Esther 2:3

2:3 And let the king appoint officers throughout all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all the attractive young women to Susa the citadel, to the harem 1  under the authority of Hegai, the king’s eunuch who oversees the women, and let him provide whatever cosmetics they desire. 2 

Esther 2:8

2:8 It so happened that when the king’s edict and his law became known 3  many young women were taken to Susa the citadel to be placed under the authority of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the royal palace 4  to be under the authority of Hegai, who was overseeing the women.

1 tn Heb “the house of the women” (so KJV, ASV). So also in vv. 9, 11, 13, and 14.

2 tn Heb “their ointments”; cf. NIV, CEV, NLT “beauty treatments.”

3 tn Heb “were heard” (so NASB); NRSV “were (had been NIV) proclaimed.”

4 tn Heb “the house of the king.” So also in vv. 9, 13. Cf. NLT “the king’s harem.”