Esther
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Esther in the Bible?
Esther was a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai in Susa who became the wife of King Xerxes I and intervened to thwart Haman's plot to exterminate the Jews in the Persian Empire.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Esther provides insight into the political dynamics of the Persian court and demonstrates how divine providence is portrayed through human agency in preserving the Jewish community during the exile.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Esther reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Esther in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Esther clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Esther." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/esther/