Esther greek 2:12 - Now this was the time for a virgin to go into the king, when she should have fulfilled twelve months; for so are the days of purification fulfilled, six months while they are anointing themselves with oil of myrrh, and six months with spices and women’s purifications.
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What does "Esther greek 2:12" mean?
This verse from Esther 2:12 (specifically referencing the Greek additions to Esther, not the Hebrew version) describes the elaborate purification process undergone by the women vying to become queen in place of Vashti. Let's break it down:
"Now this was the time for a virgin to go into the king..." This establishes that the verse is about the process of the women being presented to King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) one by one.
"...when she should have fulfilled twelve months..." This is the key point: each woman had to undergo a year-long purification process before being presented to the king. This wasn't just about hygiene; it was a ritual designed to prepare them physically and perhaps mentally for the king.
"...for so are the days of purification fulfilled..." This emphasizes the customary nature of the twelve-month period.
"...six months while they are anointing themselves with oil of myrrh..." For half a year, the women were treated with oil of myrrh. Myrrh was a valuable and fragrant resin used for perfume, embalming, and medicinal purposes. In this context, it was likely used to soften and beautify the skin, perhaps making them more appealing to the king.
"...and six months with spices and women’s purifications." The other half of the year was dedicated to using other spices (presumably aromatic and used for similar purposes as the myrrh) and undergoing "women’s purifications." The specific nature of these "women's purifications" is open to interpretation:
Menstrual purification: This is a possible meaning, as Jewish law dictates rituals following menstruation. However, since this is a gentile king and a gentile context, it seems less likely.
Cosmetic procedures: The "purifications" could have involved other beauty treatments or practices intended to enhance their appearance.
Detoxification: Some interpret this as a form of cleansing or detoxification, perhaps through diet or specific treatments.
In essence, the verse highlights the extensive and ritualized preparation that the women underwent to be considered as potential replacements for Queen Vashti. It wasn't a simple beauty pageant; it was a process steeped in ritual, tradition, and the expectations of the royal court. The length of the process underscores the importance placed on physical beauty and perhaps other qualities deemed desirable in a queen.
Esther greek 2:12 - Now this was the time for a virgin to go into the king, when she should have fulfilled twelve months; for so are the days of purification fulfilled, six months while they are anointing themselves with oil of myrrh, and six months with spices and women’s purifications.
What does "Esther greek 2:12" mean?
This verse from Esther 2:12 (specifically referencing the Greek additions to Esther, not the Hebrew version) describes the elaborate purification process undergone by the women vying to become queen in place of Vashti. Let's break it down:
"Now this was the time for a virgin to go into the king..." This establishes that the verse is about the process of the women being presented to King Ahasuerus (Xerxes) one by one.
"...when she should have fulfilled twelve months..." This is the key point: each woman had to undergo a year-long purification process before being presented to the king. This wasn't just about hygiene; it was a ritual designed to prepare them physically and perhaps mentally for the king.
"...for so are the days of purification fulfilled..." This emphasizes the customary nature of the twelve-month period.
"...six months while they are anointing themselves with oil of myrrh..." For half a year, the women were treated with oil of myrrh. Myrrh was a valuable and fragrant resin used for perfume, embalming, and medicinal purposes. In this context, it was likely used to soften and beautify the skin, perhaps making them more appealing to the king.
"...and six months with spices and women’s purifications." The other half of the year was dedicated to using other spices (presumably aromatic and used for similar purposes as the myrrh) and undergoing "women’s purifications." The specific nature of these "women's purifications" is open to interpretation:
Menstrual purification: This is a possible meaning, as Jewish law dictates rituals following menstruation. However, since this is a gentile king and a gentile context, it seems less likely.
Cosmetic procedures: The "purifications" could have involved other beauty treatments or practices intended to enhance their appearance.
Detoxification: Some interpret this as a form of cleansing or detoxification, perhaps through diet or specific treatments.
In essence, the verse highlights the extensive and ritualized preparation that the women underwent to be considered as potential replacements for Queen Vashti. It wasn't a simple beauty pageant; it was a process steeped in ritual, tradition, and the expectations of the royal court. The length of the process underscores the importance placed on physical beauty and perhaps other qualities deemed desirable in a queen.