New International Version When he saw Queen Esther standing in the court, he was pleased with her and held out to her the gold scepter that was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. New Living Translation When he saw Queen Esther standing there in the inner court, he welcomed her and held out the gold scepter to her. So Esther approached and touched the end of the scepter. English Standard Version And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Berean Standard Bible As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass, as the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she lifted up favor in his eyes. And the king extended to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand, and Esther came near, and she touched the head of the scepter. King James Bible And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. New King James Version So it was, when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, that she found favor in his sight, and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther went near and touched the top of the scepter. New American Standard Bible When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the courtyard, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter. NASB 1995 When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter. NASB 1977 And it happened when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter. Legacy Standard Bible Now it happened that when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she advanced in favor in his eyes; and the king extended to Esther the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther came near and reached out and touched the top of the scepter. Amplified Bible When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she found favor in his sight; and the king extended to her the golden scepter which was in his hand. So Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter. Berean Annotated Bible As soon as the king saw Queen Esther (star) standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Christian Standard Bible As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she gained favor with him. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Holman Christian Standard Bible As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she won his approval. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.” American Standard Version And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. Contemporary English Version He was happy to see Esther, and he held out the gold scepter to her. When Esther came up and touched the tip of the scepter, English Revised Version And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. GOD'S WORD® Translation When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the entrance, she won his favor. So the king held out the golden scepter that was in his hand to Esther. Esther went up to him and touched the top of the scepter. Good News Translation When the king saw Queen Esther standing outside, she won his favor, and he held out to her the gold scepter. She then came up and touched the tip of it. International Standard Version When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she won his favor, and the king extended to Esther the gold scepter that he was holding. Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter. NET Bible When the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she met with his approval. The king extended to Esther the gold scepter that was in his hand, and Esther approached and touched the end of the scepter. New Heart English Bible When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther came near, and touched the top of the scepter. Webster's Bible Translation And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAs soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter. World English Bible When the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand it comes to pass, at the king’s seeing Esther the queen standing in the court, she has received grace in his eyes, and the king holds out to Esther the golden scepter that [is] in his hand, and Esther draws near, and touches the top of the scepter. Berean Literal Bible And it came to pass, as the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she lifted up favor in his eyes. And the king extended to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand, and Esther came near, and she touched the head of the scepter. Young's Literal Translation and it cometh to pass, at the king's seeing Esther the queen standing in the court, she hath received grace in his eyes, and the king holdeth out to Esther the golden sceptre that is in his hand, and Esther draweth near, and toucheth the top of the sceptre. Smith's Literal Translation And it will be when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the enclosure, she received favor in his eyes: and the king will stretch out to Esther the sceptre of gold which is in his hand: and Esther will draw near and touch upon the head of the sceptre. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd when he saw Esther the queen standing, she pleased his eyes, and he held out toward her the golden sceptre, which he held in his hand: and she drew near, and kissed the top of his sceptre. Catholic Public Domain Version New American Bible When he saw Queen Esther standing in the courtyard, she won his favor and he extended toward her the golden scepter he held. She came up to him, and touched the top of the scepter.] Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, she obtained favor in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near and held the top of the golden sceptre. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And when the King saw Esthir the Queen standing in the court, she also received favor before him, and the King reached toward Esthir the scepter of gold which was in his hand, and Esthir came near and she held to the top of the scepter of gold. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favour in his sight; and the king held out to Esther the golden sceptre that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the sceptre. Brenton Septuagint Translation And having raised the golden sceptre he laid it upon her neck, and embraced her, and said, Speak to me. And she said to him, I saw thee, my lord, as an angel of God, and my heart was troubled for fear of thy glory; for thou, my lord, art to be wondered at, and thy face is full of grace. And while she was speaking, she fainted and fell. Then the king was troubled, and all his servants comforted her. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Esther Goes Before the King1On the third day, Esther put on her royal attire and stood in the inner court of the palace across from the king’s quarters. The king was sitting on his royal throne in the royal courtroom, facing the entrance. 2 As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter. 3“What is it, Queen Esther?” the king inquired. “What is your request? Even up to half the kingdom, it will be given to you.”… Cross References As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, 1 Kings 1:28 Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba for me.” So she came into the king’s presence and stood before him. 1 Kings 2:19 So Bathsheba went to King Solomon to speak to him for Adonijah. The king stood up to greet her, bowed to her, and sat down on his throne. Then the king had a throne brought for his mother, who sat down at his right hand. Nehemiah 2:2 so the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, though you are not ill? This could only be sadness of the heart.” I was overwhelmed with fear she found favor in his sight. Genesis 39:4 Joseph found favor in his sight and became his personal attendant. Potiphar put him in charge of his household and entrusted him with everything he owned. Ruth 2:13 “My lord,” she said, “may I continue to find favor in your eyes, for you have comforted and spoken kindly to your maidservant, though I am not like one of your servant girls.” Esther 2:15 Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle from whom Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. And when it was her turn to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s trusted official in charge of the harem, had advised. And Esther found favor in the eyes of everyone who saw her. The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, Esther 8:4 The king extended the gold scepter toward Esther, and she arose and stood before the king. Esther 4:11 “All the royal officials and the people of the king’s provinces know that one law applies to every man or woman who approaches the king in the inner court without being summoned—that he be put to death. Only if the king extends the gold scepter may that person live. But I have not been summoned to appear before the king for the past thirty days.” Psalm 45:6 Your throne, O God, endures forever and ever, and justice is the scepter of Your kingdom. and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Hebrews 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 10:22 let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Mark 5:28 For she kept saying, “If only I touch His garments, I will be healed.” Genesis 41:40 You shall be in charge of my house, and all my people are to obey your commands. Only with regard to the throne will I be greater than you.” Nehemiah 2:4-5 “What is your request?” replied the king. So I prayed to the God of heaven / and answered the king, “If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, I ask that you send me to Judah, to the city where my fathers are buried, so that I may rebuild it.” Proverbs 21:1 The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. Daniel 2:46 At this, King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, paid homage to Daniel, and ordered that an offering and incense be presented to him. Treasury of Scripture And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court, that she obtained favor in his sight: and the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther drew near, and touched the top of the scepter. she. Genesis 32:28 And he said, Thy name shall be called no more Jacob, but Israel: for as a prince hast thou power with God and with men, and hast prevailed. Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer. Psalm 116:1 I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications. golden sceptre. Esther 4:11 All the king's servants, and the people of the king's provinces, do know, that whosoever, whether man or woman, shall come unto the king into the inner court, who is not called, there is one law of his to put him to death, except such to whom the king shall hold out the golden sceptre, that he may live: but I have not been called to come in unto the king these thirty days. Esther 8:4 Then the king held out the golden sceptre toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king, Jump to Previous Court Drew Esther Favor Favour Found Golden Hand Held Obtained Queen Scepter Sceptre Sight Standing Top TouchedJump to Next Court Drew Esther Favor Favour Found Golden Hand Held Obtained Queen Scepter Sceptre Sight Standing Top TouchedEsther 5 1. Esther, adventuring on the king's favor, obtains the grace of the golden sceptre, 4. and invites the king and Haman to a banquet. 6. She, being encouraged by the king in her suit, invites them to another banquet. 9. Haman, proud of his advancement, repines at the contempt of Mordecai. 14. By the counsel of Zeresh he prepares for him a gallows. As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, Esther had entered the inner court without being summoned, an act forbidden by Persian law unless the king chose to spare the offender (Esther 4:11). Her position as queen did not remove the danger. Having fasted and committed herself to God’s purposes, she stood before the earthly ruler with courage, seeking an opportunity to plead for the covenant people threatened by Haman’s decree. 1Ki 1:28 Then King David said, “Call in Bathsheba for me.”… she found favor in his sight. The king’s favorable response displays the providence of God, who had placed Esther in the royal household “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). As Joseph found favor in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon, Esther received favor within a foreign court so that God’s people might be preserved. Though God’s name is not mentioned in Esther, His sovereign care is evident throughout the events. Gen 39:4 Joseph found favor in his sight and became his attendant.… The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther, The extended scepter was the king’s public sign that Esther’s life was spared and that she was welcome to approach. Royal authority that could have brought judgment instead granted mercy. Esther’s acceptance before the king points to the greater access believers have to God through Christ, the true Mediator, who brings His people near to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). Est 8:4 The king extended the gold scepter toward Esther… and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter. Esther responded to the king’s mercy with reverent submission. Her approach opened the way for the appeal that would expose Haman’s evil plan and secure deliverance for the Jews. Her faith did not deny the danger, but entrusted the outcome to God while acting faithfully within the responsibility He had given her. Heb 4:16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence… Persons / Places / Events 1. King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I)The Persian king who reigned over 127 provinces from India to Cush. He is known for his opulence and the vastness of his empire. 2. Queen Esther A Jewish woman who became queen of Persia. Her Hebrew name was Hadassah. She is known for her bravery and wisdom in approaching the king to save her people. 3. The Royal Court The setting where Esther approaches the king. It is a place of authority and power, where uninvited appearances could result in death unless the king extended his favor. 4. The Gold Scepter A symbol of the king's authority and favor. Extending it to someone meant granting them permission to approach and speak. 5. Favor The Hebrew word for "favor" (chen) implies grace and acceptance. Esther found favor in the king's eyes, which was crucial for her mission. Teaching Points Courage in the Face of DangerEsther's willingness to approach the king uninvited demonstrates courage. Believers are encouraged to act bravely when standing for righteousness, trusting in God's protection. The Power of Favor Divine favor can open doors that seem impossible. Just as Esther found favor with the king, Christians should seek God's favor in their endeavors. Intercession and Advocacy Esther's approach to the king is a form of intercession for her people. Believers are called to intercede for others, bringing their needs before God. God's Sovereignty The account of Esther highlights God's control over circumstances and leaders. Trusting in His sovereignty can bring peace in uncertain times. Preparation and Timing Esther's preparation before approaching the king (fasting and prayer) underscores the importance of spiritual readiness and discerning the right timing in our actions. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Esther 5:2?2. How does Esther 5:2 demonstrate God's favor in Esther's life? 3. What can we learn about courage from Esther's approach to the king? 4. How does Esther 5:2 connect with Proverbs 21:1 about a king's heart? 5. In what ways can we seek God's favor in our daily decisions? 6. How can Esther's boldness inspire us to act in faith today? 7. Why did King Xerxes show favor to Esther in Esther 5:2? 8. How does Esther 5:2 demonstrate God's providence in Esther's life? 9. What cultural significance does the scepter hold in Esther 5:2? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Esther 5? What Does Esther 5:2 Mean As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court“ As soon as the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court …” (Esther 5:2) • Esther steps into a place of risk; by Persian law anyone who approached the king uninvited could be executed (Esther 4:11). • Her courage mirrors other faith-driven acts of obedience—think of Daniel entering the lions’ den (Daniel 6:10) or Peter stepping out of the boat (Matthew 14:29). • God’s providence is already at work; Proverbs 21:1 reminds us, “A king’s heart is like streams of water in the hand of the LORD; He directs it wherever He pleases.” She found favor in his sight “ …she found favor in his sight.” • Divine favor surrounds Esther, just as Joseph “found favor in [Potiphar’s] sight” (Genesis 39:4) and Samuel “found favor both with the LORD and with men” (1 Samuel 2:26). • The unseen hand of God overrides human laws. Psalm 5:12 affirms, “You surround the righteous with favor as a shield.” • Favor here is not mere luck; it is the tangible evidence of God’s covenant faithfulness to preserve His people (Exodus 3:7-8). The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther “ The king extended the gold scepter in his hand toward Esther …” • The scepter symbolizes royal authority and mercy. Without this gesture, Esther would have faced death (Esther 4:11). • This act foreshadows the greater King who extends grace to sinners. Hebrews 4:16 invites us to “approach the throne of grace with confidence,” a privilege purchased by Christ’s atonement. • Psalm 45:6 links the scepter with righteousness, underscoring that true authority flows from God. She approached and touched the tip of the scepter “ … and she approached and touched the tip of the scepter.” • Esther responds promptly, accepting the king’s invitation—faith acts when the door opens (2 Corinthians 6:2). • Touching the scepter signifies acceptance of mercy and readiness to present her petition, echoing Jacob’s bold wrestle for blessing (Genesis 32:26). • Her respectful gesture balances humility and confidence, modeling how believers draw near to God (James 4:8). summary Esther 5:2 showcases the seamless weaving of Divine sovereignty and human responsibility. Esther’s daring entrance, the king’s favorable gaze, the extended scepter, and her respectful approach all reveal God orchestrating events to protect His covenant people. The verse invites believers to trust His unseen guidance, step out in courageous obedience, and confidently receive the grace He extends through our greater King, Jesus Christ. Verse 2. - Esther... touched the top of the sceptre. This was, no doubt, the customary act by which the king's grace was, as it were, accepted and appropriated. It is analogous to that touch of the person or of the garments which secured the suppliant mercy among the Greeks.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew As soon as the kingהַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king saw כִרְא֨וֹת (ḵir·’ō·wṯ) Preposition-k | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct Strong's 7200: To see Queen הַמַּלְכָּ֗ה (ham·mal·kāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular Strong's 4436: Queen -- a queen Esther אֶסְתֵּ֣ר (’es·têr) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 635: Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel standing עֹמֶ֙דֶת֙ (‘ō·me·ḏeṯ) Verb - Qal - Participle - feminine singular Strong's 5975: To stand, in various relations in the courtyard, בֶּֽחָצֵ֔ר (be·ḥā·ṣêr) Preposition-b, Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 2691: A yard, a hamlet she found נָשְׂאָ֥ה (nā·śə·’āh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 5375: To lift, carry, take favor חֵ֖ן (ḥên) Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2580: Graciousness, subjective, objective in his sight. בְּעֵינָ֑יו (bə·‘ê·nāw) Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular Strong's 5869: An eye, a fountain The king הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 4428: A king extended וַיּ֨וֹשֶׁט (way·yō·wō·šeṭ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 3447: To extend, hold out the gold הַזָּהָב֙ (haz·zā·hāḇ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 2091: Gold, something gold-colored, as oil, a clear sky scepter שַׁרְבִ֤יט (šar·ḇîṭ) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8275: A rod of empire in his hand בְּיָד֔וֹ (bə·yā·ḏōw) Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 3027: A hand toward Esther, לְאֶסְתֵּ֗ר (lə·’es·têr) Preposition-l | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 635: Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel and she אֶסְתֵּ֔ר (’es·têr) Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 635: Esther -- 'star', Ahasuerus' queen who delivered Israel approached וַתִּקְרַ֣ב (wat·tiq·raḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 7126: To come near, approach and touched וַתִּגַּ֖ע (wat·tig·ga‘) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person feminine singular Strong's 5060: To touch, lay the hand upon, to reach, violently, to strike the tip בְּרֹ֥אשׁ (bə·rōš) Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 7218: The head of the scepter. הַשַּׁרְבִֽיט׃ (haš·šar·ḇîṭ) Article | Noun - masculine singular Strong's 8275: A rod of empire Additonal Resources Esther 5:2 Blue Letter BibleEsther 5:2 Bible Gateway Esther 5:2 Bible.com Esther 5:2 NIV |
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