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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Esther 2:5 Now there was at the citadel of Susa a Jewish man from the tribe of Benjamin named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/esther/2-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/5/17_Est_02_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Esther 2:5 - Esther Finds Favor" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Now there was at the citadel of Susa a Jewish man from the tribe of Benjamin named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/esther/2-5.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/esther/2-5.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/esther/">Esther</a> > <a href="/esther/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 5</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad5.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/esther/2-4.htm" title="Esther 2:4">◄</a> Esther 2:5 <a href="/esther/2-6.htm" title="Esther 2:6">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/esther/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/esther/2.htm">New International Version</a> Now there was in the citadel of Susa a Jew of the tribe of Benjamin, named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, <a href="/nlt/esther/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> At that time there was a Jewish man in the fortress of Susa whose name was Mordecai son of Jair. He was from the tribe of Benjamin and was a descendant of Kish and Shimei. <a href="/esv/esther/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> Now there was a Jew in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite, <a href="/bsb/esther/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Now there was at the citadel of Susa a Jewish man from the tribe of Benjamin named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish. <a href="/kjv/esther/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; <a href="/nkjv/esther/2.htm">New King James Version</a> In Shushan the citadel there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite. <a href="/nasb_/esther/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> There was a Jew at the citadel in Susa whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjaminite, <a href="/nasb/esther/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now there was at the citadel in Susa a Jew whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, <a href="/nasb77/esther/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now there was a Jew in Susa the capital whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, <a href="/lsb/esther/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now there was at the citadel in Susa a Jew. And his name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, <a href="/amp/esther/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, <a href="/csb/esther/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> In the fortress of Susa, there was a Jewish man named Mordecai son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite. <a href="/hcsb/esther/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> In the fortress of Susa, there was a Jewish man named Mordecai son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite. <a href="/asv/esther/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> There was a certain Jew in Shushan the palace, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, <a href="/cev/esther/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> At this time a Jew named Mordecai was living in Susa. His father was Jair, and his grandfather Shimei was the son of Kish from the tribe of Benjamin. <a href="/erv/esther/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> There was a certain Jew in Shushan the palace, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; <a href="/gwt/esther/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> In the fortress of Susa there was a Jew from the tribe of Benjamin named Mordecai. He was the son of Jair, the grandson of Shimei, and the great-grandson of Kish. <a href="/gnt/esther/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> There in Susa lived a Jew named Mordecai son of Jair; he was from the tribe of Benjamin and was a descendant of Kish and Shimei. <a href="/isv/esther/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> In Susa the capital there was a Jewish man from the tribe of Benjamin, Jair's son Mordecai, who was a descendant of Kish's son Shimei the descendant of Benjamin. <a href="/msb/esther/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Now there was at the citadel of Susa a Jewish man from the tribe of Benjamin named Mordecai son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish. <a href="/net/esther/2.htm">NET