, work, make, produce 1a1a) to do 1a1b) to work 1a1c) to deal (with) 1a1d) to act, act with effect, effect 1a2) to make 1a2a) to make 1a2b) to produce 1a2c) to prepare 1a2d) to make (an offering) 1a2e) to attend to, put in order 1a2f) to observe, celebrate 1a2g) to acquire (property) 1a2h) to appoint, ordain, institute 1a2i) to bring about 1a2j) to use 1a2k) to spend, pass 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to be done 1b2) to be made 1b3) to be produced 1b4) to be offered 1b5) to be observed 1b6) to be used 1c) (Pual) to be made

Usage: Occurs in 2286 OT verses. KJV: accomplish, advance, appoint, apt, be at, become, bear, bestow, bring forth, bruise, be busy, [idiom] certainly, have the charge of, commit, deal (with), deck, [phrase] displease, do, (ready) dress(-ed), (put in) execute(-ion), exercise, fashion, [phrase] feast, (fight-) ing man, [phrase] finish, fit, fly, follow, fulfill, furnish, gather, get, go about, govern, grant, great, [phrase] hinder, hold (a feast), [idiom] indeed, [phrase] be industrious, [phrase] journey, keep, labour, maintain, make, be meet, observe, be occupied, offer, [phrase] officer, pare, bring (come) to pass, perform, pracise, prepare, procure, provide, put, requite, [idiom] sacrifice, serve, set, shew, [idiom] sin, spend, [idiom] surely, take, [idiom] thoroughly, trim, [idiom] very, [phrase] vex, be (warr-) ior, work(-man), yield, use. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 34:19; Exodus 18:24.

כַּ/אֲשֶׁ֛ר ʼăsher H834 "which" Prep | Rel

This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.

הָיְתָ֥ה hâyâh H1961 "to be" V-Qal-Perf-3fs

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.

בְ/אָמְנָ֖ה ʼomnâh H545 "brought up" Prep | N-fs

This word means to bring up or provide for someone, like a parent caring for a child. It is translated as 'brought up' in the KJV and implies nourishment and training.

Definition: bringing up, nourishment, rearing, training, providing for (as a parent)

Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: brought up. See also: Esther 2:20.

אִתּֽ/וֹ ʼêth H854 "with" Prep | Suff

This Hebrew preposition means 'with' or 'near', indicating a close relationship or physical proximity. It's used in Genesis 1:26 to describe God's relationship with humanity, and in many other places to show connection or closeness.

Definition: 1) with, near, together with 1a) with, together with 1b) with (of relationship) 1c) near (of place) 1d) with (poss.) 1e) from...with, from (with other prep)

Usage: Occurs in 787 OT verses. KJV: against, among, before, by, for, from, in(-to), (out) of, with. Often with another prepositional prefix. See also: Genesis 4:1; Genesis 42:32; Numbers 1:5.

Study Notes — Esther 2:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
Esther 2:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on Esther 2:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 2:20
Trapp's Commentary on Esther 2:20
Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 2:20
Cambridge Bible on Esther 2:20
Whedon's Commentary on Esther 2:20
Sermons on Esther 2:20

Context — Esther Becomes Queen

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. 19When the virgins were assembled a second time, Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate.

20Esther still had not revealed her lineage or her people, just as Mordecai had instructed. She obeyed Mordecai’s command, as she had done under his care.

21In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who guarded the entrance, grew angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes. 22When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she informed the king on Mordecai’s behalf.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Ephesians 6:1–3	Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (which is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.”
2	Esther 2:10	Esther did not reveal her people or her lineage, because Mordecai had instructed her not to do so.
3	Esther 2:7	And Mordecai had brought up Hadassah (that is, Esther), the daughter of his uncle, because she did not have a father or mother. The young woman was lovely in form and appearance, and when her father and mother had died, Mordecai had taken her in as his own daughter.

Esther 2:20 Summary

Esther 2:20 tells us that Esther kept her Jewish heritage a secret, just as Mordecai had instructed her, because she trusted and respected him, as seen in Esther 2:7. This verse shows us the importance of respecting and obeying those who have cared for us, like Mordecai had cared for Esther, and trusting in their wisdom and guidance, as the apostle Paul trusted in the wisdom of the Jerusalem council, as recorded in Acts 15:1-35. By keeping her secret, Esther was able to protect herself from potential harm, but we must also remember the value of honesty and transparency, as taught in Proverbs 10:9 and Proverbs 11:3. As we reflect on this verse, we can learn about the importance of balancing our need for secrecy with our need for honesty, and trusting in the guidance of those who care for us, like Esther trusted in Mordecai's guidance, and like the apostle Paul trusted in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, as recorded in Acts 16:6-10.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Esther keep her Jewish heritage a secret?

Esther kept her Jewish heritage a secret because Mordecai had instructed her to do so, as seen in Esther 2:20, likely to protect herself from potential persecution or prejudice, much like the experience of Joseph in Egypt, as recorded in Genesis 37:1-36 and Genesis 39:1-23.

What does it mean that Esther 'obeyed Mordecai’s command, as she had done under his care'?

This phrase indicates that Esther had a history of obeying Mordecai, who had taken care of her after her parents' death, as mentioned in Esther 2:7, demonstrating her trust and respect for him, similar to the trust and respect the apostle Paul had for his spiritual father, as seen in Acts 9:1-31 and Galatians 1:13-17.

Is it always right to keep secrets, as Esther did?

