Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote
EST front intro d989 0 # Introduction to Esther
## Part 1: General Introduction
### Outline of Esther
1. King Ahasuerus sends away his wife, the queen (1:1–22)
2. Ahasuerus chooses Esther as the new queen (2:1–23)
3. Haman plots to destroy the Jews (3:1–15)
4. Mordecai asks Esther to help her people (4:1–17)
5. Esther pleads with the king for the Jews (5:1–7:10)
6. The result of Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews (8:1–9:16)
7. The Feast of Purim (9:17–32)
8. 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,” which 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 earlier taken into exile.
### 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.
EST 1 intro v1fp 0 # 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.
EST 1 1 jdr1 writing-newevent וַיְהִ֖י 1 Now it happened In the Old Testament, this is a standard way of beginning a historical story. Many languages have similar story-opening formulas, and if your language has one, you can use it. But do not use it if it would suggest that the story is not real, only made up. Alternate translation: “this account happened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 1 1 zzz2 figs-idiom בִּימֵ֣י אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ 1 In the days of Ahasuerus The term **day** is used figuratively here to refer to a longer period of time. You could just say “during the reign of Ahasuerus,” as UST does. But as an alternative, you could say, “in the time of Ahasuerus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 1 qwe1 translate-names אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ 1 Ahasuerus This is a man’s name. It occurs many times in the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 1 v5ts writing-background ה֣וּא אֲחַשְׁוֵר֗וֹשׁ הַמֹּלֵךְ֙ מֵהֹ֣דּוּ וְעַד־כּ֔וּשׁ שֶׁ֛בַע וְעֶשְׂרִ֥ים וּמֵאָ֖ה מְדִינָֽה 1 he was Ahasuerus the one who ruled from India even as far as Ethiopia, 127 provinces This is background information to help the reader identify Ahasuerus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 1 1 qwe3 ה֣וּא אֲחַשְׁוֵר֗וֹשׁ הַמֹּלֵךְ֙ 1 he was Ahasuerus, the one who ruled Alternative translation: “This king named Ahasuerus ruled”
EST 1 1 qwe5 writing-background מֵהֹ֣דּוּ וְעַד־כּ֔וּשׁ 1 from India even as far as Ethiopia In case your audience might not know where these places are, you could say, “extending from India in the east to Ethiopia in the west.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 1 1 qwe7 writing-background שֶׁ֛בַע וְעֶשְׂרִ֥ים וּמֵאָ֖ה מְדִינָֽה 1 127 provinces The number is given to show what a large empire this was. You could say that explicitly by saying, “Ahasuerus ruled a very large empire that had 127 provinces.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 1 1 qwe8 translate-numbers שֶׁ֛בַע וְעֶשְׂרִ֥ים וּמֵאָ֖ה מְדִינָֽה 1 127 provinces Alternate translation: “one hundred twenty-seven provinces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 1 2 dk31 figs-metonymy כְּשֶׁ֣בֶת…עַ֚ל כִּסֵּ֣א מַלְכוּת֔וֹ 1 sat on the throne of his royalty Here, the action of **sitting** on a throne is used figuratively to mean ruling over a kingdom. You could just say “ruled,” as UST does. But as an alternative, you could say, “ruled his empire from his royal throne” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 2 qwe9 figs-abstractnouns עַ֚ל כִּסֵּ֣א מַלְכוּת֔וֹ 1 the throne of his royalty **Royalty** is an abstract noun that refers to the royal authority that the king exercised. You can translate this idea with a verb by saying, “the throne he ruled from,” or use an adjective, “his royal throne.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 2 hgm3 translate-names בְּשׁוּשַׁ֥ן 1 in Susa This was the name of a royal city of the Persian kings. It occurs many times in the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 2 qwr1 translate-unknown הַבִּירָֽה 1 the citadel This means a castle or palace where a king would live. But since the city of Susa itself is being called a **citadel** here, it’s likely that the term figuratively means royal city or capital city. The person telling this story is identifying Susa as the capital by calling it by the name of something closely associated with it, the royal palace within it. A good translation might be “the capital city of Persia.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 3 ry7m translate-ordinal בִּשְׁנַ֤ת שָׁלוֹשׁ֙ לְמָלְכ֔וֹ 1 in the third year of his reign This means that Ahasuerus had already ruled for two full years and that these events took place in the year that followed them. Alternate translation: “during the third year that Ahasuerus ruled his empire” or “after he had ruled for two years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 1 3 qwr3 figs-abstractnouns בִּשְׁנַ֤ת שָׁלוֹשׁ֙ לְמָלְכ֔וֹ 1 in the third year of his reign **Reign** is an abstract noun that refers to the royal authority that the king exercised. You can translate it with a verb by saying, “during the third year that Ahasuerus ruled.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 3 qwr5 עָשָׂ֣ה מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה 1 he made a feast Alternative translation: “he hosted a feast”
EST 1 3 prm1 figs-synecdoche חֵ֣יל ׀ פָּרַ֣ס וּמָדַ֗י 1 the army of Persia and Media This likely refers to the leaders of the army. It is describing a part of the army by referring to the whole army. Alternate translation: “the officers of the army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 1 3 qwr7 הַֽפַּרְתְּמִ֛ים 1 the noblemen This probably means something like “the wealthy landowners.”
EST 1 3 jdr3 figs-metonymy לְפָנָֽיו 1 before his face **Face** figuratively stands for the presence of a person, so this phrase means “in his presence.” The invitation was to come to the royal capital to attend a banquet where the king would be present in person. You could say, as UST does, that the king was present in person to host the feast. Or you could say as an alternative, “all of them came to Susa for the feast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 4 qwr9 figs-abstractnouns בְּהַרְאֹת֗וֹ אֶת־עֹ֨שֶׁר֙ כְּב֣וֹד מַלְכוּת֔וֹ 1 when he displayed the wealth of the glory of his kingdom You can translate the abstract noun with an emphasized adjective. Alternate translation: “Ahasuerus … wanted to demonstrate … the great wealth of his kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 4 qet1 figs-explicit בְּהַרְאֹת֗וֹ 1 when he displayed **He** refers to the king. The implication is that he held this banquet to show all of his officials how wealthy and powerful he was. The invited officials would then go back to all the different parts of the empire and tell everyone this. Alternate translation: “Ahasuerus wanted to demonstrate to his guests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 4 m8xa figs-doublet עֹ֨שֶׁר֙ כְּב֣וֹד מַלְכוּת֔וֹ 1 the wealth of the glory of his kingdom The words **wealth** and **glory** have similar meanings and they are used together to emphasize how great his kingdom was. Alternate translation: “the great wealth of his kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 1 4 qet3 figs-abstractnouns בְּהַרְאֹת֗וֹ…וְאֶ֨ת־יְקָ֔ר תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת גְּדוּלָּת֑וֹ 1 when he displayed…the splendor of the beauty of his greatness You can translate the abstract nouns **splendor**, **beauty**, and **greatness** as adjectives. Alternate translation: “Ahasuerus … wanted to demonstrate … that he was a very powerful king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 4 lun5 figs-doublet יְקָ֔ר תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת גְּדוּלָּת֑וֹ 1 the splendor of the beauty of his greatness The words **splendor** and **beauty** have similar meaning and emphasize how great he was. Alternate translation: “the splendor of his greatness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 1 4 qet5 figs-explicit יָמִ֣ים רַבִּ֔ים שְׁמוֹנִ֥ים וּמְאַ֖ת יֽוֹם 1 for many days, for 180 days This was a very long time for a royal feast to last. The earlier part of the verse provides the reason for this. To make the connection explicit, you could add some explanatory words to the verse like this: “Ahasuerus entertained his guests fabulously because he wanted to demonstrate that his empire was extremely wealthy and that he was a very powerful king. He did so many things for them that the festivities lasted for six months.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 4 x1v6 translate-numbers שְׁמוֹנִ֥ים וּמְאַ֖ת יֽוֹם 1 for 180 days Six months is about **180 days** or about half a year. You can use whatever expression will best express this time period in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 1 5 ue3x figs-explicit וּבִמְל֣וֹאת ׀ הַיָּמִ֣ים הָאֵ֗לֶּה 1 And when those days were fulfilled This implies “at the end of that feast.” You could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “after those 180 days were over” or “at the end of those six months” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 5 fv9y translate-numbers עָשָׂ֣ה הַמֶּ֡לֶךְ…מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה 1 the king made a feast This was a second feast that the king hosted. He likely did this to thank the people who had worked so hard in hosting the first feast. You could say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 1 5 mj16 translate-unknown בְּשׁוּשַׁ֨ן הַבִּירָ֜ה 1 in Susa the citadel The expression in this case seems to refer specifically to the royal **citadel** from which the city got its name. This second feast would not have been for everyone in the entire city. It was specifically for the people who served the king in the citadel and who had worked so hard over the previous six months hosting the first feast. Alternate translation: “for every man who worked for him in the palace at Susa” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 5 qet7 figs-idiom הַנִּמְצְאִים֩ 1 who were found Here, **found** is an idiom that means could be found or were there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 5 qet9 figs-activepassive הַנִּמְצְאִים֩ 1 who were found You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “who worked for him in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 1 5 qey1 figs-merism לְמִגָּ֧דוֹל וְעַד־קָטָ֛ן 1 from the greatest even to the least The person telling this story is referring to the staff of the palace by speaking of two extreme parts of it, the most important and the least important people who worked there, in order to include everyone in between. You could just explain this meaning, as UST does. Alternate translation: “from the most important official to the least important servant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EST 1 5 qey3 שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים 1 for seven days Alternate translation: “another feast that lasted seven days” The story does not suggest that this was an unusually long time by saying, “for many days.” But you could also say something like “a whole week” to show that this was a generous gesture of thanks on the part of the king.
EST 1 6 qey5 translate-unknown ח֣וּר ׀ כַּרְפַּ֣ס וּתְכֵ֗לֶת 1 Linens cotton and blue These **linens** were curtains that were hung in the courtyard. **Cotton** refers to the white color of some of them. So this means white and blue curtains. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 6 qey7 ח֣וּר ׀ כַּרְפַּ֣ס וּתְכֵ֗לֶת 1 Linens cotton and blue You can specify at the beginning of this verse that the location being described is the same as in the previous verse: “In the courtyard, white and blue curtains.”
EST 1 6 qey9 translate-unknown בְּחַבְלֵי־ב֣וּץ וְאַרְגָּמָ֔ן 1 by cords of byssus and purple **Byssus** means “white linen” and it is used to describe the white color of some of these cords. So this means white and purple cords. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 6 qru1 figs-explicit מִטּ֣וֹת ׀ זָהָ֣ב וָכֶ֗סֶף 1 couches of gold and silver You can specify that these couches were there for the guests to recline on while they ate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 6 asn4 translate-unknown רִֽצְפַ֥ת 1 a pavement This word probably refers to a mosaic floor made of inlaid pieces of colorful precious stones.
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 6 eyi2 translate-unknown בַּהַט 1 porphyry This is a kind of red and purple stone that contains pieces of crystal. You could call it “feldspar” or something descriptive like “red marble.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 6 qru3 translate-unknown וָשֵׁ֖שׁ 1 and alabaster This is a white precious stone. You could identify it as “alabaster.” Alternatively, while it is not exactly the same thing as marble, your readers would get the right idea if you called it “white marble.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 6 qru5 translate-unknown וְסֹחָֽרֶת 1 and precious stone This word probably refers to a black marble that was used to create borders around mosaics. You could call this “black marble,” or you could just say that the floor contained “another precious stone.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 7 urm7 figs-abstractnouns וְהַשְׁקוֹת֙ 1 And the serving was The abstract noun **serving** refers to how the drinks were served at the banquet. You can translate it with a verb by saying, “The attendants served wine.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 7 qru7 וְכֵלִ֖ים מִכֵּלִ֣ים שׁוֹנִ֑ים 1 with vessels different from other vessels This could mean that “no two of them were alike.” But you could also just say that the wine was served in “various kinds of golden cups.”
EST 1 7 r6ec figs-explicit וְיֵ֥ין מַלְכ֛וּת רָ֖ב כְּיַ֥ד הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 and the wine of royalty was abundant according to the hand of the king This means that King Ahasuerus himself paid for all the wine that the guests drank at his seven-day feast in Susa, and the wine came from his personal supply. Alternate translation: “the king was very generous with the royal wine” or “the king showed a great willingness to give” or “the king provided all of it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 7 qru9 figs-abstractnouns וְיֵ֥ין מַלְכ֛וּת רָ֖ב כְּיַ֥ד הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 and the wine of royalty This probably means special fine wine that only the king could acquire and afford. You can translate the abstract noun **royalty** with an adjective. Alternate translation: “royal wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 7 wpq1 figs-metonymy כְּיַ֥ד הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 according to the hand of the king Here, **hand** refers figuratively to the king himself, viewed through his action of giving. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 8 qtu1 figs-abstractnouns וְהַשְּׁתִיָּ֥ה כַדָּ֖ת 1 the drinking was according to the law The abstract noun **drinking** refers here not to the action of drinking, but to the guidelines for serving drinks that the king had established for the banquet. Alternate translation: “Ahasuerus had established this rule for all his household attendants who served the wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 8 g5gu figs-explicit אֵ֣ין אֹנֵ֑ס 1 There is no compulsion This could mean one of two things: (1) No one would be stopped from drinking even if the attendants thought they had already had enough. Alternate translation: “there was to be no restriction on drinking” (2) There would be no requirement to drink. Alternate translation: “no one must be forced to drink” Either way, this was another sign of the generosity that the king showed as he hosted this banquet to thank the people who worked for him. Either he was: (1) allowing them to drink as much as they wanted to, or (2) not requiring them to eat and drink everything that was served at a banquet as guests of the king would usually be expected to do. You could say explicitly at the beginning of the verse that the king was giving his guests a special privilege. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 8 f6px grammar-connect-logic-result כִּי־כֵ֣ן ׀ יִסַּ֣ד הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ עַ֚ל כָּל־רַ֣ב בֵּית֔וֹ לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת כִּרְצ֥וֹן אִישׁ־וָאִֽישׁ 1 for thus the king had established for every overseer of his house, to do according to the desire of man by man Alternate translation: “the king made the attendants who served the wine follow this rule” This explains why no one had to drink if they did not want to. If it would be clearer in your language, you can give this explanation (the reason) before the result that it accounts for, using a connecting word like “so.” You could say, “The king had established for every overseer of his house to do according to the desire of man by man, so the drinking was according to the law, ‘There is no compulsion.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 1 8 qtu3 לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת כִּרְצ֥וֹן אִישׁ־וָאִֽישׁ 1 to do according to the desire of man by man Alternate translation: “the king wanted every guest to be able to drink as much as he wanted” or “all the guests could drink as little or as much as they wanted”
EST 1 8 jdr5 figs-idiom אִישׁ־וָאִֽישׁ 1 man by man This is an idiom that means “everyone.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 9 qtu5 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous גַּ֚ם 1 Also This introduces something else that was happening at the same time. You can indicate this by saying something like “during this time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
EST 1 9 qtu7 writing-participants וַשְׁתִּ֣י הַמַּלְכָּ֔ה 1 Vashti the queen You can explain that she was the wife of Ahasuerus by saying, “Queen Vashti**,** the king’s wife” or “his wife.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EST 1 9 qtu9 translate-names וַשְׁתִּ֣י הַמַּלְכָּ֔ה 1 Vashti This is a woman’s name. It occurs several times in this chapter and the next one. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 9 qti1 מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה נָשִׁ֑ים 1 a feast of women This could mean the women who served in the palace, the wives of the men who were officers and servants, or both. You could say, “a feast for the wives of the men who attended” or “for the women who worked in the palace.”
EST 1 9 qti3 בֵּ֚ית הַמַּלְכ֔וּת אֲשֶׁ֖ר לַמֶּ֥לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֽוֹשׁ 1 the house of royalty that belonged to the king Ahasuerus Alternate translation: “the royal palace where King Ahasuerus lived”
EST 1 9 qti5 figs-abstractnouns בֵּ֚ית הַמַּלְכ֔וּת 1 house of royalty You can translate the abstract noun **royalty** with the adjective royal. Alternate translation: “royal palace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 10 jv7z translate-ordinal בַּיּוֹם֙ הַשְּׁבִיעִ֔י 1 On the seventh day Alternate translation: “after six days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 1 10 le6l figs-idiom כְּט֥וֹב לֵב־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ בַּיָּ֑יִן 1 when the heart of the king was pleased by the wine Here, **heart** figuratively means the action of thinking or feeling. Alternate translation: “when King Ahasuerus was in a good mood from drinking wine” or “when the king was drunk with wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 10 dcb2 translate-names לִ֠מְהוּמָן בִּזְּתָ֨א חַרְבוֹנָ֜א בִּגְתָ֤א וַאֲבַגְתָא֙ זֵתַ֣ר וְכַרְכַּ֔ס 1 Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha, Zethar and Karkas These are names of seven men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 10 ens5 translate-unknown הַסָּ֣רִיסִ֔ים 1 the…eunuchs This term occurs a dozen times in the story. It describes male royal officials who served as guardians for the women who lived in the palace. They were both guardians of the door, to keep unwanted people out of the women’s quarters, and guardians of the women inside, to take care of them and look after their needs. (As we learn in 2:21, some of these officials also protected the king’s private quarters.) As we see here, and as will also be seen in 2:14 and 2:16, their duties included escorting women from place to place. The term likely indicates that, in keeping with the practices of the time, these men were castrated because their work brought them into such close contact with the king’s wives and concubines. If your language has a term for such an official and you think your readers would recognize it, you can use it. Otherwise, you can use a term that describes the role that these officials played in the royal court. Alternate translation: “guardians” or “officials” or “castrated servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 10 qti7 writing-background הַמְשָׁ֣רְתִ֔ים אֶת־פְּנֵ֖י הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֽוֹשׁ 1 who served before the face of King Ahasuerus This is background information to explain who these men were. Alternate translation: “who attended him personally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 1 10 jdr7 figs-metonymy פְּנֵ֖י הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ 1 the face of King Here, **face** figuratively means the presence of a person. The phrase means that these seven men served King Ahasuerus personally. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 11 qti9 figs-explicit לְ֠הָבִיא 1 to bring This is the beginning of the instructions that King Ahasuerus gave to the seven eunuchs he summoned in verse 10. You can make this explicit by saying, “He told them to bring.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 11 jdr9 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֥י הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 to the face of the king Here, **face** figuratively means the presence of a person. The phrase means that King Ahasuerus wanted Queen Vashti to come personally into his presence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 11 asd1 figs-abstractnouns בְּכֶ֣תֶר מַלְכ֑וּת 1 in a crown of royalty You can translate the abstract noun **royalty** with an adjective by saying, “wearing her royal crown.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 11 asd3 figs-explicit בְּכֶ֣תֶר מַלְכ֑וּת 1 in a crown of royalty Ahasuerus likely wanted Vashti to wear her queen’s crown so that everyone would know that she was his wife. You could say that explicitly. (For the possible reasons why he wanted them to know this, see the next note.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 11 asd5 writing-background לְהַרְא֨וֹת הָֽעַמִּ֤ים וְהַשָּׂרִים֙ אֶת־יָפְיָ֔הּ 1 in order to show the people and the officials her beauty Everything Ahasuerus did at his banquets was to show how rich and powerful he was. He seems to have believed that having a very beautiful wife was one more thing that proved he was a great man. So he wanted everyone to see how beautiful Vashti was. You can put this second in the verse, after explaining that Vashti was a very beautiful woman, because it accounts for what happens afterwards, when the king sends his seven personal servants to bring her in to his banquet. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 1 11 asd7 הָֽעַמִּ֤ים וְהַשָּׂרִים֙ 1 the people and the officials This might mean “his guests, especially the officials.”
EST 1 11 asd9 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי־טוֹבַ֥ת מַרְאֶ֖ה הִֽיא 1 for she was pleasing of appearance If it would be clearer in your language, you can place this first in the verse because it is the reason that explains everything else that happens afterward in the verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 1 11 qvk4 figs-idiom כִּֽי־טוֹבַ֥ת מַרְאֶ֖ה הִֽיא 1 she was pleasing of appearance Alternate translation: “she was very beautiful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 12 asf1 figs-events וַתְּמָאֵ֞ן הַמַּלְכָּ֣ה וַשְׁתִּ֗י לָבוֹא֙ 1 But the queen Vashti refused to come You can put the events in chronological order and say first that the eunuchs told Vashti what the king had commanded and then say that she refused to come**.** (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 1 12 asf3 figs-explicit וַתְּמָאֵ֞ן הַמַּלְכָּ֣ה וַשְׁתִּ֗י לָבוֹא֙ 1 But the queen Vashti refused to come If your language needs to give a reason why she refused, it is most likely because she did not want a group of drunken men staring at her lustfully. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 12 b57q בִּדְבַ֣ר הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 at the word of the king Alternate translation: “at the king’s command” or “what the king wanted”
EST 1 12 asf5 figs-metonymy בְּיַ֣ד הַסָּרִיסִ֑ים 1 by the hand of the eunuchs Here, **hand** refers figuratively to the eunuchs themselves, viewed through their action of telling Vashti what the king had commanded. Alternation translation: “when those servants told Queen Vashti what the king wanted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 12 kp6p translate-unknown הַסָּרִיסִ֑ים 1 the eunuchs See how you translated this term in [1:10](../01/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 12 asf7 figs-parallelism וַיִּקְצֹ֤ף הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ מְאֹ֔ד וַחֲמָת֖וֹ בָּעֲרָ֥ה בֽוֹ 1 the king became very angry, and his rage burned within him These two phrases mean similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize the idea that they are expressing. You could combine them as UST does by saying, “The king became so angry that he could barely contain himself.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 1 12 bsd5 figs-metaphor וַחֲמָת֖וֹ בָּעֲרָ֥ה בֽוֹ 1 and his rage burned within him Here the story uses a metaphor that pictures the king’s anger as **a fire that burned inside of him**. If your language has a different word picture that it uses to describe extreme anger, you can use that here. If not, you can translate plainly, “his anger continued to increase.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 1 13 asf9 לַחֲכָמִ֖ים 1 to the wise men This means the king’s advisors. You could call them “his advisors” or “the royal advisors.”
EST 1 13 g9fe יֹדְעֵ֣י הָֽעִתִּ֑ים 1 who were knowers of the times This means something like “who knew the right way to do things” or “who understood the culture.”
EST 1 13 x2u7 writing-background כִּי־כֵן֙ דְּבַ֣ר הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 for thus was the manner of the king This means that it was the king's habit to consult his advisors on important questions. This is background information that explains why the king called upon these men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 1 13 adf1 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּי־כֵן֙ דְּבַ֣ר הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 for thus was the manner of the king You can place this first in the verse if it would be clearer in your language to put the reason before the result because it explains what happens next. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 1 13 jd11 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֕י 1 before the face of Here, **face** refers figuratively to the presence of a person. The phrase means that King Ahasuerus would personally ask his wise men for advice in matters like these. Alternate translation: “to consult personally with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 13 adf3 יֹדְעֵ֖י דָּ֥ת וָדִֽין 1 knowers of law and judgment This means that these advisors knew the law and knew how to make good decisions in light of it.
EST 1 14 adf5 וְהַקָּרֹ֣ב אֵלָ֗יו 1 and the ones near to him Alternate translation: “the king’s closest advisors”
EST 1 14 cc44 translate-names כַּרְשְׁנָ֤א שֵׁתָר֙ אַדְמָ֣תָא תַרְשִׁ֔ישׁ מֶ֥רֶס מַרְסְנָ֖א מְמוּכָ֑ן 1 Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Mersena, Memukan These are the names of seven men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 14 jd13 figs-idiom רֹאֵי֙ פְּנֵ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 seers of the face of the king **To see the face of** is an idiom that means to be in the presence of a person. The phrase means that King Ahasuerus would regularly and personally consult with these seven advisors. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 14 adf7 figs-metaphor הַיֹּשְׁבִ֥ים רִאשֹׁנָ֖ה בַּמַּלְכֽוּת 1 the ones who sat first in the kingdom Here, **sitting** represents ruling or judging. The expression here means that these were the most powerful officials in the empire. (See:[[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 1 15 j6sh figs-explicit כְּדָת֙ מַֽה־לַּעֲשׂ֔וֹת בַּמַּלְכָּ֖ה וַשְׁתִּ֑י עַ֣ל ׀ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹֽא־עָשְׂתָ֗ה אֶֽת־מַאֲמַר֙ הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ בְּיַ֖ד הַסָּרִיסִֽים 1 According to law, what is to be done with the queen Vashti on account of that she did not perform the command of King Ahasuerus by the hand of the eunuchs? This verse presents the question that the king asked the wise men. It may be helpful to indicate this by saying something like “The king asked them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 15 ics9 כְּדָת֙…עַ֣ל ׀ אֲשֶׁ֣ר 1 According to law…on account of that Alternate translation: “What does the law say we should do … because …?”
EST 1 15 adf9 figs-events בְּיַ֖ד הַסָּרִיסִֽים 1 by the hand of the eunuchs To present the events in chronological order, you can begin with the information that these men brought the command. Alternate translation: “Queen Vashti did not do what I told my servants to command her to do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 1 15 jd15 figs-metonymy בְּיַ֖ד הַסָּרִיסִֽים 1 by the hand of the eunuchs Here, **hand** figuratively represents the action of doing or giving. The phrase means that the eunuchs were the ones who told Queen Vashti what King Ahasuerus had commanded her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 15 adg1 translate-unknown הַסָּרִיסִֽים 1 eunuchs See how you translated this term in [1:10](../01/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 16 adg3 figs-metonymy וַיֹּ֣אמֶר מְמוּכָ֗ן לִפְנֵ֤י הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 And Memukan answered before the face of the king and the officials Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. The phrase means that Memukan was speaking in the presence of the king and of the other officials. Alternate translation: “then Memukan spoke so that both the king and the officials could hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 16 yqr8 figs-hyperbole כָּל־הָ֣עַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֕ר בְּכָל־מְדִינ֖וֹת הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ 1 all the people who are in all the provinces of the king This means all the different people groups that were living in the empire. You could say, “all the people groups in all the provinces that King Ahasuerus rules” or more generally, “every person who lives in the entire empire of King Ahasuerus.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EST 1 16 ss5y translate-names מְמוּכָ֗ן 1 Memukan See how you translated this man’s name in [1:14](../01/14.md).
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 16 adg5 figs-123person הַמֶּ֥לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֽוֹשׁ 1 the king Ahasuerus Memukan speaks of **the king** in third person as a form of respect. If you want to portray him as speaking primarily to the king because he is answering the king’s question, you could have him say, “in all the provinces that you rule” or “every person who lives in your entire empire.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 17 jd17 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי 1 For This introduces the reason why Memukan says that Queen Vashti has done wrong against all the men in the kingdom and not only against King Ahasuerus. To show that, you can begin with “This is what will happen.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 1 17 gn4g figs-hyperbole יֵצֵ֤א דְבַר־הַמַּלְכָּה֙ עַל־כָּל־הַנָּשִׁ֔ים 1 the matter of the queen will go out to all the women To emphasize his point, Memukan exaggerates and says that every single woman in the empire will hear about Queen Vashti refusing to obey King Ahasuerus. You could say, as UST does, that “women all over the empire” will hear about what the queen did. Or you could preserve Memukan’s manner of speaking by saying, “every woman” will hear. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EST 1 17 jd19 figs-metaphor לְהַבְז֥וֹת בַּעְלֵיהֶ֖ן בְּעֵינֵיהֶ֑ן 1 to make their husbands despised in their eyes Here, **eyes** stand for seeing, and seeing figuratively means knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. The phrase means that the women will treat their husbands with disrespect and not obey them. Alternate translation: “women will despise their husbands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 1 17 adg7 figs-explicit בְּאָמְרָ֗ם הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֡וֹשׁ אָמַ֞ר לְהָבִ֨יא אֶת־וַשְׁתִּ֧י הַמַּלְכָּ֛ה לְפָנָ֖יו וְלֹא־בָֽאָה 1 when they say, “The king Ahasuerus said to bring Vashti the queen before his face, but she did not come.” The implication is that they will go on to say, “So if even the queen can disobey the king, why should I have to obey my husband?” If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 17 adg9 grammar-connect-logic-result הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֡וֹשׁ אָמַ֞ר לְהָבִ֨יא אֶת־וַשְׁתִּ֧י הַמַּלְכָּ֛ה לְפָנָ֖יו וְלֹא־בָֽאָה 1 The king Ahasuerus said to bring Vashti the queen before his face, but she did not come. The women will stop respecting their husbands after they hear about this. You can put this report about what Queen Vashti did first, before “women will stop respecting their husbands,” because it is the reason that explains that result. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 1 17 jd21 figs-metonymy לְפָנָ֖יו 1 before his face Here, **face** figuratively means the presence of a person. The phrase means the Queen Vashti refused to come into the presence of King Ahasuerus when he summoned her during the feast. See how you translated this in verse 11. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 18 afg1 וְֽהַיּ֨וֹם הַזֶּ֜ה 1 Now this day Alternate translation: “even today” or “even this very day”
EST 1 18 afg3 שָׂר֣וֹת פָּֽרַס־וּמָדַ֗י 1 the noblewomen of Persia and Media It becomes clear later in the verse that Memukan is speaking of the wives of the king’s officials, and you could communicate that here by saying, “the wives of the officials who govern Persia and Media.” But the term “noblewomen” indicates that they also had high status of their own, so you could also call them “the leading women of Persia and Media.”
EST 1 18 afg5 דְּבַ֣ר הַמַּלְכָּ֔ה 1 the matter of the queen Alternate translation: “what the queen has done”
EST 1 18 afg7 תֹּאמַ֣רְנָה 1 will speak This means that they will “talk back” or “disobey.” Alternate translation: “refuse to obey”
EST 1 18 afg9 figs-explicit לְכֹ֖ל שָׂרֵ֣י הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 to all the officials of the king This means the husbands of the noblewomen. The implication may be, “They will disobey their husbands even though they are officials of the king.” You could say that explicitly, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 18 u6d7 וּכְדַ֖י בִּזָּי֥וֹן וָקָֽצֶף 1 and there will be contempt and wrath enough This could mean either that they will treat their husbands with disrespect, and this will make their “husbands angry with them” or that “they will be angry with their husbands and treat them with contempt.”
EST 1 18 afh1 figs-explicit וּכְדַ֖י 1 and there will be enough This could mean that the husbands will be as furious “as much as they can bear.” But you could also say, “That will be bad enough by itself, even if the news does not spread any farther.” If you think that is the meaning, you can say that explicitly, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 19 afh3 figs-idiom אִם־עַל־הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֗וֹב 1 If it is good to the king This is an idiom that means “if the king thinks this is a good idea” or “if this advice is pleasing to the king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 19 d8qk figs-123person אִם־עַל־הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֗וֹב 1 If it is good to the king Memukan speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: “If it pleases you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 19 jd25 figs-metonymy יֵצֵ֤א דְבַר־מַלְכוּת֙ מִלְּפָנָ֔יו 1 let a decree of royalty go out from before his face Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. The phrase means that the decree will come from the king himself. Alternate translation: “you should personally issue a royal decree” or “you should write a decree yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 19 afh5 figs-abstractnouns דְבַר־מַלְכוּת֙ 1 a decree of royalty You can translate the abstract noun **royalty** with the adjective “royal.” Alternate translation: “royal decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 19 jd23 figs-123person מִלְּפָנָ֔יו 1 from before his face Memukan speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: “personally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 19 afh7 figs-activepassive וְיִכָּתֵ֛ב 1 and let it be written You can say this with an active form, and you can say who will do the action. Alternate translation: “you should write a decree yourself” or “command your scribes to write a decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 1 19 mh1a וְלֹ֣א יַעֲב֑וֹר 1 which do not pass away Alternate translation: “these laws never become invalid” or “can never be changed”
EST 1 19 jd27 figs-123person תָב֜וֹא…לִפְנֵי֙ הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ 1 come before the face of the king Memukan speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: “never come into your presence again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 19 jd29 figs-metonymy תָב֜וֹא…לִפְנֵי֙ הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ 1 come before the face of the king Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. The phrase means that Queen Vashti will never again come into the king’s presence. Alternate translation: “never again come before King Ahasuerus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 19 jd31 figs-123person וּמַלְכוּתָהּ֙ יִתֵּ֣ן הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ לִרְעוּתָ֖הּ הַטּוֹבָ֥ה מִמֶּֽנָּה 1 and let the king give her royalty to her female neighbor Memukan speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. You can show the same meaning with a verb that addresses a singular “you” and indicates that Memukan is offering advice, not giving a command when he say, “choose another woman to be queen.” Alternate translation: “the king can give her position as queen to some other woman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 19 afh9 figs-abstractnouns וּמַלְכוּתָהּ֙ 1 and…her royalty You can translate the abstract noun **royalty** with an expression such as “her royal position” or “her position as queen.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 19 afj1 figs-explicit הַטּוֹבָ֥ה מִמֶּֽנָּה 1 the woman who is better than she Memukan means that the next queen should be “better than” Vashti by obeying all of the king’s commands. You could say this explicitly, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 20 v9l3 figs-activepassive וְנִשְׁמַע֩ פִּתְגָ֨ם הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ 1 Then the decree of the king will be heard You can say this with an active form, and you can say who will do the action. Alternate translation: “when everyone … hears” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 1 20 des3 figs-123person פִּתְגָ֨ם הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ 1 the decree of the king Memukan speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. You could express the same meaning in the second person: “When they hear what you have commanded.” Alternate translation: “when they hear the king’s decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 20 jd33 figs-explicit אֲשֶֽׁר־יַעֲשֶׂה֙ בְּכָל־מַלְכוּת֔וֹ 1 that he will make for all his kingdom Even though the decree of Ahasuerus applied only to Vashti directly, implicitly it meant that all wives had to obey their husbands or else their husbands could banish and divorce them as well. You can say this explicitly at the end of the verse by saying, “because if any wife disobeys her husband, he can banish and divorce her, just as you
did to Vashti.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 20 afj3 figs-123person מַלְכוּת֔וֹ 1 his kingdom Memukan speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: “for all your kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 20 p8nz כִּ֥י רַבָּ֖ה הִ֑יא 1 though it is great Alternate translation: “even though your empire is very large”
EST 1 20 afj5 הַנָּשִׁ֗ים יִתְּנ֤וּ יְקָר֙ לְבַעְלֵיהֶ֔ן 1 women will give honor to their husbands Alternate translation: “women will respect and obey their husbands”
EST 1 20 be9r figs-merism לְמִגָּד֖וֹל וְעַד־קָטָֽן 1 from the greatest to the least This expression figuratively refers to all of the husbands in the empire. By naming both extremes, it includes everyone in between. You could just give the meaning, as UST does: “every husband in the empire.” Alternate translation: “this will be true for both the most important man and the least important man in the empire, and everyone in between” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EST 1 21 afj7 figs-idiom וַיִּיטַב֙ הַדָּבָ֔ר בְּעֵינֵ֥י הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 The word seemed good in the eyes of the king Like “if it is good to the king” in verse 19, this is an idiom that means the king thought this was a good idea or this advice pleased the king. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 21 afj9 figs-metaphor בְּעֵינֵ֥י הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ וְהַשָּׂרִ֑ים 1 in the eyes of the king and the officials Here, **eyes** stand for for seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. The phrase means that King Ahasuerus and all the officials who heard Memukan’s advice thought that his suggestion was a good idea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 1 21 agj1 וַיַּ֥עַשׂ הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ כִּדְבַ֥ר מְמוּכָֽן 1 the king acted according to the word of Memukan This means that King Ahasuerus wrote a law proclaiming what Memukan had suggested.
EST 1 21 p5us translate-names מְמוּכָֽן 1 Memukan Translate his name as in [1:14](../01/14.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 22 agj3 וַיִּשְׁלַ֤ח סְפָרִים֙ אֶל־כָּל־מְדִינ֣וֹת הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 he sent letters to all the provinces of the king **He** means King Ahasuerus. This is saying that the king sent letters to every province in his empire.
EST 1 22 jd37 figs-idiom מְדִינָ֤ה וּמְדִינָה֙ 1 province by province This is an idiom that means “every province” or every single province. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 22 agj5 כִּכְתָבָ֔הּ 1 according to its own writing Alternate translation: “using its own alphabet” or “written in its own script”
EST 1 22 jd39 figs-idiom עַ֥ם וָעָ֖ם 1 people by people This is an idiom that means “every people group” or every single people group. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 22 jd41 figs-metonymy כִּלְשׁוֹנ֑וֹ 1 according to its tongue Here, **tongue** figuratively means the language spoken by a person or a group of people. Alternate translation: “in its own language” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 22 jj9n לִהְי֤וֹת כָּל־אִישׁ֙ שֹׂרֵ֣ר בְּבֵית֔וֹ 1 that every man should be ruling in his house This meant that all men should have complete authority over their wives and their children.