Bible</a> Now there happened to be a Jewish man in Susa the citadel whose name was Mordecai. He was the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjaminite, <a href="/nheb/esther/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Shushan, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, <a href="/wbt/esther/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjaminite; <a href="/web/esther/2.htm">World English Bible</a> There was a certain Jew in the citadel of Susa whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/esther/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> A man, a Jew, there has been in Shushan the palace, and his name [is] Mordecai son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjamite— <a href="/ylt/esther/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> A man, a Jew, there hath been in Shushan the palace, and his name is Mordecai son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjamite -- <a href="/slt/esther/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> A man, a Jew, was in Shushan the fortress, and his name Mordecai, son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a man, a Benjamite;<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/esther/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> There was a man in the city of Susan, a Jew, named Mardochai, the son of Jair, the son of Semei, the son of Cis, of the race of Jemini, <a href="/cpdv/esther/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> <V 4:5>There was a Jewish man in the city of Susa, by the name of Mordecai, son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, of the house of Benjamin, <a href="/nabre/esther/2.htm">New American Bible</a> There was in the royal precinct of Susa a certain Jew named Mordecai, son of Jair, son of Shimei, son of Kish, a Benjaminite, <a href="/nrsvce/esther/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Now there was a Jew in the citadel of Susa whose name was Mordecai son of Jair son of Shimei son of Kish, a Benjaminite.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/esther/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Now there was a certain Jew in Shushan the palace, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite; <a href="/hpbt/esther/2.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a> And there was a Jewish man in Shushan the palace, and his name was Murdacai, son of Yair, son of Shemei, son of Qish, from the tribe of Benyamin<div class="vheading2">OT Translations</div><a href="/jps/esther/2.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a> There was a certain Jew in Shushan the castle, whose name was Mordecai the son of Jair the son of Shimei the son of Kish, a Benjamite, <a href="/sep/esther/2.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a> Now there was a Jew in the city Susa, and his name was Mardochaeus, the son of Jairus, the son of Semeias, the son of Cisaeus, of the tribe of Benjamin; <a href="/parallel/esther/2-5.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TRosJDhNG-8?start=318" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/esther/2.htm">Esther Finds Favor</a> 5<a href="/hebrew/1961.htm" title="1961: hā·yāh (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To fall out, come to pass, become, be. A primitive root; to exist, i.e. Be or become, come to pass.">Now there was</a> <a href="/hebrew/1002.htm" title="1002: hab·bî·rāh (Art:: N-fs) -- A castle, palace. Of foreign origin; a castle or palace.">at the citadel</a> <a href="/hebrew/7800.htm" title="7800: bə·šū·šan (Prep-b:: N-proper-ms) -- Residence of Pers. kings. The same as shuwshan; Shushan, a place in Persia.">of Susa</a> <a href="/hebrew/3064.htm" title="3064: yə·hū·ḏî (N-proper-ms) -- Jewish. Patronymically from Yhuwdah; a Jehudite, or descendant of Jehudah.">a Jewish</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term.">man</a> <a href="/hebrew/376.htm" title="376: ’îš (N-ms) -- Man. Contracted for 'enowsh; a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term."></a> <a href="/hebrew/1145.htm" title="1145: yə·mî·nî (N-proper-ms) -- A desc. of Benjamin. ">from the tribe of Benjamin</a> <a href="/hebrew/8034.htm" title="8034: ū·šə·mōw (Conj-w:: N-msc:: 3ms) -- A primitive word; an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character.">named</a> <a href="/hebrew/4782.htm" title="4782: mā·rə·do·ḵay (N-proper-ms) -- A companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther. Of foreign derivation; Mordecai, an Israelite.">Mordecai</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">son</a> <a href="/hebrew/2971.htm" title="2971: yā·’îr (N-proper-ms) -- He enlightens, three Isr. From 'owr; enlightener; Jair, the name of four Israelites.">of Jair,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/8096.htm" title="8096: šim·‘î (N-proper-ms) -- The name of a number of Isr. From shema'; famous; Shimi, the name of twenty Israelites.">of Shimei,</a> <a href="/hebrew/1121.htm" title="1121: ben- (N-msc) -- Son. From banah; a son, in the widest sense (like 'ab, 'ach, etc.).">the son</a> <a href="/hebrew/7027.htm" title="7027: qîš (N-proper-ms) -- Father of Saul, also the name of several other Isr. From qowsh; a bow; Kish, the name of five Israelites.">of Kish.