Esther
Esther front
Introduction to Esther
Part 1: General Introduction
Outline of Esther
- King Ahasuerus sends away his wife, the queen (1:1–22)
- Ahasuerus chooses Esther as the new queen (2:1–23)
- Haman plots to destroy the Jews (3:1–15)
- Mordecai asks Esther to help her people (4:1–17)
- Esther pleads with the king for the Jews (5:1–7:10)
- The result of Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews (8:1–9:16)
- The Feast of Purim (9:17–32)
- Conclusion (10:1–3)
What is the Book of Esther about?
The Book of Esther tells how a young Jewish woman named Esther became the queen of Persia. As queen, she worked to save all the Jews in the Persian Empire from being destroyed.
This book ends by telling why the Jews celebrate the festival of Purim. The name “Purim” comes from the word “pur.” It means “lots” or “dice.” Haman, the enemy of Jews, threw dice to choose when to attack and destroy the Jews. The Jews celebrate Purim to remember how Yahweh rescued his people from being destroyed.
How should the title of this book be translated?
Translators can use the traditional title of this book, which is “The Book of Esther” or just “Esther.” Or they can choose a clearer title, such as “The Book About Esther.”
Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts
What was the Persian Empire?
King Cyrus the Great conquered and ruled over many kingdoms. This was in the part of the world called Persia, which is now Iran. So people named his kingdom the Persian Empire. When Cyrus conquered Babylonia in 539 B.C., he then controlled the Jews whom the Babylonians had exiled.
Why were there Jews in Babylonia when the Persians conquered it?
In 586 B.C., the Babylonians conquered and took into exile the people of Judah. These Jews and their descendants were still in Babylon when the Persians conquered it.
What was meant by “the laws of the Medes and Persians”?
The phrase “the laws of the Medes and Persians” is found in Esther 1:19 and Daniel 6:12. It referred to laws and decrees that could not be changed or removed once they were issued. In the book of Esther, the king made a decree that the people could attack the Jews. Later he regretted that decision but he was not able to change the decree.
The term “Medes” refers to a people group that had formed its own nation, but the Persians conquered them.
Part 3: Important Translation Issues
What different levels of language are in the Book of Esther?
In the Book of Esther, people talk to each other in many different situations. There is the polite and stately talk in the Persian court and the words of royal decrees. Friends and close relatives also talk to each other. There are even the words that one uses in speaking to oneself. Translators should use all the ways their own language has to express these different situations in a way that their readers will identify and understand.
Esther 1
Esther 01 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
The king’s divorce
The king’s advisers were afraid that husbands would lose their authority when they heard the queen had refused to come to show her beauty to the king’s guests; so the advisers told him to divorce her.
Esther 1:1
“In the time of Ahasuerus” or “When Ahasuerus was ruling as king”
This is background information to help the reader identify Ahasuerus. (See: Background Information)
A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government.
Esther 1:2
Here “royal throne” may refer to his rule over the kingdom. Alternate translation: “ruled the empire” (See: Metonymy)
This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city.
This was a royal city of Persian kings. (See: How to Translate Names)
Esther 1:3
“After he had ruled for 2 years” (See: Numbers)
This likely refers to the leaders of the army. Alternate translation: “The officers of the army” (See: Synecdoche)
Esther 1:4
These words have similar meaning and emphasize how great his kingdom was. Alternate translation: “the great wealth of his kingdom” (See: Doublet)
These words have similar meaning and emphasize how great he was. Alternate translation: “the splendor of his greatness” (See: Doublet)
“one hundred and eighty days” (See: Numbers)
Esther 1:5
“At the end of that feast”
This was a second feast that was only for the officials in Susa. Alternate translation: “another feast that lasted seven days”
This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city.See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.
See how you translated the name of this place in Esther 1:2. (See: How to Translate Names)
Esther 1:6
A “mosaic” consists of colored stones arranged in an attractive pattern.
This is a kind of red and purple rock that contained pieces of crystal.
Esther 1:7
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The guests drank wine from gold cups” (See: Active or Passive)
“the king was very generous with the royal wine”
“great willingness to give”
Esther 1:8
“No one must be forced to drink”
This statement means that the king told his workers to give all the guests as much wine as they wanted.
Esther 1:10
“After 6 days” (See: Numbers)
Here “heart” refers to the king, and “feeling happy” is an idiom that means he was drunk. Alternate translation: “the king was drunk with wine” (See: Synecdoche and Idiom)
These are names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)
This is background information to explain who these men were. (See: Background Information)
Esther 1:11
“she was very beautiful”
Esther 1:12
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when the king’s officials told her about his command” (See: Active or Passive)
“at the command”
The intensity of the king’s anger is spoken of as if it was a fire that burned inside him. Alternate translation: “his rage was as intense as a fire inside him” (See: Metaphor)
Esther 1:13
“who understood the things that happened in their lives”
This background information explains why the king called these men. (See: Background Information)
Esther 1:14
These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)
Esther 1:15
It may be helpful to state who asked this question. Alternate translation: The king said to them, “In compliance with the law…by the officials?” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
“In observance of the law” or “In obedience to the law”
Esther 1:16
Translate his name as in Esther 1:14. (See: How to Translate Names)
These are exaggerations to emphasize the damage that the queen’s refusal caused. (See: Hyperbole)
a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.