EST 1 22 jd43 figs-metonymy כִּלְשׁ֥וֹן עַמּֽוֹ 1 speaking according to the tongue of his people Here, **tongue** figuratively means the language spoken by a person or a group of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 22 agj7 figs-explicit כִּלְשׁ֥וֹן עַמּֽוֹ 1 speaking according to the tongue of his people The implication is that the husband ought to be able to give orders to his wife in his own native language and that she should understand and obey him, even if she had to learn his language to do so. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 intro eb4q 0 # 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.
EST 2 1 dpc3 writing-newevent אַחַר֙ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֔לֶּה 1 After these things This introduces a new event that happened some time later, but we do not know how much later. You can show this with a phrase like “After some time had passed.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 2 1 e4lp כְּשֹׁ֕ךְ חֲמַ֖ת הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ 1 when the rage of the king Ahasuerus subsided Alternate translation: “when King Ahasuerus was not angry any more” or “when King Ahasuerus became less angry”
EST 2 1 agj9 זָכַ֤ר אֶת־וַשְׁתִּי֙ 1 he remembered Vashti This means that he started to think about Vashti. He probably thought about the things that he liked about her, meaning that he missed her.
EST 2 1 xpt9 figs-explicit אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֔תָה וְאֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר־נִגְזַ֖ר עָלֶֽיהָ 1 what she had done, and what had been decided concerning her This refers to Vashti’s refusal to obey Ahasuerus, and to the decision he made in [1:21](../01/21.md) that she could never come into his presence again. This could actually mean that when he thought about Vashti and what she had done, he regretted the decision that he had made about her. But there was nothing he could do to bring her back because the laws of the empire could not be changed. You could explain all or some of this in your translation, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 1 agk1 figs-activepassive אֲשֶׁר־נִגְזַ֖ר עָלֶֽיהָ 1 what had been decided You can say this with an active form, and you can say that the king performed the action. Alternate translation: “what he had decided” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 2 agk3 translate-unknown נַעֲרֵֽי־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ מְשָׁרְתָ֑יו 1 the young men of the king who serve him These were not the older, wiser royal advisors whom Ahasuerus consulted in [1:13](../01/13.md), but younger men who stood nearby the king ready to help with any practical needs. You could call them his personal servants. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 2 agk5 figs-explicit יְבַקְשׁ֥וּ לַמֶּ֛לֶךְ נְעָר֥וֹת 1 Let them seek for the king young women Implicit in this suggestion is the idea, “You should get a new wife for yourself.” You can say that explicitly at the beginning of the advice that the young men gave to the king. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 2 s4hv writing-participants יְבַקְשׁ֥וּ 1 Let them seek **Them** refers to the servants that the king would send to do this. If this is unclear, you can say “servants” or “your servants.” Be sure to express this in a form that shows that it is a not a command but a respectful suggestion such as “You could send some men Alternate translation: “to look for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EST 2 2 abt8 figs-123person לַמֶּ֛לֶךְ 1 for the king The young men speak to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternatively, you could have them say “for yourself” or “on your behalf” if that would be clear but also respectful in your language (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 2 2 jd45 figs-idiom טוֹב֥וֹת מַרְאֶֽה 1 pleasing of appearance As in 1:11, this is an idiom that means very beautiful. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 3 g9vp figs-123person וְיַפְקֵ֨ד הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ 1 And let the king appoint The young men speak to the king in third person as a sign of respect. Alternatively, you could have them say “you could appoint” in a respectful way (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 2 3 jd47 figs-idiom טוֹבַ֨ת מַרְאֶ֜ה 1 pleasing of appearance As in 1:11, this is an idiom that means very beautiful. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 3 xqf9 translate-unknown שׁוּשַׁ֤ן הַבִּירָה֙ 1 Susa the citadel In this context, this expression probably means “to the palace here in Susa.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 3 j4ka בֵּ֣ית הַנָּשִׁ֔ים 1 the house of women This means the harem for virgins, the place where the young women would live and receive beauty treatments before they were taken to the king (see verses 13 and 14).
EST 2 3 d754 figs-activepassive אֶל־יַ֥ד הֵגֶ֛א סְרִ֥יס הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַנָּשִׁ֑ים 1 into the hand of Hegai, the eunuch of the king who is overseer of the women 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 3 jd49 figs-metaphor יַ֥ד הֵגֶ֛א 1 the hand of Hegai Here, **hand** is a metaphor meaning power, control, or authority. As the overseer of the women, Hegai was responsible for the young women who lived in the harem for virgins. Alternate translation: “under the custody of Hegai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 2 3 lf71 translate-names הֵגֶ֛א 1 Hegai This is a man’s name. It occurs several times in this chapter. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 3 jd51 figs-123person סְרִ֥יס הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 the eunuch of the king The servants spoke to the king in third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “your eunuch” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 2 3 agk7 translate-unknown סְרִ֥יס 1 eunuch See how you translated this term in 1:10. Alternate translation: “the official of” or “the administrator of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 3 agk9 שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַנָּשִׁ֑ים 1 who is overseer of the women Alternate translation: “who is in charge of the women who live there.”
EST 2 3 w1ly translate-unknown תַּמְרוּקֵיהֶֽן 1 their ointments This term seems to refer to a specific substance that women would put on their face or other parts of their body to make themselves more beautiful. From verse 12, it appears to mean lotions that were used along with oils and perfumes. But here, this one aspect of a woman’s beauty treatment seems to be used to refer to all of it, so you could call these “beauty treatments.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 4 jd53 figs-123person וְהַֽנַּעֲרָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר תִּיטַב֙ בְּעֵינֵ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Then the young woman who is pleasing in the eyes of the king The servants spoke to the king in third person as a sign of respect. You could express the same meaning in the second person by saying something such as “the young woman you like the best.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 2 4 lh3n figs-metaphor בְּעֵינֵ֣י 1 in the eyes of Here, **eyes** figuratively represent seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. The phrase means that King Ahasuerus could decide which young woman he liked the best and make her queen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 2 4 jd55 figs-metaphor וַיִּיטַ֧ב הַדָּבָ֛ר בְּעֵינֵ֥י הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 the word was pleasing in the eyes of the king Here, **eyes** have the same figurative meaning. The phrase indicates that King Ahasuerus thought that this suggestion was a good idea. Alternate translation: “The king found their suggestion appealing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 2 4 zxc1 וַיַּ֥עַשׂ כֵּֽן 1 so he did thus Alternate translation: “so he followed the suggestion”
EST 2 5 h6z2 writing-participants אִ֣ישׁ יְהוּדִ֔י 1 A man, a Jew This introduces Mordecai as a new character in the story. Use your language's way of introducing a new character. This expression means a Jewish man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EST 2 5 uu9i translate-unknown בְּשׁוּשַׁ֣ן הַבִּירָ֑ה 1 in Susa the citadel Here the phrase likely indicates the city rather than the palace, that is, the capital city of Susa. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 5 zxc3 translate-names מָרְדֳּכַ֗י 1 Mordecai This is a man’s name. It occurs many times throughout the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 5 q2rz translate-names בֶּ֣ן יָאִ֧יר בֶּן־שִׁמְעִ֛י בֶּן־קִ֖ישׁ 1 the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish These are men’s names. Jair, Shimei, and Kish are Mordecai’s male ancestors. You could say, “Mordecai was the son of Jair, who was the son of Shimei, who was the son of Kish,” or see the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 5 kw5t אִ֥ישׁ יְמִינִֽי 1 a man, a Benjamite While this likely refers to Kish, it is necessarily also true of Mordecai, and you could put it second in the verse. That way Mordecai’s nationality would come first, then his tribe, and then his family and clan. Alternate translation: “from the tribe of Benjamin”
EST 2 6 zxc5 writing-background אֲשֶׁ֤ר הָגְלָה֙ מִיר֣וּשָׁלַ֔יִם עִם־הַגֹּלָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָגְלְתָ֔ה עִ֖ם יְכָנְיָ֣ה מֶֽלֶךְ־יְהוּדָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֶגְלָ֔ה נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֖ר מֶ֥לֶךְ בָּבֶֽל 1 who had been exiled from Jerusalem with the captives who had been exiled along with Jehoiachin, the king of Judah, who Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had exiled The story now tells about something that happened many years before. This is background information that explains how this Jewish family came to live in Susa. You can introduce this by saying something like, “Many years earlier.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 2 6 z7fe figs-activepassive אֲשֶׁ֤ר הָגְלָה֙ מִיר֣וּשָׁלַ֔יִם 1 who had been exiled from Jerusalem If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had taken Kish away from Jerusalem along with some other captives” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 6 egm7 writing-background אֲשֶׁ֤ר הָגְלָה֙ מִיר֣וּשָׁלַ֔יִם 1 who had been exiled from Jerusalem You can bring this information forward from later in the verse because it provides background information that helps identify Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 2 6 zxc7 figs-explicit אֲשֶׁ֤ר הָגְלָה֙ מִיר֣וּשָׁלַ֔יִם 1 who had been exiled from Jerusalem If it would be clearer in your language, you could say where King Nebuchadnezzar brought the people that he took away from Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “had taken Kish away from Jerusalem … and brought him to Babylon.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 6 zxc9 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous עִ֖ם 1 along with This means that the two things happened at the same time. You can indicate this with a phrase like “at the same time that he took.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
EST 2 6 ch1t translate-names יְכָנְיָ֣ה מֶֽלֶךְ־יְהוּדָ֑ה 1 Jeconiah, the king of Judah In the historical passage where this event is described (2 Kings 24:8–17), this king is called Jehoiachin. That was another name by which he was known. You can call him Jehoiachin here in Esther if you think that would help your readers recognize him better. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 6 zxv1 translate-names אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֶגְלָ֔ה נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֖ר מֶ֥לֶךְ בָּבֶֽל 1 whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had exiled You can say where King Nebuchadnezzar brought this king when he took him away from Jerusalem. For example, you can say, “Nebuchadnezzar … took King Jehoiachin of Judah away from Jerusalem and brought him to Babylon.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 7 zxv3 וַיְהִ֨י 1 And he was The story now returns to talking about Mordecai. If it is helpful for your readers, you can specify his name, saying, “Now, Mordecai.”
EST 2 7 hfm9 בַּת־דֹּד֔וֹ 1 the daughter of his uncle If your language has a specific term for this relationship, you can use it. For example, you can say, “his cousin.” Alternate translation: “his uncle’s daughter”
EST 2 7 m9kx translate-names הֲדַסָּ֗ה הִ֤יא אֶסְתֵּר֙ 1 Hadassah (she is Esther) Here the story is indicating that this woman’s Hebrew name was Hadassah and her Persian name was Esther. You could say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 7 zxv7 translate-names אֶסְתֵּר֙ 1 Esther This is a woman’s name. It occurs many times throughout the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 7 ccb1 אֵ֥ין לָ֖הּ אָ֣ב וָאֵ֑ם 1 there was not for her a father or a mother You could say simply that “she was an orphan,” as UST does. Alternate translation: “both her father and mother had died”
EST 2 7 jd59 figs-parallelism וְהַנַּעֲרָ֤ה יְפַת־תֹּ֨אַר֙ וְטוֹבַ֣ת מַרְאֶ֔ה 1 Now the young woman was beautiful of form and pleasing of appearance These two phrases mean something similar. Separately, they could be saying that Esther was both sexually mature and very attractive. But taken together, they mean that, overall, she was very pleasant to look at. You could combine them, as UST does, and say that she was “exceptionally attractive” Alternate translation: “she had a lovely body and a beautiful face” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 2 7 skt5 writing-background וּבְמ֤וֹת אָבִ֨יהָ֙ וְאִמָּ֔הּ לְקָחָ֧הּ מָרְדֳּכַ֛י ל֖וֹ לְבַֽת 1 And at the death of her father and her mother, Mordecai had taken her for him as a daughter This is background information explaining the relationship between Mordecai and Esther. You can move it to right after the place where Esther is introduced by name because it describes what happened in the past, before Esther became a beautiful young woman. Alternate translation: “after her father and her mother had died, Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 2 8 zxv9 writing-newevent וַיְהִ֗י 1 So it happened that After providing this background information about Mordecai and Esther in verses 5–7, the story now tells what happened as a result of these facts, when the provincial officers described in verse 3 began sending young women to the harem. That is, the story tells what happened to Esther because her family was living in the Persian empire and she was very attractive. Use your language's way of showing that the events are now moving forward after giving background information. Alternate translation: “and so this is what happened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 2 8 zcv1 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous בְּהִשָּׁמַ֤ע דְּבַר־הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ וְדָת֔וֹ וּֽבְהִקָּבֵ֞ץ נְעָר֥וֹת רַבּ֛וֹת 1 when the decree of the king and his law were heard, and when many young women were gathered This indicates that two actions took place at the same time. You should indicate this with a phrase like “at the same time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
EST 2 8 zcv3 figs-activepassive בְּהִשָּׁמַ֤ע דְּבַר־הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ וְדָת֔וֹ וּֽבְהִקָּבֵ֞ץ נְעָר֥וֹת רַבּ֛וֹת 1 when the decree of the king and his law were heard You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. For example, you can say, “when the messengers proclaimed the king's decree and the scribes published the king's law.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 8 c52i דְּבַר־הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 the decree of the king This refers to King Ahasuerus banishing Queen Vashti from his presence.
EST 2 8 zcv5 וְדָת֔וֹ 1 and his law This refers to King Ahasuerus commanding that men would have complete authority over their wives.
EST 2 8 zcv7 figs-explicit בְּהִשָּׁמַ֤ע 1 when…were heard You could also say where they did this action. Alternate translation: “Messengers went throughout the empire and proclaimed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 8 m3ld figs-activepassive וּֽבְהִקָּבֵ֞ץ נְעָר֥וֹת רַבּ֛וֹת 1 and when many young women were gathered You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 8 jd65 translate-unknown שׁוּשַׁ֥ן הַבִּירָ֖ה 1 Susa the citadel Here again, this likely means “the capital city of Susa.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 8 mbk1 figs-metaphor אֶל־יַ֣ד הֵגָ֑י 1 into the hand of Hegai Here, **hand** is a metaphor meaning power, control, or authority. As the overseer of the women, Hegai was responsible for the women in the harem for virgins. You could say that the officers “put them under the custody of Hegai” or that “Hegai began to take care of them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 2 8 zcv9 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וַיְהִ֗י בְּהִשָּׁמַ֤ע…וּֽבְהִקָּבֵ֞ץ…וַתִּלָּקַ֤ח 1 So it happened that, when…were heard, and when…were gathered…Esther was taken This means that Esther was brought to the harem of King Ahaserus at the same time as other young women were also being brought to the harem. You can say, “they brought Esther at the same time” or “they also brought Esther.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
EST 2 8 n3zc figs-activepassive וַתִּלָּקַ֤ח 1 that…Esther was taken You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “they brought Esther” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 8 zcb1 figs-explicit וַתִּלָּקַ֤ח 1 that…Esther was taken You can explain why this happened. For example, you can say, “Because Esther was exceptionally attractive, the officers also brought her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 8 zcb3 בֵּ֣ית הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 the house of the king Alternate translation: “the king’s palace”
EST 2 8 jd71 figs-metaphor אֶל־יַ֥ד הֵגַ֖י שֹׁמֵ֥ר הַנָּשִֽׁים 1 into the hand of Hegai As earlier in this verse, this means under the custody of Hegai or that Hegai also began to take care of her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 2 8 zcb5 writing-background שֹׁמֵ֥ר הַנָּשִֽׁים 1 who was overseer of the women This means that Hegai took care of the young women who lived in the harem for virgins. If it would be clearer in your language, you could move this information to earlier in the verse when Hegai is first mentioned because it explains why the young women were brought to him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 2 9 zcb7 וַתִּיטַ֨ב הַנַּעֲרָ֣ה בְעֵינָיו֮ וַתִּשָּׂ֣א חֶ֣סֶד לְפָנָיו֒ 1 the young woman was pleasing in his eyes, and she lifted kindness before his face This means that Hegai found Esther attractive, and she obtained kindness from him or that Hegai was very impressed with Esther, and she won his favor. In other words, because he was so impressed with her, this made him want to do everything he could to help her. This is background information that explains why Hegai took the actions that are listed next.
EST 2 9 zcb9 figs-metonymy וַתִּיטַ֨ב הַנַּעֲרָ֣ה בְעֵינָיו֮ 1 the young woman was pleasing in his eyes Here, **eyes** figuratively represent seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. In this context, the phrase probably means that Hegai thought that Esther was either an attractive woman or a pleasant person, or both. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 2 9 f8i8 הַנַּעֲרָ֣ה 1 the young woman This means Esther. You should make sure that this is clear in your translation.
EST 2 9 jd75 בְעֵינָיו֮ 1 in his eyes Here, **his** refers to Hegai. You should make sure that this clear in your translation.
EST 2 9 jd77 figs-metonymy וַתִּשָּׂ֣א חֶ֣סֶד לְפָנָיו֒ 1 and she lifted kindness before his face Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. To say that she “lifted kindness before his face” is a rare expression in Hebrew, and the exact meaning is uncertain. In this context, it could even suggest that Esther and Hegai became friends. Alternate translation: “she won his favor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 2 9 jd79 לְפָנָיו֒ 1 before his face Here, **his** refers to Hegai. You should make sure that this clear in your translation.
EST 2 9 abc1 translate-unknown תַּמְרוּקֶ֤יהָ 1 her ointments Alternate translation: “her beauty treatments,” as in [2:3](../02/03.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 9 abc2 מָנוֹתֶ֨הָ֙ 1 her portions of food In context, this likely means that Hegai made sure that Esther was served good food that would keep her healthy.
EST 2 9 abc3 שֶׁ֣בַע הַנְּעָר֔וֹת הָרְאֻי֥וֹת לָֽתֶת־לָ֖הּ מִבֵּ֣ית הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 gave her seven young women chosen from the house of the king This means that Hegai chose seven female servants from the king's palace and assigned them to take care of Esther.
EST 2 9 abc4 וַיְשַׁנֶּ֧הָ וְאֶת־נַעֲרוֹתֶ֛יהָ 1 And he transferred her and her young women **Her** means Esther, and **her young women** means the female attendants Hegai assigned to her.
EST 2 10 abc6 לֹא־הִגִּ֣ידָה אֶסְתֵּ֔ר אֶת־עַמָּ֖הּ וְאֶת־מֽוֹלַדְתָּ֑הּ 1 Esther had not told her people or ancestry This means that Esther had not told anyone this information about herself.
EST 2 10 abc7 figs-doublet אֶת־עַמָּ֖הּ וְאֶת־מֽוֹלַדְתָּ֑הּ 1 her people or her ancestry These two short phrases mean almost the same thing. They are used together to emphasize that Esther followed Mordecai’s instructions exactly. You could combine them, as UST does, and say something like “what people group she was from.” Alternate translation: “Esther did not tell anyone that she was a Jew, and she did not tell anyone who her relatives were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 2 10 abc8 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֧י מָרְדֳּכַ֛י צִוָּ֥ה עָלֶ֖יהָ 1 for Mordecai had laid a charge upon her This is background information that explains why Esther did not tell anyone about her family or nationality. So you can say this first in the verse if that is clearer in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 2 10 abc9 צִוָּ֥ה עָלֶ֖יהָ 1 had laid a charge upon her This means that Mordecai had gotten her to promise not to do it.
EST 2 11 jd81 figs-idiom וּבְכָל־י֣וֹם וָי֔וֹם 1 And always day by day Alternate translation: “every single day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 11 abd1 מָרְדֳּכַי֙ מִתְהַלֵּ֔ךְ 1 Mordecai was walking about Express this in the way your language describes an action that someone repeats over and over. For example, you can say, “Mordecai would walk around.”
EST 2 11 jd83 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֖י חֲצַ֣ר 1 before the face of the courtyard Here, **face** figuratively means the front of a place. So you could say, “in front of the courtyard.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 2 11 abd2 בֵּית־הַנָּשִׁ֑ים 1 the house of women Alternate translation: “the harem for virgins”
EST 2 11 abd3 grammar-connect-logic-result לָדַ֨עַת֙ אֶת־שְׁל֣וֹם אֶסְתֵּ֔ר וּמַה־יֵּעָשֶׂ֖ה בָּֽהּ 1 in order to know the welfare of Esther and what was being done with her This is background information that explains why Mordecai would walk around in front of the courtyard. It was so that he could ask people who were going into or coming out of the courtyard how Esther was doing. You can place this first in the verse because it explains the rest of what is said, if that would be clearer in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 2 11 nz1p שְׁל֣וֹם אֶסְתֵּ֔ר 1 the welfare of Esther Alternate translation: “how Esther was doing” or “about Esther’s well-being”
EST 2 11 abd4 figs-parallelism שְׁל֣וֹם אֶסְתֵּ֔ר וּמַה־יֵּעָשֶׂ֖ה בָּֽהּ 1 the welfare of Esther and what was being done with her These two phrases mean similar things. The story is using the repetition to emphasize how concerned Mordecai was for Esther. You could combine them and say, “how Esther was doing” or “if Esther was all right.”
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 2 12 jcj8 writing-background וּבְהַגִּ֡יעַ 1 Now when…came Verses 12 to 14 are background information about how the virgins who were gathered for the king became his concubines. These verses are not specifically about Esther, but about the women in general. Use your language's way of letting your readers know that this is background information by using a connecting word or a phrase such as, “This is how virgins became concubines for the king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 2 12 jd85 figs-idiom נַעֲרָ֨ה וְנַעֲרָ֜ה 1 young woman by young woman Alternate translation: “each one of the young women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 12 abd5 figs-explicit וּבְהַגִּ֡יעַ תֹּר֩…לָב֣וֹא ׀ אֶל־הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֗וֹשׁ 1 when the turn came…to go to the king Ahasuerus Each of these young women was going to have sexual relations with the king and, as a result, legally become one of his concubines, that is, one of his secondary wives. As the story has already explained, he would then choose one of them to become his queen and primary wife. But the king would still provide for each of the concubines for the rest of her life; they would not be free to marry anyone else. This is something that the story’s original audience would have understood implicitly. You can say it explicitly if your readers need this information to understand the story: “Each young woman in the harem, one at a time, was going to have sexual relations with King Ahasuerus and become one of his concubines” or “one of his secondary wives.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 12 p7i5 translate-unknown כְּדָ֤ת הַנָּשִׁים֙ 1 according to the law of women Here, **law** probably does not mean a legal decree, but rather a standard regimen that had been developed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 12 abd7 writing-background כִּ֛י כֵּ֥ן יִמְלְא֖וּ יְמֵ֣י מְרוּקֵיהֶ֑ן 1 For thus the days of their beautification would be fulfilled This phrase indicates that the story is now going to provide background information on how these treatments were done. It means, “This is how these women would spend the time preparing to go to the king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 2 12 abd8 figs-explicit שִׁשָּׁ֤ה חֳדָשִׁים֙ בְּשֶׁ֣מֶן הַמֹּ֔ר 1 six months by oil of myrrh This means that a woman’s attendants would rub her body with olive oil mixed with myrrh every day for six months. You can explain this in more detail if your readers need this information to understand the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 12 abd9 בְּשֶׁ֣מֶן הַמֹּ֔ר 1 by oil of myrrh This likely means “olive oil mixed with myrrh.”
EST 2 12 zhd1 translate-unknown וּבְתַמְרוּקֵ֖י הַנָּשִֽׁים 1 and by the ointments of women This means lotions designed for women. In 2:3 and 2:9, this one specific part of the program seems to be used figuratively to mean all of it, and so in those verses it can be translated “beauty treatments.” But it should be translated with a specific term or phrase here, such as “women’s lotions” or “feminine ointments” because it is named along with oils and perfumes as one component of the treatment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 13 abd0 וּבָזֶ֕ה 1 Then at this Alternate translation: “after a woman’s year of beauty treatments was completed”
EST 2 13 abe0 figs-explicit הַֽנַּעֲרָ֖ה בָּאָ֣ה אֶל־הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 the young woman would go to the king This means that the young woman would go and have sexual relations with the king and thereby become one of his concubines. If your readers need this information to understand the story, you could explain that here, if you did not do so in verse 12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 13 abe1 figs-explicit כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֨ר תֹּאמַ֜ר יִנָּ֤תֵֽן לָהּ֙ 1 Anything that she said would be given to her **Anything** most likely refers to clothing and jewelry. This phrase probably means that a woman could take any of those that she wanted from the harem for virgins and wear them when she went to the king’s palace. You could say that explicitly by saying, “A young woman could take whatever clothing and jewelry she wanted from the harem for virgins and wear them when she went to the king’s palace.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 13 v133 figs-activepassive כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֨ר תֹּאמַ֜ר יִנָּ֤תֵֽן לָהּ֙ 1 Anything that she said would be given to her You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “she could take whatever she wanted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 13 abe3 בֵּ֥ית הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the house of the king Alternate translation: “the king’s rooms” or “the king’s house” or “the king’s palace”
EST 2 14 abe4 figs-explicit הִ֣יא בָאָ֗ה 1 she would go She would not walk over on her own. Rather, the king’s servants would come and bring her to the king’s private quarters, in the way that they were told to bring Vashti to the banquet in [1:11](../01/11.md). You can say this explicitly if it would help your readers to understand the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 14 ded5 figs-explicit וּ֠בַבֹּקֶר הִ֣יא שָׁבָ֞ה 1 and in the morning she would return to It is implied that this is the following morning. This information can be made clear. Once again, she would not go on her own. Alternate translation: “the next morning the king’s servants would bring her to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 14 lq9h translate-ordinal בֵּ֤ית הַנָּשִׁים֙ שֵׁנִ֔י 1 the second house of women Alternate translations: “a different house for women” or “the harem for concubines” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 2 14 yw63 אֶל־יַ֧ד שַֽׁעֲשְׁגַ֛ז סְרִ֥יס הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַפִּֽילַגְשִׁ֑ים 1 into the hand of Shaashgaz, the eunuch of the king who was overseer of the concubines Alternate translation: “where Shaashgaz, the king's servant in charge of the concubines, would take care of her”
EST 2 14 ze74 figs-metaphor אֶל־יַ֧ד שַֽׁעֲשְׁגַ֛ז סְרִ֥יס הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַפִּֽילַגְשִׁ֑ים 1 into the hand of Shaashgaz Here, **hand** is a metaphor meaning power, control, or authority. Just as Hegai was the overseer of the virgins, Shaashgaz was the overseer of the concubines, so he would be the one responsible for Esther while she was in the harem for concubines. Alternate translation: “under the custody of Shaashgaz” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 2 14 q5yx translate-names שַֽׁעֲשְׁגַ֛ז 1 Shaashgaz This is a man’s name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 14 abe5 translate-unknown סְרִ֥יס הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 the eunuch of the king See how you translated this term, **eunuch**, in [1:10](../01/10.md). You could say “royal” rather than “of the king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 14 abe6 שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַפִּֽילַגְשִׁ֑ים 1 the overseer of the concubines This means that Shaashgaz was the official who *took care of the concubines* or who was responsible for the concubines.
EST 2 14 abe7 figs-explicit הַפִּֽילַגְשִׁ֑ים 1 the concubines As a **concubine**, the young woman was one of the king’s secondary wives. She would live in this harem for the rest of her life. She was not free to return to her family or to marry anybody else. If it would help your readers to understand the story, you could explain all or part of this to your readers here, if you did not do so in 2:12 or 2:13. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 14 abe8 לֹא־תָב֥וֹא עוֹד֙ אֶל־הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 She would not go to the king again Alternate translation: “She would not go and see the king again.” In verse 12, the Note mentioned that “go to the king” meant “have sexual relations with the king.” But for this occurrence of the expression, it is appropriate to use a more general phrase such as “visit the king” because there could be other, more social reasons for a further visit. The woman would now be a secondary wife, and the king would only send for her if he decided that he enjoyed being with her.
EST 2 14 abe9 חָפֵ֥ץ בָּ֛הּ 1 had delighted in her This means that he “had enjoyed being with her” or that she “had pleased the king very much.”
EST 2 14 abf0 figs-activepassive וְנִקְרְאָ֥ה בְשֵֽׁם 1 and she was called by name You can say this with an active form. For example, you can say, “and the king asked for her by name” or “and called for her by name.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 15 fiy8 grammar-connect-logic-contrast וּבְהַגִּ֣יעַ תֹּר־אֶסְתֵּ֣ר…לָב֣וֹא אֶל־הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 Now when the turn of Esther…came to go to the king The story resumes here after the background information that was provided in verses 12-14 about what the women in the harem did when they became concubines of the king. A contrast is being drawn. A young woman could take any clothing and jewelry she wanted from the harem. But Esther only asked for what Hegai recommended. So it would be good to introduce this episode with a word such as “but,” which draws a contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EST 2 15 jk51 figs-informremind בַּת־אֲבִיחַ֣יִל דֹּ֣ד מָרְדֳּכַ֡י אֲשֶׁר֩ לָקַֽח־ל֨וֹ לְבַ֜ת 1 the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for him as a daughter This background information reminds the reader who Esther was by describing her relationship to Mordecai. You could make this a separate sentence and move it later in the verse to keep from breaking up the flow of the first sentence about what Esther did. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 2 15 mg8y translate-names אֲבִיחַ֣יִל 1 Abihail This man was Esther’s father and Mordecai’s uncle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 15 qx3u figs-doublenegatives לֹ֤א בִקְשָׁה֙ דָּבָ֔ר כִּ֠י אִ֣ם אֶת־אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֹאמַ֛ר הֵגַ֥י 1 she did not ask for anything except what Hegai…said You can state this in a positive form by saying, “she asked only for.” Alternate translation: “she did not ask for anything else to wear except” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EST 2 15 vw9r אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֹאמַ֛ר הֵגַ֥י 1 what Hegai…said Alternate translation: “what Hegai recommended” or “what Hegai suggested”
EST 2 15 abf1 figs-explicit אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֹאמַ֛ר הֵגַ֥י 1 what Hegai…said As the king’s personal servant, **Hegai** would have known what kind of clothing and jewelry Ahasuerus found attractive on a woman. By following his advice, Esther showed that she trusted Hegai. This is implicit information that you can make explicit if it would help the reader to understand the story. You might say, for example, “Hegai knew the king’s preferences because he was his personal servant. Esther had come to trust Hegai and so she followed his advice.” This could go at the end of the verse or in a footnote. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 15 abf2 figs-informremind סְרִיס־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַנָּשִׁ֑ים 1 the eunuch of the king who was overseer of the women This is saying that Hegai was the royal official responsible for the women in the harem for virgins. This is background information that reminds the reader who Hegai was by describing his responsibilities. You could also move this to the end of the verse and put it in parentheses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 2 15 abf3 translate-unknown סְרִיס־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 the eunuch of the king See how you decided to translate the term **eunuch** in [1:10](../01/10.md). You could say “royal” for “of the king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 15 z519 figs-idiom נֹשֵׂ֣את חֵ֔ן בְּעֵינֵ֖י כָּל־רֹאֶֽיהָ 1 a lifter of favor in the eyes of every man who saw her This is a rare expression in Hebrew, and the exact meaning is uncertain. In this context, the expression probably means that everyone who saw Esther dressed in the clothes she would wear for her visit to the king was very impressed with the way she looked. Alternate translation: “pleased all who saw her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 15 jd87 figs-metaphor בְּעֵינֵ֖י 1 in the eyes of Here, **eyes** is a metonym for seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. In this context, the phrase probably means that everyone who saw Esther thought that she was either an attractive woman or a pleasant person, or both. Alternate translation: “in the judgment of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 2 15 jd89 figs-gendernotations כָּל־רֹאֶֽיהָ 1 every man who saw her This phrase can mean either **every man or every person who saw her**. Alternate translation: “every man who saw her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EST 2 16 jd91 figs-activepassive וַתִּלָּקַ֨ח אֶסְתֵּ֜ר 1 So Esther was taken You can say this with an active form by saying, for example, “The king's servants brought Esther.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 16 abf5 figs-abstractnouns אֶל־בֵּ֣ית מַלְכוּת֔וֹ 1 to the house of his royalty You can use an adjective to translate the abstract noun **royalty.** For example, you can say, “in his royal palace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 2 16 jd92 translate-ordinal בַּחֹ֥דֶשׁ הָעֲשִׂירִ֖י 1 in the tenth month Alternate translation: “in month ten” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 2 16 jr5s translate-hebrewmonths הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ טֵבֵ֑ת 1 which is the month of Tebeth **Tebeth** is the name of the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. Alternate translation: “that is, the month of Tebeth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EST 2 16 abf6 חֹ֣דֶשׁ טֵבֵ֑ת 1 the month of Tebeth The story is being recorded from the perspective of the Persian court. But for the benefit of its intended Jewish audience, the Hebrew name of the month is given.
EST 2 16 abf7 translate-unknown חֹ֣דֶשׁ טֵבֵ֑ת 1 the month of Tebeth You could convert the Hebrew days and months into approximate dates on the calendar that your culture uses. However, the Jews used a lunar calendar, so if you use a solar calendar, the dates will be different every year and the translation will not be quite accurate. So you may just want to provide the Hebrew days and months. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 16 x6yg translate-ordinal בִּשְׁנַת־שֶׁ֖בַע לְמַלְכוּתֽוֹ 1 in the seventh year of his reign Alternate translation: “during the seventh year of the reign of Ahasuerus as king of Persia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 2 17 p3s7 figs-parallelism וַיֶּאֱהַ֨ב הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ אֶת־אֶסְתֵּר֙ מִכָּל־הַנָּשִׁ֔ים וַתִּשָּׂא־חֵ֥ן וָחֶ֛סֶד לְפָנָ֖יו מִכָּל־הַבְּתוּלֹ֑ת 1 And the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she lifted both favor and kindness before his face more than all the other virgins These two phrases mean almost the same thing. The information is given twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize that Ahasuerus was completely convinced that Esther was the one he should make his queen**.** “More than all the virgins” basically duplicates the meaning of “more than all the women,” so, if this duplication would be confusing in your language, you don’t need to include both phrases, or you could say, “more than all of them” for the second phrase. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 2 17 abf8 figs-explicit מִכָּל־הַנָּשִׁ֔ים 1 more than all the women This means all the other women who had been brought to the king and who became his concubines. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 17 bcu8 figs-idiom וַתִּשָּׂא־חֵ֥ן וָחֶ֛סֶד לְפָנָ֖יו 1 And she lifted both favor and kindness before his face This is a rare expression in Hebrew, and the exact meaning is uncertain. See how you translated similar phrases in [2:9](../02/09.md) and [2:15](../02/15.md). Review the explanation there if that would be helpful. In this context, it probably means that King Ahasuerus was very impressed with both Esther’s appearance and her personality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 17 abf9 figs-doublet וַתִּשָּׂא־חֵ֥ן וָחֶ֛סֶד לְפָנָ֖יו 1 And she lifted both favor and kindness before his face **Favor** and **kindness** mean similar things and are probably used together here to strengthen a single idea. Alternate translation: “he was very pleased with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 2 17 jd93 figs-metonymy לְפָנָ֖יו 1 before his face Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 2 17 sym3 translate-symaction וַיָּ֤שֶׂם כֶּֽתֶר־מַלְכוּת֙ בְּרֹאשָׁ֔הּ 1 So he set a crown of royalty on her head Ahasuerus did this to show that he was making Esther his queen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 2 17 abg0 figs-abstractnouns כֶּֽתֶר־מַלְכוּת֙ 1 a crown of royalty To translate the abstract noun **royalty**, you can use an adjective such as a “royal” crown. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 2 18 abg1 figs-explicit וַיַּ֨עַשׂ הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ מִשְׁתֶּ֣ה גָד֗וֹל 1 Then the king made a great feast The king did this to celebrate Esther becoming the queen. You can say this explicitly. For example, you can say, “Then, to celebrate her becoming the queen, the king hosted a great feast.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 18 b1hd translate-names מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה אֶסְתֵּ֑ר 1 the feast of Esther You could indicate to your readers this is the name that Ahasuerus gave to the feast, for example, “He called it ‘Esther's Feast.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 18 ufm8 translate-unknown וַהֲנָחָ֤ה לַמְּדִינוֹת֙ עָשָׂ֔ה 1 And he made a holiday for the provinces This was probably a “tax holiday,” that is, a temporary elimination of taxes. For a time, the provinces did not have to send in the usual taxes to the king. You could say something like “he proclaimed a temporary reprieve from taxes for all the provinces of his empire.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 18 jd95 figs-metonymy כְּיַ֥ד הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 according to the hand of the king Here, **hand** figuratively represents the action of doing or giving. The phrase means that King Ahasuerus personally gave lavish gifts to the guests at this feast. You could say something like “with royal generosity” or “with great willingness to give” or “with generosity that only a king can give.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 2 19 g38f grammar-connect-time-sequential וּבְהִקָּבֵ֥ץ בְּתוּל֖וֹת שֵׁנִ֑ית 1 Now when virgins were being gathered a second time Since this happened some time after Esther’s Feast, you can show this by using a connecting phrase such as “some time later.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EST 2 19 p842 figs-explicit וּבְהִקָּבֵ֥ץ בְּתוּל֖וֹת שֵׁנִ֑ית 1 Now when virgins were being gathered a second time The most likely explanation for this is that Ahasuerus decided he would like to have more concubines. You can say this explicitly if it will help the readers to understand the story. He probably believed that having a large number of concubines was another thing that would show he was a great king. To do so, you could add: “because Ahasuerus decided that he would like to have more concubines.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 19 abg2 figs-activepassive וּבְהִקָּבֵ֥ץ בְּתוּל֖וֹת שֵׁנִ֑ית 1 Now when virgins were being gathered a second time You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. For example, you can say, “at the time when the king's officers were gathering virgins for a second time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 19 ang3 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וּבְהִקָּבֵ֥ץ בְּתוּל֖וֹת שֵׁנִ֑ית וּמָרְדֳּכַ֖י 1 Now when…were being gathered…Mordecai…then This indicates that the information about Mordecai explains what he was doing at this same time. You can use a phrase such as “during this time” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
EST 2 19 a23f figs-idiom וּמָרְדֳּכַ֖י יֹשֵׁ֥ב בְּשַֽׁעַר־הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 Mordecai was then sitting at the gate of the king Possible meanings are: (1) **Sitting at the king’s gate** is an idiom meaning that Mordecai worked for the king in some capacity and was stationed at the gate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]]) (2) Mordecai sat there so he could hear about how Esther was doing from the many people who passed through the gate.
