אֶסְתֵּר
Esther / Esther
“Star/hidden”
Esther (אֶסְתֵּר, Esther) is a Hebrew girl's name meaning “star/hidden,” pronounced “es-TER.” The name Esther likely comes from the Persian 'stara' (star) or is related to the Babylonian 'Ishtar.' Her Hebrew name was Hadassah (הֲדַסָּה), meaning 'myrtle.' Some Jewish scholars connect Esther to the Hebrew root ס-ת-ר (satar, 'to hide'), reflecting God's hidden presence throughout the book.
| Hebrew | אֶסְתֵּר |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Esther |
| English Name | Esther |
| Meaning | Star/hidden |
| Pronunciation | es-TER |
| Gender | Girl |
| Category | Female Biblical Names |
| Variants | Ester, Estér, Hadassah, Esti, Essie |
| Key Scripture | Esther 4:14 |
Esther's story is the Bible's most dramatic thriller — a Jewish orphan girl who became queen of the Persian Empire and then risked her life to save her entire people from annihilation. Her name carries a double identity: 'Esther' likely derives from the Persian 'stara' (star) or the Babylonian goddess Ishtar, while her Hebrew name was Hadassah (מyrtle). This duality — a hidden Jewish identity beneath a Persian exterior — is the key to the entire narrative. Esther concealed who she was until the critical moment, then revealed her identity with the famous words: 'If I perish, I perish' (Esther 4:16). The Book of Esther is the only biblical book where God's name never appears — and yet divine providence saturates every page.
Key Scripture: Esther 4:14
“And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
What Does Esther Mean in Hebrew?
The name אֶסְתֵּר likely has Persian origins from 'stara' (star). Jewish tradition offers a Hebrew etymology from the root ס-ת-ר (samekh-tav-resh) meaning 'to hide/conceal' — a wordplay on both Esther's hidden identity and God's hidden hand in the narrative. Her Hebrew name Hadassah comes from 'hadas' (myrtle), a fragrant plant.
Esther in the Bible
Esther became queen of Persia under King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I), concealing her Jewish identity on the advice of her cousin Mordecai. When the villain Haman plotted the genocide of all Jews in the empire, Esther risked death by approaching the king uninvited and revealed Haman's plot. Her courage saved the Jewish people and is celebrated annually on the festival of Purim.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
The festival of Purim — one of the most joyous celebrations in the Jewish calendar — commemorates Esther's bravery. It involves reading the Megillah (Scroll of Esther), wearing costumes, giving gifts of food, and celebratory feasting. The custom of wearing masks on Purim reflects the theme of hidden identities central to Esther's story.
Esther has maintained steady popularity across centuries. It ranks in the top 200 in the US and is especially popular in Jewish, Christian, and African communities. The variant Hadassah is also gaining traction as parents seek the 'original' Hebrew form.
Frequently Asked Questions About Esther
What does Esther mean in Hebrew?
Esther (אֶסְתֵּר, Esther) means “Star/hidden” in Hebrew. The name Esther likely comes from the Persian 'stara' (star) or is related to the Babylonian 'Ishtar.' Her Hebrew name was Hadassah (הֲדַסָּה), meaning 'myrtle.' Some Jewish scholars connect Esther to the Hebrew root ס-ת-ר (satar, 'to hide'), reflecting God's hidden presence throughout the book.
How do you pronounce Esther in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Esther is “es-TER.” The name is written אֶסְתֵּר in Hebrew script.
What does Esther mean in Hebrew?
Esther (אֶסְתֵּר) most likely means 'star' from the Persian 'stara,' but Jewish tradition connects it to the Hebrew root ס-ת-ר meaning 'to hide' — reflecting both her concealed Jewish identity and God's hidden presence throughout the book. Her Hebrew name was Hadassah (הֲדַסָּה), meaning 'myrtle,' a plant known for its fragrance.
What is the story of Esther in the Bible?
Esther, a Jewish orphan raised by her cousin Mordecai, became queen of Persia by winning King Ahasuerus' favor. When the royal advisor Haman plotted to annihilate all Jews in the empire, Mordecai urged Esther to intervene. Despite the risk of death for approaching the king uninvited, she fasted for three days and then revealed her Jewish identity and Haman's plot, saving her people.
Why is God not mentioned in the Book of Esther?
The Book of Esther is the only biblical book that never mentions God's name. Scholars and rabbis see this as deliberate: God's presence is 'hidden' throughout the narrative, working through seemingly coincidental events — just as Esther's identity was hidden. The Hebrew root of her name (s-t-r, 'to hide') may itself be a hint at this theme of divine hiddenness.
Sources & Further Study
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