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2ESTfrontintrod9890# Introduction to Esther<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of Esther<br><br>1. King Ahasuerus sends away his wife, the queen (1:122)<br>1. Ahasuerus chooses Esther as the new queen (2:123)<br>1. Haman plots to destroy the Jews (3:115)<br>1. Mordecai asks Esther to help her people (4:117)<br>1. Esther pleads with the king for the Jews (5:17:10)<br>1. The result of Hamans plot to destroy the Jews (8:19:16)<br>1. The Feast of Purim (9:1732)<br>1. Conclusion (10:13)<br><br>### What is the Book of Esther about?<br><br>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.<br><br>This book ends by telling why the Jews celebrate the festival of Purim. The name “Purim” comes from the word “pur.” It means “lots” or “dice.” Haman, the enemy of Jews, threw dice to choose when to attack and destroy the Jews. The Jews celebrate Purim to remember how Yahweh rescued his people from being destroyed.<br><br>### How should the title of this book be translated?<br><br>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.”<br><br>## Part 2: Important Religious and Cultural Concepts<br><br>### What was the Persian Empire?<br><br>King Cyrus the Great conquered and ruled over many kingdoms. This was in the part of the world called Persia, which is now Iran. So people named his kingdom the Persian Empire. When Cyrus conquered Babylonia in 539 B.C., he then controlled the Jews whom the Babylonians had exiled.<br><br>### Why were there Jews in Babylonia when the Persians conquered it?<br><br>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.<br><br>### What was meant by “the laws of the Medes and Persians”?<br><br>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.<br><br>The term “Medes” refers to a people group that had formed its own nation, but the Persians conquered them.<br><br>## Part 3: Important Translation Issues<br><br>### What different levels of language are in the Book of Esther?<br><br>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.
3EST1introv1fp0# Esther 01 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### The kings divorce<br><br>The kings advisers were afraid that husbands would lose their authority when they heard the queen had refused to come to show her beauty to the kings guests; so the advisers told him to divorce her.
4EST11jdr1writing-neweventוַ⁠יְהִ֖י1Now it happenedIn 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: Introduction of a New Event) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
5EST11zzz2bita-phenomבִּ⁠ימֵ֣י אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ1In the days of AhasuerusThe 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/bita-phenom]] [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
6EST11qwe1translate-namesאֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ1AhasuerusThis is a mans name. It occurs many times in the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
7EST11v5tswriting-backgroundה֣וּא אֲחַשְׁוֵר֗וֹשׁ הַ⁠מֹּלֵךְ֙ מֵ⁠הֹ֣דּוּ וְ⁠עַד־כּ֔וּשׁ שֶׁ֛בַע וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֥ים וּ⁠מֵאָ֖ה מְדִינָֽה1he was Ahasuerus the one who ruled from India even as far as Ethiopia, 127 provincesThis is background information to help the reader identify Ahasuerus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
8EST11qwe3ה֣וּא אֲחַשְׁוֵר֗וֹשׁ הַ⁠מֹּלֵךְ֙1he was Ahasuerus, the one who ruled“This king named Ahasuerus ruled”
9EST11qwe5writing-backgroundמֵ⁠הֹ֣דּוּ וְ⁠עַד־כּ֔וּשׁ1from India even as far as EthiopiaIn 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]])
10EST11qwe7writing-backgroundשֶׁ֛בַע וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֥ים וּ⁠מֵאָ֖ה מְדִינָֽה1127 provincesThe number is given to show what a large empire this was. You could say that explicitly: “Ahasuerus ruled a very large empire that had 127 provinces.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
11EST11qwe8translate-numbersשֶׁ֛בַע וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֥ים וּ⁠מֵאָ֖ה מְדִינָֽה1127 provincesAlternate translation: “one hundred twenty seven provinces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
12EST12dk31bita-humanbehaviorכְּ⁠שֶׁ֣בֶת…עַ֚ל כִּסֵּ֣א מַלְכוּת֔⁠וֹ1sat on the throne of his royaltyHere 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/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
13EST12qwe9figs-abstractnounsעַ֚ל כִּסֵּ֣א מַלְכוּת֔⁠וֹ1the 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, “the throne he ruled from,” or an adjective, “his royal throne.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
14EST12hgm3translate-namesבְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֥ן1in SusaThis 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]])
15EST12qwr1translate-unknownהַ⁠בִּירָֽה1the citadelThis means a “castle” or “palace” where a king would live. But since the city of Susa itself is being called a “citadel” here, its 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]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
16EST13ry7mtranslate-ordinalבִּ⁠שְׁנַ֤ת שָׁלוֹשׁ֙ לְ⁠מָלְכ֔⁠וֹ1in the third year of his reignThis 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]])
17EST13qwr3figs-abstractnounsבִּ⁠שְׁנַ֤ת שָׁלוֹשׁ֙ לְ⁠מָלְכ֔⁠וֹ1in 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: “during the third year that Ahasuerus ruled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
18EST13qwr5עָשָׂ֣ה מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה1he made a feast“he hosted a feast”
19EST13prm1figs-synecdocheחֵ֣יל ׀ פָּרַ֣ס וּ⁠מָדַ֗י1the army of Persia and MediaThis 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]])
20EST13qwr7הַֽ⁠פַּרְתְּמִ֛ים1the noblemenThis probably means something like “the wealthy landowners.”