EST 2 19 i8in בְּשַֽׁעַר־הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 at the gate of the king Alternate translation: “the gate to the king’s house” or “the gate to the king’s palace”
EST 2 20 abg5 figs-doublet מֽוֹלַדְתָּהּ֙ וְאֶת־עַמָּ֔הּ 1 her ancestry (that is, her people) These two short phrases mean almost the same thing. They are used together to emphasize that Esther followed Mordecai’s instructions exactly. You could combine them, as UST does. Alternate translation: “who her relatives were or that she was a Jew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 2 20 fb39 כַּאֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה עָלֶ֖יהָ מָרְדֳּכָ֑י 1 according to the charge that Mordecai had laid upon her Alternate translation: “just as Mordecai had instructed her” or “as Mordecai had made her promise” or “because Mordecai had warned her not to tell anyone”
EST 2 21 vi16 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous בַּיָּמִ֣ים הָהֵ֔ם 1 In those days This resumes the story after the background information that is provided in verse 20. Indicate this in the way that your language resumes a story after giving background information, such as with a connecting phrase like “during that time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
EST 2 21 abg7 figs-explicit וּמָרְדֳּכַ֖י יֹשֵׁ֣ב בְּשַֽׁעַר־הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 when Mordecai was sitting at the gate of the king It is implicit in the story that Mordecai heard the two men talking who are named right afterwards. You can say this explicitly if it helps the readers to understand this part of the story. To do so, add: “he heard two men talking.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 21 abg8 figs-idiom יֹשֵׁ֣ב בְּשַֽׁעַר־הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 was sitting at the gate of the king As in verse 19, this is likely an idiom that means that Mordecai worked for the king in some capacity and was stationed at the gate where officials met to make important decisions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 21 y2vl translate-names בִּגְתָ֨ן וָתֶ֜רֶשׁ 1 Bigthan and Teresh These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 21 abg9 translate-unknown שְׁנֵֽי־סָרִיסֵ֤י הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 two eunuchs of the king See how you translated this term in [1:10](../01/10.md). For the phrase **of the king**, you can say “royal.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 21 abh0 מִשֹּׁמְרֵ֣י הַסַּ֔ף 1 who were guardians of the doorway In this case the men were not guardians of one of the harems but guardians of the king’s private rooms. You could say, “they guarded the doorway to the king's private rooms” or “they protected the doorway to the king's private quarters.”
EST 2 21 abh1 figs-metaphor וַיְבַקְשׁוּ֙ 1 and they sought Here, **seeking** figuratively means actively trying to do something. Alternate translation: “they were plotting” or “they wanted to find a way” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 2 21 jd97 figs-idiom לִשְׁלֹ֣חַ יָ֔ד 1 to stretch out a hand Here the expression **to stretch out a hand** means to cause someone physical harm with the intention of killing him. You could say, “they were planning to assassinate him.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 22 y7tv figs-activepassive וַיִּוָּדַ֤ע הַדָּבָר֙ לְמָרְדֳּכַ֔י 1 But the matter was made known to Mordecai You can say this with an active form, for example by saying, “Mordecai found out what they were planning.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 22 abh2 וַיַּגֵּ֖ד לְאֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַמַּלְכָּ֑ה 1 so he told it to Esther the queen This means that he told Queen Esther about it somehow.
EST 2 22 dgp3 figs-idiom בְּשֵׁ֥ם מָרְדֳּכָֽי 1 in the name of Mordecai This expression means that Esther passed the information along to King Ahasuerus on Mordecai’s behalf or that she told the king the information had come from Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 23 abh3 grammar-connect-time-sequential וַיְבֻקַּ֤שׁ הַדָּבָר֙ וַיִּמָּצֵ֔א וַיִּתָּל֥וּ שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם עַל־עֵ֑ץ 1 Then the matter was sought out and was found out, and the two of them were hanged on a tree. This verse tells what happened next after Esther gave the information to the king. You can use a word such as “then” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EST 2 23 ld4y figs-activepassive וַיְבֻקַּ֤שׁ הַדָּבָר֙ וַיִּמָּצֵ֔א 1 Then the matter was sought out and was found out You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. For example, you can say, “Then the king's servants investigated Mordecai's report and found out that it was true.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 23 abh4 figs-activepassive וַיִּתָּל֥וּ שְׁנֵיהֶ֖ם עַל־עֵ֑ץ 1 the two of them were hanged on a tree You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “the king ordered his servants to impale those two men on wooden poles” or “the king ordered his servants to hang those two men on a gallows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 23 y28j translate-unknown עַל־עֵ֑ץ 1 on a tree Here, **tree** could mean a live tree or anything that is made from a tree, meaning that is made of wood. This could be any kind of pole or wooden structure that would be used to suspend someone above the ground and could be used as a means of killing the person or to display the person's body after the person is dead. This might mean: (1) by hanging them from it with a rope tied around the neck, or (2) by impaling them on it, that is, by sticking a sharp point on one end of a pole through their body. You could translate this as “a wooden pole” or “a gallows.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 23 g9nh figs-activepassive וַיִּכָּתֵ֗ב 1 And it was written You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. You can say, for example, “The king’s scribes recorded an account of this.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 23 abh5 figs-idiom בְּסֵ֛פֶר דִּבְרֵ֥י הַיָּמִ֖ים 1 the book of the events of days This is an idiom that describes a regular record of the events in a king’s reign. You could call this “the royal chronicles.” Alternate translation: “the daily record book” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 23 abh6 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 before the face of the king Here, **face** refers figuratively to the presence of a person. The phrase means that the scribes wrote this account while King Ahasuerus was personally present. You could say that they did this in the king’s presence. Alternate translation: “the king watched a scribe write this down” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 3 intro zb26 0 # Esther 03 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter
### Haman plots against the Jews
Mordecai was told to prostrate himself before Haman. This would be considered to be worship. But for a Jew, it was wrong to worship someone other than Yahweh. Because of this, he refused to do it. This made Haman angry, so he decided to kill all the Jews in the Persian Empire. Haman was a descendant of Agag, a king of the Amalekite people. The Amalekites became the enemies of the Jews during the exodus (Exodus 17:8-16). Moses told the people that they would need to destroy them (Deuteronomy 25:17-19), and later God commanded Saul to destroy them (1 Samuel 15:2-3). Samuel killed King Agag (1 Samuel 15:33), but the Amalekites were never completely destroyed (1 Samuel 30:17). Both Mordecai and Haman were probably very aware that their people were enemies.
EST 3 1 mm4c writing-newevent אַחַ֣ר ׀ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֗לֶּה 1 After these things This introduces a new event in the story. Use a connecting phrase that introduces a new event in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 3 1 abh7 grammar-connect-time-sequential אַחַ֣ר ׀ הַדְּבָרִ֣ים הָאֵ֗לֶּה 1 After these things This event happened some time after Esther became queen, and you can show this by using a connecting phrase such as “some time later.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EST 3 1 ir5v translate-names הָמָ֧ן 1 Haman This is a man’s name. It occurs many times in the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 3 1 abh8 translate-names בֶּֽן־הַמְּדָ֛תָא הָאֲגָגִ֖י 1 the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite These are the names of Haman’s father and Haman’s people group. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 3 1 abh9 figs-explicit גִּדַּל֩…אֲחַשְׁוֵר֜וֹשׁ אֶת־הָמָ֧ן 1 Ahasuerus made Haman…great This means that Ahasuerus **promoted** Haman. It’s implied in the story that Haman was already one of Ahasuerus’s officials, but that he was now being promoted to a higher position. You could say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 1 abi0 figs-doublet וַֽיְנַשְּׂאֵ֑הוּ וַיָּ֨שֶׂם֙ אֶת־כִּסְא֔וֹ מֵעַ֕ל כָּל־הַשָּׂרִ֖ים 1 He lifted him up and placed his seat of authority from over all the officials These two phrases mean the same thing. They are used together to emphasize that the king was making Haman very powerful. You could combine them and say something like, “the king gave Haman a very high position that was over all of his other officials.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 3 1 pl9i figs-metaphor וַֽיְנַשְּׂאֵ֑הוּ 1 He lifted him up Here, **lifting** is a metaphor meaning to advance or promote a person to a higher, more important position than they held previously. Alternate translation: “he gave him a more important position” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 3 1 ptm4 figs-idiom כִּסְא֔וֹ 1 his seat of authority Here, **seat of authority** means Haman’s position or status in the Persian government. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 1 abi1 figs-abstractnouns כִּסְא֔וֹ 1 his seat of authority You can translate the abstract noun “authority” by using a concrete noun for this whole phrase. For example, you can say, “his position.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 3 1 abi2 מֵעַ֕ל כָּל־הַשָּׂרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִתּֽוֹ 1 from over all the officials who were with him **Him** in this phrase may refer to the king. You could say that “the king promoted him above his other officials” or “gave him more authority than all of his other officials” or that “Haman became more important than all of his other officials.”
EST 3 2 abi3 figs-metonymy וְכָל־עַבְדֵ֨י הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ אֲשֶׁר־בְּשַׁ֣עַר הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 Then all the servants of the king who were at the gate of the king Here, the **gate of the king**, probably the entrance to the citadel, may figuratively represent the citadel itself, the place where these people served the king. The citadel, in turn, would represent everyone who served the king. So you could say just “all the king’s other servants.” However, this may also be a reference to the specific group of officials who were stationed at the gate, the way Mordecai was. Alternate translation: “the royal officials who were stationed at the palace gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 3 2 abi4 figs-explicit וְכָל־עַבְדֵ֨י הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ…כֹּרְעִ֤ים וּמִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ לְהָמָ֔ן 1 all the servants of the king…were bowing down and prostrating themselves to Haman The servants were required to do this as a way of honoring him whenever Haman walked by. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 2 e25k translate-symaction כֹּרְעִ֤ים וּמִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ 1 were bowing down and prostrating themselves This means that the other officials humbled themselves and lay flat on the ground before Haman. These actions represented recognition and respect for the very high position that the king had given him in the Persian government. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 3 2 abi5 figs-doublet כֹּרְעִ֤ים וּמִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ 1 were bowing down and prostrating themselves These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize that the officials knew how important it was to obey the king’s command and honor Haman in this way. You could combine them as UST does and say something like “bow down all the way to the ground.” Alternate translation: “bowing and lying down on the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 3 2 fg8v וּמִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ 1 and prostrating themselves to Haman This means bowing down all the way to the ground.
EST 3 2 jd99 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּי־כֵ֖ן צִוָּה־ל֣וֹ 1 for thus the king had commanded concerning him If that would be clearer in your language, you can put this information first in the verse because it explains the reason why all the other officials were bowing to Haman. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 3 2 abi6 figs-explicit כִּי־כֵ֖ן צִוָּה־ל֣וֹ 1 for thus the king had commanded concerning him The king did this as a sign of Haman’s new position. You can state this here or in a separate sentence, as in the UST. Alternate translation: “the king had commanded them to do this in order to show that he had given Haman such a high position” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 2 abi7 figs-parallelism וּמָ֨רְדֳּכַ֔י לֹ֥א יִכְרַ֖ע וְלֹ֥א יִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶֽה 1 But Mordecai would neither bow down nor would he prostrate himself These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how serious an offense this was against the king’s command and how much determination it took for Mordecai to remain standing. You could combine these phrases as UST does and say, “But Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman.” Alternate translation: “Mordecai did not bow down or lie on the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 3 2 abi8 figs-explicit וּמָ֨רְדֳּכַ֔י לֹ֥א יִכְרַ֖ע וְלֹ֥א יִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶֽה 1 But Mordecai would neither bow down nor would he prostrate himself It appears that as a Jew, Mordecai considered it wrong to worship anyone other than Yahweh, and that he believed he would be worshiping Haman if he bowed down low to the ground to honor him. So, on religious grounds, Mordecai refused to bow down. You can say this explicitly if it would make your translation clearer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 3 abi9 עַבְדֵ֥י הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ אֲשֶׁר־בְּשַׁ֥עַר הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 the servants of the king who were at the gate of the king See how you translated this expression at the beginning of [3:2](../03/02.md).
EST 3 3 abj0 figs-explicit וַיֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ…לְמָרְדֳּכָ֑י 1 said to Mordecai They spoke to Mordecai because they saw that he did not bow down. You can say this explicitly if that would be clearer in your language. You can say, for example, “The other officials saw that, and they asked Mordecai.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 3 abj1 מַדּ֨וּעַ֙ אַתָּ֣ה עוֹבֵ֔ר אֵ֖ת מִצְוַ֥ת הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 Why are you trespassing the command of the king? Alternative translation: “why are you disobeying the king’s command” or “why are you not obeying what the king commanded”
EST 3 4 jd3r figs-explicit באמרם אֵלָיו֙ 1 when they spoke to him This means that they spoke to him about not bowing down. Specifically, they warned him that he would be severely punished if he kept disobeying the king and not honoring his highest official. You can say that explicitly if it would be clearer in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 4 jd1r figs-idiom י֣וֹם וָי֔וֹם 1 day by day This expression means “every day.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 4 abj2 figs-idiom וַיְהִ֗י באמרם אֵלָיו֙…וְלֹ֥א שָׁמַ֖ע אֲלֵיהֶ֑ם 1 Now it happened that, when they spoke…he did not listen to them. Here, **he did not listen** means he did not heed their warning or he did not do what they said. Mordecai heard them, but he did not do what they advised him to do. This means that even though the other officials questioned him and probably warned him, he still refused to bow down. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 4 uek4 figs-idiom וַיַּגִּ֣ידוּ לְהָמָ֗ן לִרְאוֹת֙ הֲיַֽעַמְדוּ֙ דִּבְרֵ֣י מָרְדֳּכַ֔י 1 So they told Haman to see if the words of Mordecai would stand In this context, **standing** figuratively means to survive a challenge, and **words** means the reasons that Mordecai gave for his actions. This phrase means that the other officials told Haman about it to see if he would tolerate it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 4 abj3 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי־הִגִּ֥יד לָהֶ֖ם אֲשֶׁר־ה֥וּא יְהוּדִֽי 1 for he had told them that he was a Jew This is the answer that Mordecai gave the other officials when they asked him why he refused to bow down to Haman. If that would be clearer in your language, you can put it first in the verse because it explains everything that happens afterwards. Alternate translation: “Mordecai told them that he was a Jew, and that Jews would bow down only to God” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 3 4 abj4 figs-explicit כִּֽי־הִגִּ֥יד לָהֶ֖ם אֲשֶׁר־ה֥וּא יְהוּדִֽי 1 for he had told them that he was a Jew Mordecai’s explanation would have included the fact that Jews would only worship Yahweh. You could say that explicitly if that would be clearer in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 5 abj5 figs-metaphor וַיַּ֣רְא הָמָ֔ן 1 The Haman saw Here, **seeing** figuratively means knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. This phrase means that Haman learned about this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 3 5 njt5 figs-parallelism אֵ֣ין מָרְדֳּכַ֔י כֹּרֵ֥עַ וּמִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה ל֑וֹ 1 Mordecai would neither bow down nor prostrate himself to him These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how serious an offense this was. You could combine them as UST does and say, “Mordecai was refusing to bow down to him.” Alternate translation: “Mordecai would not bow down or lie on the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 3 5 wk8p figs-metaphor וַיִּמָּלֵ֥א הָמָ֖ן חֵמָֽה 1 And Haman was filled with rage Here, **Haman’s rage** is spoken of as something that could fill him up. You could say that he was furious or extremely angry. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 3 6 k5h9 figs-activepassive וַיִּ֣בֶז בְּעֵינָ֗יו 1 And it was despised in his eyes You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “Haman considered that it was not enough” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 6 abj6 figs-explicit וַיִּ֣בֶז בְּעֵינָ֗יו 1 And it was despised in his eyes Haman probably decided to go to such extremes because he was so angry. You could say that explicitly if that would be clearer in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 6 abj7 וַיִּ֣בֶז 1 it was despised **Despise** in this context means not to hate but to think little of or think something is too small. This expression means that Haman decided it would not be enough just to kill Mordecai alone.
EST 3 6 jd9r figs-metaphor בְּעֵינָ֗יו 1 in his eyes Here, **eyes** stand for “seeing,” and in this case “seeing” figuratively means judgment. This phrase means in Haman’s judgment. Alternate translation: “as he saw it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 3 6 abj8 לִשְׁלֹ֤ח יָד֙ בְּמָרְדֳּכַ֣י לְבַדּ֔וֹ 1 to stretch out a hand against Mordecai alone Alternate translation: “he rejected the idea of killing only Mordecai” or “he decided to kill more than just Mordecai” or “he decided that it would not be enough to get rid of only Mordecai”
EST 3 6 j11r figs-idiom לִשְׁלֹ֤ח יָד֙ 1 to stretch out a hand As in [2:21](../02/21.md), the expression **to stretch out a hand** means to cause someone physical harm with the intention of killing them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 6 abj9 כִּֽי־הִגִּ֥ידוּ ל֖וֹ אֶת־עַ֣ם מָרְדֳּכָ֑י 1 for they had told him the people of Mordecai **They** means the other royal officials. **Him** refers to Haman. **The people of Mordecai** means the Jews. Mordecai had told these officials that he would not bow down to Haman because Jews worshiped only God. So this means that the other officials had told Haman that Mordecai was not bowing down to him because he was a Jew.
EST 3 6 hue9 figs-metaphor וַיְבַקֵּ֣שׁ הָמָ֗ן לְהַשְׁמִ֧יד 1 So Haman sought to annihilate Here, **seeking** figuratively means trying to do something. In this context, it means that Haman decided that he would try to kill all the Jews. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 3 6 abk0 בְּכָל־מַלְכ֥וּת אֲחַשְׁוֵר֖וֹשׁ 1 in all the kingdom of Ahasuerus This means in the entire empire that King Ahasuerus ruled.
EST 3 6 abk1 figs-doublet הַיְּהוּדִ֛ים…עַ֥ם מָרְדֳּכָֽי 1 the Jews, the people of Mordecai These two phrases refer to the same group of people. The repetition emphasizes how great the threat was to their existence. You could combine them as UST does and say something like “all of the Jews.” Alternate translation: “Mordecai’s people, the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 3 7 zl12 translate-ordinal בַּחֹ֤דֶשׁ הָרִאשׁוֹן֙ 1 In the first month Alternate translation: “In month one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 7 wyv6 translate-hebrewmonths הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ נִיסָ֔ן 1 which is the month of Nisan **Nisan** is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EST 3 7 abk2 translate-unknown חֹ֣דֶשׁ נִיסָ֔ן 1 the month of Nisan As in [2:16](../02/16.md), you could convert the Hebrew month into an approximate time on the calendar that your culture uses. However, the Jews used a lunar calendar, so if you use a solar calendar, the dates will be different every year and the translation will not be quite accurate. So you may just want to give the Hebrew month. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 3 7 tw99 translate-ordinal בִּשְׁנַת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣ים עֶשְׂרֵ֔ה לַמֶּ֖לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ 1 in the twelfth year of the king Ahasuerus Alternate translations: “during the twelfth year of the reign of Ahasuerus as king of Persia” or “when King Ahasuerus had reigned for about twelve years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 7 g4lt translate-names הִפִּ֣יל פּוּר֩ ה֨וּא הַגּוֹרָ֜ל 1 a Pur (which is “the lot”) The storyteller is giving both the Persian and the Hebrew name because this is the story behind the Festival of Purim, which takes its name from “Pur.” So this is not repetition for emphasis. You can put in the Persian name and the word for “lot” in your own language to show that the storyteller is doing this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 3 7 abk3 translate-unknown הַגּוֹרָ֜ל 1 the lot A **lot** was an object with different markings on various sides that was used, most likely by dropping it on the ground, to select a specific time for doing something. The belief was that God or the gods would control which way the object fell, thus guiding the selection process and granting favor to the action if it were done on the date chosen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 3 7 abk4 figs-activepassive הִפִּ֣יל פּוּר֩ 1 a Pur…was cast You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. You can say, for example, “Haman had his servants cast a Pur.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 7 abk5 grammar-connect-logic-result הִפִּ֣יל פּוּר֩ 1 a Pur…was cast If that would be clearer in your language, you can put this information first because it explains the rest of what happens in this verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 3 7 j13r figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֣י הָמָ֗ן 1 before the face of Haman Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. In this context, the phrase means that Haman was physically present when the lot was cast. Alternate translation: “as Haman watched” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 3 7 j15r מִיּ֧וֹם ׀ לְי֛וֹם וּמֵחֹ֛דֶשׁ לְחֹ֥דֶשׁ 1 from day to day and from month to month This expression means that the lot was cast to select a particular day of the month and a particular month of the year.
EST 3 7 j17r figs-explicit מִיּ֧וֹם ׀ לְי֛וֹם וּמֵחֹ֛דֶשׁ לְחֹ֥דֶשׁ 1 from day to day and from month to month Haman was casting the lot to determine the best day and the best month to kill the Jews. You can say that explicitly if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “to determine the best day and the best month to kill the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 7 ih4b translate-hebrewmonths שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר הוּא־חֹ֥דֶשׁ אֲדָֽר 1 the twelfth, which is the month of Adar **Adar** is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. This name occurs several times in the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EST 3 7 abk6 שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר הוּא־חֹ֥דֶשׁ אֲדָֽר 1 the twelfth, which is the month of Adar See how you decided in [2:16](../02/16.md) and the first part of this verse to represent the dates that are given in the Hebrew calendar in the book of Esther. Be consistent.
EST 3 7 abk7 figs-explicit שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר הוּא־חֹ֥דֶשׁ אֲדָֽר 1 the twelfth, which is the month of Adar This means that the lot indicated the twelfth month of that year as the time for Haman to carry out his plan. You can say that explicitly if that would be clearer in your language. (The day that was chosen is reported in verse 13.) Alternate Translation: “the lot indicated the twelfth month, the month of Adar, as the best month to kill the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 7 k3vd translate-ordinal שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר 1 the twelfth Alternative translation: “month twelve” or “the twelfth month” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 8 abk8 figs-explicit וַיֹּ֤אמֶר הָמָן֙ לַמֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ 1 Then Haman said to the king Ahasuerus The implication is that Haman then went to see the king so that he could speak with him. You could say that explicitly. Do not give your readers the impression that the king was present with Haman while he was casting the lot. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 8 aig9 translate-numbers יֶשְׁנ֣וֹ עַם־אֶחָ֗ד 1 He has one people **He** refers to the king, and **one people** refers to the Jews as a people group. So this means there is a people group or a group of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 3 8 p4a8 figs-doublet מְפֻזָּ֤ר וּמְפֹרָד֙ 1 scattered and dispersed These two words mean almost the same thing. Haman uses the repetition to emphasize that the Jews are everywhere throughout the empire and so their influence, which he says is bad, will affect everyone. You could combine these words as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 3 8 abk9 בֵּ֣ין הָֽעַמִּ֔ים בְּכֹ֖ל מְדִינ֣וֹת מַלְכוּתֶ֑ךָ 1 among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom Haman is saying that the Jews are mixed in with all the other peoples, and they live in every province.
EST 3 8 abl0 וְדָתֵיהֶ֞ם שֹׁנ֣וֹת מִכָּל־עָ֗ם וְאֶת־דָּתֵ֤י הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ אֵינָ֣ם עֹשִׂ֔ים 1 And their laws are different from every people, and the laws of the king they do not obey. Haman is saying that the Jews have their own set of laws, and he is accusing them of not obeying the king’s laws as a result.
EST 3 8 r34x figs-123person דָּתֵ֤י הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 the laws of the king Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. You could have him say, “your laws.” Or you could indicate this respect another way by having Haman begin by saying, “Your Majesty.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 3 8 bf9g וְלַמֶּ֥לֶךְ אֵין־שֹׁוֶ֖ה לְהַנִּיחָֽם 1 And there is no profit to the king to leave them untouched Haman is saying, “It is not good for you to allow them to live in your empire.” This can also be stated without the negative. Alternate translation: “the king should remove them” or “you should remove them”
EST 3 8 j19r figs-123person וְלַמֶּ֥לֶךְ 1 no profit to the king Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. You could express the same meaning in the second person by saying, “not good for you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 3 9 abl1 figs-123person אִם־עַל־הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֔וֹב 1 If it is good to the king Haman speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 3 9 abl2 figs-idiom אִם־עַל־הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֔וֹב 1 If it is good to the king See how you decided to translate this idiom in [1:19](../01/19.md). Alternate translation: “if it seems like a good idea to you, O king” or “if the king thinks this is a good idea” or “if this advice is pleasing to the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 9 abl3 figs-activepassive יִכָּתֵ֖ב 1 let it be written You can say this with an active form, and you can say who would do the action. For example, you can say, “the king could write a decree” or “you could write a decree.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 9 abl4 לְאַבְּדָ֑ם 1 to destroy them This means that the decree would say that all the Jews should be killed.
EST 3 9 eh3w figs-idiom אֶשְׁקוֹל֙ עַל־יְדֵי֙ עֹשֵׂ֣י הַמְּלָאכָ֔ה 1 I will weigh out…into the hands of the doers of the work This could mean either of two possibilities: (1) Haman could mean that the king's men will be able to collect a huge amount of money from the plunder that they would get from the Jews. Referring to the weight would be a way of saying, “I guarantee that it will be at least that much.” This reasoning agrees with 3:13, where the king’s letter specifies that those who kill the Jews can take their plunder. Alternate translation: “we will get so much plunder that the officers you send will be able to bring back” (Also see UST) (2) “**Weigh out into the hands**” could be an idiom that means Haman himself will pay the officers who will put the plan into effect. Haman will not do this personally, but it means that he will take responsibility for paying them from his own resources. Alternate translation: “From my own resources I will pay … to the men who do the work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 9 lhv5 translate-bmoney וַעֲשֶׂ֨רֶת אֲלָפִ֜ים כִּכַּר־כֶּ֗סֶף 1 10,000 talents of silver This would be worth over $300 million at current prices in 2020. But since prices vary over time, if you expressed the value in modern measurements, that could cause your Bible translation to become outdated and inaccurate. Instead you could express the amount using the ancient measurement, the talent, and explain in a note that a talent was equivalent to about 30 kilograms. Alternatively, you could specify the weight of the silver in the text, as UST does in metric tons. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]])
EST 3 9 vm59 figs-hyperbole אֲלָפִ֜ים כִּכַּר־כֶּ֗סֶף 1 The **talent** was the largest unit of money and **10,000** was the largest number in the counting system of the time. It is possible that Haman used these terms to represent a very large, but not precise, amount. Alternate translation: “a huge amount of silver” or “enormous amounts of silver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EST 3 9 abl5 עֹשֵׂ֣י הַמְּלָאכָ֔ה 1 the doers of the work This could mean: (1) those who work for the king in general (administrators) or (2) more specifically the officers whom Ahasuerus would send around the empire to organize the killing of the Jews.
EST 3 9 abl7 figs-123person גִּנְזֵ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the treasuries of the king Haman speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. You could also have him speak of “your royal treasuries.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 3 10 abl8 figs-explicit וַיָּ֧סַר הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ אֶת־טַבַּעְתּ֖וֹ מֵעַ֣ל יָד֑וֹ וַֽיִּתְּנָ֗הּ לְהָמָ֧ן 1 Then the king removed his signet from on his hand, and he gave it to Haman The implication is that Ahasuerus thought that Haman’s suggestion was a good idea and he agreed to it. You could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the king agreed that this was a good idea, so” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 10 abl9 translate-symaction וַיָּ֧סַר הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ אֶת־טַבַּעְתּ֖וֹ מֵעַ֣ל יָד֑וֹ וַֽיִּתְּנָ֗הּ לְהָמָ֧ן 1 Then the king removed his signet ring from on his hand **Giving the ring to Haman** showed that Haman could act on the king’s own authority. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the king gave Haman the power to act on his authority to carry out the plan. To show that, he gave Haman the ring he wore that had his official seal on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 3 10 c9md translate-unknown טַבַּעְתּ֖וֹ 1 his signet ring This was a special ring that could be used to imprint the king’s official seal on a law or decree. 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. You could describe this as “the ring he wore that had his official seal on it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 3 10 abm0 בֶּֽן־הַמְּדָ֛תָא הָאֲגָגִ֖י 1 the son of Hammedatha the Agagite This information about Haman’s identity is repeated to stress that the king giving him the signet ring was an official legal act that transferred power to him. (In the same way, legal documents today often use a person’s full name and other identifying information.) If you repeat this information in your own translation, your readers should see this significance.
EST 3 10 abm1 figs-informremind צֹרֵ֥ר הַיְּהוּדִֽים 1 the adversary of the Jews This phrase gives clarifying information about Haman. It means that he had become “the enemy of the Jews.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 3 11 sz4b figs-activepassive הַכֶּ֖סֶף נָת֣וּן לָ֑ךְ 1 The silver is given to you You can say this with an active form. This could mean one of the following things: (1) “You can keep the money from plundering the Jews for yourself.” (2) “I give you permission to take the money from the Jews and to give it to the men just as you have said.” (3) “You do not need to pay for the expenses of the plan yourself.” (4) This statement by the king may also be a formal and cultural way of expressing gratitude for the promised money without actually releasing Haman from paying the money into the treasury. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 11 abm2 figs-metaphor וְהָעָ֕ם לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת בּ֖וֹ כַּטּ֥וֹב בְּעֵינֶֽיךָ 1 and the people, to do with them as is good in your eyes Here, **eyes** figuratively represent seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. The king is telling Haman that **he can do whatever he wants to the Jews**. Alternate translation: “you can do to the Jews as you see fit” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 3 12 hx6c figs-activepassive וַיִּקָּרְאוּ֩ סֹפְרֵ֨י הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ 1 And the scribes of the king were called You can say this with an active form. You can also say who did the action. It was most likely Haman, since the king had given him authority to act on his behalf. So you could say, “Haman called in the royal scribes.” Alternate translation: “the king summoned his scribes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 12 t6qa translate-hebrewmonths בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הָרִאשׁ֗וֹן בִּשְׁלוֹשָׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֣ר יוֹם֮ בּוֹ֒ 1 in the first month, on the thirteenth day of it Alternate translation: “on the thirteenth day of the first month” You can add “of that same year” to show that Haman did this right after Ahasuerus agreed to his plan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EST 3 12 abm3 בַּחֹ֣דֶשׁ הָרִאשׁ֗וֹן בִּשְׁלוֹשָׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֣ר יוֹם֮ בּוֹ֒ 1 in the first month, on the thirteenth day of it You can put this information first because it places the event within the timeline of the story.
EST 3 12 abm4 figs-activepassive וַיִּכָּתֵ֣ב כְּֽכָל־אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֣ה הָמָ֡ן 1 in was written according to all the Haman commanded You can say this with an active form. You can also say who did the action. Alternate translation: “and Haman dictated a letter to them” or “they wrote a decree containing all that Haman had commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 12 abm5 translate-unknown אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנֵֽי־הַ֠מֶּלֶךְ 1 the satraps of the king This seems to mean the officials of the king who served in the palace in the capital city, since they are distinguished from the provincial governors and the leaders of the people groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 3 12 j23r figs-idiom מְדִינָ֣ה וּמְדִינָ֗ה 1 province by province This expression means every province**.** See how you translated this in 1:22. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 12 abm7 שָׂ֤רֵי עַם֙ וָעָ֔ם 1 the officials of people by people Alternate translation: “the leaders of each people group”
EST 3 12 j25r figs-idiom עַם֙ וָעָ֔ם 1 people by people This expression means every people group**.** See how you translated this in [1:22](../01/22.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 12 j27r figs-idiom מְדִינָ֤ה וּמְדִינָה֙ כִּכְתָבָ֔הּ 1 province by province according to its writing See how you translated this in [1:22](../01/22.md). Alternate translation: “to each province using its own alphabet” or “written in its own script” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 12 abm8 figs-explicit מְדִינָ֤ה וּמְדִינָה֙ כִּכְתָבָ֔הּ 1 province by province according to its writing The implication is that the scribes translated the letter and sent it to each province using its own alphabet. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 12 j31r figs-idiom וְעַ֥ם וָעָ֖ם כִּלְשׁוֹנ֑וֹ 1 and to people by people according to its own tongue See how you translated this expression in [1:22](../01/22.md). Alternate translation: “and to each people group in its own language” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 12 j33r figs-metonymy כִּלְשׁוֹנ֑וֹ 1 according to its tongue Here, **tongue** is a metonym meaning the language spoken by a person or a group of people. Alternate translation: “according to its language” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 3 12 abm9 figs-metaphor בְּשֵׁ֨ם הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֹשׁ֙ נִכְתָּ֔ב 1 In the name of the king Ahasuerus it was written There are two possible meanings: (1) Here, **name** could mean the authority of the king. This would be saying that Haman’s letter had the same authority as it would have had if the king had sent it himself. Alternate translation: “Haman sent the letter under the king's own authority” (2) However, this could also mean that Haman actually had the scribes sign the king’s name to the letter. Alternate translation: “they signed the king's name at the end of the letters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 3 12 lyf2 figs-activepassive נִכְתָּ֔ב וְנֶחְתָּ֖ם בְּטַבַּ֥עַת הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 It was written, and it was sealed with the signet ring of the king You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “to show that he was sending the letter under the king's own authority, Haman sealed each copy of the letter with the ring that had the king’s official seal on it,” or “the scribes signed the king's name at the end of the letters. Then they sealed the letters with wax, and stamped the wax by using the king's ring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 13 hxx6 figs-activepassive וְנִשְׁל֨וֹחַ סְפָרִ֜ים 1 And letters were sent You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. For example, you can say, “couriers delivered the letters.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 13 j34r figs-metaphor בְּיַ֣ד הָרָצִים֮ 1 by the hand of runners Here, **hand** could mean two different things: (1) It could literally mean “hand,” meaning that the couriers carried the letters in their hands. Alternate translation: “couriers hand-delivered the documents” (2) “Hand” could also be a metaphor for power, control, or authority, meaning that couriers were the ones who delivered the letters to all the provinces throughout the empire. Alternate translation: “couriers gave the documents directly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 3 13 abn0 figs-metonymy אֶל־כָּל־מְדִינ֣וֹת הַמֶּלֶךְ֒ 1 to all of the provinces of the king Haman did not send the letters to the provinces (the geographical territories) themselves. Rather, he sent them to the officials in every province in the empire. The story is using the word “province” to refer figuratively to these officials by something associated with them, the territories they ruled. Your translation should make clear that the letters were sent to people, not places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 3 13 xs6g figs-doublet לְהַשְׁמִ֡יד לַהֲרֹ֣ג וּלְאַבֵּ֣ד 1 to annihilate, to slaughter, and to destroy These words mean the same thing. They are used together to emphasize the completeness of the destruction that is envisioned. You could combine them as UST does and say something like “completely destroy.” (A “doublet” can use more than two words. See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 3 13 abn1 figs-merism מִנַּ֨עַר וְעַד־זָקֵ֜ן 1 from young even to old This is a figure of speech that figuratively describes all of something by naming two extreme parts of it in order to include everything in between. You could express its meaning as UST does and say something like “every single one of them.” Alternate translation: “including young people and old people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EST 3 13 abn2 טַ֤ף וְנָשִׁים֙ 1 children and women Alternate translation: “including the children and the women”
EST 3 13 j35r translate-numbers בְּי֣וֹם אֶחָ֔ד 1 on one day Alternate translation: “on a single day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 3 13 abn3 figs-explicit בִּשְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר 1 on the thirteenth of the twelfth month Implicitly, this means “the thirteenth day of the twelfth month of that same year.” If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 13 g5br translate-ordinal בִּשְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר 1 on the thirteenth Alternate translation: “on day thirteen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 13 j36r translate-ordinal לְחֹ֥דֶשׁ שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר 1 of the twelfth month Alternate translation: “of month twelve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 13 i5ur translate-hebrewmonths הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֑ר 1 which is the month of Adar This is the name of the twelfth month of the Hebrew calendar. See how you decided in 2:16 and 3:7 to express dates that the story gives according to the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EST 3 13 pbp1 וּשְׁלָלָ֖ם לָבֽוֹז 1 and to plunder their spoils This means that the letters also said that those who killed the Jews could take everything that belonged to them.