</a> 6He had been carried into exile from Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon among those taken captive with Jeconiah king of Judah.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm">1 Samuel 9:1-2</a> Now there was a Benjamite, a powerful man, whose name was Kish son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Becorath, the son of Aphiah of Benjamin. / And he had a son named Saul, choice and handsome, without equal among the Israelites—a head taller than any of the people. <a href="/1_samuel/10-21.htm">1 Samuel 10:21</a> Then he had the tribe of Benjamin come forward by its clans, and the clan of Matri was selected. Finally, Saul son of Kish was selected. But when they looked for him, they could not find him. <a href="/1_chronicles/8-33.htm">1 Chronicles 8:33</a> Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal. <a href="/1_chronicles/9-39.htm">1 Chronicles 9:39</a> Ner was the father of Kish, Kish was the father of Saul, and Saul was the father of Jonathan, Malchishua, Abinadab, and Esh-baal. <a href="/2_samuel/2-8.htm">2 Samuel 2:8-9</a> Meanwhile, Abner son of Ner, the commander of Saul’s army, took Saul’s son Ish-bosheth, moved him to Mahanaim, / and made him king over Gilead, Asher, Jezreel, Ephraim, and Benjamin—over all Israel. <a href="/2_samuel/9-1.htm">2 Samuel 9:1</a> Then David asked, “Is there anyone left from the house of Saul to whom I can show kindness for the sake of Jonathan?” <a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">2 Samuel 16:5</a> As King David approached Bahurim, a man from the family of the house of Saul was just coming out. His name was Shimei son of Gera, and as he approached, he kept yelling out curses. <a href="/2_samuel/19-16.htm">2 Samuel 19:16-17</a> Then Shimei son of Gera, a Benjamite from Bahurim, hurried down with the men of Judah to meet King David, / along with a thousand men of Benjamin, as well as Ziba the steward of the house of Saul and his fifteen sons and twenty servants. They rushed down to the Jordan before the king <a href="/2_samuel/19-24.htm">2 Samuel 19:24</a> Then Mephibosheth, Saul’s grandson, went down to meet the king. He had not cared for his feet or trimmed his mustache or washed his clothes from the day the king had left until the day he returned safely. <a href="/2_samuel/21-7.htm">2 Samuel 21:7</a> Now the king spared Mephibosheth son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the oath before the LORD between David and Jonathan son of Saul. <a href="/2_samuel/21-14.htm">2 Samuel 21:14</a> And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in Zela in the land of Benjamin, in the tomb of Saul’s father Kish. After they had done everything the king had commanded, God answered their prayers for the land. <a href="/1_kings/2-8.htm">1 Kings 2:8</a> Keep an eye on Shimei the son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim who is with you. He called down bitter curses against me on the day I went to Mahanaim, but when he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD: ‘I will never put you to the sword.’ <a href="/1_kings/2-36.htm">1 Kings 2:36-46</a> Then the king summoned Shimei and said to him, “Build a house for yourself in Jerusalem and live there, but do not go anywhere else. / On the day you go out and cross the Kidron Valley, know for sure that you will die; your blood will be on your own head.” / “The sentence is fair,” Shimei replied. “Your servant will do as my lord the king has spoken.” And Shimei lived in Jerusalem for a long time. ... <a href="/romans/11-1.htm">Romans 11:1</a> I ask then, did God reject His people? Certainly not! I am an Israelite myself, a descendant of Abraham, from the tribe of Benjamin. <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Philippians 3:5</a> circumcised on the eighth day, of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin; a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee;</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Now in Shushan the palace there was a certain Jew, whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite;Shushan.