The author is not named
Unlike some biblical books that begin by identifying a prophet or apostle, Esther never tells readers the name of its writer. The story carefully introduces Esther, Mordecai, King Ahasuerus, and the crisis facing the Jewish people, but it does not add an author’s signature.
That means the most honest answer is simple: we do not know. The book’s anonymity does not make it less valuable. It preserves how God protected his people living far from Jerusalem, even though God’s name is not spoken in the book itself. Esther’s courage and Mordecai’s confidence that deliverance would come stand at the centre of the story (Esther 4:13-14).
For if thou altogether holdest thy peace at this time, then shall there enlargement and deliverance arise to the Jews from another place; but thou and thy father's house shall be destroyed: and who knoweth whether thou art come to the kingdom for such a time as this?
Why some people suggest Mordecai
Mordecai is the strongest biblical candidate, but only as a possibility. After the Jews were saved from Haman’s planned destruction, Mordecai recorded what had happened and sent letters throughout the Persian empire so that the feast of Purim would be remembered each year (Esther 9:20-22).
Later, Esther and Mordecai sent another authoritative letter confirming this observance (Esther 9:29). These verses show that Mordecai wrote official communications about Purim. They do not say that he composed every part of the book of Esther, including the earlier palace scenes and the closing account of his influence.
And Mordecai wrote these things, and sent letters unto all the Jews that were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus, both nigh and far,
A writer familiar with Persia
Whoever wrote Esther knew a great deal about the Persian setting. The book describes the king’s officials, his provinces, palace customs, royal decrees, and the immense banquet held at Susa (Esther 1:3-7). It also refers readers to the official chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia for more about Ahasuerus and Mordecai (Esther 10:2).
This has led many readers to think the author lived close enough to Persian life to know its workings, or had access to reliable records. Still, familiarity is not the same as a named author. Scripture gives clues about the writer’s sources and setting, not a definite identity.
Read Esther for what it reveals
It is natural to want a name. Yet Esther directs our attention more strongly to God’s quiet care than to the person holding the pen. At the decisive moment, Esther chose to approach the king on behalf of her people, even though it could cost her life (Esther 4:15-16). The result was not merely survival, but a lasting remembrance of deliverance through Purim (Esther 9:26-28).
So, Mordecai may have contributed records or letters behind the book, but the author remains unknown. As you read, notice how ordinary choices, political events, sleepless nights, and brave faith all work together in the story. It invites you to look for God’s faithful care even when he seems hidden.
Go, gather together all the Jews that are present in Shushan, and fast ye for me, and neither eat nor drink three days, night or day: I also and my maidens will fast likewise; and so will I go in unto the king, which is not according to the law: and if I perish, I perish.