EST 3 14 tj7n figs-activepassive הַכְּתָ֗ב לְהִנָּ֤תֵֽן דָּת֙ בְּכָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּמְדִינָ֔ה 1 the writing, to be given as a law in every province by province You can say this with an active form. For example, you can say, “The officials in every province presented a copy of the letter as the law.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 14 vga2 figs-idiom בְּכָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּמְדִינָ֔ה 1 In every province by province This expression means each and every province. See how you translated the term “province” in 1:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 14 l9w7 figs-activepassive הַכְּתָ֗ב…גָּל֖וּי לְכָל־הָֽעַמִּ֑ים 1 the writing…was uncovered for all the peoples You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “the letter told the officials to post copies where everyone could see them” or “the king commanded the officials to display copies of these letters where all the people could see them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 14 f6dc לִהְי֥וֹת עֲתִדִ֖ים לַיּ֥וֹם הַזֶּֽה 1 to be ready for this day Alternate translations: “so that people would be ready to do on that day what the king had written in the letter” or “so that they would get ready to do what the letter said to do when the day came”
EST 3 15 abn4 הָֽרָצִ֞ים יָצְא֤וּ דְחוּפִים֙ בִּדְבַ֣ר הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 The runners went out hurrying by decree of the king This means that the king had commanded the couriers to deliver the letters as quickly as possible.
EST 3 15 abn5 figs-explicit הָֽרָצִ֞ים יָצְא֤וּ דְחוּפִים֙ בִּדְבַ֣ר הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 The runners went out hurrying by decree of the king You can state explicitly where the couriers brought the letters. Alternate translation: “as the king had commanded, couriers rushed the letters to every province in the empire” or “then, according to what the king commanded, men riding horses took these letters quickly to every province in the empire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 15 i12c figs-activepassive וְהַדָּ֥ת נִתְּנָ֖ה 1 and the law was given You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. For example, you can say, “People read the letter out loud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 15 nlk8 translate-unknown בְּשׁוּשַׁ֣ן הַבִּירָ֑ה 1 in Susa the citadel Here this likely means in the “capital city of Susa.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 3 15 abn6 figs-synecdoche יָשְׁב֣וּ לִשְׁתּ֔וֹת 1 sat down to drink (1) This could mean that Ahasuerus and Haman had more than just a drink together. This could be a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to mean the whole thing. They may have celebrated with an entire banquet that is being described here by reference to one part of it, the drinks. Alternate translation: “had a celebration feast together” (2) Another possibility is that this is describing a toast that Ahasuerus and Haman shared to celebrate their plan. “Sat down” would simply be describing how the men would have reclined at a table to drink. Alternate translation: “had a celebration toast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 3 15 wm4u figs-explicit נָבֽוֹכָה 1 the city of Susa was in confusion The implication is that the people in Susa were very upset about what was going to happen and they did not know what to do about it. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 15 wbgv grammar-connect-logic-contrast וְהָעִ֥יר 1 The author wants us to see the contrast between the king and Haman sitting down to relax and drink and the people in the city agitated and in an uproar over what the king and Haman had proclaimed. Use a connecting word or other way that your language uses to show a contrast.
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EST 3 15 abn7 figs-metonymy וְהָעִ֥יר שׁוּשָׁ֖ן 1 but the city of Susa This does not mean the city itself, but the people who live there. This is a figure of speech in which something is called not by its own name, but by the name of something closely associated with it. So this means “everyone who lived in Susa” or the people in Susa (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 3 15 abn8 figs-abstractnouns נָבֽוֹכָה 1 was in confusion You can translate the abstract noun **confusion** with a verb phrase such as “was very confused.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 4 intro z7u2 0 # 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 that translators may not understand. The sentence, “Who knows whether you have come to this royal position for such a time as this?” means “maybe God made you the queen so you could save the Jews.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 1 j37r writing-participants וּמָרְדֳּכַ֗י יָדַע֙ 1 Now when Mordecai knew Here the story re-introduces Mordecai as the main character in focus. Alternate translation: “when Mordecai found out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EST 4 1 nya6 כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר נַעֲשָׂ֔ה 1 about all that had been done Alternate translation: “about Haman’s plan to kill all the Jews” or “about those letters”
EST 4 1 vgy8 translate-symaction וַיִּקְרַ֤ע מָרְדֳּכַי֙ אֶת־בְּגָדָ֔יו וַיִּלְבַּ֥שׁ שַׂ֖ק וָאֵ֑פֶר 1 he tore his garments and put on sackcloth and ashes These actions demonstrate extreme sadness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 4 1 abn9 figs-explicit וַיִּקְרַ֤ע מָרְדֳּכַי֙ אֶת־בְּגָדָ֔יו וַיִּלְבַּ֥שׁ שַׂ֖ק וָאֵ֑פֶר 1 he tore his garments and put on sackcloth and ashes You can explain why Mordecai did this. Alternate translation: “he was so anguished that he tore his clothes and put on rough sackcloth and threw ashes over himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 1 abo0 figs-explicit וַיֵּצֵא֙ בְּת֣וֹךְ הָעִ֔יר 1 he went out into the midst of the city The next verse shows that Mordecai was heading towards the king’s palace. You could say that explicitly here. Mordecai might have wanted to call attention to the danger that the Jews were in by going to a public location where people were used to seeing him. Or he might have wanted to contact Esther and ask her to help with the trouble. Or he might have wanted both. Alternate translation: “he started walking towards the city center, towards the king’s palace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 1 abo1 figs-doublet וַיִּזְעַ֛ק זְעָקָ֥ה גְדֹלָ֖ה וּמָרָֽה 1 and cried out a great and bitter outcry **Great** and **bitter** are two words that refer to the same thing and that work together. They indicate that Mordecai’s cry was so loud because it was so anguished. Alternate translation: “cried out in anguish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 4 2 abo2 וַיָּב֕וֹא 1 And he came **He** means Mordecai. Alternate translation: “Mordecai came”
EST 4 2 j38r figs-metonymy עַ֖ד לִפְנֵ֣י שַֽׁעַר־הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 only as far as before the face of the gate of the king Here, **face** figuratively represents the front of an object. The phrase means that Mordecai could not come inside the gate to the king’s palace, but had to wait just outside of it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 4 2 abo3 שַֽׁעַר־הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 the gate of the king See how you translated this in [2:19](../02/19.md). Alternate translation: “the gate to the king’s palace”
EST 4 2 abo4 grammar-connect-logic-result אֵ֥ין לָב֛וֹא אֶל־שַׁ֥עַר הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ בִּלְב֥וּשׁ שָֽׂק 1 no one was to come into the gate of the king while wearing sackcloth Alternate translation: “But no one who was wearing sackcloth was allowed inside the palace gates” If it would be clearer in your language, you can put this information first in the verse because it explains why Mordecai waited outside. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 4 3 e73y figs-idiom וּבְכָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּמְדִינָ֗ה 1 And in every province by province This expression means in every single province. See how you translated the term “province” in 1:1. Alternate translation: “in each and every province” or “in every province of the empire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 4 3 abo5 מְקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר דְּבַר־הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ וְדָתוֹ֙ מַגִּ֔יעַ 1 any place where the decree of the king and his law reached Alternate translation: “anywhere that the letter that said to destroy the Jews was announced in public”
EST 4 3 abo6 figs-doublet דְּבַר־הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ וְדָתוֹ֙ 1 the decree of the king and his law These two phrases are referring to the same thing, that is, the information that the letter conveyed. The repetition is used to emphasize how serious a situation this was. Alternate translation: “the letter from the king” or “the law that said to destroy the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 4 3 e7zx אֵ֤בֶל גָּדוֹל֙ לַיְּהוּדִ֔ים 1 there was great mourning by the Jews Alternate translation: “the Jews mourned greatly” or “when the Jews heard about it, they mourned greatly”
EST 4 3 abo7 figs-explicit וְצ֥וֹם 1 and fasting **Fasting** is a sign of mourning. If your readers would not understand this, you could state it explicitly. Alternate translation: “they went without food because they were so upset” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 3 abo8 figs-doublet וּבְכִ֖י וּמִסְפֵּ֑ד 1 weeping, and lamenting These two words mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how distressed the Jews were. Alternate translation: “wailed loudly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 4 3 djf6 translate-symaction שַׂ֣ק וָאֵ֔פֶר יֻצַּ֖ע לָֽרַבִּֽים 1 sackcloth and ashes were laid out by the multitudes These were actions that demonstrated deep grief. “Many of them lay on the ground, dressed in sackcloth and sitting in ashes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 4 4 q7ll נַעֲר֨וֹת אֶסְתֵּ֤ר 1 the young female attendants of Esther Alternate translation: “Esther’s female servants” of “Esther’s maids”
EST 4 4 abo9 translate-unknown וְסָרִיסֶ֨יהָ֙ 1 and her eunuchs See how you translated this term in [1:10](../01/10.md). Alternate translation: “her male servants” or “her other officials” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 4 4 abp0 figs-explicit וַיַּגִּ֣ידוּ לָ֔הּ 1 and they told her That is, they told her that Mordecai was sitting outside the gate wearing sackcloth. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 4 abp1 figs-activepassive וַתִּתְחַלְחַ֥ל הַמַּלְכָּ֖ה מְאֹ֑ד 1 even the queen was seized with extreme fear **The queen** means Esther. You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Esther herself became very afraid” or “this made the queen very distressed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 4 4 abp2 figs-explicit וַתִּתְחַלְחַ֥ל הַמַּלְכָּ֖ה מְאֹ֑ד 1 even the queen was seized with extreme fear The implication is that this happened when she heard what Mordecai was doing. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “When she heard about this, Esther herself became very afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 4 y8bc translate-symaction וַתִּשְׁלַ֨ח בְּגָדִ֜ים לְהַלְבִּ֣ישׁ אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַ֗י 1 she sent garments to clothe Mordecai and to take off his sackcloth from upon him **She** means Esther. This was her way of encouraging Mordecai to be hopeful and act publicly as if whatever situation he was worried about were not completely desperate. Alternate translation: “she sent servants to take to Mordecai some good clothes to wear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 4 4 abp3 translate-symaction וְלֹ֥א קִבֵּֽל 1 he did not accept Alternate translation: “he refused to put them on” This was Mordecai’s way of replying to Esther that the situation truly was desperate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 4 5 abp4 וַתִּקְרָא֩ אֶסְתֵּ֨ר לַהֲתָ֜ךְ מִסָּרִיסֵ֤י הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 So Esther called for Hathak, from the eunuchs of the king Alternative translation: “then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king’s officials”
EST 4 5 vf4m translate-names לַהֲתָ֜ךְ 1 for Hathak This is a man’s name. It occurs several times in this chapter. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 4 5 lp8m writing-background מִסָּרִיסֵ֤י הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֶעֱמִ֣יד לְפָנֶ֔יהָ 1 from the eunuchs of the king whom he had caused to stand before her face Alternate translation: “who was one of the royal guardians whom the king had assigned to serve Esther personally” You can put this information first because it provides background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 4 5 icg7 translate-unknown מִסָּרִיסֵ֤י 1 from the eunuchs of See how you translated this term **eunuch** in [1:10](../01/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 4 5 j39r figs-metonymy לְפָנֶ֔יהָ 1 before her face Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase means that the guardians served Esther personally. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 4 5 abp6 figs-parallelism לָדַ֥עַת מַה־זֶּ֖ה וְעַל־מַה־זֶּֽה 1 to know what this was and on account of what this was These two phrases mean similar things. In both cases, “this” refers to what Mordecai was doing. The repetition is used to emphasize that Esther now knew there must be a very serious reason why Mordecai was wearing sackcloth in such a public place. Alternate translation: “to find out why he was so distressed that he was sitting at the palace gate wearing sackcloth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 4 6 abp7 figs-explicit וַיֵּצֵ֥א הֲתָ֖ךְ אֶֽל־מָרְדֳּכָ֑י 1 So Hathak went out to Mordecai Hathak went out specifically to speak with Mordecai and find out why he was so distressed, as Esther had asked him to do. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Hathak went out to speak with Mordecai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 6 mgl5 רְח֣וֹב הָעִ֔יר 1 the open place of the city Alternate translation: “the central plaza”
EST 4 6 j41r figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֥י 1 before the face of Here, **face** figuratively represents the front of an object. The phrase means that the open square was in front of the palace gate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 4 6 abp8 figs-metonymy שַֽׁעַר־הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the gate of the king Alternate translation: “the citadel gate” The citadel is being described by reference to something associated with it, the gate that leads into it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 4 7 zq3s figs-synecdoche אֵ֖ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר קָרָ֑הוּ 1 Mordecai reported to him all that had happened to him Here, **him** refers to Mordecai, but here Mordecai figuratively represents the entire group of which he is a member. Alternate translation: “everything that Haman was planning to do to the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 4 7 abp9 פָּרָשַׁ֣ת הַכֶּ֗סֶף אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָמַ֤ר הָמָן֙ לִ֠שְׁקוֹל עַל־גִּנְזֵ֥י הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ בַּיְּהוּדִ֖ים לְאַבְּדָֽם 1 the exact amount of silver that Haman had said to weigh out in the treasuries of the king, against, to destroy them This could mean either of two possibilities: (1) the amount of silver that Haman said the king would get for his treasury from the plunder that the people who destroyed the Jews would take from them, or (2) the amount of silver that Haman had said he would contribute to pay for the expenses of the plan to destroy the Jews. You could say either one as an alternate translation, but it should agree with your interpretation of [3:9](../03/09.md).
EST 4 8 j43r פַּתְשֶׁ֣גֶן כְּתָֽב־הַ֠דָּת 1 a copy of the writing Alternate translation: “a copy of the letter that Haman had sent out” or “a copy of the decree”
EST 4 8 zt49 figs-activepassive הַ֠דָּת אֲשֶׁר־נִתַּ֨ן בְּשׁוּשָׁ֤ן 1 the law that had been given in Susa If it would help your readers to understand, you can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “the law that the heralds had read out loud in Susa” or “the decree that the king's servants had posted in Susa” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 4 8 abq0 לְהַשְׁמִידָם֙ 1 to annihilate them Alternative translation: “that said that all the Jews must be killed”
EST 4 8 abq1 figs-parallelism לְהַרְא֥וֹת אֶת־אֶסְתֵּ֖ר וּלְהַגִּ֣יד לָ֑הּ 1 in order to show Esther, and to inform her These two phrases mean similar things. They are repeated to emphasize how important Mordecai knew it was for Esther to understand just what Haman was planning. “so that Esther could see exactly what it said.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 4 8 abq2 וּלְצַוּ֣וֹת עָלֶ֗יהָ 1 and to lay a charge upon her Alternate translation: “and to urge her”
EST 4 8 gds6 figs-doublet לְהִֽתְחַנֶּן־ל֛וֹ וּלְבַקֵּ֥שׁ 1 to implore his favor and to seek These two phrases mean similar things. They are repeated to emphasize the force of the action that Mordecai felt was needed. Alternate translation: “to plead with him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 4 8 j47r figs-metonymy מִלְּפָנָ֖יו 1 to go to the king…from before his face Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. In this context, the phrase means that Esther should go into the presence of the king to ask personally for the king’s intervention. Alternate translation: “to go to the king personally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 4 8 abq3 עַל־עַמָּֽהּ 1 concerning her people Alternate translation: “to act mercifully toward her people”
EST 4 10 abq5 וַתֹּ֤אמֶר אֶסְתֵּר֙ לַהֲתָ֔ךְ וַתְּצַוֵּ֖הוּ אֶֽל־מָרְדֳּכָֽי 1 Then Esther spoke to Hathak and commanded him to say to Mordecai: Alternate translation: “then Esther told Hathak to go back to Mordecai and tell him this”
EST 4 11 abq6 figs-merism כָּל־עַבְדֵ֣י הַמֶּ֡לֶךְ וְעַם־מְדִינ֨וֹת הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ יֽוֹדְעִ֗ים 1 All the servants of the king and the people of the provinces of the king are knowing **All the servants of the king** refers to the royal officials in the palace. **The people of the provinces** refers to those living out in the empire. So this phrase means something like “those both near and far.” Esther is using a figure of speech to refer to something by speaking of two extreme parts of it in order to include everything in between those parts. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases and say something like, “everyone in the whole empire knows.” Alternate translation: “all the king's officials and all the people in the empire know this law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EST 4 11 abq7 כָּל־עַבְדֵ֣י הַמֶּ֡לֶךְ וְעַם־מְדִינ֨וֹת הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ יֽוֹדְעִ֗ים 1 All the servants of the king and the people of the provinces of the king are knowing Esther says this to show that there is no uncertainty about this being the law. You can put this information after the description of the law itself, if that would be clearer in your language, so that it can serve to emphasize how definite the law is that was just described.
EST 4 11 d9mh figs-merism כָּל־אִ֣ישׁ וְאִשָּׁ֡ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר 1 for any man or woman Here, Esther once again refers to a group figuratively by describing two parts of it. She means all of the people whom Ahasuerus rules as king. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases and say something like “anyone”. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EST 4 11 abq8 translate-symaction יָבֽוֹא־אֶל־הַמֶּלֶךְ֩ אֶל־הֶחָצֵ֨ר הַפְּנִימִ֜ית 1 who goes to the king, to the inner court As [5:1](../05/01.md) makes clear, this refers to a courtyard right outside the room where King Ahasuerus sat on his throne. He could see out of the entrance to the room into the courtyard and tell if anyone came and stood there. Anyone who did that was asking to speak to the king. Alternate translation: “who goes into the inner courtyard of the palace, where the king can see them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 4 11 abq9 figs-activepassive אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹֽא־יִקָּרֵ֗א 1 who has not been called If it would help your readers to understand, you can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “when the king has not summoned that person” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 4 11 abr0 אַחַ֤ת דָּתוֹ֙ 1 his law is one Alternate translation: “this law applies to everyone in the kingdom” If that would be clearer in your language, you could put this after the explanation of the law itself.
EST 4 11 abr1 לְהָמִ֔ית 1 to cause to die Alternate translation: “that person must be executed” or “the guards will kill that person”
EST 4 11 abr2 translate-symaction לְ֠בַד מֵאֲשֶׁ֨ר יֽוֹשִׁיט־ל֥וֹ הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ אֶת־שַׁרְבִ֥יט הַזָּהָ֖ב 1 apart from when the king holds out to him the scepter of gold, then he will live If the king pointed his scepter toward a person, that meant that the king was accepting him. Alternate translation: “unless the king extends his golden scepter towards him”
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 4 11 abr3 translate-unknown שַׁרְבִ֥יט הַזָּהָ֖ב 1 the scepter of gold A scepter was an ornamental staff or wand that rulers carried or held as a symbol of their authority. According to this, the scepter of King Ahasuerus was made of gold. Alternate translation: “golden scepter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 4 11 ilp4 figs-explicit וְחָיָ֑ה 1 This means that the guards will not kill this person and he can proceed to speak to the king. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “then the guards will not kill him and he can speak to the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 11 abr4 figs-explicit וַאֲנִ֗י לֹ֤א נִקְרֵ֨אתי֙ לָב֣וֹא אֶל־הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ זֶ֖ה שְׁלוֹשִׁ֥ים יֽוֹם 1 But as for me, I have not been called to come to the king these thirty days Esther is saying by implication that she cannot speak to the king as Mordecai has requested because the king has not been calling for her, which would have given her an opportunity to speak to him. If she goes without being summoned, she could be put to death. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 11 j49r grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַאֲנִ֗י 1 But as for me This expression indicates a contrast between Esther’s present situation and the situation she has just described. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EST 4 11 abr5 זֶ֖ה שְׁלוֹשִׁ֥ים יֽוֹם 1 these 30 days The phrase means that Esther has not been called in the king’s presence for a period of at least 30 days. You could use an equivalent expression in your language that would indicate this is a long enough time that Esther has reason to believe the king is not interested in seeing her. Alternate translation: “in over a month”
EST 4 11 gv1v translate-numbers זֶ֖ה שְׁלוֹשִׁ֥ים יֽוֹם 1 these 30 days Alternate translation: “thirty days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 4 12 abr6 וַיַּגִּ֣ידוּ לְמָרְדֳּכָ֔י 1 So they told to Mordecai the words of Esther From this point on, the author focuses only on Mordecai and Esther and does not specify who the messenger is. You can use a general phrase such as, “they told Mordecai” or “Mordecai was told” or “messengers told Mordecai.” If that would be confusing, you can continue to specify that the messenger was Hathak, as the ancient Greek version did. See the UST.
EST 4 13 abr7 וַיֹּ֥אמֶר מָרְדֳּכַ֖י לְהָשִׁ֣יב אֶל־אֶסְתֵּ֑ר 1 Then Mordecai said to return to Esther Alternate translation: “then Mordecai sent back this message to Esther”
EST 4 14 i1uy figs-personification רֶ֣וַח וְהַצָּלָ֞ה יַעֲמ֤וֹד לַיְּהוּדִים֙ מִמָּק֣וֹם אַחֵ֔ר 1 relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place Here, **relief** and **deliverance** 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EST 4 14 t3k7 figs-doublet רֶ֣וַח וְהַצָּלָ֞ה 1 Here, **relief** and **deliverance** mean very similar things. They are used together to emphasize the great emotion behind being delivered from this great evil. If it works better in your language, you can use one word instead of two, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 4 14 abs0 וְאַ֥תְּ וּבֵית־אָבִ֖יךְ תֹּאבֵ֑דוּ 1 but you and the house of your father will perish Alternate translation: “you and your relatives will be killed” The implication is that the Jews will be rescued starting in that other place, but the ones living in Susa will still be in danger because no one who could have helped them there (such as Esther) would have done anything.
EST 4 14 dtg7 figs-rquestion וּמִ֣י יוֹדֵ֔עַ אִם־לְעֵ֣ת כָּזֹ֔את הִגַּ֖עַתְּ לַמַּלְכֽוּת 1 And who knows if you have arrived at royalty for such a time as this? This is really a statement, and it is about what is happening right then. Mordecai asks it in question form so that Esther will think deeply about her role in this situation. Alternate translation: “who knows, perhaps it was to intervene in this very situation that you became queen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EST 4 16 d6cq figs-activepassive כָּל־הַיְּהוּדִ֜ים הַֽנִּמְצְאִ֣ים בְּשׁוּשָׁ֗ן 1 all the Jews who are found in Susa You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “all the Jews who live here in Susa” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 4 16 t2wg translate-symaction וְצ֣וּמוּ עָ֠לַי 1 And fast on account of me The verb **fast** here is plural, including Mordecai and all of the Jews. Fasting (that is, going without eating) was a symbolic act that the Jews did when they were praying intensely. You could make the connection with prayer explicit. Alternate translation: “fast and pray for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 4 16 qw8v translate-numbers וְאַל־תֹּאכְל֨וּ וְאַל־תִּשְׁתּ֜וּ שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת יָמִים֙ לַ֣יְלָה וָי֔וֹם 1 neither eating nor drinking for three days, both night and day This expression means that Esther was asking the Jews in Susa not to eat or drink anything during the day or the night for a period of three days. Alternate translation: “tell them to not eat or drink anything for three days and three nights”
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 4 16 j51r גַּם־אֲנִ֥י וְנַעֲרֹתַ֖י אָצ֣וּם כֵּ֑ן 1 Also, I myself and my young female attendants will fast likewise Alternate translation: “my maids and I will also fast”
EST 4 16 abs2 וּבְכֵ֞ן 1 Then, in such circumstances Alternate translation: “after we have all done that, and while still fasting”
EST 4 16 abs3 אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹֽא־כַדָּ֔ת 1 which is not according to the law Alternate translation: “even though there is a law against going without being summoned”
EST 4 16 abs4 וְכַאֲשֶׁ֥ר אָבַ֖דְתִּי אָבָֽדְתִּי 1 and if I perish, I perish Alternate translation: “then if they kill me, they kill me”
EST 4 17 abs5 figs-explicit וַֽיַּעֲבֹ֖ר מָרְדֳּכָ֑י 1 So Mordecai went The implication is that Mordecai did this after Hathak brought Esther’s reply back to him. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “so after Hathak told this to Mordecai, he went” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 17 abs6 כְּכֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוְּתָ֥ה עָלָ֖יו אֶסְתֵּֽר 1 according to the whole charge that Esther had laid upon him Alternate translation: “everything that Esther had told him to do”
EST 5 intro k5ff 0 # 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 1 j53r writing-newevent וַיְהִ֣י ׀ בַּיּ֣וֹם הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֗י 1 Now it happened on the third day This introduces a new event in the story. Alternate translation: “three days later” or “when Esther had been fasting for three days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 5 1 abs7 figs-abstractnouns וַתִּלְבַּ֤שׁ אֶסְתֵּר֙ מַלְכ֔וּת 1 Esther put on royalty You can use an adjective and a concrete noun to translate the abstract noun “royalty,” as in the UST, or you could use a phrase to explain what they were. Alternate translation: “Esther put on the robes that showed that she was the queen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 5 1 abs8 figs-explicit וַתִּלְבַּ֤שׁ אֶסְתֵּר֙ מַלְכ֔וּת 1 Esther put on royalty It is clear from the story that before she went to see the king, Esther got a banquet ready so that she could invite him and Haman to come to it right away. If it is confusing to leave that out, you can explain that here. Alternate translation, add: “Esther prepared a grand banquet and then put on her royal robes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 1 abs9 בַּחֲצַ֤ר בֵּית־הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הַפְּנִימִ֔ית 1 the inner court of the palace of the king See how you translated this in [4:11](../04/11.md). Alternate translation: “the inner courtyard of the palace”
EST 5 1 uk7p נֹ֖כַח בֵּ֣ית הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 opposite to the house of the king Alternate translation: “across from the room where the king was”
EST 5 1 abt0 figs-abstractnouns וְ֠הַמֶּלֶךְ יוֹשֵׁ֞ב עַל־כִּסֵּ֤א מַלְכוּתוֹ֙ בְּבֵ֣ית הַמַּלְכ֔וּת 1 sitting on the throne of his royalty in the palace of royalty **Royalty** is an abstract noun that refers to those things that belonged only to the king. You can translate this idea with a verb, “the throne he ruled from” and “the palace where he reigned,” or with an adjective, “his royal throne” and “his royal palace.” Alternate translation: “in the throne room of the palace, sitting on the king's throne” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 5 1 j55r נֹ֖כַח פֶּ֥תַח הַבָּֽיִת 1 opposite to the entrance of the palace Alternate translation: “facing the entrance of the room”
EST 5 2 abt1 grammar-connect-time-sequential וַיְהִי֩ 1 Then it happened that This expression introduces what happened next. Alternate translation: “Now” or “and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EST 5 2 abt2 כִרְא֨וֹת 1 as soon as…saw Alternate translation: “when … noticed”
EST 5 2 j57r figs-idiom נָשְׂאָ֥ה חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינָ֑יו 1 she lifted favor in his eyes See how you translated similar expressions in 2:9, 2:15, and 2:17. Review the explanations there if that would be helpful. In this context, it probably means that King Ahasuerus **thought Esther looked very attractive** as she stood in the court. It could also mean that King Ahasuerus was very pleased to see her. It could mean both. Alternate translation: “he was very pleased to see her” or “he approved of her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 5 2 pw4x figs-metaphor נָשְׂאָ֥ה חֵ֖ן בְּעֵינָ֑יו 1 she lifted favor in his eyes Here, **eyes** figuratively represent seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. This phrase means that King Ahasuerus decided not to kill Esther for coming into the inner court without being summoned. Alternate translation: “he was very pleased to see her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 5 2 uu8s translate-symaction וַיּ֨וֹשֶׁט הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ לְאֶסְתֵּ֗ר אֶת־שַׁרְבִ֤יט הַזָּהָב֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּיָד֔וֹ 1 And the king held out to her the golden scepter that was in his hand King Ahasuerus did this to show that he would not enforce the law that said that Esther should be executed for coming into the king’s inner court without being summoned. See how you translated this in 4:11. Alternate translation: “he extended the gold scepter toward her.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 5 2 abt3 figs-explicit וַיּ֨וֹשֶׁט הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ לְאֶסְתֵּ֗ר אֶת־שַׁרְבִ֤יט הַזָּהָב֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּיָד֔וֹ 1 And the king held out to her the golden scepter that was in his hand King Ahasuerus did this to show that he would not enforce the law that said Esther should be executed. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “he extended the gold scepter toward her to signal that he would be glad to talk to her.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 2 abt4 וַתִּקְרַ֣ב 1 so…approached Alternate translation; “so … came close” or “so … came up to the throne”
EST 5 2 z4mn translate-symaction וַתִּגַּ֖ע בְּרֹ֥אשׁ הַשַּׁרְבִֽיט 1 and touched the head of the scepter This action was probably customary for a king’s subjects in a Persian court, when the king extended the royal scepter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 5 2 abt5 figs-explicit וַתִּגַּ֖ע בְּרֹ֥אשׁ הַשַּׁרְבִֽיט 1 and touched the head of the scepter This action demonstrated that Esther respected the authority of King Ahasuerus and was thankful for his kindness to her. If it would be helpful for your readers, you could include that information here, such as: “… to show that she respected his authority.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 2 j59r figs-metonymy בְּרֹ֥אשׁ הַשַּׁרְבִֽיט 1 the head of the scepter Here, **head** is a metonym meaning the top (or uppermost part) of an object or location. This phrase means that Esther touched the top of the king’s scepter on the end that was extended toward her. Alternate translation: “the top of the scepter” or “the tip of the scepter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 5 3 abt6 מַה־לָּ֖ךְ אֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַמַּלְכָּ֑ה 1 What is to you, Esther the queen? Alternate translation: “What do you want, Queen Esther?”
