11 Every day he walked back and forth near the courtyard of the harem to find out how Esther was and what was happening to her.

Other Translations of Esther 2:11

King James Version

11 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women's house, to know to know...: Heb. to know the peace how Esther did, and what should become of her.

English Standard Version

11 And every day Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem to learn how Esther was and what was happening to her.

The Message

11 Every day Mordecai strolled beside the court of the harem to find out how Esther was and get news of what she was doing.

New King James Version

11 And every day Mordecai paced in front of the court of the women's quarters, to learn of Esther's welfare and what was happening to her.

New Living Translation

11 Every day Mordecai would take a walk near the courtyard of the harem to find out about Esther and what was happening to her.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Esther 2:11

Commentary on Esther 2:1-20

(Read Esther 2:1-20)

We see to what absurd practices those came, who were destitute of Divine revelation, and what need there was of the gospel of Christ, to purify men from the lusts of the flesh, and to bring them back to the original institution of marriage. Esther was preferred as queen. Those who suggest that Esther committed sin to come at this dignity, do not consider the custom of those times and countries. Every one that the king took was married to him, and was his wife, though of a lower rank. But how low is human nature sunk, when such as these are the leading pursuits and highest worldly happiness of men! Disappointment and vexation must follow; and he most wisely consults his enjoyment, even in this present life, who most exactly obeys the precepts of the Divine law. But let us turn to consider the wise and merciful providence of God, carrying on his deep but holy designs in the midst of all this. And let no change in our condition be a pretext for forgetting our duties to parents, or the friends who have stood in their place.