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Esther

Esther is a Jewish woman in the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament who becomes queen of Persia and helps save the Jewish people from destruction.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Esther is a Jewish woman in the Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament. She becomes queen of Persia and helps save the Jewish people from destruction. The Book of Esther presents her as a courageous figure associated with the origin of the Jewish festival of Purim.

Biblical narrative

The Book of Esther tells how Esther, aided by Mordecai, becomes queen and intervenes when Haman plots to destroy the Jews of Persia. Her actions lead to the defeat of the plot and the survival of her people.

Historical and literary setting

The story is set in the Persian capital of Susa, usually placed in the reign of Ahasuerus, commonly identified with Xerxes I. Scholars and religious sources describe the book as a diaspora narrative with strong themes of identity and survival.

Purim

The book explains the origins of Purim, the Jewish festival that commemorates the deliverance of the Jews in the story. Religious sources place the observance in Adar, around February or March.

Text and canon

The Book of Esther is part of the Hebrew Bible and the Christian Old Testament, and it also exists in Greek forms that include additional material. Some Christian traditions have discussed its canon status, but it is widely received in the biblical canon.

Key facts

  • Esther is the central figure in the Book of Esther.
  • She is depicted as a Jewish woman who becomes queen of Persia.
  • In the narrative, she reveals Haman’s plot against the Jews and helps save her people.
  • The story is closely associated with the Jewish festival of Purim.
  • The book is set in the Persian court at Susa during the Achaemenid period.
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Canadian context

Purim is observed in Jewish communities in Canada, where Esther is remembered through synagogue readings and community celebrations tied to the Book of Esther.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Esther in the Bible?
Esther is the Jewish heroine of the Book of Esther, who becomes queen of Persia and helps save her people from destruction.
What is Esther known for?
She is known for courageously revealing a plot against the Jews and helping avert their destruction in Persia.
Who is Mordecai?
Mordecai is Esther’s cousin or guardian and a key figure who supports her in the biblical story.
What is Purim?
Purim is the Jewish festival that commemorates the deliverance described in the Book of Esther.
Is Esther a real historical person?
The Book of Esther presents her as a biblical figure, but the historical status of the narrative is debated in scholarship and is not confirmed by secular records.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Esther
    Supports: Overview of Esther as the biblical heroine who saves the Jews of Persia
  2. American Bible Society — https://www.americanbible.org/engage/bible-resources/articles/esther/
    Supports: Narrative summary, Purim connection, and setting in the Persian court
  3. BibleProject — https://bibleproject.com/guides/book-of-esther/
    Supports: Setting in Susa, post-exile context, and main characters
  4. Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Esther-biblical-figure
    Supports: Esther as biblical figure, queen of Persia, and link to Purim
  5. BibleGateway — https://www.biblegateway.com/resources/encyclopedia-of-the-bible/Esther
    Supports: Historical summary, textual versions, and Purim origin
  6. Wikipedia — https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Book_of_Esther
    Supports: Book placement in Hebrew Bible and Christian Old Testament