EST 5 3 abt7 figs-parallelism מַה־לָּ֖ךְ אֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַמַּלְכָּ֑ה וּמַה־בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ 1 What is to you, Esther the queen? And what is your request? These two phrases mean almost the same thing. Ahasuerus says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show that he is very interested in hearing why Esther has come to see him. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if it would be more natural in your language to combine them into one. Alternate translation: “What do you want, Queen Esther?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 5 3 j61r figs-hyperbole עַד־חֲצִ֥י הַמַּלְכ֖וּת וְיִנָּ֥תֵֽן לָֽךְ 1 As much as half of the kingdom, and let it be given to you This was probably a formal and customary expression in the Persian royal court, meant to show honor to the person making a request of the king and to indicate the king’s willingness to be very generous when answering the request. King Ahasuerus was almost certainly not offering to give Esther half of his kingdom. If it would be clearer to your readers, you could express the meaning: “I will give you anything you ask for, no matter how great it is.” Alternate translation: “I will give you what you want, even if you ask me to give you half of my kingdom!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EST 5 3 c6h7 figs-activepassive וְיִנָּ֥תֵֽן לָֽךְ 1 and let it be given to you You can say this with an active form, and you can say who will do the action. Alternate translation: “I will give you anything you ask for” or “I will give you what you want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 5 4 abt8 figs-idiom אִם־עַל־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ ט֑וֹב 1 If it is good to the king This is an idiom. See how you translated it in 1:19 and 3:9. Alternate translation: “If it seems like a good idea to you, O king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 5 4 m3uy figs-123person אִם־עַל־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ ט֑וֹב 1 If it is good to the king Esther speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “if it seems like a good idea to you, O king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 4 j63r figs-123person יָב֨וֹא הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ וְהָמָן֙ 1 let the king come with Haman Esther speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “O king, please come with Haman” or “you and Haman come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 4 abt9 figs-123person הַמִּשְׁתֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁר־עָשִׂ֥יתִי לֽוֹ 1 the banquet that I have made for him Esther speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “the banquet that I have prepared for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 4 abu0 figs-yousingular הַמִּשְׁתֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁר־עָשִׂ֥יתִי לֽוֹ 1 the banquet that I have made for him If you decide to translate this as “the banquet that I have prepared for you,” then the word “you” should be singular, since here it refers just to the king. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-yousingular]])
EST 5 5 abu1 figs-explicit וַיֹּ֣אמֶר הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Then the king said The king would have said this to his servants, not to Esther. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “The king said to his servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 5 abu2 מַהֲרוּ֙ אֶת־הָמָ֔ן לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת אֶת־דְּבַ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֑ר 1 Bring Haman quickly, in order to do the word of Esther The **word of Esther** means her invitation to the banquet. Alternate translation: “go and get Haman and bring him quickly to the banquet that Esther has prepared”
EST 5 5 abu3 עָשְׂתָ֥ה 1 had made Alternate translation: “had prepared for them”
EST 5 6 d5wr figs-parallelism מַה־שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֖ךְ וְיִנָּ֣תֵֽן לָ֑ךְ וּמַה־בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ עַד־חֲצִ֥י הַמַּלְכ֖וּת וְתֵעָֽשׂ 1 What is your petition? And let it be given to you. And what is your request? As much as half of the kingdom, and let it be done. These two question-and-statement pairs mean almost the same thing. Ahasuerus says the same thing twice in slightly different ways to show that he is truly disposed to give Esther whatever she wants. If this is confusing, you do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation. You could combine them into one or replace the repetition with a statement of what the repetition means, as in the UST. Alternate translation: “now please tell me what you really want. I will do it for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 5 6 pj3p figs-explicit מַה־שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֖ךְ וְיִנָּ֣תֵֽן לָ֑ךְ וּמַה־בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ עַד־חֲצִ֥י הַמַּלְכ֖וּת וְתֵעָֽשׂ 1 What is your petition? When Ahasuerus asked Esther in the throne room what she wanted, she said that she wanted him and Haman to come to a banquet she had prepared. But since the king asks her once again at the banquet what she wants, it is clear that he knew this was not her real request. Instead, he knew that she wanted to show him hospitality first, as a gesture of respect for him and their relationship. You can indicate this by translating, “Now please tell me what you really want.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 6 q5nt figs-abstractnouns שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֖ךְ…בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ 1 your petition…your request The two abstract nouns **petition** and **request** can be expressed with a single phrase using the verb “want.” Alternate translation: “what you really want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 5 6 e2v2 figs-activepassive וְיִנָּ֣תֵֽן…וְתֵעָֽשׂ 1 And let it be given to you…let it be done You can capture these parallel passive statements with one statement using an active form. Alternate translation: “I will give you anything you ask for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 5 6 j65r עַד־חֲצִ֥י הַמַּלְכ֖וּת 1 As much as half of the kingdom See how you translated this expression in [5:3](../05/03.md). Review the explanation there if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “I will give you anything you ask for, no matter how great it is”
EST 5 7 abu5 figs-hendiadys וַתַּ֥עַן…וַתֹּאמַ֑ר 1 Then…answered and said Here a single idea is being expressed by using two words connected with “and.” Together the two words mean that Esther responded to the question that the king asked her. Alternate translation: “answered” or “replied” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 5 7 r4aw figs-doublet שְׁאֵלָתִ֖י וּבַקָּשָׁתִֽי 1 My petition and my request The words **petition** and **request** mean the same thing. Esther probably used these words together as a way of speaking very formally and respectfully to the king. Alternate translation: “this is what I want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 5 7 abu6 figs-abstractnouns שְׁאֵלָתִ֖י וּבַקָּשָׁתִֽי 1 My petition and my request The two abstract nouns **petition** and **request** can be expressed with a single phrase using the verb “want.” Alternate translation: “this is what I want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 5 8 c2br figs-idiom אִם־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֜ן בְּעֵינֵ֣י הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 if I have found favor in the eyes of the king The expression **find favor** means to gain the approval or acceptance of another person. Alternate translation: “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 5 8 abu7 figs-metaphor אִם־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֜ן בְּעֵינֵ֣י הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 if I have found favor in the eyes of the king Here, **eyes** figuratively represent seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. The phrase means the King Ahasuerus is pleased with Esther and willing to grant her request. Alternate translation: “if the king evaluates me and approves” or “if the king is pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 5 8 c2jy figs-123person אִם־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֜ן בְּעֵינֵ֣י הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 if I have found favor in the eyes of the king Esther speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “if you evaluate me and approve” or “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 8 abu8 figs-idiom וְאִם־עַל־הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ ט֔וֹב 1 if it is good to the king This is an idiom. See how you translated it in [1:19](../01/19.md), [3:9](../03/09.md), and [5:4](../05/04.md). Alternate translation: “If it seems like a good idea to you, O king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 5 8 j69r figs-doublet לָתֵת֙ אֶת־שְׁאֵ֣לָתִ֔י וְלַעֲשׂ֖וֹת אֶת־בַּקָּשָׁתִ֑י 1 to grant my petition and to perform my request The phrases **to grant my petition** and **to perform my request** mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “to do what I want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 5 8 x8hf figs-123person יָב֧וֹא הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ וְהָמָ֗ן אֶל־הַמִּשְׁתֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֣ה לָהֶ֔ם 1 let the king come with Haman to the banquet that I will make for them Esther speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “please come with Haman to another banquet that I will prepare for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 8 j71r figs-youdual יָב֧וֹא הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ וְהָמָ֗ן אֶל־הַמִּשְׁתֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֣ה לָהֶ֔ם 1 let the king come with Haman to the banquet that I will make for them If you decide to translate this as “the banquet that I have prepared for you,” then the word “you” should be dual if your language uses that form, since it refers to the king and Haman, otherwise it should be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EST 5 8 abu9 וּמָחָ֥ר אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה כִּדְבַ֥ר הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 and tomorrow I will do according to the word of the king The **word of the king** means his request for Esther to tell him what she wants. Alternate translation: “I will answer your question then”
EST 5 8 gf9b figs-123person כִּדְבַ֥ר הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 according to the word of the king Esther speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “according to your word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 9 abv1 וַיֵּצֵ֤א 1 And…went out Alternate translation: “and … left the banquet”
EST 5 9 j73r figs-doublet שָׂמֵ֖חַ וְט֣וֹב לֵ֑ב 1 joyful and good of heart The word **joyful** and the phrase **good of heart** mean the same thing. These terms are used together to show that Haman was very happy after attending Esther’s banquet with King Ahasuerus. Alternate translation: “feeling very good” [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]
EST 5 9 j75r figs-metaphor וְט֣וֹב לֵ֑ב 1 and good of heart Here, **heart** figuratively represents the action of thinking or feeling. The phrase means that Haman felt happy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 5 9 dkg6 figs-explicit וְלֹא־קָם֙ 1 that he neither rose up Under other circumstances, officials were expected to bow low to the ground to show respect for Haman. See [3:2](../03/02.md). But since Mordecai was already sitting on the ground as a sign of mourning, he would have been expected to stand up to show respect. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Mordecai did not stand up to show respect for Haman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 9 j77r translate-symaction וְלֹא־זָ֣ע מִמֶּ֔נּוּ 1 nor trembled from him The phrase means that Mordecai was not afraid of Haman or of what Haman might do to him for refusing to show the respect that the king had commanded. Alternate translation: “or tremble fearfully in front of him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 5 9 s47u figs-metaphor וַיִּמָּלֵ֥א הָמָ֛ן עַֽל־מָרְדֳּכַ֖י חֵמָֽה 1 then Haman was filled with rage on account of Mordecai Here, **Haman’s rage** is described as something that could fill him up. See how you translated this expression in [3:5](../03/05.md). Alternate translation: “Haman became very angry because of Mordecai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 5 10 v5nl grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַיִּתְאַפַּ֣ק הָמָ֔ן 1 But Haman restrained himself There is a contrast between this sentence and the previous one. Haman felt very much like doing one thing, but he decided it would be better to do something else. The contrast can be indicated with a phrase such as “but even though.” Alternate translation: “but even though Haman was so angry, he kept himself from losing his temper” or “Haman refused to show how angry he was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EST 5 10 bcn1 translate-names זֶ֥רֶשׁ 1 Zeresh This is a woman’s name. It occurs several times in this chapter and the next. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 5 11 abv4 וַיְסַפֵּ֨ר לָהֶ֥ם 1 Then…recounted Alternate translation: “then … made a long speech to them about”
EST 5 11 mvm5 figs-abstractnouns כְּב֥וֹד עָשְׁר֖וֹ 1 the glory of his wealth **Glory** and **wealth** 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 5 11 j79r translate-symaction וְרֹ֣ב בָּנָ֑יו 1 and the multitude of his sons Having many sons was probably seen as a mark of honor and status in Persian culture. This phrase probably means that Haman was boasting about the status he enjoyed in Persian society because he had many sons. Alternate translation: “how many sons he had” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 5 11 abv5 figs-gendernotations בָּנָ֑יו 1 his sons This word can sometimes be used in Hebrew to mean both male and female children. However, here it clearly refers to male children, so you should translate it that way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EST 5 11 m7fq גִּדְּל֤וֹ 1 made him great Alternate translation: “how the king had continually given him more authority” or “how the king had honored him many times by giving him more important work”
EST 5 11 b7c5 figs-metaphor נִשְּׂא֔וֹ עַל 1 he had lifted him over Here, **lifting** is a metaphor meaning to “advance” or “promote” a person to a higher, more important position than they had previously. Alternate translation: “given him a position more important than” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 5 11 abv6 figs-explicit הַשָּׂרִ֖ים וְעַבְדֵ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the officials and administrators of the king This means all of the others, as [3:1](../03/01.md) makes clear. Alternate translation: “all of his other officials and administrators” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 11 xwvh figs-doublet הַשָּׂרִ֖ים וְעַבְדֵ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 The words **officials** and **administrators** mean similar things. If your language uses one word for these, you can combine them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 5 12 abv7 figs-exclamations אַ֣ף 1 In addition Alternate translation: “and that is not all” You can translate it as an exclamation because Haman believes he has saved the best for last and is now introducing what he considers to be his most recent significant honor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
EST 5 12 w1bm figs-doublenegatives לֹא־הֵבִיאָה֩ אֶסְתֵּ֨ר הַמַּלְכָּ֧ה עִם־הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ…כִּ֣י אִם־אוֹתִ֑י 1 Esther the queen did not bring anyone with the king…except me This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “I was the only one Queen Esther invited besides the king” or “Queen Esther invited just two of us, the king and me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EST 5 12 abv8 עָשָׂ֖תָה 1 she had made Alternate translation: “she had prepared”
EST 5 12 abv9 figs-activepassive וְגַם־לְמָחָ֛ר אֲנִ֥י קָֽרוּא־לָ֖הּ עִם־הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 And also for tomorrow, I am called by her with the king You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “and she has invited me to attend another banquet with the king again tomorrow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 5 13 abw0 figs-metaphor וְכָל־זֶ֕ה אֵינֶ֥נּוּ שֹׁוֶ֖ה לִ֑י בְּכָל־עֵ֗ת אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֲנִ֤י רֹאֶה֙ 1 But all of this is not equal for me to every time that I see This is a figurative way of speaking. It is as if Haman is weighing his happiness on one side of a scale and his unhappiness on the other side. Haman is saying that his happiness over all the honors he has received is still not greater than his unhappiness over seeing Mordecai fail to honor him, so on balance, he is unhappy. Alternate translation: “I still cannot be happy as long as I keep seeing” or “all of this does not make me happy” or “… does not satisfy me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 5 13 wu84 וְכָל־זֶ֕ה 1 But all of this Haman is continuing to speak here. You can show this by beginning with “Then Haman said.”
EST 5 13 abw1 figs-informremind הַיְּהוּדִ֔י 1 the Jew This phrase gives clarifying information about Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 5 13 abw2 figs-explicit יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּשַׁ֥עַר הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 sitting at the gate of the king Haman could be referring to the way Mordecai has been refusing to stand up to honor him, or he could be referring generally to the way Mordecai has never honored him (by either bowing or standing up) ever since he was appointed to a position in the king’s service and stationed at the gate. Either way, being reminded of this dishonor is the reason why Haman continues to be unhappy. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “sitting at the citadel gate and refusing to honor me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 13 abw3 בְּשַׁ֥עַר הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the gate of the king Alternate translation: “the citadel gate”
EST 5 14 abw4 figs-explicit וַתֹּ֣אמֶר לוֹ֩ זֶ֨רֶשׁ אִשְׁתּ֜וֹ וְכָל־אֹֽהֲבָ֗יו 1 Then…said to him The verb is feminine, so it is Zeresh who is speaking here. By mentioning the friends, it is implied that they are in agreement with what she says. If it would be clearer, you could say, “Then Haman's wife Zeresh suggested, and his friends agreed.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 14 j81r וְכָל־אֹֽהֲבָ֗יו 1 with all his friends This means the friends whom Haman had invited to his home that day. Alternate translation: “his friends who were there”
EST 5 14 abw5 figs-explicit יַֽעֲשׂוּ 1 Let them make You can say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “have your servants set up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 14 i2f3 figs-metonymy עֵץ֮ 1 a tree See how you translated this in [2:23](../02/23.md). Review the note there if that would be helpful. Be sure your translation is consistent in the chapters that follow. Alternate translation: “wooden pole” or “gallows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 5 14 k8zd translate-bdistance גָּבֹ֣הַּ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים אַמָּה֒ 1 50 cubits high You can convert this to a modern measure if that is the style of translation that you are using. Alternate translation: “seventy-five feet high” or “twenty-five meters high” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EST 5 14 hiui figs-explicit אֱמֹ֣ר לַמֶּ֗לֶךְ וְיִתְל֤וּ אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַי֙ עָלָ֔יו 1 If it is clearer in your language, you can make explicit what Haman would say to the king. Alternate translation: “speak to the king and tell him that you would like to hang Mordecai on it” or “tell the king that you intend to hang Mordecai on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 14 abw7 figs-explicit וְיִתְל֤וּ אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַי֙ עָלָ֔יו 1 say to the king, and let them hang Mordecai on it If it is clearer in your language, you can make explicit who does the action. Probably, Haman’s servants would carry out the action. But since it would happen under Haman’s orders and perhaps under his supervision, you could also describe him as the one who does the action if that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: “and have your servants hang Mordecai on it” or “and hang Mordecai on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 14 abw8 grammar-connect-logic-result וּבֹֽא…אֶל הַמִּשְׁתֶּ֖ה שָׂמֵ֑חַ 1 Then go…to the banquet joyful **Then** indicates more than a time sequence here. Zeresh and the friends are saying what the result would be. Alternate translation: “after he is dead, you will be able to go to the banquet … in a good mood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 5 14 bbs9 figs-metonymy וַיִּיטַ֧ב הַדָּבָ֛ר לִפְנֵ֥י הָמָ֖ן 1 And the word was good before the face of Haman The **word** was the suggestion that Zeresh and the friends made. Here, **face** figuratively represents Haman himself by something associated with him, his face, which showed what he was thinking and feeling. Alternate translation: “Haman decided that he liked this idea” or “that suggestion pleased Haman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 5 14 i8is וַיַּ֥עַשׂ הָעֵֽץ 1 and he made the tree Haman most likely did not do this personally. He ordered it to be done. Alternate translation: “he gave his servants orders to set up the pole” or “he told his servants to construct the gallows”
EST 5 14 j83r translate-unknown הָעֵֽץ 1 the tree You should translate this the same way you did earlier in the verse, “the pole” or “the gallows.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 6 intro i9x7 0 # 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.
EST 6 1 j85r writing-newevent בַּלַּ֣יְלָה הַה֔וּא 1 That night This introduces a new event in the story. Use a natural way of introducing a new event in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 6 1 abw9 figs-personification נָדְדָ֖ה שְׁנַ֣ת הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 the sleep of the king fled away Here, **sleep** is spoken of as if it were a living thing that could flee away. Alternate translation: “the king could not sleep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EST 6 1 abx1 figs-explicit וַיֹּ֗אמֶר לְהָבִ֞יא 1 And he said to bring **He** means the king. The implication is that he told the young men who attended him to do this. Verses 3 and 5 indicate this. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “so he commanded his servants to fetch” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 1 abx2 סֵ֤פֶר הַזִּכְרֹנוֹת֙ דִּבְרֵ֣י הַיָּמִ֔ים 1 the book of records of the events of days This is equivalent to the expression “the book of the events of days” in [2:23](../02/23.md). See how you translated that expression. Alternate translation: “the royal chronicles” or “the records of what had happened during all the time that he had been king”
EST 6 1 abx3 figs-activepassive וַיִּהְי֥וּ נִקְרָאִ֖ים 1 they were being called out This means that the chronicles were read out loud. You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “the young men got the chronicles and began to read them out loud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 1 j87r figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 before the face of the king Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase means that the book was being read in the king’s presence. Alternate translation: “to the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 6 2 u4gi figs-activepassive וַיִּמָּצֵ֣א כָת֗וּב 1 And it was found written Both terms **found** and **recorded** can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “they found that the writers had recorded there” or “they read the part where the writers had written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 2 abx4 figs-explicit הִגִּ֨יד מָרְדֳּכַ֜י עַל 1 Mordecai had told about The implication is that Mordecai had saved the king’s life by discovering the plot and telling him about it. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Mordecai had saved the king’s life by discovering a plot against the king and telling him about it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 2 abx5 figs-events הִגִּ֨יד מָרְדֳּכַ֜י עַל 1 Mordecai had told about To relate the events in chronological order, you can put this at the end of the verse. Alternate translation: “but Mordecai had saved the king’s life by discovering their plot and telling him about it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 6 2 syd9 translate-names בִּגְתָ֣נָא וָתֶ֗רֶשׁ 1 Bigthana and Teresh These are the same two men who are named in [2:21](../02/21.md). However, there the first man’s name is said to be “Bigthan.” Decide on a consistent way of translating these names so your readers will know that they are the same men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 6 2 abx6 translate-unknown שְׁנֵי֙ סָרִיסֵ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 two of the eunuchs of the king See how you translated the term **eunuch** in [1:10](../01/10.md). Alternate translation: “two of the royal guardians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 6 2 abx7 מִשֹּׁמְרֵ֖י הַסַּ֑ף 1 who were from the guardians of the doorway See how you translated this expression in [2:23](../02/23.md). Alternate translation: “who protected the doorway to the king's private quarters”
EST 6 2 abx8 figs-metaphor בִּקְשׁוּ֙ 1 they had sought Here, **seeking** figuratively means actively trying to do something. Alternate translation: “they had planned” or “they had tried” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 2 j89r figs-idiom לִשְׁלֹ֣חַ יָ֔ד 1 to stretch out a hand As in [2:21](../02/21.md), the expression **to stretch out a hand** means to cause someone physical harm with the intention of killing them. Alternate translation: “to assassinate” or “to kill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 6 3 lmz6 figs-hendiadys מַֽה־נַּעֲשָׂ֞ה יְקָ֧ר וּגְדוּלָּ֛ה לְמָרְדֳּכַ֖י 1 What honor or great deed was done for Mordecai **Honor** and **greatness** have similar meanings and they are used together to emphasize that Mordecai should certainly have been honored in some grand way for saving the king’s life. If it would be clearer in your language, you can express this by putting the terms together. For example, you could say, “What great honor was done for Mordecai?” Alternate translation: “what did we do to reward Mordecai or to show that we appreciated what he did” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 6 3 aby0 figs-activepassive נַּעֲשָׂ֞ה 1 was done You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “what did I do” or “what did we do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 3 n2az figs-activepassive לֹא־נַעֲשָׂ֥ה עִמּ֖וֹ דָּבָֽר 1 Not a thing has been done with him You can say this with an active form. However, it would be good to say this in a way that does not create the impression that the young men are accusing the king. Alternate translation: “no one did anything for him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 3 aby1 עַל־זֶ֑ה 1 on account of this Alternate translation: “for saving my life”
EST 6 4 aby2 figs-explicit מִ֣י בֶחָצֵ֑ר 1 Who is in the court? This could mean either: (1) The king knows that there is someone in the courtyard, maybe because he heard someone walking there; he wants to know who it is. (2) Since there are always people around the palace, the king assumes that there must be someone out in the courtyard. In either case, the king wants to know if there is someone there with whom he could consult about the best way to honor Mordecai. As the story has already said in [1:13](../01/13.md), it was the king's habit to consult his advisors on important questions. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the king wanted to consult someone about the best way to honor Mordecai, so he asked, ‘who is in the courtyard’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 4 aby3 מִ֣י בֶחָצֵ֑ר 1 Who is in the court? In order to present the events in logical and chronological order, you can put the king’s question last in the verse if that would be more natural in your language. Haman had already come in the courtyard by the time the king asked this question.
EST 6 4 j91r grammar-connect-time-background וְהָמָ֣ן בָּ֗א לַחֲצַ֤ר בֵּית־הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הַחִ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה לֵאמֹ֣ר לַמֶּ֔לֶךְ לִתְלוֹת֙ אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַ֔י עַל־הָעֵ֖ץ אֲשֶׁר־הֵכִ֥ין לֽוֹ 1 Now Haman had come into the outer court of the house of the king to say to the king to hang Mordecai on the tree that he had prepared for him This sentence indicates that Haman had already entered the outer court when King Ahasuerus asked his question. You could indicate this with a phrase such as “at that moment” or “just then” or “while they were talking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
EST 6 4 rg8t לַחֲצַ֤ר בֵּית־הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הַחִ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה 1 to the outer court of the house of the king Alternate translation: “the outer courtyard of the palace” This phrase is describing the first courtyard a person would come to after entering the palace from the outside.
EST 6 4 vu7p לֵאמֹ֣ר לַמֶּ֔לֶךְ לִתְלוֹת֙ אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַ֔י 1 to say to the king to hang Mordecai Alternate translation: “to tell the king that he wanted to hang Mordecai” or “to tell the king that he wanted to impale Mordecai”
EST 6 4 at53 הָעֵ֖ץ אֲשֶׁר־הֵכִ֥ין לֽוֹ 1 the tree that he had prepared for him Alternate translation: “on the pole that he had set up” or “on the gallows that he had set up for Mordecai”
EST 6 4 aby4 translate-unknown הָעֵ֖ץ 1 the tree See how you translated this term in [2:23](../02/23.md) and [5:14](../05/14.md). Review
the note to [2:23](../02/23.md) if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “pole” or “gallows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 6 5 aby5 figs-explicit וַיֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ נַעֲרֵ֤י הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 And the young men of the king said It is implied that the young men went and looked, perhaps through a window or a doorway, to see who might be in the courtyard before they answered the king. You can say so if it would make the translation clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “the young men who served the king looked and saw that Haman was in the courtyard. They said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 5 j93r figs-explicit הִנֵּ֥ה 1 Behold This is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation. You could also have the young men address the king directly to get his attention. Alternate translation: “O king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 5 j95r יָבֽוֹא 1 Let him come Alternate translation: “he may come in”
EST 6 6 j97r וַיָּבוֹא֮ הָמָן֒ וַיֹּ֤אמֶר לוֹ֙ הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Then Haman came, and the king said to him Alternate translation: “when Haman came in, the king said”
EST 6 6 ky5i figs-123person מַה־לַעֲשׂ֕וֹת בָּאִ֕ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֣ץ בִּיקָר֑וֹ 1 What is one to do for the man in whose honor the king is delighted? Here the king speaks of himself in the third person. If it would be clearer in your language, you can use the first person instead. Alternate translation: “what should I do for the man whom I would really like to honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 6 6 n3r5 figs-idiom אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֣ץ בִּיקָר֑וֹ 1 in whose honor the king is delighted **To delight** in doing something means to be glad to do it and to really want to do it. Alternate translation: “whom I am glad to honor” or “whom I want to honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 6 6 jh4i figs-metaphor וַיֹּ֤אמֶר הָמָן֙ בְּלִבּ֔וֹ 1 Then Haman said in his heart Here, **heart** could mean two different things: (1) Heart could figuratively represent the action of thinking or feeling. In that case, the phrase would mean “then Haman said in his thoughts.” (2) Heart could also be a metaphor meaning to be inside someone or something. In that case, the phrase would mean “then Haman said inside himself.” Either way, the phrase means that Haman was not saying this out loud, but saying it to himself in his thoughts. Alternate translation: “Haman thought to himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 6 yft1 figs-rquestion לְמִ֞י יַחְפֹּ֥ץ הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת יְקָ֖ר יוֹתֵ֥ר מִמֶּֽנִּי 1 For whom would the king delight to do honor more than me Haman is actually making a statement to himself rather than asking a question and trying to figure out the answer. He uses a question form to emphasize how true he believes the statement to be. If it would be clearer in your language, instead of a question, you could use a statement such as, “Surely there is no one whom the king would take pleasure in honoring more than me!” Alternate translation: “whom would the king like to honor more than me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EST 6 7 j1d1 figs-idiom אִ֕ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֥ץ בִּיקָרֽוֹ 1 For a man in whose honor the king is delighted **To delight** in doing something means to be glad to do it and to really want to do it. Alternate translation: “for a man the king is glad to honor” or “for a man the king wants to honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 6 7 aby6 figs-123person אִ֕ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֥ץ בִּיקָרֽוֹ 1 For a man in whose honor the king is delighted Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. You can have him address the king in the second person. Alternate translation: “if you really want to honor someone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 6 8 mz79 figs-explicit יָבִ֨יאוּ֙ 1 let them bring The implication is that the king’s servants would do this. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “let someone bring” or “tell your servants to bring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 8 aby7 figs-abstractnouns לְב֣וּשׁ מַלְכ֔וּת אֲשֶׁ֥ר לָֽבַשׁ־בּ֖וֹ הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 a garment of royalty with which the king has clothed himself **Royalty** is an abstract noun that refers to anything that belongs to the king. You can translate this idea with an adjective, “a royal garment.” Alternate translation: “one of your own royal robes that you have already worn yourself” or “one of the robes you wear to show that you are the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 6 8 aby8 figs-123person אֲשֶׁ֥ר לָֽבַשׁ־בּ֖וֹ הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 with which the king has clothed himself Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. You can have him address the king in the second person. Alternate translation: “that you have already worn yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 6 8 aby9 figs-123person וְס֗וּס אֲשֶׁ֨ר רָכַ֤ב עָלָיו֙ 1 and a horse on which the king has ridden Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. You can have him address the king in the second person. Alternate translation: “a horse that you have already ridden yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 6 8 r63j figs-activepassive וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר נִתַּ֛ן כֶּ֥תֶר מַלְכ֖וּת בְּרֹאשֽׁוֹ 1 and which has been given a crown of royalty for its head This whole phrase refers to the horse. You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “and that has a royal crown on its head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 8 abz0 figs-explicit וַאֲשֶׁ֥ר נִתַּ֛ן כֶּ֥תֶר מַלְכ֖וּת בְּרֹאשֽׁוֹ 1 and which has been given a crown of royalty for its head The implication is that this would be done to show that this was one of the king’s own horses. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and that has a royal crown on its head to show that it belongs to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 8 abz1 figs-abstractnouns כֶּ֥תֶר מַלְכ֖וּת 1 a crown of royalty **Royalty** is an abstract noun that refers to the royal authority that the king exercised. You can translate this idea with an adjective, “a royal crown.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 6 9 pp3l figs-metaphor וְנָת֨וֹן הַלְּב֜וּשׁ וְהַסּ֗וּס עַל־יַד־אִ֞ישׁ מִשָּׂרֵ֤י הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 Then give this garment and this horse into the hand of a man from the most noble officials of the king Here, **hand** is a metaphor meaning power, control, or authority. It appears that the king himself would not perform such acts of service to one of his subjects even if he really wanted to honor that person. So Haman is saying that on behalf of the king, representing his authority and power, one of the king’s most noble officials should present the man with the robe and the horse. Alternate translation: “then, on your behalf, have one of your most noble officials present the man with the robe and the horse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 9 j1d3 figs-123person אִ֞ישׁ מִשָּׂרֵ֤י הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הַֽפַּרְתְּמִ֔ים 1 a man from the most noble officials of the king Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. If it would be clearer in your language, you can use the second person. Alternate translation: “one of your most noble officials” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 6 9 pfz6 figs-explicit וְהִלְבִּ֨ישׁוּ֙ 1 And let them clothe Since **them** is plural, it likely refers to the king’s servants. You can say this explicitly if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “have your servants clothe … with the robe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 9 j1d5 figs-idiom הָאִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֣ץ בִּֽיקָר֑וֹ 1 the man in whose honor the king is delighted **To delight** in doing something means to be glad to do something or to want to do something. Alternate translation: “the man whom you really want to honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 6 9 abz2 figs-123person הָאִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֣ץ בִּֽיקָר֑וֹ 1 the man in whose honor the king is delighted Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. If it would clearer in your language, you can use the second person. Alternate translation: “the man whom you really want to honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 6 9 abz4 בִּרְח֣וֹב הָעִ֔יר 1 in the open place of the city This refers to a large, open space in the city, either the space that was in front of the palace (as in [4:6](../04/06.md)), or a space inside one of the city gates. In either case, this would have been a public area where people could gather, and so it was a place where a great number of people would have seen how the king was honoring Mordecai. Alternate translation: “through the public square of the city”
EST 6 9 qs3k וְקָרְא֣וּ 1 and proclaim Alternate translation: “and tell the noble official and servants to proclaim” or “and have them shout out”
EST 6 9 j1d7 figs-metonymy לְפָנָ֔יו 1 before his face Here, **face** figuratively represents the front of a person. The phrase means that the servants were to shout out to the people in front of the man on the horse, that is, to the people who were in the path of his horse as it approached. Alternate translation: “to whoever is in front of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 6 9 j1d9 figs-idiom כָּ֚כָה יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה לָאִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֥ץ בִּיקָרֽוֹ 1 Thus shall it be done for the man in whose honor the king is delighted **To delight** in doing something means to be glad to do something or to want to do something. Alternate translation: “the king is doing this because he really wants to honor this man” or “this is what the king does when he especially wants to honor someone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 6 9 pwgm figs-activepassive כָּ֚כָה יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה 1 You can say this with an active form, and you can say who is doing the action. Alternate translation: “the king is doing this” or “this is what the king does” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 10 j2d1 figs-explicit וַיֹּ֨אמֶר הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ 1 So the king said to Haman The implication is that the king liked Haman’s suggestion. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the king liked this idea, so he replied” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 10 abz5 כַּאֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבַּ֔רְתָּ וַֽעֲשֵׂה־כֵן֙ 1 according to how you have spoken, and do thus Alternate translation: “do everything that you have said” or “do just what you have suggested”
EST 6 10 abz6 figs-idiom הַיּוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּשַׁ֣עַר הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 the man who sits at the gate of the king As in [2:19](../02/19.md), this is likely an idiom which means that Mordecai worked for the king in some capacity and was stationed at the gate. Alternate translation: “one of my servants, who is stationed at the king's gate” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 6 10 abz7 figs-123person הַיּוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּשַׁ֣עַר הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 the man who sits at the gate of the king Here the king speaks of himself in the third person. If it would be clearer in your language, you can use the first person. Alternate translation: “one of my servants, who is stationed at the gate to the palace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 6 10 gln7 figs-metaphor אַל־תַּפֵּ֣ל דָּבָ֔ר 1 Do not allow a word to fail Here the action of letting **fall** is a metaphor meaning to leave out or leave unfulfilled. The phrase means that Haman must do absolutely everything that he said. Alternate translation: “do not leave out anything that you suggested” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 10 abz8 figs-doublenegatives אַל־תַּפֵּ֣ל דָּבָ֔ר 1 Do not allow a word to fail This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “Be sure to do absolutely everything that you have said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EST 6 11 abz9 וַיַּרְכִּיבֵ֨הוּ֙ בִּרְח֣וֹב הָעִ֔יר 1 and paraded him in the open place of the city See how you translated these expressions in verse 9. Alternate translation: “seated him on the horse and then led the horse through the public square of the city”
EST 6 11 j2d5 figs-metonymy וַיִּקְרָ֣א לְפָנָ֔יו 1 called out before his face Here, **face** figuratively represents the front of a person. The phrase means that Haman shouted out to the people in front of Mordecai, that is, the people who were in the path of his horse as it approached. Alternate translation: “called out to all of the people in front of him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 6 11 j2d7 figs-idiom אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֥ץ בִּיקָרֽוֹ 1 Thus shall it be done for the man in whose honor the king is delighted **To delight** in doing something means to be glad to do something or to want to do something. Alternate translation: “the king is doing this because he really wants to honor this man” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 6 12 uri5 translate-symaction אָבֵ֖ל וַחֲפ֥וּי רֹֽאשׁ 1 mourning with a covering of head People often covered their heads to show that they were either extremely sad or ashamed. Alternate translation: “covering his head because he felt completely disgraced” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 6 13 j3d1 figs-explicit וַיְסַפֵּ֨ר הָמָ֜ן 1 Then Haman recounted The implication is that, just as Haman gathered his friends together in [5:10](../05/10.md) to boast of his status, now he gathered them together once again to talk about what had just happened. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Haman brought all his friends together again. He told …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 13 aca1 figs-explicit כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר קָרָ֑הוּ 1 everything that had happened to him The implication is that he told about the things that had happened to him “that day.” If that would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 13 aca2 figs-explicit וַיֹּ֩אמְרוּ֩ ל֨וֹ חֲכָמָ֜יו וְזֶ֣רֶשׁ 1 Then his wise men and Zeresh said to him The implication is that, just as King Ahasuerus had royal advisors, Haman had advisors of his own. They would have been included among the “friends” he gathered for this occasion. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “some of his friends were also his advisors, and they and his wife Zeresh told him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 13 aca3 חֲכָמָ֜יו 1 his wise men See how you translated this expression in [1:13](../01/13.md). Alternate translation: “his advisors”
EST 6 13 fd5k figs-metaphor אִ֣ם…מָרְדֳּכַ֞י אֲשֶׁר֩ הַחִלּ֨וֹתָ לִנְפֹּ֤ל לְפָנָיו֙ 1 If Mordecai, before whose face you have begun to fall This could mean either of two possibilities: (1) The action of falling could refer to bowing down and it could be a metaphor meaning to be dishonored and defeated. Haman wanted Mordecai to bow down in front of him. But instead, the story would be saying that Haman is starting to bow down (in a metaphorical sense) in front of Mordecai. Alternate translation: “Mordecai has begun to humiliate you. If he …” (2) “Fall” could be a figurative way of saying “be killed in battle.” In that case, Zeresh would be comparing Haman and Mordecai to two soldiers who are fighting. She is saying that Haman has already “begun to fall,” that is, he is losing the battle, and he is likely to be killed. Alternate translation: “Mordecai has begun to defeat you. Since he …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 13 j3d3 figs-metonymy לְפָנָיו֙ 1 before…face Here, **face** figuratively represents the front of a person. The phrase either means (1) that Haman has already begun to fall down (bow down) in front of Mordecai figuratively, or (2) that Haman and Mordecai are facing one another figuratively in hand-to-hand combat. Alternate translation: “before whom” or “in whose presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 6 13 p5t2 figs-metaphor מִזֶּ֣רַע הַיְּהוּדִ֡ים 1 from the seed of the Jews Here, **seed** is a metaphor meaning “offspring.” It is a comparison: Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. Alternate translation: “one of the Jewish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 13 nan5 figs-metaphor לֹא־תוּכַ֣ל ל֔וֹ 1 you will not prevail against him Here Haman’s wife and friends are again speaking figuratively as if Haman is in a battle with Mordecai. Alternate translation: “you will not win against him” or “you will not have greater honor than he has” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 13 j3d5 grammar-connect-logic-contrast כִּֽי 1 but This conjunction indicates a contrast between the actions of prevailing (in the previous clause) and falling. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EST 6 13 j3d7 figs-metaphor נָפ֥וֹל תִּפּ֖וֹל 1 you will surely fall Here the action of **falling** (1) either refers once again to prostrating oneself, and is a metaphor meaning to be dishonored and defeated, or (2) Haman’s wife and friends are saying that for Haman, defeat will be the outcome of the figurative battle. Alternate translation: “you will certainly lose to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 13 j3d9 figs-metonymy לְפָנָֽיו 1 before his face Here, **face** figuratively represents the front of a person. The phrase means that Haman will lose in his struggle with Mordecai. Alternate translation: “before him” or “in his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 6 14 j4d1 grammar-connect-time-background עוֹדָם֙ מְדַבְּרִ֣ים עִמּ֔וֹ 1 They were still speaking with him when the eunuchs of the king arrived This phrase indicates something that happened after Haman’s wife and friends started talking with Haman and while they were still talking. You should indicate this with a phrase such as “while.” Alternate translation: “while they were still talking together, the king’s eunuchs arrived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
EST 6 14 aca4 translate-unknown וְסָרִיסֵ֥י הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 when the eunuchs of the king See how you decided to translate this term in [1:10](../01/10.md). Not all of the king's eunuchs came. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “some of the king's servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 6 14 aca5 וַיַּבְהִ֨לוּ֙ לְהָבִ֣יא אֶת־הָמָ֔ן 1 And they hurried to bring Haman Alternative translation: “they wanted to bring Haman quickly”
EST 6 14 aca6 figs-explicit אֲשֶׁר־עָשְׂתָ֥ה אֶסְתֵּֽר 1 that Esther had made Esther's servants would have done most of the work of preparing the banquet. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “that Esther and her servants had prepared” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 7 intro x4w3 0 # 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 7 1 n8vb figs-synecdoche וַיָּבֹ֤א הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ וְהָמָ֔ן לִשְׁתּ֖וֹת עִם־אֶסְתֵּ֥ר הַמַּלְכָּֽה 1 So the king came with Haman to drink with Esther the queen. Esther hosted Ahasuerus and Haman for more than just drinks. This is a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to mean the whole thing. An entire banquet is being described here by reference to one part of it, the drinks. Alternate translation: “so the king and Haman went to the second banquet that Queen Esther had prepared” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 7 2 xt9f translate-ordinal בַּיּ֤וֹם הַשֵּׁנִי֙ 1 on the second day This refers to the day after the first banquet, as mentioned in [5:8](../05/08.md). Alternate translation: “at that second banquet” or “on that second day of feasting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 7 2 s5ae בְּמִשְׁתֵּ֣ה הַיַּ֔יִן 1 during the banquet of wine Alternate translation: “while they were drinking wine” or “while the servants were pouring the wine and giving it to them”
EST 7 2 yks7 figs-parallelism מַה־שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֛ךְ…וְתִנָּ֣תֵֽן לָ֑ךְ וּמַה־בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ עַד־חֲצִ֥י הַמַּלְכ֖וּת וְתֵעָֽשׂ 1 What is your petition…And let it be given to you. And what is your request? As much as half of the kingdom, and let it be done. These two statements mean almost the same thing. Ahasuerus says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show that he is truly disposed to giving Esther what she wants. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if that would be confusing for your readers. Alternate translation: “now please tell me what you really want. Tell me, and I will do it for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 7 2 p1xt figs-explicit מַה־שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֛ךְ 1 What is your petition Ahasuerus has now allowed Esther to show her hospitality at two banquets. But he knows that she has done this as a gesture of respect for him and their relationship, and that this signals that she has an important and urgent request to make. You can indicate this by having the king ask, “Now please tell me what you really want.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 7 2 sem7 figs-activepassive וְתִנָּ֣תֵֽן…וְתֵעָֽשׂ 1 And let it be given to you…and let it be done You can capture these parallel passive statements with one statement using an active form. Alternate translation: “I will give you what you ask for” or “I will do for you what you ask” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 7 2 j4d3 figs-abstractnouns שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֛ךְ…בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛ךְ 1 your petition…your request The two abstract nouns **petition** and **request** can be expressed with a single phrase using the verb “want.” Alternate translation: “what you really want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 7 2 j4d5 figs-hyperbole עַד־חֲצִ֥י הַמַּלְכ֖וּת 1 As much as half of the kingdom See how you translated this expression in [5:3](../05/03.md) and [5:6](../05/06.md). Alternate translation: “I will give you anything you ask for, no matter how great it is” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EST 7 3 ac96 figs-hendiadys וַתַּ֨עַן…וַתֹּאמַ֔ר 1 Then…answered and said Here a single idea is being expressed by using two words connected with “and.” Together the two words mean that Esther responded to the question that the king asked her. Alternate translation: “answered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 7 3 k27c figs-idiom אִם־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ 1 If I have found favor in your eyes **Favor** means the approval or acceptance of another person. Alternate translation: “if you evaluate me and approve” or “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 7 3 aca7 figs-metonymy אִם־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּעֵינֶ֨יךָ֙ 1 If I have found favor in your eyes Here, **eyes** figuratively represent seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “if you evaluate me and approve” or “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 7 3 j4d7 הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 O king In this case, Esther is addressing Ahasuerus directly as “O king”; she is not speaking about him in the third person as a sign of respect, as she and others usually do elsewhere in the story. This may indicate a special urgency to what she is saying, so it would be good to include this difference in your translation or indicate the urgency in some other way.