While Esther's secrecy was likely necessary for her protection, the Bible also teaches the importance of honesty and transparency, as seen in Proverbs 10:9 and Proverbs 11:3, and in the life of Daniel, who chose to be open about his faith, as recorded in Daniel 1:1-21 and Daniel 6:1-28.

What can we learn from Esther's relationship with Mordecai?

Esther's relationship with Mordecai demonstrates the value of respecting and obeying those who have cared for us, as seen in Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-3, and highlights the importance of trusting in the wisdom and guidance of others, as the apostle Paul trusted in the wisdom of the Jerusalem council, as recorded in Acts 15:1-35.

Reflection Questions

What are some secrets I am keeping, and are they necessary for my protection or the protection of others, like Esther's secret in Esther 2:20?
How can I demonstrate my respect and trust for those who have cared for me, like Esther did for Mordecai, as seen in Esther 2:7 and Esther 2:20?
In what ways can I balance the need for honesty and transparency with the need for discretion and secrecy, as Esther did, and as taught in Proverbs 10:9 and Proverbs 11:3?
What are some ways I can show obedience to those in authority over me, like Esther showed obedience to Mordecai, as seen in Esther 2:20, and like the apostle Paul showed obedience to the Jerusalem council, as recorded in Acts 15:1-35?

Gill's Exposition on Esther 2:20

Esther had not showed her kindred nor her people, as Mordecai had charged her,.... As not before, so neither since she was made queen, see Es 2:10, though, according to the Targums, she was urged to

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Esther 2:20

And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate. No JFB commentary on these verses.

Trapp's Commentary on Esther 2:20

Esther 2:20 Esther had not [yet] shewed 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.Ver. 20. Esther had not yet shewed her kindred] Taciturnity is sometimes a virtue, and Tacitus the best historian. Queen Elizabeth’ s motto was, Video, taceo, I see, and say nothing. Sophocles saith, nothing better becometh a woman than silence. Euripides also saith, that silence, and modesty, and keeping at home, are the greatest commendation to a woman that can be. Curtius telleth us, that the Persians never trust one whom they find to be talkative, Cui tacere grave sit (Curt. 1. 4). Why Esther concealed her kindred, see the note, , and know that this is no warrant for Popish equivocation; a device of the Jesuits, for the comfort of afflicted Catholics (as Blackwell and Garnet profess), and for the instruction of all the godly. For Esther did the commandment of Mordecai] Her honours had not altered her manners. She was semper eadem, always the same, as obsequious and observant of Mordecai still as ever. So was Joseph, David, Solomon, Epaminondas, and others, of their old and poorer parents. Pope Benedict, a Lombard, A.D. 1303, a shepherd’ s son, would not acknowledge his poor mother when she came to him lady like, but caused her to put on her shepherdess apparel, and then did her all the honour that might be. Sir Thomas Moore would in Westminster Hall beg his father’ s blessing on his knees. Mordecai was Esther’ s foster father, and had given her, though not her being, yet her well being; and hence she so respects him, and is so ruled by him. She had gotten from him that nurture and admonition in the Lord that was better to her than the crown of the kingdom; for what is unsanctified greatness but eminent dishonour? and what is dignitas in indigno but ornamentum in luto? (Salvian). If any parents find disobedient children, let them consider whether, Eli-like, they have not honoured (I mean cockered) their sons too much, 1 Samuel 2:29, which is the reason they honour them now so little. Will they keep meat well savoured, yet never salt it? will they have sprigs sprout right, yet never lop them? Our Henry II so cockered his eldest son, Henry, that he crowned him while himself was yet alive, which made his ambition quite turn off his obedience, to his father’ s great heart break.

Ellicott's Commentary on Esther 2:20

(20) Esther had not yet . . .—Perhaps this verse is added to meet the supposition that the king wished to replace Esther through finding out her nation.

Cambridge Bible on Esther 2:20

20. Esther had not yet shewed etc.] In the East, when persons rise in rank, it is expected that their relatives will rise with them. But the connexion between Esther and Mordecai had not been disclosed, the queen having been faithful in carrying out the direction of her foster-father to that effect. There is no great improbability of a secret of this sort having been kept under the circumstances of the story.

Whedon's Commentary on Esther 2:20

20. Esther had not… showed — This verse should be regarded as a parenthesis, and is designed, as a circumstantial clause, to show that Esther was obedient to Mordecai as much after she became queen as before.

Sermons on Esther 2:20

	Sermon	Description
	Practicing Honour by Thaddeus Barnum	Thaddeus Barnum emphasizes the significance of practicing honor in our lives, urging the congregation to pray for the character of honor to be built within them. He discusses how h
	教子有方（上）- Training Children by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living a life that is different from the world by following Jesus Christ. He shares personal anecdotes about his family, h
	Obedience - the Pathway to Blessing by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of knowing and living by the Word of God. He highlights the need for individuals and families to recognize their own shortcomi
	Responsibility by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of character and example in teaching and training children. He highlights the need for parents to not only teach their childre
	Family Series Part 1 (Adolescence and Obedience) by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of living in obedience to God and following His word. He highlights the tendency for people to prioritize trivial matters ove
	Costly Submission by Art Katz	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of rendering honor, obedience, and gratitude to fathers and those in positions of authority. He acknowledges that human nature
	Family Series Part 3 (Responsibility, the Duty of Fathers) by Paul Washer	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of character and example in parenting. He highlights the significance of teaching children God's commandments and living them

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