Hegai

Biblical Account

Hegai appears only in Esther 2. After Queen Vashti was deposed, King Ahasuerus had young virgins from throughout the realm gathered to the capital, Shushan. The young women were placed "unto the custody of Hege the king's chamberlain, keeper of the women," who was responsible for providing them with "their things for purification" (Esther 2:3). In the Hebrew text, the spelling of the name in 2:3 differs slightly from that in 2:8 and 2:15, but both forms are understood to refer to the same person.

Esther was also placed in Hegai's custody at this time (Esther 2:8). "The maiden pleased him, and she obtained kindness of him"; he promptly gave her the things for her purification and her daily provisions. He also assigned seven maidens to her and moved her to the best place in the house of the women (Esther 2:9).

After twelve months of beauty preparations, the young women went in to the king one by one, and each could take with her whatever she desired (Esther 2:12–13). Esther "required nothing but what Hegai the king's chamberlain, the keeper of the women, appointed," and she "obtained favour in the sight of all them that looked upon her" (Esther 2:15). The second house of the women, to which the young women were moved after going in to the king, was under the charge of another eunuch, Shaashgaz (Esther 2:14).

Significance in Scripture

Hegai is a Gentile official who helped Esther on her way to becoming queen. Because the name of God does not appear directly in the Book of Esther, interpreters often read the favor Esther gained with Hegai and with the king as an instance of hidden providence. Since Esther received favor from an official of a foreign court, the episode is frequently compared with Joseph finding favor with the keeper of the prison (Genesis 39:21) and with Daniel finding favor with the prince of the eunuchs (Daniel 1:9). Hegai is not mentioned in the New Testament.

Interpretation and Debate

The text does not explain why Hegai was pleased with Esther. Sermons commonly attribute his favor to her character or humility, but this is an interpretation rather than something the text states directly.

That Esther followed only Hegai's instructions (Esther 2:15) is also read in several ways. Some see it as an expression of humility and wisdom; others see it as a practical decision to follow the advice of someone who knew the workings of the court. Interpreters also differ in how they assess Esther's participation in the selection of concubines for a pagan king in the first place.

Scholars disagree about the Hebrew word saris, translated "eunuch" (KJV "chamberlain"). Some hold that it denotes a castrated court official, while others hold that it was also used more broadly for high-ranking officials.

In the Korean Church

Hegai appears as a minor figure in sermons and Sunday school lessons on the story of Esther. He is commonly mentioned in discussions of the "favor" Esther received (rendered goem in the Korean Revised Version).