EST 7 3 aca8 figs-idiom וְאִם־עַל־הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ ט֑וֹב 1 and if it is good to the king This is an idiom that also appears in [1:19](../01/19.md), [3:9](../03/09.md), [5:4](../05/04.md), and [5:8](../05/08.md). The suggested translation in those cases was, “If it seems like a good plan to you, O king.” That was suitable for the deferential tone the speakers were using. But here, Esther has just addressed the king directly with “O king” and she is pleading urgently for the survival of her whole people. So an alternate translation here could be something more like, “I hope you will be willing to do what I ask” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 7 3 aca9 figs-parallelism תִּנָּֽתֶן־לִ֤י נַפְשִׁי֙ בִּשְׁאֵ֣לָתִ֔י וְעַמִּ֖י בְּבַקָּשָׁתִֽי 1 let my life be given to me at my petition, and my people at my request The phrases **at my petition** and **at my request** mean the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize the urgency of the request. If it would be more natural in your language, you could combine the two requests. Alternate translation: “please spare my life and save my people” or “my request is that you spare my life and the lives of my people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 7 3 j4d9 figs-activepassive תִּנָּֽתֶן־לִ֤י נַפְשִׁי֙ 1 let my life be given to me You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “please spare my life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 7 3 bvi1 figs-abstractnouns בִּשְׁאֵ֣לָתִ֔י 1 at my petition The abstract noun **petition** can be expressed with the verb “ask for.” Alternate translation: “that is what I am asking for” or “that is what I want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 7 3 qghp figs-ellipsis וְעַמִּ֖י 1 If this is unclear in your language, you can repeat from the previous clause the words that have been left out. Alternate translation: “and let my people be given to me”
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-ellipsis]])
EST 7 3 j5d1 figs-abstractnouns בְּבַקָּשָׁתִֽי 1 at my request The abstract noun **request** can be expressed with the verb “ask for.” Alternate translation: “rhat is what I am asking for” or “rhat is what I want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 7 4 acb1 figs-metaphor כִּ֤י נִמְכַּ֨רְנוּ֙ 1 For we have been sold As Esther points out later in the verse, the Jews actually have not been exchanged for money. Rather, **sell** is a figurative way of saying “turn over to.” If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning by saying something like “For someone has turned us over to our enemies.” Alternatively, you could use the same figure, but show that it is a comparison. Alternate translation: “it is as though I and my people are cattle that have been sold to be slaughtered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 7 4 fhs7 figs-activepassive כִּ֤י נִמְכַּ֨רְנוּ֙ 1 For we have been sold You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “for someone has sold us” or “for someone has put us in danger of our enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 7 4 e9cx figs-doublet לְהַשְׁמִ֖יד לַהֲר֣וֹג וּלְאַבֵּ֑ד 1 for annihilation, for slaughter, and for destruction As in [3:13](../03/13.md), these words mean the same thing and are used together to emphasize the completeness of the destruction. If using three words would be difficult or confusing in your language, you can use one word for this and indicate that the destruction is extreme. Alternate translation: “and they are going to kill every one of us” (A “doublet” can involve the use of more than two words.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 7 4 yg01 figs-abstractnouns לְהַשְׁמִ֖יד לַהֲר֣וֹג וּלְאַבֵּ֑ד 1 If your language does not use abstract nouns such as these, you can replace them with one or more verbs. Alternate translation: “and they are going to kill every one of us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 7 4 acb2 וְ֠אִלּוּ לַעֲבָדִ֨ים וְלִשְׁפָח֤וֹת נִמְכַּ֨רְנוּ֙ 1 if we had been sold as slaves and female servants Alternate translation: “if the men and even the women had been sold into slavery”
EST 7 4 j5d3 figs-hyperbole אֵ֥ין הַצָּ֛ר שֹׁוֶ֖ה בְּנֵ֥זֶק הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the distress would not have been equal to a burden of the king Esther is speaking very deferentially and with some exaggeration in order to impress on the king how important this is to her. She is saying that it would have been worth less to her to see her people rescued from slavery than it would have been to see the king spared the trouble of intervening on their behalf. (Haman uses the expression of “not equal” in this same sense in [5:13](../05/13.md).) Alternate translation: “that would have been a matter too small to bother you with” or “that would be a small matter to a king like you, but this is very much worse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EST 7 4 acb4 figs-123person הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the king Esther addresses King Ahasuerus in the third person as a way of showing respect. Alternate translation: “you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 7 5 acb5 figs-doublet וַיֹּ֨אמֶר֙…וַיֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Then…spoke and said These two words mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “responded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 7 5 acb6 figs-parallelism מִ֣י ה֥וּא זֶה֙ וְאֵֽי־זֶ֣ה ה֔וּא 1 Who is he, this man? And where is this man These two phrases mean similar things. They both ask about the identity of the man who is trying to destroy the Jews. King Ahasuerus uses the repetition to emphasize how outraged he is. If the repetition would be confusing in your language, you could combine the two phrases. However, from another perspective, both the man’s identity and his location are important to know so that his plot can be stopped. So, for that reason, you could also decide to include both phrases in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 7 5 acb7 מִ֣י ה֥וּא זֶה֙ וְאֵֽי־זֶ֣ה ה֔וּא 1 Who is he, this man? Alternate translation: “who has done this”
EST 7 5 dl4b figs-metaphor וְאֵֽי־זֶ֣ה ה֔וּא אֲשֶׁר־מְלָא֥וֹ לִבּ֖וֹ לַעֲשׂ֥וֹת כֵּֽן 1 And where is this man, he whose heart is full to do thus? Here the concept of a **full heart** uses two metaphors at once. “Heart” figuratively represents the action of thinking or feeling. Also, saying that the “heart” is “full” is a figurative way of saying that someone is fully intending to do something, usually something that should not be done. Alternate translation: “where is the man who is intending to do such a thing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 7 6 j5d5 figs-doublet צַ֣ר וְאוֹיֵ֔ב 1 A man, and adversary, and an enemy These words mean the same thing. Together, they emphasize Haman’s complete hostility towards the Jews. If it is more natural in your language, you can combine them and indicate the emphasis in a different way. Alternate translation: “the one who is our absolute nemesis” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 7 6 ar4f נִבְעַ֔ת 1 was terrified Alternative translation: “was extremely afraid”
EST 7 6 j5d9 figs-metonymy נִבְעַ֔ת מִלִּפְנֵ֥י 1 terrified from before the face of Here, **face** figuratively means the presence of a person. The phrase means that Haman was now extremely afraid to be in the presence of King Ahasuerus and Queen Esther. Alternate translation: “this made Haman very afraid to be in the presence of the king and the queen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 7 7 bzd4 figs-idiom וְהַמֶּ֜לֶךְ קָ֤ם בַּחֲמָתוֹ֙ מִמִּשְׁתֵּ֣ה הַיַּ֔יִן 1 Then the king rose up in his rage from the banquet of wine Here, **in his rage** is an idiom meaning to be extremely angry. Alternate translation: “the king was extremely angry and got up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 7 7 j6d1 figs-explicit אֶל־גִּנַּ֖ת הַבִּיתָ֑ן 1 rose up…to the garden of the palace The implication is that Ahasuerus went outside to absorb the shock that a man he had promoted to the highest position in his empire was plotting to destroy his queen and her whole people. Ahasuerus needed to sort out his conflicting loyalties and decide what to do about this. If it is clearer, you can say explicitly why he went outside. Alternate translation: “he went outside to the palace garden to decide what to do.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 7 7 uaq6 figs-metaphor לְבַקֵּ֤שׁ עַל־נַפְשׁוֹ֙ 1 in order to seek for his life Here, **seeking** figuratively means to beg or plead urgently for something. This phrase means that Haman wanted to beg Esther to persuade the king not to order his execution. Alternate translation: “to plead with Queen Esther to spare his life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 7 7 qz1m figs-metaphor כִּ֣י רָאָ֔ה 1 for he saw Here, **seeing** is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “he realized” or “he understood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 7 7 nin1 figs-activepassive כָלְתָ֥ה אֵלָ֛יו הָרָעָ֖ה מֵאֵ֥ת הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 evil was determined against him by the king You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the king had decided to cause a disaster against him” or “the king was decided to destroy him” or “the king had decided to kill him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 7 7 j6d3 figs-abstractnouns כָלְתָ֥ה אֵלָ֛יו הָרָעָ֖ה מֵאֵ֥ת הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 evil was determined against him by the king Here the abstract noun **evil** means “harm,” not something that is morally wrong as in the previous verse. In this context, it can be expressed with a verb such as “execute.” Alternate translation: “the king was likely to execute him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 7 8 j6d5 figs-explicit וְהַמֶּ֡לֶךְ שָׁב֩…וְהָמָן֙ נֹפֵ֔ל 1 Now when the king returned…Haman was fallen The implication is that when the king returned to the room, he saw what this verse describes next. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “when the king returned …, he saw that Haman had fallen …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 7 8 h4c7 figs-explicit וְהָמָן֙ נֹפֵ֔ל עַל־הַמִּטָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֣ר עָלֶ֔יהָ 1 Now…Haman was fallen on the couch on which Esther was The implication is that Haman was doing this as he pleaded for his life. If it would be clearer in your language, you can add that information to the end of this phrase: “… as he was begging Esther to spare his life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 7 8 acb8 figs-events וְהָמָן֙ נֹפֵ֔ל עַל־הַמִּטָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֣ר עָלֶ֔יהָ 1 Now…Haman was fallen on the couch on which Esther was If you prefer to present the events in chronological order, you can put this information first in the verse. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 7 8 acb9 figs-idiom וְהָמָן֙ נֹפֵ֔ל עַל־הַמִּטָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֣ר עָלֶ֔יהָ 1 Now…Haman was fallen on the couch on which Esther was The expression **was fallen** means that as Haman was begging for his life, he was not standing up; he had suddenly come down very close to Esther as she was reclining on a couch. (From the impression that the king got when he returned, it is possible that Haman was even grabbing her arms or shoulders as he pleaded with Esther.) Alternate translation: “Haman had come down very close to Esther as she was reclining on a banqueting couch” or “Haman had thrown himself down on the couch where Esther was reclining”
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 7 8 acc0 הַמִּטָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֣ר עָלֶ֔יהָ 1 the couch on which Esther was In this culture, especially at a banquet like this one, wealthy people would recline on couches as they ate and drank. Alternate translation: “Esther’s banqueting couch”
EST 7 8 thq6 figs-rquestion הֲ֠גַם לִכְבּ֧וֹשׁ אֶת־הַמַּלְכָּ֛ה עִמִּ֖י בַּבָּ֑יִת 1 Is it also to subdue the queen, with me, in the house? The king phrases this as a question to show his shock and anger at what he thinks Haman is doing. If it is clearer in your language, you can phrase it as
a statement. Alternate translation: “he is even trying to rape the queen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EST 7 8 l4ce figs-euphemism לִכְבּ֧וֹשׁ אֶת־הַמַּלְכָּ֛ה 1 to subdue the queen The story is using a mild expression to refer to something that is disturbing. In this context, “subdue” means “rape.” The king thought that Haman was trying to rape Esther, and he likely said just that. You can show this in your translation if you want to make this clear. Alternate translation: “trying to rape the queen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
EST 7 8 acc1 figs-parallelism עִמִּ֖י בַּבָּ֑יִת 1 with me, in the house These two phrases mean similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize the idea that they are expressing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine the phrases. However, each one does indicate something slightly different about what a serious offense it would be if Haman actually were trying to rape Esther. It would be a violation of the king’s personal trust and a violation of the trust implicit in hospitality. So you can also include both phrases. Alternate translation: “in my presence and in my own house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 7 8 adq6 figs-idiom הַדָּבָ֗ר יָצָא֙ מִפִּ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 The word was going out from the mouth of the king This expression describes the action of speaking. Alternate translation: “as soon as the king said this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 7 8 acc2 grammar-connect-time-background הַדָּבָ֗ר…וּפְנֵ֥י הָמָ֖ן חָפֽוּ 1 The word was going out…when they covered the face of Haman The king spoke, and then the servants covered Haman’s face. One action followed upon another. However, this happened so quickly that almost no time seemed to pass in between. You can indicate this with a phrase like “as soon as.” Alternate translation: “when the king said this, immediately they covered Haman’s face” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
EST 7 8 j6d9 figs-explicit וּפְנֵ֥י הָמָ֖ן חָפֽוּ 1 when they covered the face of Haman The implication is that some the king’s servants who were present did this, and they did it because they understood that the king wanted Haman to be executed. Alternate translation: “some of his servants covered Haman’s face because he was going to be executed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 7 8 acc3 translate-symaction וּפְנֵ֥י הָמָ֖ן חָפֽוּ 1 when they covered the face of Haman **Covering the face** in this culture, as in many others, was a sign that a person had been condemned to death. Alternate translation: “some of his servants covered Haman’s face to show that he would be executed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 7 9 a7ic translate-names חַ֠רְבוֹנָה 1 Harbona This is a man’s name. See how you translated it in [1:10](../01/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 7 9 j7d1 figs-metonymy אֶחָ֨ד מִן־הַסָּרִיסִ֜ים לִפְנֵ֣י הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 one from the eunuchs before the face of the king Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase means that Harbona was one of the eunuchs who served King Ahasuerus personally. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 7 9 acc4 translate-unknown הַסָּרִיסִ֜ים לִפְנֵ֣י הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 the eunuchs before the face of the king See how you translated this term and this phrase in [1:10](../01/10.md). Alternate translation: “the guardians who served the king personally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 7 9 j7d3 הִנֵּה 1 behold **Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, it can be omitted from your translation. But consider using an expression that is natural in your language for someone to address the king directly to get his attention. For example, you could say, “O king!”
EST 7 9 acc5 גַּ֣ם…הָעֵ֣ץ אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֪ה הָמָ֟ן לְֽמָרְדֳּכַ֞י…עֹמֵד֙ בְּבֵ֣ית הָמָ֔ן 1 Also…the tree that Haman made for Mordecai…is standing at the house of Haman Alternate translation:“Haman has also set up a pole [or gallows] at his house because he wants to impale [or hang] Mordecai on it”
EST 7 9 j7d5 translate-unknown הָעֵ֣ץ 1 the tree See how you translated this term in [2:23](../02/23.md), [5:14](../05/14.md), and [6:4](../06/04.md). Review the note to [2:23](../02/23.md) if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “wooden pole” or “gallows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 7 9 j7d7 figs-idiom לְֽמָרְדֳּכַ֞י אֲשֶׁ֧ר דִּבֶּר־ט֣וֹב עַל־הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 for Mordecai, who spoke good for the king This expression means that Mordecai said something that benefitted the king. Specifically, Mordecai reported an assassination plot and saved the king’s life. Alternate translation: “Mordecai, who saved the king's life.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 7 9 j7d9 figs-123person דִּבֶּר־ט֣וֹב עַל־הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 spoke good for the king Harbona addresses the king in the third person as a way of showing respect. Alternate translation: “saved your life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 7 9 acc6 עֹמֵד֙ 1 is standing Alternate translation: “is set up”
EST 7 9 sre1 translate-bdistance גָּבֹ֖הַּ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים אַמָּ֑ה 1 50 cubits high If it would be clearer in your language, you can convert this to a modern measure. See how you translated this phrase in [5:14](../05/14.md). Alternate translation: “seventy-five feet high” or “twenty-five meters high” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EST 7 9 acc7 figs-explicit תְּלֻ֥הוּ עָלָֽיו 1 Hang him on it **Him** means Haman. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “hang [or impale] Haman on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 7 10 j8d3 translate-unknown הָעֵ֖ץ 1 the tree As in the previous verse, this refers to a wooden pole or gallows. See how you translated the term there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 7 10 umd4 figs-metaphor וַחֲמַ֥ת הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ שָׁכָֽכָה 1 and the rage of the king subsided Here the story figuratively compares the king’s anger to floodwaters, which can cause great destruction. “Subside” means for waters to drain away and for their level to go down. You could express the meaning by saying something like “Then the king’s rage lessened,” or “Then the king was not so angry.” Or you could use a different metaphor that would be meaningful in your language, such as, “Then the king cooled off.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 intro z6j7 0 # Esther 08 General Notes
## Special concepts in this chapter
### God’s protection
Yahweh is at work in this chapter preventing the possible destruction of the Jews. God used Esther and Mordecai to protect their people.
EST 8 1 j8d5 writing-newevent בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֗וּא 1 On that day This could mean one of three things: (1) A new series of events is now being described, but the story makes clear that they happened on the same day as the second banquet. While it must have been some time later in the day, the idea is that when Haman lost his life, and also his property, Esther gained what her enemy had lost. Alternate translation: “that same day” (2) The expression could also be an idiom that means “as of that day.” This would refer to the effective date for the transfer of Haman’s property to Esther. Alternate translation: “as of that day” (3) The term “day” could also be used figuratively to mean around the same time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 8 1 j8d7 figs-synecdoche נָתַ֞ן הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ֙ לְאֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַמַּלְכָּ֔ה אֶת־בֵּ֥ית הָמָ֖ן 1 the king Ahasuerus gave to Esther the queen the house of Haman Here, **house** figuratively represents all the household and property of Haman. The story could be referring to all the property by naming one part of it, the house. Or “house” could be a metonym for “property,” meaning everything a person owns and keeps in their house, and by extension everything they own beyond the house as well. Alternate translation: “King Ahasuerus declared that everything that Haman had owned would now belong to Queen Esther” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 8 1 nm3u figs-informremind צֹרֵ֣ר הַיְּהוּדִ֑ים 1 the adversary of the Jews This phrase gives clarifying information about Haman. Alternate translation: “the enemy of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 8 1 acc9 figs-explicit וּמָרְדֳּכַ֗י בָּ֚א לִפְנֵ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Mordecai came before the face of the king The implication is that when the king learned how Mordecai was related to Esther, he summoned Mordecai into his presence. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “when he learned that, the king sent for Mordecai to come into his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 1 j8d9 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 before the face of the king Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase indicates that Mordecai was allowed to come into the king’s presence. Alternate translation: “into his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 1 acd0 figs-events הִגִּ֥ידָה אֶסְתֵּ֖ר מַ֥ה הוּא־לָֽהּ 1 Esther told what he was to her Alternate translation: “Esther told the king how Mordecai was related to her” You can say this before saying that the king summoned Mordecai, since it happened first. See the UST.
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 8 1 j9d1 figs-explicit הִגִּ֥ידָה אֶסְתֵּ֖ר מַ֥ה הוּא־לָֽהּ 1 Esther told what he was to her Esther told this to the king. She would likely have explained not just how she and Mordecai were related, but that he had raised her after her parents died. You can say this if it would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Esther told the king that Mordecai was her cousin and that he had been like a father to her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 2 m5hz translate-symaction וַיָּ֨סַר הַמֶּ֜לֶךְ אֶת־טַבַּעְתּ֗וֹ…וַֽיִּתְּנָ֖הּ לְמָרְדֳּכָ֑י 1 the king removed his signet ring…and he gave it to Mordecai Giving the ring to Mordecai showed that Mordecai could now act on the king’s own authority, and it enabled him to do that. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the king now gave this ring to Mordecai to show that Mordecai had the power to act on the authority of the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 8 2 acd1 translate-unknown טַבַּעְתּ֗וֹ 1 signet ring See how you translated this in [3:10](../03/10.md). Review the explanation there if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “the ring that had his official seal on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 8 2 j9d3 figs-explicit אֲשֶׁ֤ר הֶֽעֱבִיר֙ מֵֽהָמָ֔ן 1 that he had caused to pass from Haman This means that the king had taken back his signet ring from Haman. He would have done this when he sentenced Haman to death. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “the king had given Haman the ring that had his official seal on it, but he had taken it back from Haman when he sentenced Haman to death, and the king was wearing it again.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 2 acd2 figs-events אֲשֶׁ֤ר הֶֽעֱבִיר֙ מֵֽהָמָ֔ן 1 that he had caused to pass from Haman If it is clearer in your language, you can put this information first in the verse because it happened before everything else. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 8 2 z5yn figs-explicit וַֽיִּתְּנָ֖הּ לְמָרְדֳּכָ֑י 1 and he gave it to Mordecai By giving his signet ring to Mordecai, the king gave Mordecai the authority to write important papers that people would have to obey. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 2 acd3 figs-metaphor וַתָּ֧שֶׂם אֶסְתֵּ֛ר אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַ֖י עַל־בֵּ֥ית הָמָֽן 1 Esther placed Mordecai over the house of Haman To place someone over something figuratively means to put them in charge of it. Alternate translation: “Esther appointed Mordecai to be in charge of everything that had belonged to Haman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 2 d2tj figs-metonymy בֵּ֥ית הָמָֽן 1 the house of Haman See the explanation of this phrase in verse 1. Alternate translation: “everything that Haman had owned” or “the household of Haman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 3 j9d5 writing-newevent וַתּ֣וֹסֶף אֶסְתֵּ֗ר וַתְּדַבֵּר֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Then Esther repeated her action, and she spoke before the face of the king Here the exact meaning of the progression of verbs is uncertain, but this verse probably begins a new event in the story separate from what happened in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “then Esther again spoke in the king’s presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 8 3 j9d7 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 before the face of the king Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. Alternate translation: “while she was in his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 3 j9d9 figs-idiom וַתִּפֹּ֖ל לִפְנֵ֣י רַגְלָ֑יו 1 And she fell before the face of his feet Here, **falling** is an idiom referring to the action of bowing down or prostrating oneself, and **face** figuratively represents the front of a person, place, or object. Alternate translation: “and she bowed down” or “and she prostrated herself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 3 acd4 translate-symaction וַתִּפֹּ֖ל לִפְנֵ֣י רַגְלָ֑יו 1 And she fell before the face of his feet This may actually mean that Esther put her face right on top of the feet of King Ahasuerus. This would have been an act of humility and desperation by which she showed that her need was very great and that she believed the king had great power to help her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 8 3 acd5 figs-explicit וַתִּפֹּ֖ל לִפְנֵ֣י רַגְלָ֑יו 1 And she fell before the face of his feet Esther’s action was probably a recognized sign of pleading in this culture. However, it would likely still have been remarkable for a queen to fall at the feet of her husband, the king. You can show this by introducing the information with a phrase like “in fact.” Alternate translation: “in fact, to show how desperately she was pleading, Esther got down and put her face right on top of his feet” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 3 j1r1 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֣י רַגְלָ֑יו 1 before the face of his feet Here, **face** is a metonym meaning the front of a person, place, or object. This phrase means that Esther prostrated herself in front of the feet of King Ahasuerus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 3 jmn7 figs-idiom לְהַֽעֲבִיר֙ אֶת־רָעַת֙ הָמָ֣ן הָֽאֲגָגִ֔י 1 to take away the evil of Haman the Agagite and his plot that he had plotted against the Jews Here, **the evil** refers to Haman's plan.
This expression means to prevent a wrong action from happening.
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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 3 bp22 translate-names הָֽאֲגָגִ֔י 1 the Agagite This is the name of Haman’s people group. See how you translated this in [3:1](../03/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 8 3 c2hw מַֽחֲשַׁבְתּ֔וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר חָשַׁ֖ב 1 his plot that he had plotted Alternate translation: “and the plot that he had invented” or “and the plot that Haman invented”
EST 8 4 xh24 translate-symaction וַיּ֤וֹשֶׁט הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ לְאֶסְתֵּ֔ר אֵ֖ת שַׁרְבִ֣ט הַזָּהָ֑ב 1 And the king held out to Esther the scepter of gold As in [5:2](../05/02.md), King Ahasuerus did this to show that Esther had his favor. In that earlier episode, this indicated that he would not enforce the law that said Esther should be executed for coming into the inner court without being summoned. But since Esther was apparently already in the king’s presence on this occasion, it seems that the gesture could also be used generally to show that the king was positively disposed towards a person and would grant the person's request. Alternate translation: “the king held out his golden scepter to Esther” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 8 4 acd7 translate-unknown שַׁרְבִ֣ט הַזָּהָ֑ב 1 the scepter of gold See how you translated this in [4:11](../04/11.md). If it would be helpful, review the explanation of what this object was. Alternate translation: “golden scepter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 8 4 acd8 וַתָּ֣קָם אֶסְתֵּ֔ר 1 so Esther rose up Alternate translation: “Esther got up off the floor”
EST 8 4 j1r5 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 before the face of the king Here, **face** figuratively represents the front of a person, place, or object. This phrase means the Esther now stood facing King Ahasuerus. Alternate translation: “and stood facing the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 5 w7yl figs-parallelism אִם־עַל־הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ ט֜וֹב…וְכָשֵׁ֤ר הַדָּבָר֙ לִפְנֵ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 If it is good to the king, and if I have found favor before his face, and the word is proper before the face of the king, and I am good in his eyes These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Esther is saying very deferentially that she hopes that the king will think that her suggestion is a good idea and will, therefore, grant her request. Esther uses the repetition to emphasize the importance of what she is expressing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine the phrases. Alternate translation: “if what I am going to suggest seems like a good idea to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 8 5 r2yy figs-parallelism וְאִם־מָצָ֧אתִי חֵ֣ן לְפָנָ֗יו…וְטוֹבָ֥ה אֲנִ֖י בְּעֵינָ֑יו 1 These two phrases mean basically the same thing. Esther is saying very deferentially that she hopes that the king is positively disposed towards her, that he thinks well of her, and will, therefore, grant her request. Esther uses the repetition to emphasize the importance of what she is expressing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine the phrases. Alternate translation: “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 8 5 acd9 figs-123person אִם־עַל־הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ ט֜וֹב וְאִם־מָצָ֧אתִי חֵ֣ן לְפָנָ֗יו 1 If it is good to the king, and if I have found favor before his face, and the word is proper before the face of the king, and I am good in his eyes Here Esther addresses the king throughout in the third person as a way of showing respect. You could express the same meaning in the second person, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 8 5 ace0 figs-idiom אִם־עַל־הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ ט֜וֹב 1 If it is good to the king This is an idiom that also appears in [1:19](../01/19.md), [3:9](../03/09.md), [5:4](../05/04.md), and [5:8](../05/08.md). A suggested translation in those cases was, “If it seems like a good idea to you, O king.” That was suitable for the deferential tone the speakers were using. But in another place, [7:3](../07/03.md), when Esther was pleading urgently for the survival of her whole people, the suggested alternate translation was, “I hope you will be willing to do what I ask” Here, Esther is also pleading, so you could use that phrase here in your translation as well. Alternate translation: “if what I ask for seems right in the king’s evaluation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 5 ftc7 figs-idiom וְאִם־מָצָ֧אתִי חֵ֣ן 1 if I have found favor This expression also appears many times in the story. It means to gain the approval or acceptance of another person. Alternate translation: “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 5 j1r7 figs-metonymy לְפָנָ֗יו…לִפְנֵ֣י הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 before his face…before the face of the king Here, **face** figuratively means the presence of a person. These phrases could mean “as I stand here before you.” But “face” could also be referring figuratively to the king himself by naming one part of him. What he thought and felt about Esther’s request would become evident in his face first, so it would be an appropriate part of him to use to represent all of him. Alternate translation: “you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 5 xci7 figs-metaphor בְּעֵינָ֑יו 1 in his eyes Here, **eyes** figuratively represent the action of seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “if you evaluate me and I please you” or “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 5 j1r9 figs-idiom יִכָּתֵ֞ב לְהָשִׁ֣יב אֶת־הַסְּפָרִ֗ים 1 let it be written to take back the letters The first letters that told of the plan to destroy the Jews would not be brought back to Susa physically. Rather, **bring back** is an idiom that means “cancel” or “revoke.” Alternate translation: “make a new law to cancel what Haman decreed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 5 nbk3 figs-activepassive יִכָּתֵ֞ב לְהָשִׁ֣יב אֶת־הַסְּפָרִ֗ים 1 let it be written You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “write a new letter” or “make a new law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 8 6 j2r5 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֠י 1 For Here Esther is giving the reason why she is asking King Ahasuerus to revoke the letters. Alternate translation: “the reason I am asking is that” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 8 6 udt6 figs-rquestion אֵיכָכָ֤ה אוּכַל֙ וְֽרָאִ֔יתִי בָּרָעָ֖ה אֲשֶׁר־יִמְצָ֣א אֶת־עַמִּ֑י וְאֵֽיכָכָ֤ה אוּכַל֙ וְֽרָאִ֔יתִי בְּאָבְדַ֖ן מוֹלַדְתִּֽי 1 how could I bear to see the evil that my people would find? And how could I bear seeing the destruction of my kindred? Esther is actually making a statement, but she expresses herself in question form to show how strongly she feels about what she is saying. She does not actually expect the king to tell her how she could bear seeing her people destroyed. Alternate translation: “I cannot bear to see disaster fall on the Jews” or “I cannot endure watching my relatives be killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EST 8 6 ace1 figs-parallelism אֵיכָכָ֤ה אוּכַל֙ וְֽרָאִ֔יתִי בָּרָעָ֖ה אֲשֶׁר־יִמְצָ֣א אֶת־עַמִּ֑י וְאֵֽיכָכָ֤ה אוּכַל֙ וְֽרָאִ֔יתִי בְּאָבְדַ֖ן מוֹלַדְתִּֽי 1 how could I bear to see the evil that my people would find? And how could I bear seeing the destruction of my kindred? These two sentences mean basically the same thing. Esther uses the repetition to emphasize the importance of what she is saying. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine the phrases. Alternate translation: “I could not bear to see my relatives and my whole people destroyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 8 6 ace2 figs-abstractnouns בָּרָעָ֖ה אֲשֶׁר־יִמְצָ֣א אֶת־עַמִּ֑י 1 the evil Even though it was morally very wrong for Haman to want to destroy Mordecai’s whole people, here the abstract noun **evil** likely means “harm,” as in [7:7](../07/07.md). It means the same thing as “destruction” in the next sentence. Alternate translation: “my people being destroyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 8 6 ace3 figs-idiom יִמְצָ֣א 1 would find As in [1:5](../01/05.md), **find** is an idiom that means something exists in a certain place or time, not that people were looking for it and located it. Esther is speaking of the harm that will exist for the Jews if the effect of Haman’s letters is not undone. Alternate translation: “would be destroyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 6 ace4 figs-abstractnouns בְּאָבְדַ֖ן 1 the destruction of This abstract noun can be expressed with a verb such as “destroyed.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 8 6 ace5 מוֹלַדְתִּֽי 1 my kindred Alternate translation: “my relatives”
EST 8 7 j2r7 הִנֵּ֨ה 1 Behold This is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation, or you can use an alternate translation like “as you know.”
EST 8 7 ace6 בֵית־הָמָ֜ן נָתַ֣תִּי לְאֶסְתֵּ֗ר 1 I have given the house of Haman to Esther See the note about this expression in [8:1](../08/01.md). Alternate translation: “I have given Esther all the property that belonged to Haman” or “I have given Esther the household of Haman”
EST 8 7 h44h figs-metonymy בֵית־הָמָ֜ן 1 the house of Haman Here, **house** is a metonym meaning the entire household of Haman. Alternate translation: “the household of Haman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 7 ace7 figs-events וְאֹתוֹ֙ תָּל֣וּ עַל־הָעֵ֔ץ 1 they have hanged him on the tree Alternate translation: “I had my servants impale Haman on a wooden pole” or “I had my servants hang Haman on a gallows” You can put this information first because it happened before the king gave Haman’s property to Esther. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 8 7 ace8 translate-unknown הָעֵ֔ץ 1 the tree See how you translated this term in [2:23](../02/23.md), [5:14](../05/14.md), [6:4](../06/04.md), [7:9](../07/09.md), and [7:10](../07/10.md). Review the note to
[2:23](../02/23.md) if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “wooden pole” or “gallows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 8 7 j2r9 figs-idiom שָׁלַ֥ח יָד֖וֹ 1 he stretched out his hand Here the expression \*\*to stretch out a hand\*\* means to cause someone physical harm with the intention of killing them. Alternate translation: “because he plotted to destroy all the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 8 acf0 וְ֠אַתֶּם 1 So you Alternate translation: “so this is what you should do”
EST 8 8 acf1 כִּתְב֨וּ עַל־הַיְּהוּדִ֜ים כַּטּ֤וֹב בְּעֵֽינֵיכֶם֙ 1 write for the Jews as is good in your eyes Alternate translation: “I am giving you permission to write other letters to save your people”
EST 8 8 j3r1 figs-metaphor כַּטּ֤וֹב בְּעֵֽינֵיכֶם֙ 1 as is good in your eyes Here, **eyes** figuratively represent the action of seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. This phrase means that Esther and Mordecai have permission to write what they think is best. Alternate translation: “as you think is best” or “what you think is best” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 8 j3mn figs-metaphor בְּשֵׁ֣ם הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 in the name of the king Here, **name** is a metaphor meaning authority. This phrase means Esther and Mordecai have permission to write with the authority of the King Ahasuerus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 8 acf2 figs-123person בְּשֵׁ֣ם הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 in the name of the king King Ahasuerus refers to himself in the third person. You can have him say this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I give you permission to write with my own authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 8 8 j3r3 translate-unknown בְּטַבַּ֣עַת הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 with the signet ring of the king This is a special ring that could be used to imprint the king’s official seal on a law or decree. Alternate translation: “the ring that has my official seal on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 8 8 acf3 figs-123person בְּטַבַּ֣עַת הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 with the signet ring of the king King Ahasuerus refers to himself in the third person. You can have him say this in the first person. Alternate translation: “the ring that has my official seal on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 8 8 j3r5 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי 1 For Here, King Ahasuerus is expressing the reason why he cannot simply revoke the first letter and also why Esther and Mordecai can write another letter that people must obey. Alternate translation: “you see” or “people will obey your letter because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 8 8 acf4 אֵ֥ין לְהָשִֽׁיב 1 there is none to take back a writing As in verse 5, this expression means “revoke.” Alternate translation: “no one can revoke” or “no one can nullify”
EST 8 8 acf5 כְתָ֞ב…אֵ֥ין לְהָשִֽׁיב 1 there is none to take back a writing If it would be clearer in your language, you can put this first in the verse because it explains why Ahasuerus answers Esther and Mordecai in the way that he does. See the UST.
EST 8 8 acf6 figs-explicit כְתָ֞ב אֲשֶׁר־נִכְתָּ֣ב בְּשֵׁם־הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ וְנַחְתּ֛וֹם בְּטַבַּ֥עַת הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 a writing that has been written in the name of the king and has been sealed with the signet ring of the king The king is describing a general situation, but he has Haman’s letter specifically in mind. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Haman wrote his letter with my authority, and he sealed it with the ring that has my official seal on it. No one can revoke a letter like that” (The story explained in [1:19](../01/19.md) that the king’s laws could not be changed once they had been made and proclaimed.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 9 acf7 grammar-connect-logic-result וַיִּקָּרְא֣וּ סֹפְרֵֽי־הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ 1 So…were called This indicates that what is described in this verse was done because of what the king said in the previous verse. Use a connecting word or phrase to show this in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 8 9 s4ue figs-activepassive וַיִּקָּרְא֣וּ סֹפְרֵֽי־הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ 1 So the scribes of the king were called You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “the king called his scribes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 8 9 acf8 וַיִּקָּרְא֣וּ סֹפְרֵֽי־הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ 1 So the scribes of the king were called If you use an expression such as “called,” make sure your readers will understand that the king likely sent an official to go and bring the scribes back with him. The king did not call out in a loud voice to get them to come.
EST 8 9 j4r1 translate-ordinal בַּחֹ֨דֶשׁ הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֜י 1 in the third month Alternate translation: “in month three” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 8 9 acf9 figs-explicit בַּחֹ֨דֶשׁ הַשְּׁלִישִׁ֜י 1 in the third month Alternate translation: “in the third month of the year” It would still be the same year as in [3:7](../03/07.md), the twelfth year that Ahasuerus reigned as king of Persia. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 9 j356 translate-hebrewmonths הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ סִיוָ֗ן 1 which is the month of Sivan **Sivan** is the name of the third month of the Hebrew calendar. Alternate translation: “the month of Sivan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EST 8 9 acg1 הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ סִיוָ֗ן 1 which is the month of Sivan The story is being recorded from the perspective of the Persian court, but for the benefit of its intended Jewish audience, the Hebrew name of the month is given. This month overlaps with May and June on a Western calendar.
EST 8 9 j4r3 translate-ordinal בִּשְׁלוֹשָׁ֣ה וְעֶשְׂרִים֮ בּוֹ֒ 1 on the twenty-third of it Alternation translation: “on day 23” or “on the twenty-third day of the month” The exact date of the letter helps to establish its legal authority. This would be on June 25th of a Western calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 8 9 sz6j figs-activepassive וַיִּכָּתֵ֣ב כְּֽכָל־אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֣ה מָרְדֳּכַ֣י 1 And according to all that Mordecai commanded it was written You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “and they wrote in a letter everything that Mordecai dictated to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 8 9 acg2 figs-explicit אֶל־הַיְּהוּדִ֡ים 1 to the Jews It appears from verse 11 that the letter would have been addressed specifically to the Jews in the empire, telling them that the king had authorized them to defend themselves. But copies were also sent to all the royal and provincial officials. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the letter addressed the Jews in the empire, but copies were also sent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 9 acg3 וְאֶ֣ל הָאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנִֽים־וְהַפַּחוֹת֩ וְשָׂרֵ֨י הַמְּדִינ֜וֹת 1 and to the satraps, and the governors and officials of the provinces See how you translated these terms in [3:12](../03/12.md), where they were used to describe who received Haman’s letter. These are all people in government positions. The first one is the governor of the province and the other two are rulers under him who govern cities or smaller areas. If your language uses one term for all of these, you could use that with a descriptive phrase such as “to the government leaders of each province and also to the leaders under him.”
