Hegai הֵגֵא
A eunuch in charge of King Ahasuerus' harem.
Who is Hegai in the Bible?
Hegai was a eunuch who served as the keeper of King Ahasuerus' harem in the Persian court during the events recorded in the book of Esther (Esther 2:3, 2:8). When the young Jewish woman Esther was brought to the palace as a candidate to become queen, Hegai was placed in charge of her care and preparation for her night with the king. He provided her with cosmetics, special food, and seven choice maidservants from the royal palace, and he advised her on how to win the king's favor (Esther 2:9, 2:15). Esther found such favor with Hegai that he gave her the best place in the harem, demonstrating his confidence in her potential. Though a minor character, Hegai's role was significant in helping to position Esther for the events that would lead to her becoming queen and ultimately saving the Jewish people from destruction.
Biography
Hegai was a eunuch who served in the court of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I) of Persia. He was in charge of the king's harem, which was the living quarters for the king's concubines and prospective brides. When Esther was brought into the king's harem, Hegai was responsible for her care and preparation (Est.2.3,8). He provided Esther with cosmetics, special food, and seven choice maidservants from the king's palace (Est.2.9). Hegai was also instrumental in advising Esther on how to approach the king and win his favor (Est.2.15). Esther found favor with Hegai and received the best place in the harem (Est.2.9). (Est.2.3,8,15).
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentEsther 3 verses
- Esther 2:3
"and let the king appoint commissioners in each province of his kingdom to assemble all the beautiful young women into the harem at the citadel of Susa. Let them be placed under the care of Hegai, the king’s eunuch in charge of the women, and let them be given beauty treatments."
Study Esther → - Esther 2:8
"When the king’s command and edict had been proclaimed, many young women gathered at the citadel of Susa under the care of Hegai. Esther was also taken to the palace and placed under the care of Hegai, the custodian of the women."
Study Esther → - Esther 2:15
"Now Esther was the daughter of Abihail, the uncle from whom Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter. And when it was her turn to go to the king, she did not ask for anything except what Hegai, the king’s trusted official in charge of the harem, had advised. And Esther found..."
Study Esther →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | הֵגֵא |