<a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Esther 2:3</a> And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the fair young virgins unto Shushan the palace, to the house of the women, unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women; and let their things for purification be given them:<a href="/esther/1-2.htm">Esther 1:2</a> That in those days, when the king Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Shushan the palace,<a href="/esther/5-1.htm">Esther 5:1</a> Now it came to pass on the third day, that Esther put on her royal apparel, and stood in the inner court of the king's house, over against the king's house: and the king sat upon his royal throne in the royal house, over against the gate of the house.a certain Jew.<a href="/esther/3-2.htm">Esther 3:2-6</a> And all the king's servants, that were in the king's gate, bowed, and reverenced Haman: for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence… <a href="/esther/10-3.htm">Esther 10:3</a> For Mordecai the Jew was next unto king Ahasuerus, and great among the Jews, and accepted of the multitude of his brethren, seeking the wealth of his people, and speaking peace to all his seed.the son of Shimei.<a href="/1_samuel/9-1.htm">1 Samuel 9:1</a> Now there was a man of Benjamin, whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power.<a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">2 Samuel 16:5</a> And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/nehemiah/12-34.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/27-12.htm">Benjaminite</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/27-12.htm">Benjamite</a> <a href="/esther/1-2.htm">Capital</a> <a href="/esther/1-2.htm">Castle</a> <a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Citadel</a> <a href="/esther/1-2.htm">Fortress</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-5.htm">Jair</a> <a href="/1_chronicles/20-5.htm">Ja'ir</a> <a href="/colossians/3-11.htm">Jew</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/29-12.htm">Kish</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-7.htm">Mordecai</a> <a href="/nehemiah/7-7.htm">Mor'decai</a> <a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/ezra/10-38.htm">Shimei</a> <a href="/ezra/10-38.htm">Shim'e-I</a> <a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Shushan</a> <a href="/esther/2-3.htm">Susa</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/11-16.htm">Tribe</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/psalms/68-27.htm">Benjamin</a> <a href="/psalms/7-1.htm">Benjaminite</a> <a href="/psalms/6-10.htm">Benjamite</a> <a href="/esther/3-15.htm">Capital</a> <a href="/esther/2-8.htm">Castle</a> <a href="/esther/2-8.htm">Citadel</a> <a href="/esther/9-6.htm">Fortress</a> <a href="/mark/5-22.htm">Jair</a> <a href="/numbers/32-41.htm">Ja'ir</a> <a href="/esther/3-4.htm">Jew</a> <a href="/acts/13-21.htm">Kish</a> <a href="/esther/2-7.htm">Mordecai</a> <a href="/esther/2-7.htm">Mor'decai</a> <a href="/esther/2-8.htm">Palace</a> <a href="/zechariah/12-13.htm">Shimei</a> <a href="/exodus/6-17.htm">Shim'e-I</a> <a href="/esther/2-8.htm">Shushan</a> <a href="/esther/2-8.htm">Susa</a> <a href="/job/19-17.htm">Tribe</a><div class="vheading2">Esther 2</div>1. <a href="/esther/2-1.htm">Out of the choice of virgins a queen is to be chosen.</a> 5. <a href="/esther/2-5.htm">Mordecai the nursing father of Esther.</a> 8. <a href="/esther/2-8.htm">Esther preferred before the rest.</a> 12. <a href="/esther/2-12.htm">The manner of purification, and going in to the king.</a> 15. <a href="/esther/2-15.htm">Esther, best pleasing the king, is made queen.</a> 21. <a href="/esther/2-21.htm">Mordecai, discovering a treason, is recorded in the chronicles.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/esther/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/esther/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Now there was at the citadel of Susa Susa, also known as Shushan, was one of the ancient capitals of the Persian Empire, located in modern-day Iran. It served as a winter residence for Persian kings. The citadel was a fortified area within the city, indicating its importance and strategic significance. The setting in Susa highlights the Jewish diaspora living under Persian rule after the Babylonian exile, as described in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah.a Jewish man This phrase identifies Mordecai as part of the Jewish community living in exile. The Jewish people were dispersed throughout the Persian Empire following the Babylonian captivity, which began in 586 BC. Despite being in a foreign land, Mordecai maintained his Jewish identity, which is central to the narrative of Esther and the preservation of the Jewish people.from the tribe of Benjamin The tribe of Benjamin was one of the twelve tribes of Israel, known for its warriors and its close association with the tribe of Judah. King Saul, Israel's first king, was also from the tribe of Benjamin, establishing a historical connection. This tribal affiliation emphasizes Mordecai's heritage and links him to the broader history of Israel.named Mordecai Mordecai's name is of