Queen · Women of the Bible · Old Testament
The Story of Esther
Also: Hadassah, Esta (Kiswahili)
Jewish queen of Persia who risked her life to save her people from Haman's plot.
Editorial text in English. Scripture is quoted from the version you choose; references stay the same in every version.
Introduction
Esther, also called Hadassah, an orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, became queen to King Ahasuerus of Persia. Esther 2:7Esther 2:17
When Haman plotted to destroy the Jews, she went to the king unsummoned, saying, if I perish, I perish, and exposed Haman. The Jews were delivered, and Purim was established. Esther 4:16Esther 7:1–6Esther 9:20–28
Told in: Esther
Life at a glance
- Family
- Daughter of Abihail; cousin of Mordecai, who raised her Esther 2:7Esther 2:15
- Husband
- King Ahasuerus of Persia Esther 2:16–17
Only what Scripture records. Where the Bible is silent, nothing is filled in.
Follow the life of Esther
Events in the order Scripture presents them. Expand an event to read its passage here, or open the chapter in the reader.
Becomes queen
After Queen Vashti is removed, Esther is taken into the palace, wins favour, and is made queen, keeping her people secret as Mordecai told her.
For such a time as this
Haman obtains a decree to destroy the Jews. Mordecai urges Esther to go to the king; she asks the Jews to fast and resolves to go.
Before the king
Esther approaches the king, who extends his sceptre. At her second banquet she reveals Haman's plot, and Haman is hanged.
Deliverance and Purim
Esther 8:1–17 · Esther 9:29–32
A new decree lets the Jews defend themselves. Esther and Mordecai confirm the feast of Purim.
More about this event
People: Mordecai
Family and relationships
- MordecaiCousin who raised herEsther 2:7
- AhasuerusHusband, king of PersiaEsther 2:17
Books associated with Esther
- Esther Main narrative figure
- Esther Book named after them
The book is named after Esther and does not name its author.
A book named after someone is not necessarily written by them. Authorship traditions are shown as traditions.
Themes and study
Study prompts written by BibleKenya editors. They are not Scripture.
- What does Mordecai say to Esther in Esther 4:13-14?
Stories and studies
Read offline
Save this story, then download the Bible books it uses in your version: Esther. The story uses the books already on your device; it never stores a second copy.