EST 8 9 acg4 אֲשֶׁ֣ר ׀ מֵהֹ֣דּוּ וְעַד־כּ֗וּשׁ שֶׁ֣בַע וְעֶשְׂרִ֤ים וּמֵאָה֙ מְדִינָ֔ה 1 that were from India even as far as Ethiopia: 127 provinces This is background information explaining how far this new letter had to be sent. See how you translated this phrase in [1:1](../01/01.md). Alternate translation: “the empire of Ahasuerus had 127 provinces, stretching all the way from India in the east to Ethiopia in the west”
EST 8 9 zp4q translate-numbers שֶׁ֣בַע וְעֶשְׂרִ֤ים וּמֵאָה֙ מְדִינָ֔ה 1 127 provinces Alternate translation: “one hundred and twenty-seven provinces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 8 9 j4r5 figs-idiom מְדִינָ֤ה וּמְדִינָה֙ 1 province by province This expression means “to people in every province.” Alternate translation: “the scribes wrote to the people in each province” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 9 bj5s כִּכְתָבָ֔הּ 1 according to its writing Alternate translation: “using its own alphabet” or “written in its own script”
EST 8 9 j4r7 figs-idiom וְעַ֥ם וָעָ֖ם 1 and people by people This expression means “every people group.” Alternate translation: “and to each ethnic group” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 9 j4r9 figs-metonymy כִּלְשֹׁנ֑וֹ 1 according to its tongue Here, **tongue** figuratively means the language spoken by a person or a group of people. Alternate translation: “in its own language” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 9 j5r1 וְאֶ֨ל־הַיְּהוּדִ֔ים כִּכְתָבָ֖ם וְכִלְשׁוֹנָֽם 1 and to the Jews according to their writing and according to their tongue The Jews would have been included among all the people groups in the empire in the phrase “people by people.” So this seems to be saying, “and especially to the Jews.” Verse 11 explains that it was particularly important for the Jews to read the letter because it gave them the right to defend themselves. Alternate translation: “they wrote especially to the Jews in their own script and in their own language”
EST 8 10 acg5 וַיִּכְתֹּ֗ב…וַיַּחְתֹּ֖ם 1 And he wrote…and he sealed **He** refers to Mordecai. You can use his name here if that would be clearer in your language.
EST 8 10 ijp2 figs-metaphor בְּשֵׁם֙ הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֹ֔שׁ 1 in the name of King Ahasuerus Here, **name** is a metaphor meaning authority. Alternate translation: “Mordecai wrote with the authority of King Ahasuerus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 10 jf31 figs-explicit וַיַּחְתֹּ֖ם בְּטַבַּ֣עַת הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 and he sealed with the signet ring of the king This means that Mordecai sealed the letters with this ring. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and he sealed the letters with the ring that had the king’s official seal on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 10 yt4j figs-metaphor בְּיַד֩ הָרָצִ֨ים בַּסּוּסִ֜ים 1 by the hand of runners on horses As in [3:13](../03/13.md), **hand** could mean two different things. (1) It could literally mean “hand,” meaning that the runners carried the letters in their hands. (2) It could also be a metaphor for power, control, or authority, meaning that runners were the ones who delivered the letters to all the provinces throughout the empire. Alternate translation: “couriers on horseback delivered the letters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 10 acg6 רֹכְבֵ֤י הָרֶ֨כֶשׁ֙ הָֽאֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִ֔ים בְּנֵ֖י הָֽרַמָּכִֽים 1 riders of the royal pack horses, sons of the mares Alternate translation: “They rose fast horses that were used in the king’s service. These horses had been bred in the king’s stables.”
EST 8 10 p9uc figs-metonymy בְּנֵ֖י הָֽרַמָּכִֽים 1 sons of the mares Here, **sons** is a metonym meaning the offspring of royal livestock. Alternate translation: “the offspring of the king’s horses” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 11 j5r5 figs-idiom בְּכָל־עִיר־וָעִ֗יר 1 in every city by city This expression means “in each and every city.” It is possibly referring to the entire empire by naming one part of it, its cities. The story says in [9:19](../09/19.md) that
not just Jews living in cities but Jews living in rural areas also defended themselves. It is likely that the messengers only published the news in the cities and not the entire countryside, but the news was certainly intended for everyone, not only people living in the cities. Alternate translation: “throughout the empire” or “in each and every city” or “in every single city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 11 e1mj figs-metaphor לְהִקָּהֵל֮ וְלַעֲמֹ֣ד עַל־נַפְשָׁם֒ 1 to gather and to stand for their life Here, **to stand** is a metaphor meaning to defend oneself and fight back instead of running away from an enemy. Alternate translation: “to join together and fight for their lives” or “to join together and fight back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 11 j5r7 figs-doublet לְהַשְׁמִיד֩ וְלַהֲרֹ֨ג וּלְאַבֵּ֜ד 1 to annihilate, and to slaughter, and to destroy These words mean the same thing and are used together to emphasize the completeness of the destruction that is being described. See how you translated this in [3:13](../03/13.md) and [7:4](../07/04.md). Alternate translation: “completely destroy” (A “doublet” can involve the use of more than two words.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 8 11 acg7 figs-metonymy כָּל־חֵ֨יל עַ֧ם וּמְדִינָ֛ה הַצָּרִ֥ים אֹתָ֖ם 1 any strength of a people or province that would attack them **Strength** is a figurative way of referring to an army or to a person carrying weaponry. Alternate translation: “the army of any people or province that attacked them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 11 acg8 טַ֣ף וְנָשִׁ֑ים 1 children and women Alternate translation: “they could also kill the wives and children of the armed men”
EST 8 11 acg9 וּשְׁלָלָ֖ם לָבֽוֹז 1 and plunder their spoil See how you translated this expression in [3:13](../03/13.md). Alternate translation: “and take everything that belonged to them”
EST 8 12 ach0 figs-explicit בְּי֣וֹם אֶחָ֔ד 1 on one day This was the day that Haman had set for destroying the Jews in
[3:13](../03/13.md). If it would be helpful in your language, you could make this explicit. Alternate translation:
“on the same day that Haman had set for destroying the Jews”
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 12 ach1 בְּכָל־מְדִינ֖וֹת הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ 1 in all of the provinces of the king Ahasuerus Alternate translation: “in every province of the kingdom”
EST 8 12 j6r3 translate-ordinal בִּשְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר 1 on the thirteenth Alternate translation: “on day 13” or “on the thirteenth day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 8 12 hi2y translate-ordinal לְחֹ֥דֶשׁ שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר 1 of the twelfth month Alternate translation: “of month 12” or “of the twelfth month” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 8 12 ach2 figs-explicit לְחֹ֥דֶשׁ שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר 1 of the twelfth month Implicitly, this means “the twelfth month of that same year.” If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 12 j6r4 translate-hebrewmonths הוּא־חֹ֥דֶשׁ אֲדָֽר 1 which is the month of Adar This is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. See how you
translated this in [3:07](../03/07.md) and [3:13](../03/13.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EST 8 13 j6r5 figs-activepassive פַּתְשֶׁ֣גֶן הַכְּתָ֗ב לְהִנָּ֤תֵֽן דָּת֙ 1 was to be given as a law You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the letter told the officials to proclaim this as a law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 8 13 j6r7 figs-idiom בְּכָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּמְדִינָ֔ה 1 in every province by province This expression means “in each and every province.” Alternate translation: “in every single province” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 13 ach4 figs-activepassive גָּל֖וּי לְכָל־הָעַמִּ֑ים 1 being uncovered for all the peoples You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the letter told the officials in every single province to post copies where everyone could see them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 8 13 ach5 וְלִהְי֨וֹת הַיְּהוּדִ֤ים עֲתִידִים֙ לַיּ֣וֹם הַזֶּ֔ה 1 for the Jews to be prepared for that day Alternate translation: “that way the Jews would get ready to do what the letter said when the day came”
EST 8 13 qk1d figs-idiom לְהִנָּקֵ֖ם מֵאֹיְבֵיהֶֽם 1 to take revenge from their enemies This expression, “to take revenge from” another person, means to correct a wrong they have done. In this context, the phrase means to correct the wrong of the original law that gave people permission to kill the Jews. Alternate translation: “and fight back against their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 14 ach7 הָרָצִ֞ים רֹכְבֵ֤י הָרֶ֨כֶשׁ֙ הָֽאֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִ֔ים 1 The runners, the riders of the royal pack horses See how you translated this in [8:10](../08/10.md). Alternate translation: “messengers riding on fast horses that were used for the king's business”
EST 8 14 ach6 figs-activepassive מְבֹהָלִ֥ים וּדְחוּפִ֖ים בִּדְבַ֣ר הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 hastened and hurried by the word of the king You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the king commanded the couriers to deliver the letters as quickly as possible” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 8 14 b69j figs-doublet מְבֹהָלִ֥ים וּדְחוּפִ֖ים 1 hastened and hurried These two terms mean almost the same thing and are used together to emphasize the fact that the couriers were told to deliver the letters as quickly as possible. Alternate translation: “they went immediately” or “as quickly as possible” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 8 14 ach8 figs-events הָרָצִ֞ים רֹכְבֵ֤י הָרֶ֨כֶשׁ֙ הָֽאֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִ֔ים 1 The runners, the riders of the royal pack horses To present the events in chronological order, you can put this after the king’s command, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 8 14 j6r9 figs-activepassive וְהַדָּ֥ת נִתְּנָ֖ה 1 And the law was given You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the king's officials also posted and read copies of the letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 8 15 j7r3 writing-newevent וּמָרְדֳּכַ֞י יָצָ֣א 1 Then Mordecai went out This introduces a new event in the story. Use a way that is natural in your language to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 8 15 j7r5 figs-metonymy מִלִּפְנֵ֣י הַמֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 from before the face of the king Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase means that Mordecai had been in the presence of King Ahasuerus and was now leaving in order to fulfill his duties as a high official in the Persian government. Alternate translation: “from the palace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 15 ach9 figs-explicit בִּלְב֤וּשׁ מַלְכוּת֙ תְּכֵ֣לֶת וָח֔וּר וַעֲטֶ֤רֶת זָהָב֙ גְּדוֹלָ֔ה וְתַכְרִ֥יךְ בּ֖וּץ וְאַרְגָּמָ֑ן 1 in a garment of royalty of blue and white, with a great crown of gold and a robe of fine linen and purple The implication is that the king gave Mordecai these special things to wear to show that he was now his highest officer. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. To put these events in chronological order, you can place this information before the report that Mordecai left the king’s presence to fulfill his duties. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 15 aci1 בִּלְב֤וּשׁ מַלְכוּת֙ תְּכֵ֣לֶת 1 a garment of royalty of blue and white Alternate translation: “a blue and white garment that the king had worn”
EST 8 15 aci2 וַעֲטֶ֤רֶת זָהָב֙ גְּדוֹלָ֔ה 1 a great crown of gold Alternate translation: “a large golden crown”
EST 8 15 eqc4 figs-metonymy וְהָעִ֣יר שׁוּשָׁ֔ן צָהֲלָ֖ה וְשָׂמֵֽחָה 1 and the city of Susa Here, **the city** represents the people living in it. Alternate translation: “the people of Susa” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 15 i1ec figs-hendiadys צָהֲלָ֖ה וְשָׂמֵֽחָה 1 cheered and rejoiced This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with “and.” The word **rejoiced** tells how they cheered. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning by saying something like “shouted joyfully.” Alternate translation: “cheered and were happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 8 15 aci3 figs-explicit צָהֲלָ֖ה וְשָׂמֵֽחָה 1 cheered and rejoiced The implication is that the people did this when they saw Mordecai. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 16 q2ru figs-metaphor הָֽיְתָ֥ה אוֹרָ֖ה 1 there was light Here, **light** figuratively represents happiness. Alternate translation: “the Jews felt happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 16 aci4 figs-doublet הָֽיְתָ֥ה אוֹרָ֖ה וְשִׂמְחָ֑ה 1 there was light and joy The terms **light** and **joy** refer to the same thing here.
They are used together to emphasize the extreme happiness that the Jews felt.
Alternate translation: “the Jews felt very happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 8 16 j8r1 figs-doublet וְשָׂשֹׂ֖ן וִיקָֽר 1 and rejoicing and honor These terms have similar meaning and are used together with the previous doublet to emphasize again the great happiness and joy that the Jews felt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 8 16 n94u figs-explicit וִיקָֽר 1 and honor Here, **honor** might have two possible meanings. (1) Other people honored the Jews. Alternate translation: “other people honored them” (2) The Jews themselves felt honor instead of shame. Alternate translation: “they felt honored” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 17 k1eh figs-idiom וּבְכָל־מְדִינָ֨ה וּמְדִינָ֜ה 1 And in every province by province This expression means “each and every province.” Alternate translation: “in every single province” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 17 j8r3 figs-idiom וּבְכָל־עִ֣יר וָעִ֗יר 1 and in every city by city This expression means “each and every city.” Alternate translation: “in every single city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 17 va7t figs-personification מְקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר דְּבַר־הַמֶּ֤לֶךְ וְדָתוֹ֙ מַגִּ֔יעַ 1 any place where the word of the king and his law had reached This expression describes the king’s message as if it were a person that could travel to a particular place. This phrase refers to all the places that received the king’s letter. Alternate translation: “wherever the king’s couriers took his decree” or “wherever the couriers read the letter announcing the king’s decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EST 8 17 j8r5 figs-doublet שִׂמְחָ֤ה וְשָׂשׂוֹן֙ לַיְּהוּדִ֔ים 1 there was joy and rejoicing for the Jews The terms **joy** and **rejoicing** have similar meaning and are used together to emphasize the great happiness and joy that the Jews felt. Alternate translation: “the Jews rejoiced greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 8 17 p89m figs-doublet מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה וְי֣וֹם ט֑וֹב 1 a feast and a good day These two terms mean something similar and are used together to emphasize the great happiness and joy that the Jews felt. Alternate translation: “and had festive celebrations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 8 17 aci5 figs-idiom וְי֣וֹם ט֑וֹב 1 a good day This expression generally means a day of happiness or celebration. Alternate translation: “and a holiday” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 17 aci6 figs-explicit וְרַבִּ֞ים מֵֽעַמֵּ֤י הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ מִֽתְיַהֲדִ֔ים 1 And many from the peoples of the land became Jews The implication is that they did this because they thought that the Jews might attack them when the Jews fought back against their enemies. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 17 aci7 וְרַבִּ֞ים מֵֽעַמֵּ֤י הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ מִֽתְיַהֲדִ֔ים 1 And many from the peoples of the land Alternate translation: “many people from the other ethnic groups in the empire”
EST 8 17 aci8 figs-idiom מֵֽעַמֵּ֤י הָאָ֨רֶץ֙ 1 from the peoples of the land The **peoples of the land** were the non-Jewish people groups within the empire. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 17 r3qf figs-metaphor נָפַ֥ל פַּֽחַד־הַיְּהוּדִ֖ים עֲלֵיהֶֽם 1 dread of the Jews had fallen on them Here, **falling** is a metaphor meaning to affect someone. Alternate translation: “they had become very afraid of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 17 aci9 figs-events נָפַ֥ל פַּֽחַד־הַיְּהוּדִ֖ים עֲלֵיהֶֽם 1 dread of the Jews had fallen upon them To present the events in chronological order, you can say this before saying that the people from the other groups became Jews themselves. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 9 intro yty1 0 # 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 stylistic devices 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.
### Opening Summary
Verse 1 of chapter 9 provides a summary of everything that happens in this chapter. If using an opening summary is not normally used in your language, be sure to mark this as a summary either in the text or in a footnote. An opening summary like this is a characteristic device of Hebrew storytelling. So even though it describes the final outcome, we do not recommend that you move it to the end of the chapter unless it is very confusing to leave it here. To make it clear that verse 1 is only a summary and not the entire story, you could say something like this at the end of the verse: “This is what happened” or “Here are more details about what happened.”
EST 9 1 j8r7 writing-newevent וּבִשְׁנֵים֩ עָשָׂ֨ר חֹ֜דֶשׁ 1 Now in the twelfth month This introduces a new event. Use a natural way in your language to indicate a new event. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 9 1 acj0 figs-explicit וּבִשְׁנֵים֩ עָשָׂ֨ר חֹ֜דֶשׁ הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֗ר בִּשְׁלוֹשָׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר יוֹם֙ בּ֔וֹ 1 Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of it The implication is that this happened in the twelfth month of the same year that the letters were sent out. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month of that year, the month of Adar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 1 j8r9 translate-ordinal וּבִשְׁנֵים֩ עָשָׂ֨ר חֹ֜דֶשׁ 1 Now in the twelfth month Alternate translation: “now in the twelfth month” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 1 t9yc translate-hebrewmonths הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֗ר 1 which is the month of Adar **Adar** is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. See how you translated this in [3:7](../03/07.md), [3:13](../03/13.md), and [8:12](../08/12.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EST 9 1 j9r1 translate-ordinal בִּשְׁלוֹשָׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר יוֹם֙ בּ֔וֹ 1 on the thirteenth day of it Alternate translation: “on the thirteenth day of the month” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 1 acj1 אֲשֶׁ֨ר…דְּבַר־הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ וְדָת֖וֹ לְהֵעָשׂ֑וֹת 1 when the word of the king and his law Alternate translation: “what the letters said the king had decreed”
EST 9 1 wh56 figs-personification אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִגִּ֧יעַ דְּבַר־הַמֶּ֛לֶךְ וְדָת֖וֹ לְהֵעָשׂ֑וֹת 1 when the word of the king and his law had reached the time to be done This expression describes the king’s decree as if it had traveled through time (as a person travels through space) and reached this particular day. This phrase means that it was time for people to obey the decree. Alternate translation: “when the time came for people to obey the king’s law and decree” or “when it was the day established in the king's letters for people to carry out the king’s law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EST 9 1 acj2 בַּיּ֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֨ר שִׂבְּר֜וּ אֹיְבֵ֤י הַיְּהוּדִים֙ לִשְׁל֣וֹט בָּהֶ֔ם 1 on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to dominate them Alternate translation: “the enemies of the Jews had expected to defeat the Jews on that day”
EST 9 1 ect2 figs-idiom לִשְׁל֣וֹט 1 to dominate This word usually means “to rule over,” but here it figuratively means “to have power over, to be able to destroy.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 1 lq9y figs-metaphor וְנַהֲפ֣וֹךְ 1 but being overturned Saying that a situation was turned over is a figurative way of saying that what happened was the opposite of what was expected. Alternate translation: “the situation was reversed” or “the opposite happened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 1 acj3 ה֔וּא אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִשְׁלְט֧וּ הַיְּהוּדִ֛ים הֵ֖מָּה בְּשֹׂנְאֵיהֶֽם 1 it happened that the Jews themselves dominated those who hated them Alternate translation: “Instead, it was the Jews themselves who destroyed their enemies”
EST 9 1 acj4 figs-idiom בְּשֹׂנְאֵיהֶֽם 1 those who hated them This is an idiom that describes enemies (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 2 tj62 figs-idiom לִשְׁלֹ֣חַ יָ֔ד 1 to stretch out a hand Here the expression **to stretch out a hand** means to cause someone physical harm with the intention of killing him. Alternate translation: “to defend themselves” or “to fight” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 2 d44x figs-abstractnouns בִּמְבַקְשֵׁ֖י רָֽעָתָ֑ם 1 against those seeking their evil Here the abstract noun **evil** likely means “harm,” as in [7:7](../07/07.md) and [8:6](../08/06.md). In this context, the term can be expressed with a verb. Alternate translation: “who were trying to destroy them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 9 2 acj6 figs-idiom וְאִישׁ֙ לֹא־עָמַ֣ד לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם 1 But a man did not stand to their face Alternate translation: “no one stood against them” or “no one was able to defeat them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 2 x8s3 figs-metaphor וְאִישׁ֙ לֹא־עָמַ֣ד לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם 1 But a man did not stand to their face Here, **standing** is a metaphor meaning to defend oneself and to fight back instead of running away from an enemy. Alternate translation: “was able to fight back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 2 j9r3 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵיהֶ֔ם 1 to their face Here, **face** figuratively stands for the presence of a person, so here it means “when faced with them.” Alternate translation: “against them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 9 2 h7jh figs-metaphor נָפַ֥ל פַּחְדָּ֖ם עַל־כָּל־הָעַמִּֽים 1 sudden fear of them had fallen on all the peoples Here, **falling** is a metaphor meaning to affect someone. Alternate translation: “all the peoples suddenly became very afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 2 acj7 figs-explicit נָפַ֥ל פַּחְדָּ֖ם עַל־כָּל־הָעַמִּֽים 1 sudden fear of them had fallen on all the peoples The implication is that as a result, no one helped anyone who attacked the Jews. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 3 acj8 שָׂרֵ֨י הַמְּדִינ֜וֹת וְהָאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנִ֣ים וְהַפַּח֗וֹת 1 the officials of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governors See how you translated these terms in [3:12](../03/12.md) and [8:9](../08/09.md). Alternate translation: “the government leaders in each province”
EST 9 3 acj9 וְעֹשֵׂ֤י הַמְּלָאכָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 and those doing the work that was for the king Alternate translation: “anyone the king had trusted with his affairs”
EST 9 3 ack0 figs-metaphor מְנַשְּׂאִ֖ים אֶת־הַיְּהוּדִ֑ים 1 were lifting up the Jews Here, **lifting up** is a figurative way of saying “helping.” The picture is likely of someone helping a tired or injured person to stand or walk by holding them up. Alternate translation: “helped the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 3 q2ue figs-metaphor נָפַ֥ל פַּֽחַד־מָרְדֳּכַ֖י עֲלֵיהֶֽם 1 dread of Mordecai had fallen on them Here, **falling** is a metaphor meaning to affect someone. Alternate translation: “they were afraid of Mordecai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 4 j9r5 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי 1 For This term introduces the reason why the officials and satraps and governors were becoming afraid of Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 9 4 xd49 figs-explicit גָ֤דוֹל מָרְדֳּכַי֙ בְּבֵ֣ית הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Mordecai was great in the palace of the king The implication is that this is why all the other officials were afraid of Mordecai. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation, add: “They were afraid of him because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 4 ack1 figs-metonymy גָ֤דוֹל מָרְדֳּכַי֙ בְּבֵ֣ית הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Mordecai was great in the palace of the king **The palace of the king** is a figurative way of describing the king’s administration by referring to the place where it was headquartered. Alternate translation: “was very important in the king’s government” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 9 4 ack2 גָ֤דוֹל מָרְדֳּכַי֙ בְּבֵ֣ית הַמֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Mordecai was great **Great** here is the same term that, as a verb, describes promotion within the king’s
service in in [3:1](../03/01.md) and [5:11](../05/11.md). Alternate translation: “Mordecai was a very important royal official”
EST 9 4 mr66 figs-personification וְשָׁמְע֖וֹ הוֹלֵ֣ךְ בְּכָל־הַמְּדִינ֑וֹת 1 and the report of him was going out into all the provinces Here the story speaks of the news of Mordecai’s greatness as if it were a living thing that could travel throughout the empire. Alternate translation: “throughout the empire, everyone was hearing the news of his greatness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EST 9 4 j9r9 figs-idiom מָרְדֳּכַ֖י הוֹלֵ֥ךְ וְגָדֽוֹל 1 Mordecai was progressing and becoming great This expression means that Mordecai continued to become more powerful and influential. Alternate translation: “Mordecai was becoming more famous because the king was giving him more and more power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 5 ack3 וַיַּכּ֤וּ הַיְּהוּדִים֙ בְּכָל־אֹ֣יְבֵיהֶ֔ם מַכַּת־חֶ֥רֶב 1 the Jews struck to all their enemies a strike of sword After the information about Mordecai, the story now returns to tell what happened on the appointed day. You could add a phrase to show this. Alternate translation, add: “on the day when they were allowed to defend themselves”
EST 9 5 ack4 figs-idiom וַיַּכּ֤וּ הַיְּהוּדִים֙ בְּכָל־אֹ֣יְבֵיהֶ֔ם מַכַּת־חֶ֥רֶב 1 the Jews struck to all their enemies a strike of sword This expression means that the Jews defended themselves against their enemies, even to the point of killing people who attacked them. Alternate translation: “the Jews attacked all of their enemies and killed them with their swords” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 5 j11d figs-synecdoche מַכַּת־חֶ֥רֶב 1 a strike of sword Swords were not necessarily the only weapons the Jews had and used. The sword is used to represent all of their weaponry. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this more general meaning. Alternate translation: “the Jews took up their weapons and used them against their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 9 5 j13d figs-doublet וְהֶ֖רֶג וְאַבְדָ֑ן 1 and slaughter, and destruction These two words have the same meaning and are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “they destroyed them completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 9 5 j15d figs-idiom וַיַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ בְשֹׂנְאֵיהֶ֖ם כִּרְצוֹנָֽם 1 and they did to those who hated them according to their pleasure This expression does not mean that the Jews felt pleasure when they killed their enemies. Rather, it means that the Jews were able to defend themselves against their enemies and were not hindered in any way. Alternate translation: “they were able to do everything they wanted to do against their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 5 ack5 figs-idiom בְשֹׂנְאֵיהֶ֖ם 1 those who hated them This is an idiom that describes enemies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 6 b5ft וּבְשׁוּשַׁ֣ן הַבִּירָ֗ה 1 And in Susa the citadel Alternate translation: “just in Susa, the capital city”
EST 9 6 j17d figs-doublet הָרְג֤וּ…וְאַבֵּ֔ד 1 slaughtered and destroyed These two words have the same meaning and are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 9 6 ha18 translate-numbers חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת אִֽישׁ 1 500 men Alternate translation: “five hundred men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 7 ack6 figs-explicit פַּרְשַׁנְדָּ֛תָא…דַּֽלְפ֖וֹן…אַסְפָּֽתָא 1 Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha The story lists the names of Haman’s sons before explaining that they were his sons and that the Jews killed them. To be clear who these people are, you can add this information from verse 10 explicitly here. Alternate translation, add: “rhe Jews killed the ten sons of their enemy Haman son of Hammedatha. The names of his sons were …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 7 s6x2 translate-names פַּרְשַׁנְדָּ֛תָא…דַּֽלְפ֖וֹן…אַסְפָּֽתָא 1 Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 8 g6zx translate-names פּוֹרָ֛תָא…אֲדַלְיָ֖א…אֲרִידָֽתָא 1 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 9 gj4p translate-names פַּרְמַ֨שְׁתָּא֙…אֲרִיסַ֔י…אֲרִדַ֖י…וַיְזָֽתָא 1 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, Vaizatha These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 10 fsa2 translate-numbers עֲ֠שֶׂרֶת בְּנֵ֨י 1 ten sons Alternate translation: “the 10 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 10 xt5b figs-informremind צֹרֵ֥ר הַיְּהוּדִ֖ים 1 the adversary of the Jews This phrase gives clarifying information about Haman. Alternate translation: “the enemy of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 9 10 j19d figs-idiom לֹ֥א שָׁלְח֖וּ אֶת־יָדָֽם 1 they did not stretch out their hand Here the expression **to stretch out a hand** means to take something from another person. Alternate translation: “they did not take” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 10 ack7 וּבַ֨בִּזָּ֔ה 1 But…to the plunder Alternate translation: “But … their possessions”
EST 9 11 ack8 בַּיּ֣וֹם הַה֗וּא 1 On that day Alternate translation: “at the end of that day”
EST 9 11 j21d figs-personification בָּ֣א מִסְפַּ֧ר…לִפְנֵ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the report of the number…came to the face of the king Here the story speaks about the report as if it were a living thing that could come into the the king’s presence. Alternate translation: “one of the king’s servants told the king the number of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EST 9 11 acl0 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֥י הַמֶּֽלֶךְ 1 to the face of the king Here, **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase likely means that someone came into the king’s presence in order to deliver this report. Alternate translation: “someone came in and reported to the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 9 11 j22d figs-activepassive מִסְפַּ֧ר הַֽהֲרוּגִ֛ים 1 the number of those who were killed You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “how many people the Jews had killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 12 j33d figs-doublet הָרְגוּ֩…וְאַבֵּ֜ד 1 have slaughtered and destroyed These terms mean the same thing and are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 9 12 cz3e translate-numbers חֲמֵ֧שׁ מֵא֣וֹת אִ֗ישׁ 1 500 men Alternate translation: “five hundred men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 12 acl1 וְאֵת֙ 1 with Alternate translation: “including”
EST 9 12 j5p9 translate-numbers עֲשֶׂ֣רֶת בְּנֵֽי 1 ten sons Alternate translation: “10 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 12 vh5l figs-rquestion בִּשְׁאָ֛ר מְדִינ֥וֹת הַמֶּ֖לֶךְ מֶ֣ה עָשׂ֑וּ 1 In the rest of the provinces of the king, what have they done? The king is making a statement, but he uses a question form to show that he is very convinced 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EST 9 12 s3sr figs-parallelism וּמַה־שְּׁאֵֽלָתֵךְ֙ וְיִנָּ֣תֵֽן לָ֔ךְ וּמַה־בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֥ךְ ע֖וֹד וְתֵעָֽשׂ 1 Now what is your petition? And it will be given to you. And what is your request? Again, and it will be done. These two statements mean basically the same thing. Ahasuerus says the same thing twice to show that he is truly disposed to give Esther what she wants. If it would be confusing, you do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation. Alternate translation: “is there anything more that you want? Tell me, and I will do it for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 9 12 n3ua figs-activepassive וְיִנָּ֣תֵֽן לָ֔ךְ…וְתֵעָֽשׂ 1 And it will be given to you…and it will be done You can capture these parallel passive statements with one statement using an active form. You can also say who will do the action. Alternate translation: “I will do it for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 12 ly4g figs-abstractnouns שְּׁאֵֽלָתֵךְ֙…בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֥ךְ 1 your petition…your request The two abstract nouns **petition** and **request** can be expressed with a single phrase using the verb “want.” Alternate translation: “anything more that you want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 9 13 acl2 figs-idiom אִם־עַל־הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֔וֹב 1 If it is good to the king This is an idiom that has been used many times in the story. Alternate translation: “if it seems like a good idea to you, O king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 13 acl3 figs-activepassive יִנָּתֵ֣ן 1 let it be given You can say this with an active form, and you can indicate that Esther is asking the king to do it. Alternate translation: “please allow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 13 nz41 גַּם־מָחָ֗ר לַיְּהוּדִים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּשׁוּשָׁ֔ן לַעֲשׂ֖וֹת כְּדָ֣ת הַיּ֑וֹם 1 also tomorrow to the Jews who are in Susa to do according to the law of today Alternate translation: “all the Jews who live in Susa to obey today’s decree tomorrow also” or “to do tomorrow also what was decreed that they should do today”
EST 9 13 j43d בְּשׁוּשָׁ֔ן 1 in Susa Alternate translation: “in the capital city of Susa”
EST 9 13 acl4 עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת בְּנֵֽי־הָמָ֖ן יִתְל֥וּ 1 let the ten sons of Haman hang The request is not for the king to allow the bodies to be impaled (or hanged), but instead, for the king to order this. Alternate translation: “and have the bodies of Haman’s ten sons hanged [or impaled]”
EST 9 13 acl5 translate-symaction עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת בְּנֵֽי־הָמָ֖ן יִתְל֥וּ 1 let the ten sons of Haman hang The purpose of this would not be to kill the sons, since they are already dead, but to demonstrate publicly that the enemies of the Jews had been completely defeated. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 9 13 acl6 figs-explicit עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת בְּנֵֽי־הָמָ֖ן יִתְל֥וּ 1 the ten sons of Haman It is implicit that since Haman’s sons are already dead, what Esther is actually asking for is for their bodies to be impaled or hanged. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the bodies of Haman’s ten sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 13 nr1p translate-numbers עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת בְּנֵֽי 1 ten sons Alternate translation: “10 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 13 qyu8 translate-unknown הָעֵֽץ 1 the tree See how you translated this term in [2:23](../02/23.md) and its other occurrences. Review the explanation in the note to [2:23](../02/23.md) if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “wooden pole” or “gallows.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 9 14 acl7 figs-activepassive וַיֹּ֤אמֶר הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ לְהֵֽעָשׂ֣וֹת כֵּ֔ן 1 the king said for this to be done You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the king granted both of Esther’s requests” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 14 acl8 figs-explicit וַתִּנָּתֵ֥ן דָּ֖ת בְּשׁוּשָׁ֑ן 1 And a law was given in Susa This phrase, “in Susa,” seems to indicate that this refers to Esther’s first request. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “he issued a decree allowing the Jews in Susa to fight against their enemies again the next day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 14 j47d figs-activepassive וַתִּנָּתֵ֥ן דָּ֖ת בְּשׁוּשָׁ֑ן 1 And a law was given in Susa This can be stated in active form as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 14 j49d בְּשׁוּשָׁ֑ן 1 in Susa Alternate translation: “in the capital city of Susa”
EST 9 14 acl9 figs-explicit תָּלֽוּ 1 they hanged This was Esther’s second request. You can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “he ordered his servants to hang [or impale] the bodies of Haman's ten sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 14 j51d translate-numbers עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת בְּנֵֽי 1 ten sons Alternate translation: “10 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 15 j55d בְּשׁוּשָׁ֗ן 1 who were in Susa Alternate translation: “who lived in the capital city of Susa”
EST 9 15 acm0 וַיִּֽקָּהֲל֞וּ 1 So…assembled themselves Alternate translation: “joined together”
EST 9 15 p9gc translate-ordinal בְּי֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ 1 on the fourteenth day Alternate translation: “on day 14” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 15 j57d translate-hebrewmonths לְחֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֔ר 1 of the month of Adar **Adar** is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. See how you translated this in [3:7](../03/07.md), [3:13](../03/13.md), [8:12](../08/12.md), and [9:1](../09/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EST 9 15 j59d בְשׁוּשָׁ֔ן 1 in Susa Alternate translation: “in the capital city of Susa”
EST 9 15 j61d translate-numbers שְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת אִ֑ישׁ 1 300 men Alternate translation: “three hundred men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 15 lp12 figs-idiom וּבַ֨בִּזָּ֔ה לֹ֥א שָׁלְח֖וּ אֶת־יָדָֽם 1 they did not stretch out their hand to the plunder Here, the expression **to stretch out a hand** means to take something from another person. Alternate translation: “they did not take the things that belonged to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 16 j65d figs-metaphor נִקְהֲל֣וּ ׀ וְעָמֹ֣ד עַל־נַפְשָׁ֗ם 1 assembled themselves and stood for their lives Here, **standing** is a metaphor meaning to defend oneself and to fight back instead of running away from an enemy. See how you translated this in [8:11](../08/11.md). Alternate translation: “joined together to fight back against their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 16 acm2 figs-explicit נִקְהֲל֣וּ ׀ וְעָמֹ֣ד עַל־נַפְשָׁ֗ם 1 assembled themselves It’s implicit here, and stated explicitly in the next verse, that these other Jews fought their enemies only on the thirteenth day. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly here. Alternate translation, add: “on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 16 acm3 figs-metaphor וְנ֨וֹחַ֙ מֵאֹ֣יְבֵיהֶ֔ם 1 and they rested from their enemies Here, **resting** is a figurative way of saying that they no longer needed to fight against their enemies because they had won the battle. Alternate translation: “they had no more trouble from their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 16 kms1 וְהָרֹג֙ בְּשֹׂ֣נְאֵיהֶ֔ם חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה וְשִׁבְעִ֖ים אָ֑לֶף 1 they slaughtered 75,000 of those who hated them Alternate translation: “and killed 75,000 of them”
EST 9 16 i1d1 translate-numbers חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה וְשִׁבְעִ֖ים אָ֑לֶף 1 75000 Alternate translation: “seventy-five thousand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 16 m2cx לֹ֥א שָֽׁלְח֖וּ אֶת־יָדָֽם 1 they did not stretch out their hand to the plunder Alternate translation: “they did not take the things that belonged to them” or “they did not take the valuable things” or “the did not take their possessions”
EST 9 17 ll4f translate-ordinal בְּיוֹם־שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר 1 the thirteenth day Alternate translation: “on the thirteenth day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 17 j67d translate-hebrewmonths לְחֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֑ר 1 of the month of Adar **Adar** is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar.