Babylonian origin, possibly derived from the god Marduk, reflecting the cultural assimilation that occurred during the exile. Despite this, Mordecai's actions throughout the Book of Esther demonstrate his faithfulness to God and his people. His role as a protector and advisor to Esther is pivotal in the deliverance of the Jewish people.son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish This genealogy connects Mordecai to Kish, the father of King Saul, reinforcing his Benjaminite lineage. The mention of Shimei may recall the Shimei who cursed David (<a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">2 Samuel 16:5-13</a>), though the connection is not explicit. The genealogy serves to establish Mordecai's noble heritage and his rightful place within the Jewish community.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/m/mordecai.htm">Mordecai</a> A Jew residing in Susa, of the tribe of Benjamin. He plays a crucial role in the account of Esther, acting as her guardian and advisor. His lineage connects him to significant historical figures in Israel's history. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jair.htm">Jair</a> Mordecai's father, mentioned to establish Mordecai's genealogy and Jewish heritage. 3. <a href="/topical/s/shimei.htm">Shimei</a> Mordecai's grandfather, further establishing the family line within the tribe of Benjamin. 4. <a href="/topical/k/kish.htm">Kish</a> Mordecai's great-grandfather, also the father of King Saul, Israel's first king. This connection highlights Mordecai's noble lineage. 5. <a href="/topical/s/susa.htm">Susa</a> The capital of the Persian Empire, where the events of the Book of Esther take place. It serves as the backdrop for the unfolding drama of God's providence.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god's_sovereignty_in_history.htm">God's Sovereignty in History</a> Mordecai's presence in Susa and his lineage remind us that God orchestrates history and places people in specific roles for His purposes. <a href="/topical/h/heritage_and_identity.htm">Heritage and Identity</a> Understanding our spiritual heritage can empower us to fulfill God's calling in our lives, just as Mordecai's identity as a Jew of Benjamin influenced his actions. <a href="/topical/c/courage_and_faithfulness.htm">Courage and Faithfulness</a> Mordecai's life encourages believers to stand firm in their faith and convictions, trusting in God's plan even in foreign or hostile environments. <a href="/topical/p/providence_and_protection.htm">Providence and Protection</a> The account of Mordecai and Esther illustrates God's providential care and protection over His people, encouraging us to trust in His unseen hand.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_esther_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Esther 2</a> <a href="/q/could_a_jewish_foreigner_become_queen.htm">Esther 5:1 – How plausible is it that a Jewish foreigner could have risen to queen with no corroborating Persian records? </a> <a href="/q/who_was_mordecai_in_the_bible.htm">Who was Mordecai in the Bible?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_tribe_of_benjamin.htm">What is the Tribe of Benjamin?</a> <a href="/q/does_esther_5_2_match_persian_court_laws.htm">Esther 5:2 - Does the king's death-penalty-for-approach truly align with known Persian court laws?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/esther/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(5) Mordecai.--Canon Rawlinson is disposed to identify Mordecai with Matacas, who was the most powerful of the eunuchs in the reign of Xerxes. It may be assumed that Mordecai was a eunuch, by the way in which he was allowed access to the royal harem (<a href="/esther/2-11.htm" title="And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know how Esther did, and what should become of her.">Esther 2:11</a>; <a href="/esther/2-22.htm" title="And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it to Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name.">Esther 2:22</a>). The name Mordecai occurs in <a href="/ezra/2-2.htm" title="Which came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mizpar, Bigvai, Rehum, Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel:">Ezra 2:2</a>; <a href="/nehemiah/7-7.htm" title="Who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Nehemiah, Azariah, Raamiah, Nahamani, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this;">Nehemiah 7:7</a>, as one of those who returned to Judaea with Zerubbabel.The son of Jair.