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Portrait of EstherPortrait · Esther

Exile · Old Testament

Esther

Queen Who Risked Her Life to Protect Her People

Name meaning
Possibly “star”; the Hebrew name Hadassah means “myrtle”
Name origin
Hadassah is Hebrew; Esther is commonly associated with a Persian name meaning “star,” though the etymology is debated

Quick facts

Occupation
  • Queen of Persia
Birthplace
The biblical account does not specify; she lived in the Persian capital of Susa
Modern-day location
Her birthplace is not specified; Susa, where she lived, is modern Shush in Iran.
Family
  • Daughter of Abihail
  • Cousin and ward of Mordecai
  • Wife of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes)
First mention
Esther 2:5–7
Last mention
Esther 9:29–32
Key artifacts
  • Royal crown
  • Royal scepter
  • Banquet table

Key verses

  • “and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?”

    Esther 4:14

  • “if I perish, I perish.”

    Esther 4:16

  • “let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.”

    Esther 7:3

Biography

Early Life

Esther, also called Hadassah, was a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai in Susa. She was taken into the royal court and became queen of Persia.

Defining Biblical Moments

When Haman’s decree threatened the Jewish people, Esther fasted and approached the king without being summoned, an act that could have cost her life. She invited the king and Haman to banquets and revealed her identity and the danger facing her people. The events are remembered in the Jewish festival of Purim.

Strengths

Esther demonstrates courage, patience, strategic judgment, and solidarity with her community.

Weaknesses & Lessons

The story presents a complex court setting rather than an idealized hero. It highlights the pressure of risk and the responsibility that can come with influence.

Life Lessons for Today

Preparation, trusted counsel, and timely courage can help people use positions of influence to protect others.

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Esther appears in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith, alongside more profiles like this one.

Page #29 in Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith

Women of the Bible: Profiles in Courage & Faith front cover

Women whose courage shaped Scripture

Vivid profiles of the women of the Bible whose faith, wisdom, and quiet courage carried them through extraordinary moments.

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