21EST13jdr3bita-hqלְ⁠פָנָֽי⁠ו1before 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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
22EST14qwr9figs-abstractnounsבְּ⁠הַרְאֹת֗⁠וֹ אֶת־עֹ֨שֶׁר֙ כְּב֣וֹד מַלְכוּת֔⁠וֹ1when he displayed the wealth of the glory of his kingdomYou 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]])
23EST14qet1figs-explicitבְּ⁠הַרְאֹת֗⁠וֹ1when he displayed“He” refers to the king. The implication is that he held this banquet was 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]])
24EST14m8xafigs-doubletעֹ֨שֶׁר֙ כְּב֣וֹד מַלְכוּת֔⁠וֹ1the wealth of the glory of his kingdomThe 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]])
25EST14qet3figs-abstractnounsבְּ⁠הַרְאֹת֗⁠וֹ…וְ⁠אֶ֨ת־יְקָ֔ר תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת גְּדוּלָּת֑⁠וֹ1when he displayed…the splendor of the beauty of his greatnessYou can translate 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]])
26EST14lun5figs-doubletיְקָ֔ר תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת גְּדוּלָּת֑⁠וֹ1the splendor of the beauty of his greatnessThe 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]])
27EST14qet5figs-explicitיָמִ֣ים רַבִּ֔ים שְׁמוֹנִ֥ים וּ⁠מְאַ֖ת יֽוֹם1for many days, for 180 daysThis 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]])
28EST14x1v6translate-numbersשְׁמוֹנִ֥ים וּ⁠מְאַ֖ת יֽוֹם1for 180 days180 days is about six months 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]])
29EST15ue3xfigs-explicitוּ⁠בִ⁠מְל֣וֹאת ׀ הַ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֗לֶּה1And when those days were fulfilledThe implication is, “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]])
30EST15fv9ytranslate-numbersעָשָׂ֣ה הַ⁠מֶּ֡לֶךְ…מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה1the king made a feastThis 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/figs-explicit]])
31EST15mj16translate-unknownבְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֨ן הַ⁠בִּירָ֜ה1in Susa the citadelThe 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]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
32EST15qet7figs-idiomהַ⁠נִּמְצְאִים֩1who were foundHere **found** is an idiom that means “could be found” or “were there.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
33EST15qet9figs-activepassiveהַ⁠נִּמְצְאִים֩1who were foundYou can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “who worked for him in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
34EST15qey1figs-merismלְ⁠מִ⁠גָּ֧דוֹל וְ⁠עַד־קָטָ֛ן1from the greatest even to the leastThe 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]])
35EST15qey3שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים1for seven daysAlternate 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.
36EST16qey5translate-unknownח֣וּר ׀ כַּרְפַּ֣ס וּ⁠תְכֵ֗לֶת1Linens cotton and blueThese **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]])
37EST16qey7ח֣וּר ׀ כַּרְפַּ֣ס וּ⁠תְכֵ֗לֶת1Linens cotton and blueYou can specify at the start of this verse that the location being described is the same as in the previous verse: “In the courtyard, white and blue curtains.”
38EST16qey9translate-unknownבְּ⁠חַבְלֵי־ב֣וּץ וְ⁠אַרְגָּמָ֔ן1by 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]])
39EST16qru1figs-explicitמִטּ֣וֹת ׀ זָהָ֣ב וָ⁠כֶ֗סֶף1couches of gold and silverYou can specify that these couches were there for the guests to recline on while they ate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
40EST16asn4translate-unknownרִֽצְפַ֥ת1a pavementThis word probably refers to a mosaic floor made of inlaid pieces of colorful precious stones.
41EST16eyi2translate-unknownבַּהַט1porphyryThis is a kind of red and purple stone that contains pieces of crystal. You could call it “feldspar,” or say something descriptive like “red marble.” (See: Translate Unknowns) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
42EST16qru3translate-unknownוָ⁠שֵׁ֖שׁ1and alabasterThis 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]])
43EST16qru5translate-unknownוְ⁠סֹחָֽרֶת1and precious stoneThis 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]])
44EST17urm7figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠הַשְׁקוֹת֙1And the serving wasThe abstract noun **serving** refers to how the drinks were served at the banquet. You can translate it with a verb: “The attendants served wine.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
45EST17qru7⁠כֵלִ֖ים מִ⁠כֵּלִ֣ים שׁוֹנִ֑ים1with vessels different from other vesselsThis 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.”
46EST17r6ecfigs-explicitוְ⁠יֵ֥ין מַלְכ֛וּת רָ֖ב כְּ⁠יַ֥ד הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1and the wine of royalty was abundant according to the hand of the kingThis means that King Ahasuerus himself paid for all the wine that the guests drank at his seven-day feast in Susa, and it 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]])
47EST17qru9figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠יֵ֥ין מַלְכ֛וּת רָ֖ב כְּ⁠יַ֥ד הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1and the wine of royaltyThis 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]])
48EST17wpq1bita-hqכְּ⁠יַ֥ד הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1according to the hand of the kingHere **hand** refers figuratively to the king himself, viewed through his action of giving. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
49EST18qtu1figs-abstractnounsוְ⁠הַ⁠שְּׁתִיָּ֥ה כַ⁠דָּ֖ת1the drinking was according to the lawThe 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]])
50EST18g5gufigs-explicitאֵ֣ין אֹנֵ֑ס1There is no compulsionThis 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 have 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]])
51EST18f6pxgrammar-connect-logic-resultכִּי־כֵ֣ן ׀ יִסַּ֣ד הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ עַ֚ל כָּל־רַ֣ב בֵּית֔⁠וֹ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת כִּ⁠רְצ֥וֹן אִישׁ־וָ⁠אִֽישׁ1for thus the king had established for every overseer of his house, to do according to the desire of man by manAlternate 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”: “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]])
52EST18qtu3לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת כִּ⁠רְצ֥וֹן אִישׁ־וָ⁠אִֽישׁ1to do according to the desire of man by manAlternate 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.”
53EST18jdr5figs-idiomאִישׁ־וָ⁠אִֽישׁ1man by manThis is an idiom that means “everyone.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
54EST19qtu5grammar-connect-time-simultaneousגַּ֚ם1AlsoThis 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]])
55EST19qtu7writing-participantsוַשְׁתִּ֣י הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֔ה1Vashti the queenYou can explain that she was the wife of Ahasuerus: “Queen Vashti, the kings wife” or “his wife.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
56EST19qtu9translate-namesוַשְׁתִּ֣י הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֔ה1VashtiThis is a womans 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]])
57EST19qti1מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה נָשִׁ֑ים1a feast of womenThis 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.”
