Lexical Definition
הֵגֵא Hêgêʼ (hay-gay') Hegai N:N-M-P
or (by permutation) הֵגַי Hêgay (haygah'-ee); probably of Persian origin
Hegai, Hege.
- § Hegai or Hege = "eunuch"
- Hege or Hegai, a eunuch of Xerxes
1) one of the eunuchs of the court of Ahasuerus
| Form | Translated As | In Verse(s) |
|---|---|---|
| הֵגָ֑י | Hegai | Esth.2.8 |
| הֵגַ֥י | Hegai | Esth.2.15 |
| הֵגַ֖י | Hegai | Esth.2.8 |
| הֵגֶ֛א | Hegai | Esth.2.3 |
| Γαϊ | Hegai | LXX.Esth.2.8 • LXX.Esth.2.14 |
| of Hegai | LXX.Esth.2.8 |
Extended Information
- A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.2.3
Brown-Driver-Briggs
הֵגֵא proper name, masculine eunuch of Ahasuerus (probably Persian; compare Ἠγιας, courtier of Xerxes, CtesiasPers 24; also Herodotix. 33; Roed. in Thes Add) Esth 2:3 = הֵגַי Esth 2:8; Esth 2:15, הֵגָ֑י Esth 2:8.
הֵגַי, הֵגָ֑י proper name, masculine see הֵגֵא.
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| Esther | 2:3 · 2:8 · 2:15 |
Profile
Male • A eunuch in charge of King Ahasuerus' harem.
Man living at the time of Exile and Return
Hegai was a eunuch in charge of King Ahasuerus' harem, responsible for preparing Esther for her night with the king. (Est.2.3,8,15)
- A man living at the time of Exile and Return, first mentioned at Est.2.3;
- only referred to as Hegai הֵגֵא.
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).
All entries for Hegai: הֵגֵא