See how you translated this in [3:7](../03/07.md), [3:13](../03/13.md), [8:12](../08/12.md), [9:1](../09/01.md), and [9:15](../09/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EST 9 17 acm5 בְּאַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔וֹ וְעָשֹׂ֣ה אֹת֔וֹ י֖וֹם מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה וְשִׂמְחָֽה 1 on the fourteenth day of it, then they made it a day of feasting and rejoicing Alternate translation: “they devoted the next day, the fourteenth day of the month of Adar, to joyful celebration” or “they feasted joyfully the next day, the fourteenth day of the month of Adar”
EST 9 17 kjj1 translate-ordinal בְּאַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔וֹ 1 on the fourteenth of it Alternate translation: “on day 14” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 17 j69d figs-hendiadys מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה וְשִׂמְחָֽה 1 feasting and rejoicing This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with “and.” The word **rejoicing** tells how they celebrated. Alternate translation: “joyful celebration” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 9 17 acm6 figs-synecdoche מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה 1 feasting This is a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to mean the whole thing. The celebrations must have included more than just eating special meals together, but the story uses those meals to refer to the entire celebrations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 9 18 w531 וְהַיְּהוּדִ֣ים אֲשֶׁר־בְּשׁוּשָׁ֗ן נִקְהֲלוּ֙ 1 But the Jews who were in Susa assembled themselves Alternate translation: “but the Jews who lived in the capital city of Susa”
EST 9 18 acm7 figs-explicit נִקְהֲלוּ֙ 1 assembled themselves The implication is that they did this to fight against their enemies. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Jews who lived in Susa joined together to fight against their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 18 acm8 figs-explicit בִּשְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔וֹ וּבְאַרְבָּעָ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר בּ֑וֹ 1 on the thirteenth of it and on the fourteenth of it If it would be clearer, you can say which month this is. Alternate translation: “on the thirteenth and fourteenth days of the month of Adar”
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 18 j73d translate-ordinal בִּשְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔וֹ 1 on the thirteenth of it Alternate translation: “on day 13” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 18 j75d translate-ordinal וּבְאַרְבָּעָ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר בּ֑וֹ 1 and on the fourteenth of it Alternate translation: “and on day 14” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 18 acm9 figs-metaphor וְנ֗וֹחַ בַּחֲמִשָּׁ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔וֹ וְעָשֹׂ֣ה אֹת֔וֹ י֖וֹם מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה וְשִׂמְחָֽה 1 And they rested on the fifteenth of it, and they made it a day of feasting and rejoicing **Resting** is a figurative way of saying that they no longer needed to fight against their enemies because they had won the battle. Alternate translation: “they defeated them, and there was no fighting on the fifteenth day. They devoted that day to joyful celebration” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 18 j77d translate-ordinal בַּחֲמִשָּׁ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔וֹ 1 on the fifteenth of it Alternate translation: “on day 15” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 18 j79d figs-hendiadys מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה וְשִׂמְחָֽה 1 feasting and rejoicing This phrase means the same thing as in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “for feasting joyfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 9 19 j81d grammar-connect-logic-result עַל־כֵּ֞ן 1 Therefore This term introduces the result of the events that were described in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “for that reason” or “that is why” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 9 19 acn0 figs-parallelism הַיְּהוּדִ֣ים הַפְּרָזִ֗ים הַיֹּשְׁבִים֮ בְּעָרֵ֣י הַפְּרָזוֹת֒ 1 the Jews, the ones of the open country, the ones who dwell in the cities of the open areas These two phrases mean similar things. They are used together to make the identification of this group clear. The first phrase means that they lived in rural areas. The second phrase means they lived in settlements that did not have walls around them, that is, in villages. You can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “the Jews who live in villages in the countryside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 9 19 acn1 figs-explicit עֹשִׂ֗ים אֵ֠ת י֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙…וְי֣וֹם ט֑וֹב 1 make the fourteenth day…and a good day The implication is that this explanation is being offered for the benefit of city-dwelling Jews who might wonder why rural Jews celebrate this holiday on a different day. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation, add: “rather than on the fifteenth day.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 19 acn2 עֹשִׂ֗ים אֵ֠ת י֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙…וְי֣וֹם ט֑וֹב 1 make the fourteenth day…and a good day Alternate translation: “observe this holiday on the fourteenth day”
EST 9 19 j83d translate-ordinal י֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ 1 the fourteenth day Alternate translation: “the fourteenth day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 19 j85d translate-hebrewmonths לְחֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֔ר 1 of the month of Adar **Adar** is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar.
See how you translated this in [3:7](../03/07.md), [3:13](../03/13.md), [8:12](../08/12.md), [9:1](../09/01.md), [9:15](../09/15.md) and [9:17](../09/17.md).
(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EST 9 19 j87d figs-hendiadys שִׂמְחָ֥ה וּמִשְׁתֶּ֖ה 1 for rejoicing and for feasting As in verses 17 and 18, this means “by celebrating joyfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 9 19 j89d figs-idiom וְי֣וֹם ט֑וֹב 1 and a good day This expression generally means a day of happiness or celebration. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 19 acn3 translate-symaction וּמִשְׁל֥וֹחַ מָנ֖וֹת אִ֥ישׁ לְרֵעֵֽהוּ 1 and for the sending of gifts, a man to his friend Giving gifts, in this culture as in many cultures, was a way of acknowledging a special occasion. Alternate translation: “and by giving gifts to one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 9 19 j91d figs-idiom אִ֥ישׁ לְרֵעֵֽהוּ 1 a man to his friend Here, **a man** means “a person.” The term **friend** would include family members and neighbors as well as social friends. Alternate translation: “to one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 20 acn4 וַיִּכְתֹּ֣ב…הַדְּבָרִ֖ים הָאֵ֑לֶּה 1 And…wrote these things Alternate translation: “wrote an account of all of these events”
EST 9 20 acn5 כָּל־הַיְּהוּדִ֗ים אֲשֶׁר֙ בְּכָל־מְדִינוֹת֙ הַמֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ 1 all the Jews who were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus Alternate translation: “all the Jews everywhere in the kingdom”
EST 9 20 j95d figs-merism הַקְּרוֹבִ֖ים וְהָרְחוֹקִֽים 1 the near ones and the far ones This is a figurative way of referring to something by speaking of two extreme parts of it in order to include everything in between. This expression means the Jews who lived in or near Susa, those who lived far away, and all Jews in between. Alternate translation: “everywhere they lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EST 9 21 acn6 figs-idiom לְקַיֵּם֮ עֲלֵיהֶם֒ לִהְי֣וֹת עֹשִׂ֗ים 1 to set up for them to be making Here, **to set up** means to establish, and to **make** a day means to observe it as a holiday. Alternate translation: “to establish … as a holiday” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 21 j97d translate-ordinal י֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ 1 the fourteenth day Alternate translation: “the fourteenth day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 21 j99d translate-hebrewmonths לְחֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֔ר 1 of the month of Adar **Adar** is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar.
See how you translated this in [3:7](../03/07.md), [3:13](../03/13.md), [8:12](../08/12.md), [9:1](../09/01.md), [9:15](../09/15.md), [9:17](../09/17.md), and [9:19](../09/19.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]])
EST 9 21 j111 translate-ordinal יוֹם־חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר בּ֑וֹ 1 the fifteenth day of it Alternate translation: “the fifteenth day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 21 n4v9 figs-idiom בְּכָל־שָׁנָ֖ה וְשָׁנָֽה 1 every year by year This expression means “every year.” Alternation translation: “each year” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 22 acn7 grammar-connect-logic-result כַּיָּמִ֗ים אֲשֶׁר 1 as the days when This verse gives the reason for what Mordecai told the Jews to do in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “because those were the days when” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 9 22 acn8 figs-metaphor נָ֨חוּ בָהֶ֤ם הַיְּהוּדִים֙ מֵא֣וֹיְבֵיהֶ֔ם 1 the Jews rested on them from their enemies As in verses 16, 17, and 18, **resting** here is a figurative way of saying that they no longer needed to fight against their enemies because they had won the battle. Alternate translation: “the Jews stopped fighting because they had defeated their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 22 acn9 וְהַחֹ֗דֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר֩ 1 and as the month when Alternate translation: “And that was the month when”
EST 9 22 aco1 figs-parallelism נֶהְפַּ֨ךְ לָהֶ֤ם מִיָּגוֹן֙ לְשִׂמְחָ֔ה וּמֵאֵ֖בֶל לְי֣וֹם ט֑וֹב 1 it had turned for them from sorrow into joy and from mourning into a good day These two phrases mean similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize how dramatic and wonderful the change was. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases and say something like “after being very sad, they became very happy.” Alternate translation: “they changed from being very sorrowful and crying to being very joyful and celebrating” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 9 22 aco3 figs-explicit נֶהְפַּ֨ךְ לָהֶ֤ם מִיָּגוֹן֙ לְשִׂמְחָ֔ה וּמֵאֵ֖בֶל לְי֣וֹם ט֑וֹב 1 it had turned for them from sorrow into joy and from mourning into a good day It is implicit that the Jews were deeply distressed because they were being threatened with destruction, and they became very happy once they were safe from all their enemies. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that here. Alternate translation: “everything had changed for them. They had been deeply distressed because they were threatened with destruction. But they became very happy once they were safe from all their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 22 nch1 figs-metaphor נֶהְפַּ֨ךְ לָהֶ֤ם מִיָּגוֹן֙ לְשִׂמְחָ֔ה 1 it had turned for them from sorrow into joy **Turning** figuratively represents changing. Alternate translation: “they changed from being very sad to being joyful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 22 aco4 figs-abstractnouns מִיָּגוֹן֙ לְשִׂמְחָ֔ה 1 from sorrow into joy The abstract nouns **sorrow** and **joy** can be expressed with adjectives such as “distressed” and “happy.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 9 22 j113 figs-explicit לַעֲשׂ֣וֹת אוֹתָ֗ם יְמֵי֙ 1 in order to make them days of These are things that Mordecai is telling the Jews to do in his letters. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that here. Alternate translation: “so Mordecai told them to observe those days with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 22 j115 figs-hendiadys מִשְׁתֶּ֣ה וְשִׂמְחָ֔ה 1 feasting and rejoicing As in verses 17, 18, and 19, this phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with “and.” The word “rejoicing” tells how the celebrating was to be done. Alternate translation: “joyful celebration” or “feasting joyfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 9 22 aco5 וּמִשְׁל֤וֹחַ מָנוֹת֙ אִ֣ישׁ לְרֵעֵ֔הוּ 1 and sending of gifts, a man to his friend See how you translated this in verse 19. Review the notes there if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “and by giving gifts to one another”
EST 9 22 j117 figs-idiom אִ֣ישׁ לְרֵעֵ֔הוּ 1 a man to his friend Here, **a man** means “a person.” The term **friend** would include family members and neighbors as well as social friends. Alternate translation: “to one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 22 aco6 translate-symaction וּמַתָּנ֖וֹת לָֽאֶבְיוֹנִֽים 1 and gifts to the needy In this culture as in many others, helping the poor was also a way of acknowledging a special occasion. The idea was that no one should miss out on the benefits of the wonderful thing that God had done. Alternate translation: “Mordecai also told them that they should help the poor on those days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 9 22 z1vl figs-explicit וּמַתָּנ֖וֹת לָֽאֶבְיוֹנִֽים 1 This is also something that Mordecai is telling the Jews to do in his letters. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that here. Alternate translation: “Mordecai also told them that they should give gifts to the poor on those days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 23 aco7 figs-explicit וְקִבֵּל֙…אֲשֶׁר־כָּתַ֥ב מָרְדֳּכַ֖י אֲלֵיהֶֽם 1 And…accepted…what Mordecai had written to them The implication seems to be that the Jews were glad to do what Mordecai had instructed, because they had already been doing it. You can add a word such as “readily” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 23 aco8 וְקִבֵּל֙ 1 And…accepted Alternate translation: “agreed”
EST 9 23 ib25 figs-events אֲשֶׁר־הֵחֵ֖לּוּ לַעֲשׂ֑וֹת 1 what they had begun to do Alternate translation: “the Jews were already celebrating those days that way.” You can put this information first, to present the events in logical and chronological order. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 9 24 j119 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּי֩ 1 For This introduces the reason for the events previously described. The story will now summarize everything that happened previously. The Jews were to celebrate because they were able to fight back when Haman plotted to destroy all of them. Alternate translation: “they would celebrate these days to remember” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 9 24 kqf6 figs-explicit כִּי֩ 1 If it would be clearer in your language, you can say here what this reason is explaining. Alternate translation: “they would establish those days as a holiday in order to remember how” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 24 j125 figs-informremind צֹרֵר֙ כָּל־הַיְּהוּדִ֔ים 1 the adversary of all the Jews This phrase gives clarifying information about Haman. Alternate translation: “the enemy of all the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 9 24 aco9 חָשַׁ֥ב עַל־הַיְּהוּדִ֖ים לְאַבְּדָ֑ם 1 had plotted concerning the Jews to annihilate them Alternate translation: “had tried to carry out a plan that would destroy the Jews”
EST 9 24 xz7s figs-explicit וְהִפִּ֥יל פּוּר֙ ה֣וּא הַגּוֹרָ֔ל 1 and he had cast a Pur (which is “the lot”) You can say explicitly why Haman did this. Alternate translation: “he threw Pur (that is, he threw lots) to find out what would be the best day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 24 bcy2 translate-names פּוּר֙ ה֣וּא הַגּוֹרָ֔ל 1 a Pur (which is “the lot”) As in 3:7, the storyteller is giving both the Persian and the Hebrew name because this is the story behind the Festival of Purim, which takes its name from “Pur.” So this is not repetition for emphasis. You can put in the Persian name and then the name for “lot” in your own language to show that the storyteller is doing this. Alternate translation: “a Pur (that is, a lot)” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 24 j127 figs-hendiadys לְהֻמָּ֖ם וּֽלְאַבְּדָֽם 1 to vex them and to destroy them The terms **vex** and **destroy** mean basically the same thing. They are used together to emphasize the degree to which Haman’s deadly plans were distressing to the Jews. If it would be clearer in your language, you can combine the terms and express the emphasis with a word like “completely.” Alternate translation: “and completely destroy them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 9 25 m8x3 figs-explicit וּבְבֹאָהּ֮ לִפְנֵ֣י הַמֶּלֶךְ֒ 1 But when she came before the face of the king In this summary, many details are communicated implicitly. **She** means Esther. Also, this verse continues the account of what this celebration is commemorating.
If it would be clearer in your language, you can make these things explicit. Alternate translation: “the celebration also commemorated how Esther dared to come into the king’s presence without being summoned, and she won his favor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 25 j128 figs-metonymy לִפְנֵ֣י הַמֶּלֶךְ֒ 1 before the face of the king Here, **face** is a metonym meaning the presence of a person. This phrase means that Esther came into the king’s presence. Alternate translation: “into the king’s presence” or “before the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 9 25 acp1 figs-explicit אָמַ֣ר עִם־הַסֵּ֔פֶר 1 he said with the letter Once again, there is much information that is implicit here. If it would be clearer in your language, you can make it explicit. Alternate translation: “the king gave Mordecai the authority to send a letter throughout the empire saying that the Jews could defend themselves against their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 25 y57b figs-idiom יָשׁ֞וּב מַחֲשַׁבְתּ֧וֹ הָרָעָ֛ה אֲשֶׁר־חָשַׁ֥ב עַל־הַיְּהוּדִ֖ים עַל־רֹאשׁ֑וֹ 1 Let his evil plot that he plotted concerning the Jews return on his head **His**, **he**, and **him** in this sentence refer to Haman. **Return on his head** is an idiom that means that what a person was planning to do to someone else happened to that person instead. Use an idiom with that meaning in your language. Alternate translation: “the wicked plan that Haman developed against the Jews will be done to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 25 acp2 figs-personification וְתָל֥וּ אֹת֛וֹ וְאֶת־בָּנָ֖יו עַל־הָעֵֽץ 1 and let them hang him and his sons on the tree The letter itself did not say this. The story is summarizing the events in compressed form. It is speaking of the letter as if it were a person who could take action and give commands like this, but it was the king who gave the command. Alternate translation: “the king also ordered his servants to hang [or impale] Haman on a wooden pole [or hang Haman on a gallows]. When the Jews in Susa killed his ten sons, the king had their bodies hanged [or impaled] as well” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EST 9 25 j129 translate-unknown הָעֵֽץ 1 the tree See how you translated this term in [2:23](../02/23.md) and its other occurrences. Review the explanation in the note to [2:23](../02/23.md) if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “wooden pole” or “gallows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 9 26 j131 grammar-connect-logic-result עַל־כֵּ֡ן 1 Therefore This introduces the reason why the Jews gave the name “Purim” to this celebration. Alternate translation: “for that reason” or “that is why” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 9 26 acp3 figs-explicit קָֽרְאוּ֩ לַיָּמִ֨ים הָאֵ֤לֶּה פוּרִים֙ 1 they called these days, “Purim” **They** means the Jews. Alternate translation: “the Jews called these days Purim, like the word Pur” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 26 c1gi translate-names פוּרִים֙ 1 Purim 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 26 buf1 writing-background עַל־שֵׁ֣ם הַפּ֔וּר 1 on account of the name of Pur Alternate translation: “the Persian word for ‘lot’ is ‘Pur’” This is information that the original audience needed to understand how this celebration got its name. You can put this first in the verse because it explains what comes next. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 9 26 yq8m figs-explicit שֵׁ֣ם הַפּ֔וּר 1 the name of Pur. It can be stated clearly what “Pur” means. Alternate translation: “the word Pur, which means ‘lot’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 26 j133 grammar-connect-logic-result עַל־כֵּ֕ן 1 Therefore The story has just given the reason why the holiday is called Purim. Now it is going to give another reason. It will be explaining why the Jews added this holiday to their calendar, in addition to the festivals that were commanded in the Law of Moses. The next verse describes them adding the holiday. This verse gives the reasons why they did that. Alternate translation: “because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 9 26 acp4 עַל־כָּל־דִּבְרֵ֖י הָאִגֶּ֣רֶת הַזֹּ֑את 1 on account of all the words of this letter This is a reference to the letter that Mordecai wrote, as described in verses 20–22. Alternate translation: “because Mordecai wrote to them to tell them to observe this holiday”
EST 9 26 acp5 figs-parallelism וּמָֽה־רָא֣וּ עַל־כָּ֔כָה וּמָ֥ה הִגִּ֖יעַ אֲלֵיהֶֽם 1 and what they had seen concerning this and what had come upon them These two phrases mean similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize what a vivid experience it was to live through the events that this story describes. If it would be clearer in your language, you can combine the phrases and express the emphasis with a word like “amazing.” Alternate translation: “the amazing things that had happened to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 9 26 acp6 figs-explicit וּמָֽה־רָא֣וּ עַל־כָּ֔כָה וּמָ֥ה הִגִּ֖יעַ אֲלֵיהֶֽם 1 and what they had seen concerning this and what had come upon them These phrases say generally “this” and “what,” but they are referring to the specific events the story has related. If it would be clearer in your language, you can describe these things specifically. Alternate translation: “because the Jews had been able to destroy the enemies who had wanted to destroy them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 26 acp7 figs-events וּמָֽה־רָא֣וּ עַל־כָּ֔כָה וּמָ֥ה הִגִּ֖יעַ אֲלֵיהֶֽם 1 and what they had seen concerning this and what had come upon them You can put this first, before the information about Mordecai’s letter, because it happened first. You can say “then” when you tell about the letter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 9 26 j135 figs-idiom וּמָ֥ה הִגִּ֖יעַ אֲלֵיהֶֽם 1 and what had come upon them This expression means “what had happened to them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 27 acp8 קִיְּמ֣וּ וְקִבְּל֣וּ הַיְּהוּדִים֩ ׀ עֲלֵיהֶ֨ם ׀ וְעַל־זַרְעָ֜ם וְעַ֨ל כָּל־הַנִּלְוִ֤ים עֲלֵיהֶם֙…לִהְי֣וֹת עֹשִׂ֗ים אֵ֣ת שְׁנֵ֤י הַיָּמִים֙ הָאֵ֔לֶּה 1 The Jews set up and accepted for themselves, and for their seed, and for all those who unite themselves to them…to be making these two days Alternate translation: “the Jews said that they would tell their descendants and those people who became Jews to be certain to celebrate this festival”
EST 9 27 acp9 figs-doublet קִיְּמ֣וּ וְקִבְּל֣וּ הַיְּהוּדִים֩ 1 The Jews set up and accepted “Set up” and “accepted” mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize that the Jews definitely agreed to do this. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these words. Alternate translation: “agreed to establish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 9 27 j137 figs-metaphor וְעַל־זַרְעָ֜ם 1 and for their seed As in [6:13](../06/13.md), **seed** is a metaphor meaning “offspring.” Alternate translation: “and for their descendants” or “and for their offspring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 27 j141 figs-idiom וְלֹ֣א יַעֲב֔וֹר 1 and it will not pass away This expression means that the Jews would never stop celebrating the feast of Purim every year. You can put this last since it applies to the whole verse. Alternate translation: “always” or “forever” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 27 acq0 figs-events לִהְי֣וֹת עֹשִׂ֗ים אֵ֣ת שְׁנֵ֤י הַיָּמִים֙ הָאֵ֔לֶּה 1 to be making these two days Alternate translation: “to establish those two days as holidays and to observe them.” To present things in chronological order, you can put this before the reference to Jewish descendants and converts to Judaism. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 9 27 acq1 כִּכְתָבָ֖ם 1 according to their writing Alternate translation: “in the way that Mordecai had told them to do in the letter”
EST 9 27 acq2 וְכִזְמַנָּ֑ם 1 and according to their appointed time This means the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar, as specified in [9:21](../09/21.md). Alternate translation: “on those exact days of the month of Adar”
EST 9 27 j143 figs-idiom בְּכָל־שָׁנָ֖ה וְשָׁנָֽה 1 every year by year This expression means “each and every year.” Alternate translation: “every single year” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 28 acq3 grammar-connect-logic-result וְהַיָּמִ֣ים הָ֠אֵלֶּה נִזְכָּרִ֨ים וְנַעֲשִׂ֜ים 1 So these days are remembered and are made This gives the result of the reasons described in verses 26 and 27. Alternate translation: “therefore” or “that is why” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 9 28 acq4 figs-doublet וְהַיָּמִ֣ים הָ֠אֵלֶּה נִזְכָּרִ֨ים וְנַעֲשִׂ֜ים 1 So these days are remembered and are made **Remembered** and **made** mean basically the same thing here. The repetition is used to emphasize that the Jews have been faithful in doing this. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the general meaning by saying something like “So the Jews have celebrated these days.” Alternate translation: “therefore they said that they would remember and celebrate on those two days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 9 28 hc8s figs-activepassive וְהַיָּמִ֣ים הָ֠אֵלֶּה נִזְכָּרִ֨ים וְנַעֲשִׂ֜ים 1 So these days are remembered and are made This expression uses two passive forms, but you could say the same thing using active forms. Alternate translation: “so the Jews have celebrated and observed these days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 28 j145 figs-idiom בְּכָל־דּ֣וֹר וָד֗וֹר 1 in every generation by generation This expression means “in each and every generation.” Alternate translation: “in every single generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 28 j147 figs-idiom מִשְׁפָּחָה֙ וּמִשְׁפָּחָ֔ה 1 family by family This expression means “every family.” Alternate translation: “every Jewish family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 28 acq5 figs-merism מְדִינָ֥ה וּמְדִינָ֖ה וְעִ֣יר וָעִ֑יר 1 province by province, and city by city This could be a figure of speech that refers to something by speaking of two extreme parts of it in order to include everything in between those parts. Generally speaking, a province would be the largest division of the empire that would identify a person’s location, and a city would be the smallest. Particularly, since the Jews would continue to celebrate Purim after the Persian empire and its provinces no longer exist, you might choose to express the meaning of this figure of speech in a more general way. Alternate translation: “everywhere they have lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EST 9 28 j149 figs-idiom מְדִינָ֥ה וּמְדִינָ֖ה 1 province by province This expression means “every province.” Alternate translation: “in every single
province” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 28 j151 figs-idiom וְעִ֣יר וָעִ֑יר 1 and city by city This expression means “every city.” Alternate translation: “in every single city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 28 acq6 figs-doublenegatives וִימֵ֞י הַפּוּרִ֣ים הָאֵ֗לֶּה לֹ֤א יַֽעַבְרוּ֙ מִתּ֣וֹךְ הַיְּהוּדִ֔ים וְזִכְרָ֖ם לֹא־יָס֥וּף מִזַּרְעָֽם 1 these days of Purim will not pass away As in verse 27, this expression means that the Jews will never stop celebrating the feast of Purim. You can say this positively. Alternate translation: “will always observe the Festival of Purim faithfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EST 9 28 m5o8 figs-parallelism וִימֵ֞י הַפּוּרִ֣ים הָאֵ֗לֶּה לֹ֤א יַֽעַבְרוּ֙ מִתּ֣וֹךְ הַיְּהוּדִ֔ים וְזִכְרָ֖ם לֹא־יָס֥וּף מִזַּרְעָֽם 1 These two phrases mean similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize that the Jews will definitely not stop celebrating Purim each year. If it would be clearer in your language, you can combine the phrases and express the emphasis with a word like “definitely” or “certainly” or “always.” Alternate translation: “the Jews and their descendants will certainly always continue to celebrate this festival of Purim” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 9 28 acq7 מִתּ֣וֹךְ הַיְּהוּדִ֔ים 1 from the midst of the Jews Alternate translation: “within the Jewish community”
EST 9 28 i2qk וְזִכְרָ֖ם לֹא־יָס֥וּף 1 and their remembrance will not come to an end Alternate translation: “will always observe”
EST 9 28 j155 figs-metaphor מִזַּרְעָֽם 1 from their seed As in verse 27, **seed** is a metaphor meaning “offspring.” Alternate translation: “and for their descendants” or “and for their offspring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 29 je8e figs-informremind בַת־אֲבִיחַ֛יִל 1 the daughter of Abihail This information reminds the reader who Esther was. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 9 29 cm8c translate-names אֲבִיחַ֛יִל 1 Abihail This man was Esther’s father and Mordecai’s uncle. See how you translated his name in [2:15](../02/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 29 oc4c וּמָרְדֳּכַ֥י 1 Since the Hebrew verb wrote is feminine singular, it means that the letter was from Esther. The mention of **Mordecai** here probably means that Mordecai helped her to write the letter. Alternate translation: “with Mordecai”
EST 9 29 acq8 figs-informremind הַיְּהוּדִ֖י 1 the Jew This phrase gives information about Mordecai to remind the reader. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 9 29 acq9 תִּכְתֹּב…אֶת־כָּל־תֹּ֑קֶף 1 wrote with all power Alternate translation: “using her royal authority” or “using the authority that she had as queen”
EST 9 29 ku7d translate-numbers לְקַיֵּ֗ם אֵ֣ת אִגֶּ֧רֶת הַפּוּרִ֛ים הַזֹּ֖את הַשֵּׁנִֽית 1 to set up this second letter of Purim **This second letter of Purim** could refer to (1) this letter that Esther is writing, which is the second letter that the Jews will receive about the festival of Purim. Alternate translation: “an additional letter about Purim with her authority” or (2) the second letter that Mordecai wrote (see verses 20-22), creating the festival of Purim. Alternate translation: “to confirm what Mordecai had written about Purim in his second letter” In either case, this letter from Esther is to add her royal authority to what Mordecai had already written. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 30 acr1 figs-gendernotations וַיִּשְׁלַ֨ח סְפָרִ֜ים 1 he sent letters While this says “**he**,” in context it refers to the letter that Esther wrote with Mordecai's help. Alternate translation: “they sent copies of this second letter” or “Mordecai ordered messengers to take copies of the letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EST 9 30 acr2 figs-parallelism אֶל־כָּל־הַיְּהוּדִ֗ים אֶל־שֶׁ֨בַע וְעֶשְׂרִ֤ים וּמֵאָה֙ מְדִינָ֔ה מַלְכ֖וּת אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ 1 to all the Jews, to 127 provinces, the kingdom of Ahasuerus These three phrases all mean the same thing. The repetition emphasizes that Esther and Mordecai sent this second letter out comprehensively throughout the empire. Alternate translation: “to all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Ahasuerus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 9 30 acr3 figs-metonymy שֶׁ֨בַע וְעֶשְׂרִ֤ים וּמֵאָה֙ מְדִינָ֔ה 1 127 provinces The letter was not sent to the provinces as geographical territories, but to the Jews who lived in them. The Jews are being described by something associated with them, the places where they lived. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 9 30 u389 translate-numbers שֶׁ֨בַע וְעֶשְׂרִ֤ים וּמֵאָה֙ מְדִינָ֔ה 1 127 provinces Alternate translation: “one hundred and twenty-seven provinces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 30 iaf7 figs-abstractnouns דִּבְרֵ֥י שָׁל֖וֹם וֶאֱמֶֽת 1 words of peace and truth The abstract nouns **peace** and **truth** can be expressed in other ways. Alternate translation: “encouraging the Jews that they are now safe and can live peacefully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 9 30 mpse דִּבְרֵ֥י שָׁל֖וֹם וֶאֱמֶֽת 1 The Hebrew word translated as **truth** here also refers to things that are “sure” or “secure.” When “peace” and “truth” are paired together, they can refer to a peaceful, stable political environment, as in 2 Kings 20:19 and Jeremiah 33:6. Alternate translation: “with a message that assured them of their peaceful and stable situation”
EST 9 31 acr4 לְקַיֵּ֡ם אֵת־יְמֵי֩ הַפֻּרִ֨ים הָאֵ֜לֶּה בִּזְמַנֵּיהֶ֗ם כַּאֲשֶׁר֩ קִיַּ֨ם עֲלֵיהֶ֜ם מָרְדֳּכַ֤י הַיְּהוּדִי֙ וְאֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַמַּלְכָּ֔ה 1 to set up these days of Purim at their appointed times according to what Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had set up for them Alternate translation: “in this second letter, Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther confirmed that Purim should be celebrated on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar”
EST 9 31 rgr9 figs-informremind הַיְּהוּדִי֙ 1 the Jew This phrase gives clarifying information about Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 9 31 acr5 וְכַאֲשֶׁ֛ר קִיְּמ֥וּ עַל־נַפְשָׁ֖ם וְעַל־זַרְעָ֑ם דִּבְרֵ֥י הַצֹּמ֖וֹת וְזַעֲקָתָֽם 1 according to what they had set up concerning their lives and concerning their seed, to matters of the fasts and their outcry This is referring to background information that the original audience would have known. They would have known what the fasting was about. It could be either: (1) fasting as a part of Purim. We know that some Jews fasted on the 13th day of the month of Adar to commemorate the day that Haman intended to destroy them, or (2) other times of fasting. Ever since the destruction of Jerusalem, the Jews had been fasting and mourning in the fifth month of the year to show their sorrow over what had happened. (The story refers to the Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in [2:6](../02/06.md).) You could put this information in a footnote if it would help your readers to understand this.
EST 9 31 rl2s figs-metaphor וְעַל־זַרְעָ֑ם 1 and concerning their seed Here, **seed** is a metaphor meaning the offspring or descendants of the Jews. Alternate translation: “and for their descendants” or “and for their offspring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 32 acr7 figs-activepassive וְנִכְתָּ֖ב בַּסֵּֽפֶר 1 and it was written in the book You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “and the royal scribes made an official record of it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 10 intro h4m4 0 # 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.
EST 10 1 j157 writing-newevent וַיָּשֶׂם֩ הַמֶּ֨לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֧וֹשׁ 1 Then the king Ahasuerus set This introduces a new event in the story. Use a natural way to introduce a new event in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 10 1 b5ht וַיָּשֶׂם֩…מַ֛ס 1 Then…set a tribute Alternate translation: “Then … levied a tax”
EST 10 1 acr8 figs-merism עַל־הָאָ֖רֶץ וְאִיֵּ֥י הַיָּֽם 1 on the land and the islands of the sea The purpose of this chapter is to describe the greatness of Mordecai. It does that by showing that he was second in command to a very powerful emperor. Referring to both the land and the sea is a way to include everything that lives in a very large area of the earth. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the general meaning by saying something like “everyone throughout his empire.” Alternate translation: “on all the people in the empire … even the people who lived on the islands in the Mediterranean Sea” or “on everyone throughout the land and even the far-away islands” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EST 10 1 twn8 figs-explicit וְאִיֵּ֥י הַיָּֽם 1 The phrase **the islands of the sea** likely refers to the fact that the Persian kings had conquered territories reaching all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “which reached all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 10 1 acr9 figs-metonymy עַל־הָאָ֖רֶץ וְאִיֵּ֥י הַיָּֽם 1 on the land and the islands of the sea These geographic features were not expected to pay the tax. The land and coastlands represent the people living there. The story is describing those people figuratively by reference to something associated with them, the places where they live. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 10 2 acs1 figs-doublet וְכָל־מַעֲשֵׂ֤ה תָקְפּוֹ֙ וּגְב֣וּרָת֔וֹ 1 And all the deeds of his power and his might **Power** and **might** mean essentially the same thing. They are used together to emphasize how powerful King Ahasuerus was. If it is more natural in your language, you can use one word with that meaning, with another word that gives it emphasis. Alternate translation: “all that he achieved because of how very powerful he was” or “all the great things that he did because of his great power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 10 2 p98n figs-abstractnouns תָקְפּוֹ֙ וּגְב֣וּרָת֔וֹ 1 his power and his might The abstract nouns **power** and **might** can be translated with an adjective. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 10 2 k7tc וּפָרָשַׁת֙ 1 with the full account of “They also wrote a full account”
EST 10 2 acs2 גְּדֻלַּ֣ת מָרְדֳּכַ֔י 1 the greatness of Mordecai to which the king had made him great Alternate translation: “of how important Mordecai was” or “of how the king had honored Mordecai for the great things he had done”
EST 10 2 acs3 גִּדְּל֖וֹ 1 made him great See how you translated this phrase in 3:1 and 5:11. Alternate translation: “had promoted him”
EST 10 2 acs4 figs-rquestion הֲלוֹא־הֵ֣ם כְּתוּבִ֗ים עַל־סֵ֨פֶר֙ דִּבְרֵ֣י הַיָּמִ֔ים לְמַלְכֵ֖י מָדַ֥י וּפָרָֽס 1 are they not written in the book of the events of days of the kings of Persia and Media? This is actually a statement. The question form is used to emphasize the certainty of the statement. If questions are not used this way in your language, then use a statement instead, as in the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EST 10 2 acs5 figs-activepassive הֲלוֹא־הֵ֣ם כְּתוּבִ֗ים 1 are they not written…? You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “The king’s scribes made a record …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 10 2 acs6 הֲלוֹא־הֵ֣ם כְּתוּבִ֗ים 1 are they not written…? Because it comes first logically, you can put this first in the verse if that would be clearer in your language.
EST 10 2 acs7 figs-idiom סֵ֨פֶר֙ דִּבְרֵ֣י הַיָּמִ֔ים לְמַלְכֵ֖י מָדַ֥י וּפָרָֽס 1 the book of the events of days for the kings of Media and Persia See how you translated this in [2:23](../02/23.md). Alternate translation: “the royal record books of Media and Persia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 10 3 j159 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י 1 For This word indicates that this verse will give the reason why the scribes made a record about Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 10 3 acs8 figs-informremind הַיְּהוּדִ֗י 1 the Jew This phrase gives clarifying information about Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 10 3 acs9 מִשְׁנֶה֙ לַמֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ 1 was second to the King Ahasuerus Alternate translation: “was the second most important person after King Ahasuerus himself”
EST 10 3 act0 וְגָדוֹל֙ לַיְּהוּדִ֔ים 1 and great among the Jews Alternate translation: “and a great leader of the Jews”
EST 10 3 iui7 figs-gendernotations אֶחָ֑יו 1 his brothers Here, **brothers** is a figurative way of describing fellow members of the same people group. Alternate translation: “fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EST 10 3 act2 figs-parallelism דֹּרֵ֥שׁ טוֹב֙ לְעַמּ֔וֹ וְדֹבֵ֥ר שָׁל֖וֹם לְכָל־זַרְעֽוֹ 1 seeking good for his people and speaking peace to all its seed These two phrases basically mean the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how hard Mordecai worked for the good of his people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases and say something like, “He worked hard so his people and their descendants would prosper.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 10 3 act3 figs-abstractnouns דֹּרֵ֥שׁ טוֹב֙ לְעַמּ֔וֹ וְדֹבֵ֥ר שָׁל֖וֹם לְכָל־זַרְעֽוֹ 1 seeking good for his people and speaking peace to all its seed The abstract nouns **good** and **peace** refer in this context to prosperity and security. You could translate these ideas with verbs, for example, you could say, “He worked hard to make sure that his people would prosper and their descendants would be secure.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 10 3 wte9 figs-metaphor דֹּרֵ֥שׁ טוֹב֙ לְעַמּ֔וֹ 1 seeking good for his people **Seeking** is a figurative way to describe actively trying to do something or work hard for something. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 10 3 s8f8 figs-idiom וְדֹבֵ֥ר שָׁל֖וֹם לְכָל־זַרְעֽוֹ 1 and speaking peace to all its seed **Speaking peace** is a figurative way of describing actions that benefit the general welfare of others. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 10 3 j161 figs-metaphor לְכָל־זַרְעֽוֹ 1 to all its seed Here, **seed** figuratively means “descendants.” Even if you combine the two parallel phrases, you can still convey the idea of “down through the generations” with a word such as “always.” Alternate translation: “and for their descendants” or “and for their offspring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])