58EST19qti3בֵּ֚ית הַ⁠מַּלְכ֔וּת אֲשֶׁ֖ר לַ⁠מֶּ֥לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֽוֹשׁ1the house of royalty that belonged to the king AhasuerusAlternate translation: “the royal palace where King Ahasuerus lived”
59EST19qti5figs-abstractnounsבֵּ֚ית הַ⁠מַּלְכ֔וּת1house of royaltyYou can translate the abstract noun “royalty” with the adjective “royal.” Alternate translation: “royal palace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
60EST110jv7ztranslate-ordinalבַּ⁠יּוֹם֙ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔י1On the seventh dayAlternate translation: “After 6 days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
61EST110le6lbita-hqכְּ⁠ט֥וֹב לֵב־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ בַּ⁠יָּ֑יִן1when the heart of the king was pleased by the wineHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
62EST110dcb2translate-namesמְהוּמָן בִּזְּתָ֨א חַרְבוֹנָ֜א בִּגְתָ֤א וַ⁠אֲבַגְתָא֙ זֵתַ֣ר וְ⁠כַרְכַּ֔ס1Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha, Zethar and KarkasThese are names of seven men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
63EST110ens5translate-unknownהַ⁠סָּ֣רִיסִ֔ים1the…eunuchsThis term occurs a dozen times in the story. It describes male royal officials whose 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 womens 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 kings 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 kings 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]])
64EST110qti7writing-backgroundהַ⁠מְשָׁ֣רְתִ֔ים אֶת־פְּנֵ֖י הַ⁠מֶּ֥לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֽוֹשׁ1who served before the face of King AhasuerusThis is background information to explain who these men were. Alternate translation: “who attended him personally.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
65EST110jdr7bita-hqפְּנֵ֖י הַ⁠מֶּ֥לֶךְ1the face of KingHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
66EST111qti9figs-explicitלְ֠⁠הָבִיא1to bringThis is the beginning of the instructions that King Ahasuerus gave to the seven eunuchs he summoned in verse 10. You can make this explicit: “He told them to bring.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
67EST111jdr9bita-hqלִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ1to the face of the kingHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
68EST111asd1figs-abstractnounsבְּ⁠כֶ֣תֶר מַלְכ֑וּת1in a crown of royaltyYou can translate the abstract noun **royalty** with an adjective: “wearing her royal crown.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
69EST111asd3figs-explicitבְּ⁠כֶ֣תֶר מַלְכ֑וּת1in a crown of royaltyAhasuerus likely wanted Vashti to wear her queens 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]])
70EST111asd5writing-backgroundלְ⁠הַרְא֨וֹת הָֽ⁠עַמִּ֤ים וְ⁠הַ⁠שָּׂרִים֙ אֶת־יָפְיָ֔⁠הּ1in order to show the people and the officials her beautyEverything 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]])
71EST111asd7הָֽ⁠עַמִּ֤ים וְ⁠הַ⁠שָּׂרִים֙1the people and the officialsThis might mean, “his guests, especially the officials.”
72EST111asd9grammar-connect-logic-resultכִּֽי־טוֹבַ֥ת מַרְאֶ֖ה הִֽיא1for she was pleasing of appearanceIf it would be clearer in your language, you can put this first in the verse because it is the reason that explains everything else that happens afterwards in the verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
73EST111qvk4figs-idiomכִּֽי־טוֹבַ֥ת מַרְאֶ֖ה הִֽיא1she was pleasing of appearanceAlternate translation: “she was very beautiful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
74EST112asf1figs-eventsוַ⁠תְּמָאֵ֞ן הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֣ה וַשְׁתִּ֗י לָ⁠בוֹא֙1But the queen Vashti refused to comeYou 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]])
75EST112asf3figs-explicitוַ⁠תְּמָאֵ֞ן הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֣ה וַשְׁתִּ֗י לָ⁠בוֹא֙1But the queen Vashti refused to comeIf 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]])
76EST112b57qבִּ⁠דְבַ֣ר הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1at the word of the kingAlternate translation: “at the kings command” or “what the king wanted”
77EST112asf5bita-hqבְּ⁠יַ֣ד הַ⁠סָּרִיסִ֑ים1by the hand of the eunuchsHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
78EST112kp6ptranslate-unknownהַ⁠סָּרִיסִ֑ים1the eunuchsSee how you translated this term in 1:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
79EST112asf7figs-parallelismוַ⁠יִּקְצֹ֤ף הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ מְאֹ֔ד וַ⁠חֲמָת֖⁠וֹ בָּעֲרָ֥ה בֽ⁠וֹ1the king became very angry, and his rage burned within himThese two phrases mean similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize the idea that they are expressing. You could combine them, as UST does: “The king became so angry that he could barely contain himself.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
80EST112bsd5figs-metaphorוַ⁠חֲמָת֖⁠וֹ בָּעֲרָ֥ה בֽ⁠וֹ1and his rage burned within himHere the story uses a metaphor that pictures the kings 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/bita-phenom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
81EST113asf9לַ⁠חֲכָמִ֖ים1to the wise menThis means the kings advisors. You could call them “his advisors” or “the royal advisors.”
82EST113g9feיֹדְעֵ֣י הָֽ⁠עִתִּ֑ים1who were knowers of the timesThis means something like “who knew the right way to do things” or “who understood the culture.”
83EST113x2u7writing-backgroundכִּי־כֵן֙ דְּבַ֣ר הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1for thus was the manner of the kingThis 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]])
84EST113adf1grammar-connect-logic-resultכִּי־כֵן֙ דְּבַ֣ר הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1for thus was the manner of the kingYou can put 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]])
85EST113jd11bita-hqלִ⁠פְנֵ֕י1before the face ofHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
86EST113adf3יֹדְעֵ֖י דָּ֥ת וָ⁠דִֽין1knowers of law and judgmentThis means that these advisors knew the law and knew how to make good decisions in light of it.
