Esther
Queen of Persia, Savior of the Jewish PeopleJewish orphan who became Queen of Persia and courageously saved her people from genocide through divine providence
Esther is a remarkable figure who demonstrates courage, wisdom, and faith in the face of extreme danger. As a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, she rose to become Queen of Persia and used her position to save the Jewish people from Haman's plot to destroy them. Her famous declaration 'if I perish, I perish' exemplifies self-sacrificial courage. The Book of Esther uniquely shows God's providence working behind the scenes without explicitly mentioning His name, demonstrating that He orchestrates events even when invisible. Esther's story is celebrated annually during Purim and foreshadows Christ's intercession for His people.
Original Name
הֲדַסָּה (Hadassah) / אֶסְתֵּר (Esther)
Meaning
Hadassah means 'myrtle tree' (Hebrew); Esther means 'star' (Persian)
Etymology
Esther had two names reflecting her dual identity. Her Hebrew name Hadassah comes from 'hadas' meaning myrtle, a plant symbolic of peace, justice, and righteousness in Jewish tradition. Her Persian throne name Esther likely derives from the Persian word 'stara' meaning star, or possibly from the goddess Ishtar, though she maintained her Jewish faith. The myrtle was also associated with Queen Esther in rabbinic tradition as a symbol of the righteous.
Linguistic Insights
The dual naming of Esther reflects her complex position as a Jewish woman in a pagan Persian court. Hadassah, her birth name, connects her to her Jewish heritage and faith. The myrtle tree was considered beautiful yet humble, fragrant yet unassuming - qualities that describe Esther's character. Her Persian name Esther means 'star,' reflecting her rise to prominence and her role as a light in darkness for her people. The Book of Esther never explicitly mentions God's name (a unique feature among biblical books), yet His providence shines throughout like stars in the night sky. Some scholars note that the Hebrew root 'str' can mean 'hidden,' reflecting both Esther's hidden Jewish identity and God's hidden hand guiding events. This hiddenness makes her story a powerful testament to faith when God seems absent.
Translation Notes
- •Hadassah (הֲדַסָּה) → Myrtle tree in Hebrew, her Jewish birth name
- •Esther (אֶסְתֵּר) → Star in Persian, her throne name meaning 'I will hide' in Hebrew from root 'str'
- •The LXX uses 'Εσθηρ' (Esther) throughout, maintaining the Persian name
- •Some Jewish traditions connect her name to 'nistar' (hidden), referring to God's hidden providence
Related Terms
Esther 2:7
"And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther"
Esther 4:14
"For such a time as this"
Esther 4:16
"If I perish, I perish"
Esther 5:2
"The king held out the golden scepter to Esther"
Esther 7:3
"Let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request"
Esther 8:17
"Many people became Jews because fear of the Jews fell upon them"
Born
c. 492 BC
Died
Unknown
Lifespan
Unknown
Father
Abihail (died when she was young)
Mother
Unknown (died when she was young)
Spouse
King Xerxes (Ahasuerus)