Esther 1:17
This is an exaggeration to emphasize the damage that the queen’s refusal caused. (See: Hyperbole)
Esther 1:18
“They will be angry with their husbands and treat them with contempt”
Esther 1:19
Meremoth continues to answer the king.
Meremoth speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: “If it pleases you…from you…before you…Please” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which no one can change” (See: Active or Passive)
Esther 1:20
Meremoth speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: “your decree…your vast kingdom” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When they hear the king’s decree” or “When they hear what you have commanded” (See: Active or Passive)
very wide
This is a merism that refers to both extremes and everyone in between. This probably refers to the husbands, but it is possible that it refers to the wives. (See: Merism)
Esther 1:21
Translate his name as in Esther 1:14. (See: How to Translate Names)
Esther 1:22
A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.
“all men should have complete authority over their wives and their children”
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They wrote this decree” (See: Active or Passive)
Esther 2
Esther 02 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Esther becomes queen
Esther was humble and took the advice of the royal officials about how to dress for her time with the king. The king chose Esther to be the new queen.
Mordecai warns the king against a plot
Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, discovered that two men planned to kill the king. He told Esther, who then told the king. She also gave Mordecai credit for telling her.
Esther 2:1
This introduces a new event that happened a while later. (See: Introduction of a New Event)
“the king became less angry”
This is refers to the decree in Esther 1:19-20.
Esther 2:2
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Tell your servants to search” (See: Active or Passive)
The men speak to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “on your behalf” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
Esther 2:3
The young servants continue to speak to the king.
The servants spoke to the king in third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “You should…your official” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.
where the wives of a man with many wives live
This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city. See how you translated this in Esther 1:2.
See how you translated the name of this place in Esther 1:2. (See: How to Translate Names)
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Let Hegai, the king’s official, who is in charge of the women, take care of them” (See: Active or Passive)
This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)
A “cosmetic” is a substance such as a cream, lotion, or powder that women usually put on their face or body to improve their appearance.
Esther 2:4
The servants spoke to the king in third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “pleases you” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
Esther 2:5
This introduces Mordecai as a new character in the story. (See: Introduction of New and Old Participants)
Translate the name of this city as in Esther 1:2. (See: How to Translate Names)
“Jair,” “Shimei,” and “Kish” are men from whom “Mordecai” is the male descendant. (See: How to Translate Names)
“of the tribe of Benjamin”
Esther 2:6
This background information explains how Mordecai came to live in Susa. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylonia carried him and other exiles away along with Jehoiachin, king of Judah” (See: Background Information and Active or Passive)
The Hebrew text leaves unclear who is being spoken of here. It is perhaps Kish, who seems to have been the great-grandfather of Mordecai. If it was Mordecai himself, then he would be extremely old at the time of the events concerning Esther. Many modern versions leave this matter unclear. A few versions, including the UST, choose to assume that it was Mordecai who had been taken away from Jerusalem.
(See: How to Translate Names)
Esther 2:7
This continues the background information about Mordecai and explains his relationship to Esther. (See: Background Information)
This is Esther’s Hebrew name. (See: How to Translate Names)
“his cousin”
“her father and mother had died”
“cared for her as if she was his own daughter”
Esther 2:8
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “After the king commanded that they search for some beautiful women” (See: Active or Passive)
“announced”
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they brought many young women” (See: Active or Passive)
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Hegai began to take care of them” (See: Active or Passive)
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Hegai, the overseer of the women, also began to take care of Esther when they brought her to the king’s palace” (See: Active or Passive)
See how you translated this in Esther 1:5.
Esther 2:9
These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how much she pleased him. Alternate translation: “The young girl greatly pleased him” (See: Doublet)
“Esther”
Esther 2:11
“how Esther was doing” or “about Esther’s well-being”
Esther 2:12
Verses 12-14 are background information about the customs for the women who became the king’s wives. (See: Background Information)
“acting in accordance with the requirements for the women”
Things done to make the girls look more beautiful and smell good.
Esther 2:13
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “she could take whatever she desired” (See: Active or Passive)
See how you translated this in Esther 1:5.
Esther 2:14
This continues the background information that began in Esther 2:12 about the customs for the women who became the king’s wives. (See: Background Information)
It is implied that this is the following morning. This information can be made clear. Alternate translation: “the next morning” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
“a different house” (See: Numbers)
“to where Shaashgaz,…concubines would take care of her”
“supervision” or “protection”
This is a man’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)
Esther 2:15
This introduces a new part of the story. (See: Introduction of a New Event)
This background information reminds the reader of Esther’s relationship to Mordecai. (See: Introduction of a New Event)
Esther’s father and Mordecai’s uncle (See: How to Translate Names)
This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “she asked only for what”
See how you translated this man’s name in Esther 2:3. (See: How to Translate Names)
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “pleased all” (See: Idiom)
Esther 2:16
“Tebeth” is the name of the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part December and the first part January on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers and How to Translate Names)
“year number 7” (See: Ordinal Numbers)
Esther 2:17
This is the romantic use of the word “love.”