87EST114adf5וְ⁠הַ⁠קָּרֹ֣ב אֵלָ֗י⁠ו1and the ones near to him“the kings closest advisors”
88EST114cc44translate-namesכַּרְשְׁנָ֤א שֵׁתָר֙ אַדְמָ֣תָא תַרְשִׁ֔ישׁ מֶ֥רֶס מַרְסְנָ֖א מְמוּכָ֑ן1Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Mersena, MemukanThese are the names of seven men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
89EST114jd13figs-idiomרֹאֵי֙ פְּנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1seers 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]])
90EST114adf7bita-humanbehaviorהַ⁠יֹּשְׁבִ֥ים רִאשֹׁנָ֖ה בַּ⁠מַּלְכֽוּת1the ones who sat first in the kingdomHere **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/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
91EST115j6shfigs-explicitכְּ⁠דָת֙ מַֽה־לַּ⁠עֲשׂ֔וֹת בַּ⁠מַּלְכָּ֖ה וַשְׁתִּ֑י עַ֣ל ׀ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹֽא־עָשְׂתָ֗ה אֶֽת־מַאֲמַר֙ הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ בְּ⁠יַ֖ד הַ⁠סָּרִיסִֽים1According 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]])
92EST115ics9כְּ⁠דָת֙…עַ֣ל ׀ אֲשֶׁ֣ר1According to law…on account of that“What does the law say we should do…because…?”
93EST115adf9figs-eventsבְּ⁠יַ֖ד הַ⁠סָּרִיסִֽים1by the hand of the eunuchsTo present the events in chronological order, you can put the information first 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]])
94EST115jd15bita-hqבְּ⁠יַ֖ד הַ⁠סָּרִיסִֽים1by the hand of the eunuchsHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
95EST115adg1translate-unknownהַ⁠סָּרִיסִֽים1eunuchsSee how you translated this term in 1:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
96EST116adg3bita-hqוַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר מְמוּכָ֗ן לִ⁠פְנֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙1And Memukan answered before the face of the king and the officialsHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
97EST116ss5ytranslate-namesמְמוּכָ֗ן1MemukanSee how you translated this mans name in 1:14. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
98EST116yqr8figs-hyperboleכָּל־הָ֣⁠עַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֕ר בְּ⁠כָל־מְדִינ֖וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֥לֶךְ1all the people who are in all the provinces of the kingThis 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]])
99EST116adg5figs-123personהַ⁠מֶּ֥לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֽוֹשׁ1the king AhasuerusMemukan 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 kings 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]])
100EST117jd17grammar-connect-logic-resultכִּֽי1ForThis 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]])
101EST117gn4gfigs-hyperboleיֵצֵ֤א דְבַר־הַ⁠מַּלְכָּה֙ עַל־כָּל־הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֔ים1the matter of the queen will go out to all the womenTo 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 Memukans manner of speaking by saying “every woman” will hear. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
102EST117jd19bita-hqלְ⁠הַבְז֥וֹת בַּעְלֵי⁠הֶ֖ן בְּ⁠עֵינֵי⁠הֶ֑ן1to make their husbands despised in their eyesHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
103EST117adg7figs-explicitבְּ⁠אָמְרָ֗⁠ם הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֡וֹשׁ אָמַ֞ר לְ⁠הָבִ֨יא אֶת־וַשְׁתִּ֧י הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֛ה לְ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו וְ⁠לֹא־בָֽאָה1when 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]])
104EST117adg9grammar-connect-logic-resultהַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֡וֹשׁ אָמַ֞ר לְ⁠הָבִ֨יא אֶת־וַשְׁתִּ֧י הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֛ה לְ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו וְ⁠לֹא־בָֽאָה1The 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]])
105EST117jd21bita-hqלְ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו1before his faceHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
106EST118afg1וְֽ⁠הַ⁠יּ֨וֹם הַ⁠זֶּ֜ה1Now this day“Even today” or “Even this very day”
107EST118afg3שָׂר֣וֹת פָּֽרַס־וּ⁠מָדַ֗י1the noblewomen of Persia and MediaIt becomes clear later in the verse that Memukan is speaking of the wives of the kings officials, and you could say that here: “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.”
108EST118afg5דְּבַ֣ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֔ה1the matter of the queen“what the queen has done”
109EST118afg7תֹּאמַ֣רְנָה1will speakThis means that they will “talk back” or disobey. Alternate translation: “refuse to obey”
110EST118afg9figs-explicitלְ⁠כֹ֖ל שָׂרֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1to all the officials of the kingThis 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]])
111EST118u6d7וּ⁠כְ⁠דַ֖י בִּזָּי֥וֹן וָ⁠קָֽצֶף1and there will be contempt and wrath enoughThis 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.”