--It is probable that the names here given are those of the actual father, grandfather, and great-grandfather of Mordecai; though some have thought that they are merely some of the more famous ancestors, Shimei being assumed to be the assailant of David, and Kish the father of Saul. The character of Mordecai strikes us at the outset as that of an ambitious, worldly man; who, though numbers of his tribe had returned to the land of their fathers, preferred to remain behind on the alien soil. The heroic lament of the exiles by Babel's streams, who would not sing the Lord's song in a strange land, who looked with horror at the thought that Jerusalem should be forgotten--such were not Mordecai's thoughts, far from it: why endure hardships, when there is a chance of his adopted daughter's beauty catching the eye of the sensual king, when through her he may vanquish his rival, and become that king's chief minister?<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/esther/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - Now in Shushan... there was a certain Jew. Hitherto the narrative has been a mere story of the Persian court. Now at last a Jew is brought on the scene, very abruptly; and the history is to a certain extent attached to the other sacred books, and assigned its place, by the genealogy which follows. Whose name was Mordecai. The name Mordecai must almost certainly be connected with that of Marduk, or Merodach, the Babylonian and Assyrian god. But it may have been given to his son by a Baby-Ionian Jew without any thought of its derivation or meaning, perhaps out of compliment to a Babylonian friend or master. Another Mordecai, also a Jew, is mentioned by Ezra (<a href="/ezra/2-2.htm">Ezra 2:2</a>) and Nehemiah (<a href="/nehemiah/7-7.htm">Nehemiah 7:7</a>). <a href="/commentaries/esther/2-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div>[Now] there was הָיָ֖ה (hā·yāh) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1961.htm">Strong's 1961: </a> To fall out, come to pass, become, be at the citadel הַבִּירָ֑ה (hab·bî·rāh) Article | Noun - feminine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1002.htm">Strong's 1002: </a> A castle, palace of Susa בְּשׁוּשַׁ֣ן (bə·šū·šan) Preposition-b | Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7800.htm">Strong's 7800: </a> Susa -- residence of person kings a Jewish יְהוּדִ֔י (yə·hū·ḏî) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_3064.htm">Strong's 3064: </a> Jews -- Jewish man אִ֣ישׁ (’îš) Noun - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_376.htm">Strong's 376: </a> A man as an individual, a male person from the tribe of Benjamin יְמִינִֽי׃ (yə·mî·nî) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1145.htm">Strong's 1145: </a> Benjamite -- a Benjaminite named וּשְׁמ֣וֹ (ū·šə·mōw) Conjunctive waw | Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8034.htm">Strong's 8034: </a> A name Mordecai מָרְדֳּכַ֗י (mā·rə·do·ḵay) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_4782.htm">Strong's 4782: </a> Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther son בֶּ֣ן (ben) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Jair, יָאִ֧יר (yā·’îr) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_2971.htm">Strong's 2971: </a> Jair -- 'he enlightens', three Israelites the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Shimei, שִׁמְעִ֛י (šim·‘î) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_8096.htm">Strong's 8096: </a> Shimei -- the name of a number of Israelites the son בֶּן־ (ben-) Noun - masculine singular construct <a href="/hebrew/strongs_1121.htm">Strong's 1121: </a> A son of Kish. קִ֖ישׁ (qîš) Noun - proper - masculine singular <a href="/hebrew/strongs_7027.htm">Strong's 7027: </a> Kish -- father of Saul, also the name of several other Israelites <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/esther/2-5.htm">Esther 2:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/esther/2-5.htm">Esther 2:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/esther/2-5.htm">Esther 2:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/esther/2-5.htm">Esther 2:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/esther/2-5.htm">Esther 2:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/esther/2-5.htm">Esther 2:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/esther/2-5.htm">Esther 2:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/esther/2-5.htm">Esther 2:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/esther/2-5.htm">Esther 2:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/esther/2-5.htm">Esther 2:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/esther/2-5.htm">OT History: Esther 2:5 There was a certain Jew (Est Esth. Es) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/esther/2-4.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Esther 2:4"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Esther 2:4" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/esther/2-6.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Esther 2:6"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Esther 2:6" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>