These idioms mean the same thing and emphasize how much the Esther pleased the king. Alternate translation: “greatly pleased him” (See: Idiom and Doublet)
The king did this to show that he was making her his queen. (See: Symbolic Action)
Esther 2:18
It may be helpful to state that this is the name of the feast. Alternate translation: “he called it, ‘Esther’s feast,’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
“he collected fewer taxes from the provinces than he had been collecting”
A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.
“generosity that only a king can give”
Esther 2:19
It is unclear when this second gathering happened, and why. Therefore some versions have altered the text somewhat. It is probably best to translate it as it is written.
“one more time” or “an additional time” (See: Numbers)
Possible meanings are 1) Mordecai sat there so he could hear how Esther was doing from the many people who passed through the gate or 2) “sitting at the king’s gate” is an idiom that means Mordecai was given a position of authority by the king.
“the gate to the king’s palace”
Esther 2:20
Mordecai told her not to tell anyone about her family.
Esther 2:21
This introduces a new event in the story. (See: Introduction of a New Event)
These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)
Esther 2:22
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When Mordecai learned about what they were planning” (See: Active or Passive)
This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “on behalf of Mordecai” (See: Idiom)
Esther 2:23
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The king investigated and confirmed the report, and ordered his servants to hang both men” (See: Active or Passive)
This was a structure used for killing people by tying one end of a rope around the top of the structure and the other end of the rope around their necks and hanging them from it. Alternate translation: “a frame for hanging people” (See: Translate Unknowns)
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They recorded this account” (See: Active or Passive)
Esther 3
Esther 03 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Haman plots against the Jews
Mordecai considered prostrating himself before Haman. This would be considered to be worship. It was wrong to worship someone other than Yahweh. Because of this, he refused to do it on religious grounds. This made Haman angry so he decided to kill all the Jews in the Persian Empire.
Esther 3:1
This introduces a new event in the story. (See: Introduction of a New Event)
This is the name and description of Haman, one of the king’s officials. (See: How to Translate Names)
Here “seat of authority” represents his position or status in the government. Alternate translation: “promoted him above the other officials” or “gave him more authority than all the other officials” (See: Idiom)
Esther 3:2
These acts represent submission to the authority of Haman. (See: Symbolic Action)
“humbled themselves and lay flat on the ground before Haman”
Esther 3:4
“to find out what Haman would do about Mordecai’s actions”
Esther 3:5
Mordecai showed disrespect for Haman’s status in the government by not doing these actions. (See: Symbolic Action)
Here Haman’s rage is spoken of as something that could fill him up. Alternate translation: “Haman became very angry” (See: Metaphor)
Esther 3:6
“He rejected the idea of killing just Mordecai.” This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “He decided to kill more than just Mordecai”
“get rid of all the Jews” or “kill all the Jews”
Esther 3:7
“In month one” (See: Ordinal Numbers)
“Nisan” is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and How to Translate Names)
“in year number 12 of King Ahasuerus” or “when King Ahasuerus had reigned for about twelve years” (See: Ordinal Numbers)
“they cast the Pur—that is the lot—” (See: How to Translate Names)
“month twelve” (See: Ordinal Numbers)
“Adar” is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of February and the first part of March on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and How to Translate Names)
Esther 3:8
“a group of people” This refers to the Jews as an ethnic group.
“who live in many different places”
A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.
Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “your…you” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
“the king should not let them remain.” This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “the king should remove them”
Esther 3:9
Here “hands” stands for the men. To “weigh out” is an idiom that means to pay them. Alternate translation: “I will pay…to the men” (See: Synecdoche and Idiom)
“330 metric tons of silver” (See: Biblical Money and Numbers)
Esther 3:10
a special ring that could be used to imprint the king’s official seal on a proclamation
Esther 3:11
The meaning of this phrase is not clear. Possible meanings are 1) “I will return the money to you” or 2) “Take the money and give it to the men just as you have said.” (See: Active or Passive)
Esther 3:12
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the king summoned his scribes…they wrote a decree containing all that Haman had commanded” (See: Active or Passive)
This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The thirteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers)
“governors of the provinces.” Translate “province” as in Esther 1:1.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They wrote the decree in the name of King Ahasuerus and Haman sealed it with the king’s signet ring” (See: Active or Passive)
Here “name” represents the authority of the king. Alternate translation: “in the authority of” (See: Metonymy)
Esther 3:13
This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Couriers hand-delivered the documents” or “Courtiers gave the documents directly” (See: Active or Passive)
These words mean the same thing and emphasize the completeness of the destruction. Alternate translation: “completely destroy” (See: Doublet)
“day thirteen of month twelve” (See: Ordinal Numbers)
“Adar” is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. The thirteenth day is near the beginning of March on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and How to Translate Names)
steal by force
Esther 3:14
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The officials in every province made a copy of the letter become the law” (See: Active or Passive)
A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They told all the people in every province” (See: Active or Passive)
“that day”
Esther 3:15
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They also distributed the decree” (See: Active or Passive)
This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city. See how you translated this in Esther 1:2.