112EST118afh1figs-explicitוּ⁠כְ⁠דַ֖י1and there will be enoughThis could mean that the husbands will be furious “as much as they can bear.” But it could also mean, “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]])
113EST119afh3figs-idiomאִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֗וֹב1If it is good to the kingThis 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]])
114EST119d8qkfigs-123personאִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֗וֹב1If it is good to the kingMemukan 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]])
115EST119jd25bita-hqיֵצֵ֤א דְבַר־מַלְכוּת֙ מִ⁠לְּ⁠פָנָ֔י⁠ו1let a decree of royalty go out from before his faceHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
116EST119afh5figs-abstractnounsדְבַר־מַלְכוּת֙1a decree of royaltyYou can translate the abstract noun **royalty** with the adjective “royal.” Alternate translation: “royal decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
117EST119jd23figs-123personמִ⁠לְּ⁠פָנָ֔י⁠ו1from before his faceMemukan speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: “personally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
118EST119afh7figs-activepassiveוְ⁠יִכָּתֵ֛ב1and let it be writtenYou 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]])
119EST119mh1aוְ⁠לֹ֣א יַעֲב֑וֹר1which do not pass away“these laws never become invalid” or “can never be changed”
120EST119jd27figs-123personתָב֜וֹא…לִ⁠פְנֵי֙ הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ1come before the face of the kingMemukan 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]])
121EST119jd29bita-hqתָב֜וֹא…לִ⁠פְנֵי֙ הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ1come before the face of the kingHere **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. The phrase means that Queen Vashti will never again come into the kings presence. Alternate translation: “never again come before King Ahasuerus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
122EST119jd31figs-123personוּ⁠מַלְכוּתָ⁠הּ֙ יִתֵּ֣ן הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ לִ⁠רְעוּתָ֖⁠הּ הַ⁠טּוֹבָ֥ה מִמֶּֽ⁠נָּה1and let the king give her royalty to her female neighborMemukan 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: “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]])
123EST119afh9figs-abstractnounsוּ⁠מַלְכוּתָ⁠הּ֙1and…her royaltyYou 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]])
124EST119afj1figs-explicitהַ⁠טּוֹבָ֥ה מִמֶּֽ⁠נָּה1the woman who is better than sheMemukan means that the next queen should be “better than” Vashti by obeying all of the kings commands. You could say this explicitly, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
125EST120v9l3figs-activepassiveוְ⁠נִשְׁמַע֩ פִּתְגָ֨ם הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ1Then the decree of the king will be heardYou 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]])
126EST120des3figs-123personפִּתְגָ֨ם הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ1the decree of the kingMemukan 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 kings decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
127EST120jd33figs-123personאֲשֶֽׁר־יַעֲשֶׂה֙ בְּ⁠כָל־מַלְכוּת֔⁠וֹ1that he will make for all his kingdomEven 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: “because if any wife disobeys her husband, he can banish and divorce her, just as you did to Vashti.” (See: Assumed Knowledge and Implicit Information)
128EST120afj3figs-123personמַלְכוּת֔⁠וֹ1his kingdomMemukan 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]])
129EST120p8nzכִּ֥י רַבָּ֖ה הִ֑יא1though it is great“even though your empire is very large”
130EST120afj5הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֗ים יִתְּנ֤וּ יְקָר֙ לְ⁠בַעְלֵי⁠הֶ֔ן1women will give honor to their husbands“women will respect and obey their husbands”
131EST120be9rfigs-merismלְ⁠מִ⁠גָּד֖וֹל וְ⁠עַד־קָטָֽן1from the greatest to the leastThis 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]])
132EST121afj7figs-idiomוַ⁠יִּיטַב֙ הַ⁠דָּבָ֔ר בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ1The word seemed good in the eyes of the kingLike “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]])
133EST121afj9bita-hqבְּ⁠עֵינֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ וְ⁠הַ⁠שָּׂרִ֑ים1in the eyes of the king and the officialsHere **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 Memukans advice thought that his suggestion was a good idea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
134EST121agj1וַ⁠יַּ֥עַשׂ הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ כִּ⁠דְבַ֥ר מְמוּכָֽן1the king acted according to the word of MemukanThis means that King Ahasuerus wrote a law proclaiming what Memukan had suggested.
135EST121p5ustranslate-namesמְמוּכָֽן1MemukanTranslate his name as in 1:14. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
136EST122agj3וַ⁠יִּשְׁלַ֤ח סְפָרִים֙ אֶל־כָּל־מְדִינ֣וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1he 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.
137EST122jd37figs-idiomמְדִינָ֤ה וּ⁠מְדִינָה֙1province by provinceThis is an idiom that means “every province” or “every single province.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
138EST122agj5כִּ⁠כְתָבָ֔⁠הּ1according to its own writing“using its own alphabet” or “written in its own script”
139EST122jd39figs-idiomעַ֥ם וָ⁠עָ֖ם1people by peopleThis is an idiom that means “every people group” or “every single people group.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
140EST122jd41bita-hqכִּ⁠לְשׁוֹנ֑⁠וֹ1according to its tongueHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
141EST122jj9nלִ⁠הְי֤וֹת כָּל־אִישׁ֙ שֹׂרֵ֣ר בְּ⁠בֵית֔⁠וֹ1that every man should be ruling in his houseThis meant that that all men should have complete authority over their wives and their children.
142EST122jd43bita-hqכִּ⁠לְשׁ֥וֹן עַמּֽ⁠וֹ1speaking according to the tongue of his peopleHere **tongue** figuratively means the language spoken by a person or a group of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
143EST122agj7figs-explicitכִּ⁠לְשׁ֥וֹן עַמּֽ⁠וֹ1speaking according to the tongue of his peopleThe 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]])
144EST2introeb4q0# Esther 02 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Esther becomes queen<br><br>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.<br><br>### Mordecai warns the king against a plot<br><br>Esthers 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.
145EST21dpc3writing-neweventאַחַר֙ הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה1After these thingsThis introduces a new event that happened some time later. You can show this with a phrase like “some time later.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
146EST21e4lpכְּ⁠שֹׁ֕ךְ חֲמַ֖ת הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ1when the rage of the king Ahasuerus subsided“when King Ahasuerus no longer felt so angry” or “became less angry”
147EST21agj9זָכַ֤ר אֶת־וַשְׁתִּי֙1he remembered VashtiThis means that he started to think about Vashti and he probably missed her.
148EST21xpt9figs-explicitאֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֔תָה וְ⁠אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר־נִגְזַ֖ר עָלֶֽי⁠הָ1what she had done, and what had been decided concerning herThis refers to Vashtis refusal to obey Ahasuerus and the decision he made in 1:21 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
149EST21agk1figs-activepassiveאֲשֶׁר־נִגְזַ֖ר עָלֶֽי⁠הָ1what had been decidedYou 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]])
150EST22agk3translate-unknownנַעֲרֵֽי־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ מְשָׁרְתָ֑י⁠ו1the young men of the king who serve himThese were not the older, wiser royal advisors whom Ahasuerus consulted in 1:13, 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]])
151EST22agk5figs-explicitיְבַקְשׁ֥וּ לַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ נְעָר֥וֹת1Let them seek for the king young womenImplicit 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 give to the king. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
152EST22s4hvfigs-activepassiveיְבַקְשׁ֥וּ1Let them seek**Them** means the servants that the king would send to do this. You should express this in a form that shows it is a suggestion, not a command, for example: “You could send some men to look for.”
153EST22abt8figs-123personלַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ1for the kingThe 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.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
154EST22jd45figs-idiomטוֹב֥וֹת מַרְאֶֽה1pleasing of appearanceAs in 1:11, this is an idiom that means “very beautiful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
155EST23g9vpfigs-123personוְ⁠יַפְקֵ֨ד הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ1And let the king appointThe young men speak to the king in third person as a sign of respect. Alternatively, you could have them say “you could appoint” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
156EST23jd47figs-idiomטוֹבַ֨ת מַרְאֶ֜ה1pleasing of appearanceAs in 1:11, this is an idiom that means “very beautiful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
157EST23xqf9translate-unknownשׁוּשַׁ֤ן הַ⁠בִּירָה֙1Susa the citadelIn this context, this expression probably means “to the palace here in Susa.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
158EST23j4kaבֵּ֣ית הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֔ים1the house of womenThis 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).
159EST23d754figs-activepassiveאֶל־יַ֥ד הֵגֶ֛א סְרִ֥יס הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֑ים1into the hand of Hegai, the eunuch of the king who is overseer of the womenThis can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Let Hegai, the kings official, who is in charge of the women, take care of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
160EST23jd49bita-hqיַ֥ד הֵגֶ֛א1the hand of HegaiHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
161EST23lf71translate-namesהֵגֶ֛א1HegaiThis is a mans name. It occurs several times in this chapter. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
162EST23jd51figs-123personסְרִ֥יס הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ1the eunuch of the kingThe 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]])
163EST23agk7translate-unknownסְרִ֥יס1eunuchSee how you translated this term in 1:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
164EST23agk9שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֑ים1who is overseer of the women“the official who is in charge of the women who live there.”
165EST23w1lytranslate-unknownתַּמְרוּקֵי⁠הֶֽן1their ointmentsThis 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 womans 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]]) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
166EST24jd53figs-123personוְ⁠הַֽ⁠נַּעֲרָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר תִּיטַב֙ בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1Then the young woman who is pleasing in the eyes of the kingThe 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]])
167EST24lh3nbita-hqבְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י1in the eyes ofHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
168EST24jd55bita-hqוַ⁠יִּיטַ֧ב הַ⁠דָּבָ֛ר בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ1the word was pleasing in the eyes of the kingHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
169EST24zxc1וַ⁠יַּ֥עַשׂ כֵּֽן1so he did thus“so he followed the suggestion”
170EST25h6z2writing-participantsאִ֣ישׁ יְהוּדִ֔י1A man, a JewThis introduces Mordecai as a new character in the story. This expression means “a Jewish man.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
171EST25uu9itranslate-unknownבְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֣ן הַ⁠בִּירָ֑ה1in Susa the citadelHere the phrase likely indicates the city rather than the palace, that is, “the capital city of Susa.”
172EST25zxc3translate-namesמָרְדֳּכַ֗י1MordecaiThis is a mans name. It occurs many times throughout the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
173EST25q2rztranslate-namesבֶּ֣ן יָאִ֧יר בֶּן־שִׁמְעִ֛י בֶּן־קִ֖ישׁ1the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of KishThese are mens names. Jair, Shimei, and Kish are Mordecais male ancestors. You could say, “Mordecai was the son of Jair, who was the son of Shimei, who was the son of Kish,” or, “His father was named Jair, his grandfather was named Shimei, and his great-grandfather was named Kish.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
174EST25kw5tאִ֥ישׁ יְמִינִֽי1a man, a BenjamiteWhile this likely refers to Kish, it is necessarily also true of Mordecai, and you could put it second in the verse. That way Mordecais nationality would come first, then his tribe, and then his family and clan. Alternate translation: “from the tribe of Benjamin”
175EST26zxc5writing-backgroundאֲשֶׁ֤ר הָגְלָה֙ מִ⁠יר֣וּשָׁלַ֔יִם עִם־הַ⁠גֹּלָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָגְלְתָ֔ה עִ֖ם יְכָנְיָ֣ה מֶֽלֶךְ־יְהוּדָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֶגְלָ֔ה נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֖ר מֶ֥לֶךְ בָּבֶֽל1who 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 exiledThe 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 should introduce this by saying something like, “Many years earlier.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
176EST26z7fefigs-activepassiveאֲשֶׁ֤ר הָגְלָה֙ מִ⁠יר֣וּשָׁלַ֔יִם1who had been exiled from JerusalemIf 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]])
177EST26egm7writing-backgroundאֲשֶׁ֤ר הָגְלָה֙ מִ⁠יר֣וּשָׁלַ֔יִם1who had been exiled from JerusalemYou 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]])
178EST26zxc7figs-explicitאֲשֶׁ֤ר הָגְלָה֙ מִ⁠יר֣וּשָׁלַ֔יִם1who had been exiled from JerusalemIf 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]])
179EST26zxc9grammar-connect-time-simultaneousעִ֖ם1along withThis 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]])
180EST26ch1ttranslate-namesיְכָנְיָ֣ה מֶֽלֶךְ־יְהוּדָ֑ה1Jeconiah, the king of JudahIn the historical passage where this event is described (2 Kings 24:817), 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]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
181EST26zxv1translate-namesאֲשֶׁ֣ר הֶגְלָ֔ה נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֖ר מֶ֥לֶךְ בָּבֶֽל1whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had exiledYou can say where King Nebuchadnezzar brought this king when he took him away from Jerusalem, for example, “Nebuchadnezzar … took King Jehoiachin of Judah away from Jerusalem and brought him to Babylon.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
182EST27zxv3וַ⁠יְהִ֨י1And he wasThe story now returns to talking about Mordecai. You can specify his name: “Now Mordecai.”