See how you translated the name of this place in Esther 1:2. (See: How to Translate Names)
“was in a state of great confusion”
Esther 4
Esther 04 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Mordecai warns Esther to act
Mordecai tells Esther she must beg the king for the Jews’ lives, even if she risks her own death.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Implicit information
There is implicit information translators may not understand. “Who knows whether you have come to this royal position for such a time as this?” This means “maybe God made you the queen so you could save the Jews.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Esther 4:1
“found out about those letters”
These acts are signs of severe sadness. Alternate translation: “tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes to show his grief” (See: Symbolic Action)
Esther 4:3
A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.
“the Jews mourned greatly”
“Many of them were on the ground, dressed in sackcloth and sitting in ashes”
Esther 4:4
“female servants and male servants”
“for Mordecai to wear”
Esther 4:5
This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “one of the officials whom the king had assigned to serve her” (See: Active or Passive)
Esther 4:6
See how you translated this man’s name in Esther 4:5. (See: How to Translate Names)
“the city plaza”
Esther 4:7
See how you translated this man’s name in Esther 3:1. (See: How to Translate Names)
Esther 4:8
“Mordecai also gave Hathak”
“to beg for the king’s favor”
Esther 4:11
This conditional clause can be expressed as a statement. It may also be helpful to divide it into two sentences. Alternate translation: “no man or woman is allowed to go to the king inside the inner courtyard unless the king summons them. The person who breaks this law will be executed unless the king holds out his golden scepter to him”
“30 days” (See: Numbers)
Esther 4:14
Here “relief” and “rescue” are spoken of as if they are living things that can rise up. Alternate translation: “someone else will rise up from another place and rescue the Jews” (See: Personification)
The purpose of this question is to have Esther think deeply about her role in this situation. Alternate translation: “Who knows, perhaps it was for just for a time like this that you were made queen.” (See: Rhetorical Question)
Esther 4:16
See how you translated the name of this place in Esther 1:2. (See: How to Translate Names)
Fasting was a symbolic act that the Jews did when they were praying intensely. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “fast and pray for me…will fast and pray” (See: Symbolic Action)
“3 days” (See: Numbers and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Esther 5
Esther 05 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter begins a section about Haman’s fall (Chapters 5-7).
Special concepts in this chapter
Esther’s respect
Esther approached the king with the utmost of respect. By doing this, her character became respected by the king. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Esther 5:1
“across the room from the entrance of the house” or “looking toward the entrance to the house”
Esther 5:2
The word “eyes” refers to his sight and is a metaphor for his evaluation of her. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he was pleased with her” or “he approved of her” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)
He did this to show that he was pleased with her.
She probably did this to show that she respected his authority and was thankful for his kindness to her.
Esther 5:3
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If you ask for up to half of my kingdom, I will give it to you” (See: Active or Passive)
Esther 5:4
In order to show respect to a king, people sometimes did not call him “you.” This can be translated with the word “you” along with other words that show respect. Alternate translation: “O King, if it pleases you, come and bring Haman…for you” or “If you are willing to do this, Sir, come, and let Haman come with you…for you” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
See how you translated this man’s name in Esther 3:1. (See: How to Translate Names)
Esther 5:6
The abstract noun “petition” can be expressed with the verb “ask for” or “want”? Alternate translation: “What do you ask for” or “What do you want” (See: Abstract Nouns)
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “I will give you what you ask for” or “I will do for you what you ask” (See: Active or Passive)
The abstract noun “request” can be expressed with the verb “ask for” or “want”? Alternate translation: “What do you ask for” or “What do you want” (See: Abstract Nouns)
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If you ask for up to half of my kingdom, I will give it to you” (See: Active or Passive)
Esther 5:7
The words “petition” and “request” mean the same thing. She probably used these words together as a way of speaking very formally and respectfully to the king. (See: Doublet)
Esther 5:8
In order to show respect to a king, people sometimes did not call him “you.” This can be translated with the word “you” along with other words that show respect. Alternate translation: “if you are pleased with me, O King, and if it pleases you” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
“Find favor” here is an idiom that means be approved of or that he is pleased with her. “In the eyes of the king” is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: “if the king evaluates me and approves” or “if the king is pleased with me” (See: Idiom and Metaphor)
This can be translated with the word “you” along with other words that show respect. Alternate translation: “please come and bring Haman” or “please come and let Haman come with you” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
This can be translated with the word “you” along with other words that show respect. Alternate translation: “I will answer your question” (See: First, Second or Third Person)
Esther 5:9
Rising was a sign of respect. Mordecai did not give Haman special respect. (See: Symbolic Action)
Being “filled with rage” represents being very angry. Alternate translation: he was extremely angry” (See: Metaphor)
Esther 5:10
This can be translated with a phrase. “Even though he was so angry”
Restraining himself represents refusing to do something that he wanted very much to do. Haman wanted to show Mordecai that he was very angry. Alternate translation: “Haman refused to show how angry he was” (See: Metaphor)
This is a woman’s name. (See: How to Translate Names)
Esther 5:11
“Splendor” and “riches” are both abstract nouns. Alternate translation: “Haman told them about how great his wealth was” or “Haman told them about the many great things he owned” (See: Abstract Nouns)
The abstract noun “promotion” can be expressed with the verb “promote.” It means that the king gave him more important work. Alternate translation: “How the king had promoted him many times and honored him” or “how the king had honored him many times by giving him more important work” (See: Abstract Nouns)
Advancing above people represents becoming more important than them. Alternate translation: “how he had become more important than all the officials and the servants of the king” (See: Metaphor)
Esther 5:12
This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “only me”
Esther 5:13
“does not make me happy” or “does not satisfy me”
Esther 5:14
a structure used for killing a person by tying one end of a rope around the top of the structure and the other end of the rope around the person’s neck and hanging him from it. See how you translated this in Esther 2:23. (See: Translate Unknowns)
“50 cubits high.” You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “twenty-three meters high” (See: Numbers and Biblical Distance)
“he told people to construct the gallows”
“Haman liked this idea”
Esther 6
Esther 06 General Notes
Structure and formatting
This chapter continues the story of Haman’s fall.