183EST27zxv5אֹמֵ֜ן1fostering“was taking care of”
184EST27hfm9בַּת־דֹּד֔⁠וֹ1the daughter of his uncleIf your language has a specific term for this relationship, you can use it, for example, “his cousin.” Alternate translation: “his uncles daughter”
185EST27m9kxtranslate-namesהֲדַסָּ֗ה הִ֤יא אֶסְתֵּר֙1Hadassah (she is Esther)Here the story is indicating that this womans Hebrew name was Hadassah and her Persian name was Esther. You could say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
186EST27zxv7translate-namesאֶסְתֵּר֙1EstherThis is a womans name. It occurs many times throughout the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
187EST27ccb1אֵ֥ין לָ֖⁠הּ אָ֣ב וָ⁠אֵ֑ם1there was not for her a father or a motherYou could say simply that “she was an orphan,” as UST does. Alternate translation: “both her father and mother had died”
188EST27jd59figs-parallelismוְ⁠הַ⁠נַּעֲרָ֤ה יְפַת־תֹּ֨אַר֙ וְ⁠טוֹבַ֣ת מַרְאֶ֔ה1Now the young woman was beautiful of form and pleasing of appearanceThese 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]])
189EST27skt5writing-backgroundוּ⁠בְ⁠מ֤וֹת אָבִ֨י⁠הָ֙ וְ⁠אִמָּ֔⁠הּ לְקָחָ֧⁠הּ מָרְדֳּכַ֛י ל֖⁠וֹ לְ⁠בַֽת1And at the death of her father and her mother, Mordecai had taken her for him as a daughterThis 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]])
190EST28zxv9grammar-connect-time-sequentialוַ⁠יְהִ֗י1So it happened thatAfter providing this background information about Mordecai and Esther in verses 57, 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. You should indicate in some way that the events are now moving forward from where the story left off. For example, “And so this is what happened.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
191EST28zcv1grammar-connect-time-simultaneousבְּ⁠הִשָּׁמַ֤ע דְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ וְ⁠דָת֔⁠וֹ וּֽ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֞ץ נְעָר֥וֹת רַבּ֛וֹת1when the decree of the king and his law were heard, and when many young women were gatheredThis 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]])
192EST28zcv3figs-activepassiveבְּ⁠הִשָּׁמַ֤ע דְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ וְ⁠דָת֔⁠וֹ וּֽ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֞ץ נְעָר֥וֹת רַבּ֛וֹת1when the decree of the king and his law were heardYou can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. For example, “when the messengers proclaimed the king's decree and the scribes published the king's law.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
193EST28c52iדְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙1the decree of the kingThis refers to King Ahasuerus banishing Queen Vashti from his presence.
194EST28zcv5וְ⁠דָת֔⁠וֹ1and his lawThis refers to King Ahasuerus commanding that men would have complete authority over their wives.
195EST28zcv7figs-explicitבְּ⁠הִשָּׁמַ֤ע1when…were heardYou 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]])
196EST28m3ldfigs-activepassiveוּֽ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֞ץ נְעָר֥וֹת רַבּ֛וֹת1and when many young women were gatheredYou can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action: “the officers the king had appointed in each province began to bring many young women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
197EST28jd65translate-unknownשׁוּשַׁ֥ן הַ⁠בִּירָ֖ה1Susa the citadelHere again this likely means “the capital city of Susa.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
198EST28mbk1bita-hqאֶל־יַ֣ד הֵגָ֑י1into the hand of HegaiHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
199EST28zcv9grammar-connect-time-simultaneousוַ⁠יְהִ֗י בְּ⁠הִשָּׁמַ֤ע…וּֽ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֞ץ…וַ⁠תִּלָּקַ֤ח1So it happened that, when…were heard, and when…were gathered…Esther was takenThis means that Esther was brought to the harem of King Ahaserus at the same 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]])
200EST28n3zcfigs-activepassiveוַ⁠תִּלָּקַ֤ח1that…Esther was takenYou can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “they brought Esther” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
201EST28zcb1figs-explicitוַ⁠תִּלָּקַ֤ח1that…Esther was takenYou can explain why this happened, for example, “Because Esther was exceptionally attractive, the officers also brought her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
202EST28zcb3בֵּ֣ית הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1the house of the king“the kings palace”
203EST28jd71figs-metaphorאֶל־יַ֥ד הֵגַ֖י שֹׁמֵ֥ר הַ⁠נָּשִֽׁים1into the hand of HegaiAs 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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
204EST28zcb5writing-backgroundשֹׁמֵ֥ר הַ⁠נָּשִֽׁים1who was overseer of the womenThis 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]])
205EST29zcb7וַ⁠תִּיטַ֨ב הַ⁠נַּעֲרָ֣ה בְ⁠עֵינָי⁠ו֮ וַ⁠תִּשָּׂ֣א חֶ֣סֶד לְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֒1the young woman was pleasing in his eyes, and she lifted kindness before his faceThis 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.
206EST29zcb9bita-hqוַ⁠תִּיטַ֨ב הַ⁠נַּעֲרָ֣ה בְ⁠עֵינָי⁠ו֮1the young woman was pleasing in his eyesHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
207EST29f8i8הַ⁠נַּעֲרָ֣ה1the young womanThis means Esther. You should make sure that this is clear in your translation.
208EST29jd75בְ⁠עֵינָי⁠ו֮1in his eyesHere **his** means Hegai. You should make sure that this clear in your translation.
209EST29jd77bita-hqוַ⁠תִּשָּׂ֣א חֶ֣סֶד לְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֒1and she lifted kindness before his faceHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
210EST29jd79לְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֒1before his faceHere **his** means Hegai. You should make sure that this clear in your translation.
211EST29abc1translate-unknownתַּמְרוּקֶ֤י⁠הָ1her ointmentsAlternate translation: “her beauty treatments,” as in 2:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
212EST29abc2מָנוֹתֶ֨⁠הָ֙1her portions of foodIn context, this likely means that Hegai made sure that Esther was served good food that would keep her healthy.
213EST29abc3שֶׁ֣בַע הַ⁠נְּעָר֔וֹת הָ⁠רְאֻי֥וֹת לָֽ⁠תֶת־לָ֖⁠הּ מִ⁠בֵּ֣ית הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1gave her seven young women chosen from the house of the kingThis means that Hegai chose seven female servants from the king's palace and assigned them to take care of Esther.