Special concepts in this chapter
Approaching the king
It was not possible for a person to easily approach the king. Normally, access to him was very limited. There are several events in this chapter which show the layers of protection surrounding the king.
Esther 6:2
These are the names of two men. See how your translated their names in Esther 2:21. (See: How to Translate Names)
Here “found” is an metaphor for learning. Both “found” and “recorded” can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “They found that the writers had recorded there” or “They learned that the writers had written” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)
Esther 6:3
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “What did I do to give honor” or “What did we do to give honor” (See: Active or Passive)
This can be expressed in active form. However it may be good to find a way that does not give the impression that servants were accusing the king. Alternate translation: “No one did anything for Mordecai” (See: Active or Passive)
Esther 6:4
See how you translated this man’s name in Esther 3:1
“the first courtyard from the outside”
It can be made clear what the purpose of hanging him was. Alternate translation: “killing Mordecai by hanging him” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
The gallows was a structure that was used to kill people by hanging them from it. See how you translated “gallows” in Esther 5:14. Alternate translation: “the structure Haman set up for hanging Mordecai” (See: Translate Unknowns)
“built”
Esther 6:6
Here the king speaks of himself in the third person. This can be stated in first person and in active form. Alternate translation: “What should I do for the man whom I take pleasure in honoring” (See: First, Second or Third Person and Active or Passive)
Taking pleasure in doing something is an idiom for being glad to do something or wanting to do something. Alternate translation: “the king is glad to honor” or “the king wants to honor” (See: Idiom)
The heart represents the thoughts and attitudes. Alternate translation: “thought” or “said to himself” (See: Metaphor)
This can be expressed as a statement. “Surely there is no one whom the king would take pleasure in honoring more than me!” (See: Rhetorical Question)
Esther 6:8
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “let someone bring royal robes” or “tell your servants to bring royal robes” (See: Active or Passive)
The word “whose” refers to the horse. The royal crest is a special symbol that represents the king’s family.
Esther 6:9
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Then let them give the robes and the horse” or “Then tell them to give the robes and the horse” (See: Active or Passive)
“Tell them to dress…in honoring and to lead him”
“Tell the noble official and servants to proclaim”
Esther 6:10
The phrase “a single matter” emphasizes that he must do absolutely everything he said. It can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “Be sure to do absolutely everything you have said”
Esther 6:12
People often covered their head to show that they were either extremely sad or ashamed. (See: Symbolic Action)
Esther 6:13
See how you translated this woman’s name in Esther 6:13. (See: How to Translate Names)
They spoke as if Haman and Mordecai were in a battle, and Haman was beginning to lose the battle. Here “to fall” represents being dishonored and defeated. Alternate translation: “who has already humiliated you…he will certainly defeat you” (See: Metaphor)
“you will not win against him.” They spoke as if Haman and Mordecai were in a battle. Here overcoming a person represents having greater honor than that person. Alternate translation: “you will not have greater honor than he has” (See: Metaphor)
Esther 7
Esther 07 General Notes
Structure and formatting
The story of Haman’s fall concludes in this chapter.
Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter
Covering Haman’s face
When “the servants covered Haman’s face,” they were showing that he had been condemned to be executed. (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and condemn, condemned, condemnation)
Esther 7:1
See how you translated this man’s name in Esther 3:1. (See: How to Translate Names)
Esther 7:2
“on this second day of feasting”
“while the servants were pouring the wine and giving it to them”
The abstract noun “petition” can be expressed with the verb “ask for” or “want.” Alternate translation: “What do you ask for” or “What do you want” (See: Abstract Nouns)
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will give you what you ask for” or “I will do for you what you ask” (See: Active or Passive)
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If you ask for up to half of my kingdom, I will give it to you” (See: Active or Passive)
Esther 7:3
“Find favor” here is an idiom that means to be approved of or that he is pleased with her. “In your eyes” is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: “If you evaluate me and approve” or “If you are pleased with me” (See: Idiom and Metaphor)
The abstract noun “petition” can be expressed with the verb “ask for.” Alternate translation: “this is what I ask for” (See: Abstract Nouns)
Esther 7:4
The metaphor “being sold” represents being betrayed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For someone has betrayed us” or “For someone has put us in danger of our enemies” (See: Metaphor and Active or Passive)
Here all three words have the same meaning and are used for emphasis. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for our enemies to destroy, kill, and annihilate us” (See: Doublet and Active or Passive)
Esther 7:5
To fill one’s heart to do something is an idiom meaning to dare to do something. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Where is the one who has dared to so such a thing” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)
Esther 7:6
“was extremely afraid”
Esther 7:7
Being in a rage is an idiom for being extremely angry. Alternate translation: “The king was extremely angry and got up” (See: Idiom)
“to beg Queen Esther to save his life”
Here seeing represents realizing or understanding. Alternate translation: “He realized that disaster was being decided” (See: Metaphor)
This can be stated in active form. The abstract noun “disaster” can be expressed with the more concrete verbs “destroy” or “kill.” Alternate translation: “the king was deciding to cause a disaster against him” or “the king was deciding to destroy him” (See: Active or Passive and Abstract Nouns)
Esther 7:8
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “where servants had served the wine” (See: Active or Passive)
a long piece of furniture where a person can sit or lie down
The king uses this question to show his shock and anger at what Haman was doing. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “He even dares to attack the queen in my presence and in my own house!” (See: Rhetorical Question)
“attack the queen.” This phrase is a polite way to refer to rape. (See: Euphemism)
Speech coming out of the mouth is a metonym that represents speaking. Alternate translation: “As soon as the king said this” (See: Metonymy)
Apparently they did this because they understood that the king wanted Haman to be killed. Alternate translation: “the servants covered Haman’s face as a sign that he would be killed” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information and Symbolic Action)
Esther 7:9
This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)
You may convert “fifty cubits” to a modern measure. See how you translated a similar phrase in Esther 5:14. Alternate translation: “A gallows twenty-three meters high” (See: Numbers and Biblical Distance)
Esther 7:10
The king’s rage is a spoken of as if it were a large fire that became smaller. Alternate translation: “Then the king’s rage lessened” or “Then the king was not so angry” (See: Metaphor)
Esther 8
Esther 08 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
God’s protection
Yahweh is at work in this chapter preventing the Jews from possible destruction. God used Esther and Mordecai to protect their people.
Esther 8:1
See how you translated this man’s name in Esther 3:1.
Esther 8:2
This ring had the king’s name or mark on it. When he put a wax seal on important papers, he would press the mark onto the seal. If a paper had this mark on its seal, people would know that what was written on the paper was written with the king’s authority and had to be obeyed. See how you translated this in Esther 3:10. (See: Translate Unknowns)
By giving his signet ring to Mordecai, the king gave Mordecai the authority to write important papers that people would have to obey.
This refers to the things that had belonged to Haman and that the king had given to Esther.
Esther 8:3
“begged”
“Put an end to” here is an idiom meaning to stop something. Alternate translation: “to stop the evil plan of Haman the Agagite” or “to prevent the evil things from happening that Haman the Agagite had planned” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
See how you translated this in Esther 3:1
“the plot that he had invented” or “the plot that Haman invented”
Esther 8:4
He did this to show that he was pleased with her. See how you translated a similar phrase in Esther 5:2
Esther 8:5
“If what I ask for pleases the king”
Here “found favor” is an idiom that means be approved of or that he is pleased with her. Here “eyes” are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: “if you have evaluated me and approve” or “if you are pleased with me” (See: Idiom and Metonymy and Metaphor)
“Before the king” here is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: “if what I ask for seems right in the king’s evaluation” (See: Metaphor)
Here “your eyes” is a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: “if you evaluate me and I please you” or “if you are pleased with me” (See: Metonymy and Metaphor)
take back and make of no effect
This is the name of a man. (See: How to Translate Names)
A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.
Esther 8:6
Esther used these questions to show that she would be extremely sad if her people were to be destroyed. Alternate translation: “I cannot bear to see disaster fall on the Jews. I cannot endure watching my relatives be killed.” (See: Rhetorical Question)
Esther 8:7
This represents all that Haman had owned. Alternate translation: “all that had belonged to Haman” or “all of Haman’s property” (See: Synecdoche)
See how you translated this in Esther 6:4
Esther 8:8
Writing something in the king’s name represents writing it with his authority, or writing it as his representative. (See: Metonymy)
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For no one can revoke the decree…ring” or “For no one can cancel the decree…ring” (See: Active or Passive)
The information given between the words “decree” and “cannot” is the reason that the king cannot revoke Haman’s decree. It can be shown clearly that it was the reason with the word “because.” Alternate translation: “For I cannot revoke the decree that has already been written, because it was written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s ring” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Writing something in the king’s name represents writing it with his authority, or writing it as his representative. (See: Metonymy)
Esther 8:9
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the king called his scribes.” The reader should understand that the king probably told an official to go and bring the scribes back with him. The king probably did not call out with a loud voice to get them to come. (See: Active or Passive and Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
“Sivan” is the name of the third month of the Hebrew calendar. The twenty-third day is near the middle of June on Western calendars. (See: Hebrew Months and Ordinal Numbers and How to Translate Names)
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They wrote a decree” (See: Active or Passive)
“one hundred and twenty-seven provinces” (See: Numbers)
A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.
“written in their own script.” There are different writing systems around the world.
Esther 8:10
Writing something in the king’s name represents writing it with his authority, or writing it as his representative. (See: Metonymy)
See how you translated this phrase in Esther 8:2
people who carry messages
The royal stud was the king’s best male horse. The horses that were used in the king’s service were its offspring. Alternate translation: “the offspring of the king’s best horse” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Esther 8:11
“told the Jews…that he was allowing them to gather”
This is a metaphor for fighting back and not running away. Alternate translation: “fight back” (See: Metaphor)
Esther 8:12
See how you translated this in Esther 3:13
Esther 8:13
“To take vengeance on people” here is an idiom meaning to hurt people who have hurt you. Alternate translation: “to fight back against their enemies” (See: Idiom)
Esther 8:14
“Without delay” here is an idiom meaning that they did not delay or wait. Alternate translation: “They went immediately” (See: Idiom)
This is the city where the king’s palace was. See how you translated it in Esther 1:2. (See: How to Translate Names)
Esther 8:15
The “city” represents the people living in it. Alternate translation: “the people of the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced” (See: Metonymy)
The word “rejoiced” tells how they shouted. Alternate translation: “shouted joyfully” (See: Hendiadys)
Esther 8:16
Possible meanings are that 1) having light is a metaphor for being happy. Alternate translation: “were happy and glad” or 2) having light is metaphor for feeling prosperous and safe. Alternate translation: “felt safe and were glad” (See: Metaphor)
Possible meanings are that 1) other people honored the Jews. Alternate translation: “other people honored them” or 2) the Jews felt honored. Alternate translation: “they felt honored” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Esther 8:17
A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.
Reaching places represents going to places. Alternate translation: “wherever the king’s men took his decree” or “wherever the king’s decree was read” (See: Metaphor)
day on which people celebrate special events
Fear falling on people represents people becoming very afraid. Alternate translation: “they had become very afraid of the Jews” (See: Metaphor)
Esther 9
Esther 09 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Purim
The events of this chapter were so significant, the Jews celebrated these events every year after this. It is known as “Purim.”
Important figures of speech in this chapter
Ironic Situation
The day that was supposed to bring great victory to the enemies of the Jews became a day of great victory for the Jews. This is a type of irony.
Esther 9:1
See how you translated a similar phrase in Esther 3:13.
“Carry out” here is an idiom meaning to do something that was commanded or planned. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when the people were about to obey the king’s law and decree” (See: Idiom and Active or Passive)
Gaining power over people is an idiom for defeating them. Alternate translation: “to defeat the Jews” (See: Idiom)
“the situation was reversed.” The situation being reversed is a metaphor meaning that the opposite of what was expected happened. Alternate translation: “the opposite happened” (See: Metaphor)
Esther 9:2
A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in Esther 1:1.
Laying hands on people is a metonym for fighting against them. Alternate translation: “to fight their enemies” (See: Metonymy)
To bring disaster on people is an idiom meaning to cause a disaster to happen to them. In this case it refers to destroying them. Alternate translation: “who tried to destroy them” (See: Idiom)
Standing against people represents resisting their attack. Alternate translation: “No one could resist the attack of the Jews” or “No one could successfully fight against the Jews” (See: Metonymy)
Fear falling on people represents people becoming very afraid. Alternate translation: “all the peoples had become very afraid of the Jews” (See: Metaphor)
Esther 9:3
“governors of the provinces”
Fear falling on people represents people becoming afraid. Alternate translation: “they had become afraid of Mordecai” (See: Metaphor)
Esther 9:4
“was very important in the king’s palace”
Fame spreading through places represents people in those places learning about how great he was. Alternate translation: “throughout the provinces people learned about how great he was” (See: Metaphor)
Esther 9:6
This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city. See how you translated this in Esther 1:2.
This was a royal city of Persian kings. See how you translated this in Esther 1:2. (See: How to Translate Names)
“500 men” (See: Numbers)
Esther 9:7
These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)
Esther 9:8
These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)
Esther 9:9
These are the names of men. (See: How to Translate Names)
Esther 9:10
“10 sons” (See: Numbers)
This is the name and description of Haman, one of the king’s officials. See how you translated this in Esther 3:1. (See: How to Translate Names)
See how you translated this man’s name in Esther 3:1. (See: How to Translate Names)
This phrase tells us about Haman.
Esther 9:12
“500 men” (See: Numbers)
“10 sons” (See: Numbers)
The king uses this question to show that he believes that the Jews must have also killed many people in the other provinces. Alternate translation: “What they must have done in the rest of the king’s provinces!” or “They must have killed many more in the rest of the king’s provinces!” (See: Rhetorical Question)
The abstract noun “petition” can be expressed with the verb “ask for” or “want.” Alternate translation: “what do you ask for?” or “what do you want?” (See: Abstract Nouns)
This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “I will give you what you ask for” or “I will do for you what you ask” (See: Active or Passive)
The abstract noun “request” can be expressed with the verb “ask for” or “want.” Alternate translation: “What do you ask for?” or “What do you want?” (See: Abstract Nouns)
Esther 9:13
“Carry out” here is an idiom meaning to do something that was commanded or planned. Alternate translation: “to obey today’s decree tomorrow also” or “to do tomorrow also what was decreed that they should do today” (See: Idiom)
“10 sons” (See: Numbers)
This was a structure used for killing people by tying one end of a rope around the top of the structure and the other end of the rope around their necks and hanging them from it. See how you translated this in Esther 2:23. Alternate translation: “a frame for hanging people” (See: Translate Unknowns)
Esther 9:15
See how you translated a similar phrase in Esther 3:13.
Laying their hands on things represents taking them. Alternate translation: “took none of the plunder” or “did not take any of the plunder” (See: Metonymy)
Esther 9:16
“75,000” (See: Numbers)
Laying their hands on things represents taking them. Alternate translation: “they did not take any of the valuables of the people they killed” (See: Metonymy)
“valuable things” or “possessions”
Esther 9:17
See how you translated a similar phrase in Esther 3:13.
“On the fourteenth day of Adar the Jews who were in the provinces rested”
Esther 9:18
Why they assembled together can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the Jews who were in Susa assembled together to fight against their enemies” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Esther 9:21
To keep a day is an idiom that means to celebrate it. Alternate translation: “to celebrate the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar every year” (See: Idiom)
Esther 9:22
Turning represents changing. The abstract nouns sorrow and joy can be expressed with “sad” and “joyful.” Alternate translation: “they changed from being very sad to being joyful” (See: Metaphor)
Esther 9:23
This passage summarizes much of the story of Esther in order to explain the reason for the festival of Purim.
Esther 9:24
This is the name and description of Haman, one of the king’s officials. See how you translated this in Esther 3:1. (See: How to Translate Names)
“Pur” was the Persian word for “lot.” The phrase “he threw lots” explains what “he threw Pur” means.
Why he threw Pur, or lots, can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “he threw Pur (that is, he threw lots) to find out what would be the best day to attack the Jews” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Esther 9:25
The Hebrew text can also be interpreted to mean, “But when Esther came before the king.” Some modern versions choose this interpretation.
“Come back on his own head” means that it should be done to Haman. Alternate translation: “the wicked plan Haman developed against the Jews should be done to him” (See: Idiom)
Esther 9:26
To call something after something else is an idiom that means to give it the same name or a similar name. Alternate translation: “They called these days Purim, like the word Pur” (See: Idiom)
This is the name of the festival that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman’s plot to destroy and kill all the Jews in a single day. (See: How to Translate Names)
It can be stated clearly what “Pur” means. Alternate translation: “the word Pur, which means ‘lot.’” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
Esther 9:28
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The Jews were to celebrate and observe these days” (See: Active or Passive)
This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “would always faithfully observe”
Esther 9:29
Esther was the daughter of Abihail. Esther and Mordecai wrote the letter.
Esther’s father and Mordecai’s uncle. See how you translated this in Esther 2:15. (See: How to Translate Names)
“additional letter” (See: Numbers)
Esther 9:30
This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They sent letters to all the Jews” (See: Active or Passive)
“one hundred and twenty-seven provinces” (See: Numbers)
The abstract nouns “safety” and “truth” can be expressed with phrases. Alternate translation: “wishing that the Jews would be safe and that people would be faithful to the Jews” (See: Abstract Nouns)
Esther 9:31
Accepting an obligation is a metaphor for agreeing with the obligation. The abstract noun “obligation” can be expressed with the verb “obligate.” Alternate translation: “The Jews agreed and said that they and their descendants were obligated to celebrate the days of Purim” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)
Accepting times of fasting and lamenting is a metaphor for agreeing to fast and lament at certain times. Alternate translation: “they agreed to fast and lament at certain times” (See: Metaphor)
Esther 10
Esther 10 General Notes
Special concepts in this chapter
Mordecai’s new position
Through the power of Yahweh, Mordecai was given a new position in the Persian Empire. Mordecai was now the second in command in the kingdom of Persia and he used his position to help other Jews.
Esther 10:1
To impose a tax means to make people pay a tax. The land and coastlands represent the people living there. Alternate translation: “made the people living in the land and on the coastlands along the sea pay a tax” (See: Metonymy)
Esther 10:2
The abstract noun “achievements” can be expressed with the verb “achieve” or the phrase “do great things. The abstract nouns “power” and “might” can be translated with adjectives. Alternate translation: “All that he achieved because of how powerful and mighty he was” or “All the great things that he did because of his power and might” (See: Abstract Nouns)
The king honoring Mordecai is spoken of as if the king physically raised him up. Alternate translation: “the full account of how the King had made it known that Mordecai was great” or “the full account of how the king had honored Mordecai for the great things he had done” (See: Metaphor)
Esther 10:3
“the most important person after King Ahasuerus”
The word brothers represents people who were like him. Alternate translation: “fellow Jews” (See: Metaphor)
Seeking something is a metaphor for working hard for something. The abstract noun “welfare” can be translated as a phrase with the verb “prosper” or the adjective “secure.” Alternate translation: “He worked hard so his people would prosper” or “He worked hard so his people would be secure” (See: Metaphor and Abstract Nouns)
“he represented his people so that they might have peace”