214EST29abc4וַ⁠יְשַׁנֶּ֧⁠הָ וְ⁠אֶת־נַעֲרוֹתֶ֛י⁠הָ1And he transferred her and her young women**Her** means Esther, and “her young women” means the female attendants Hegai assigned to her.
215EST29abc5לְ⁠ט֖וֹב בֵּ֥ית הַ⁠נָּשִֽׁים1to the best of the house of women“to the best rooms in the harem for virgins”
216EST210abc6לֹא־הִגִּ֣ידָה אֶסְתֵּ֔ר אֶת־עַמָּ֖⁠הּ וְ⁠אֶת־מֽוֹלַדְתָּ֑⁠הּ1Esther had not told her people or ancestryThis means that Esther had not told anyone this information about herself.
217EST210abc7figs-doubletאֶת־עַמָּ֖⁠הּ וְ⁠אֶת־מֽוֹלַדְתָּ֑⁠הּ1her people or her ancestryThese two short phrases mean almost the same thing. They are used together to emphasize that Esther followed Mordecais 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]])
218EST210abc8grammar-connect-logic-resultכִּ֧י מָרְדֳּכַ֛י צִוָּ֥ה עָלֶ֖י⁠הָ1for Mordecai had laid a charge upon herThis is background information that explains why Esther did not tell anyone about her family or nationality. So you can put it first in the verse if that is clearer in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
219EST210abc9צִוָּ֥ה עָלֶ֖י⁠הָ1had laid a charge upon herThis means that Mordecai had gotten her to promise not to do it.
220EST211jd81figs-idiomוּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־י֣וֹם וָ⁠י֔וֹם1And always day by dayAlternate translation: “Each and every day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
221EST211abd1מָרְדֳּכַי֙ מִתְהַלֵּ֔ךְ1Mordecai was walking aboutExpress this in the way your language describes habitual action, for example, “Mordecai would walk around.”
222EST211jd83bita-hqלִ⁠פְנֵ֖י חֲצַ֣ר1before the face of the courtyardHere **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]])
223EST211abd2בֵּית־הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֑ים1the house of women“the harem for virgins”
224EST211abd3grammar-connect-logic-resultלָ⁠דַ֨עַת֙ אֶת־שְׁל֣וֹם אֶסְתֵּ֔ר וּ⁠מַה־יֵּעָשֶׂ֖ה בָּֽ⁠הּ1in order to know the welfare of Esther and what was being done with herThis 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 in to or coming out of the courtyard how Esther was doing. You can put 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]])
225EST211nz1pשְׁל֣וֹם אֶסְתֵּ֔ר1the welfare of Esther“how Esther was doing” or “about Esthers well-being”
226EST211abd4figs-parallelismשְׁל֣וֹם אֶסְתֵּ֔ר וּ⁠מַה־יֵּעָשֶׂ֖ה בָּֽ⁠הּ1the welfare of Esther and what was being done with herThese two phrases mean similar things. The story is using the repetition to emphasize how concerned Mordecai was for Esther. You could combine them, as UST does. Alternate translation: “how Esther was doing and what was happening with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
227EST212jcj8writing-backgroundוּ⁠בְ⁠הַגִּ֡יעַ1Now when…cameVerses 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 a connecting word or a phrase such as “This is how virgins became concubines for the king” so that your readers will know that this is background information.(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
228EST212jd85figs-idiomנַעֲרָ֨ה וְ⁠נַעֲרָ֜ה1young woman by young womanAlternate translation: “each one of the young women.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
229EST212abd5figs-explicitוּ⁠בְ⁠הַגִּ֡יעַ תֹּר֩…לָ⁠ב֣וֹא ׀ אֶל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֗וֹשׁ1when the turn came…to go to the king AhasuerusEach 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 storys 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]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
230EST212abd6מִ⁠קֵּץ֩ הֱי֨וֹת לָ֜⁠הּ…שְׁנֵ֣ים עָשָׂ֣ר חֹ֔דֶשׁ1it was after her 12 monthsThis means that before her turn came, each woman received a full year of beauty treatments.
231EST212p7i5translate-unknownכְּ⁠דָ֤ת הַ⁠נָּשִׁים֙1according to the law of womenHere **law** probably does not mean so much a legal decree as a regimen that had been developed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
232EST212abd7writing-backgroundכִּ֛י כֵּ֥ן יִמְלְא֖וּ יְמֵ֣י מְרוּקֵי⁠הֶ֑ן1For thus the days of their beautification would be fulfilledThis 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]])
233EST212abd8figs-explicitשִׁשָּׁ֤ה חֳדָשִׁים֙ בְּ⁠שֶׁ֣מֶן הַ⁠מֹּ֔ר1six months by oil of myrrhThis means that a womans 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]])
234EST212abd9בְּ⁠שֶׁ֣מֶן הַ⁠מֹּ֔ר1by oil of myrrhThis likely means “olive oil mixed with myrrh.”
235EST212zhd1translate-unknownוּ⁠בְ⁠תַמְרוּקֵ֖י הַ⁠נָּשִֽׁים1and by the ointments of womenThis 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 “womens 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]])
236EST213abd0וּ⁠בָ⁠זֶ֕ה1Then at this“After a womans year of beauty treatments was completed”
237EST213abe0הַֽ⁠נַּעֲרָ֖ה בָּאָ֣ה אֶל־הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1the young woman would go to the kingThis 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]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
238EST213abe1figs-explicitכָּל־אֲשֶׁ֨ר תֹּאמַ֜ר יִנָּ֤תֵֽן לָ⁠הּ֙1Anything 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 kings palace. You could say that explicitly, for example, “A young woman could take whatever clothing and jewelry she wanted from the harem for virgins and wear them when she went to the kings palace.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
239EST213v133figs-activepassiveכָּל־אֲשֶׁ֨ר תֹּאמַ֜ר יִנָּ֤תֵֽן לָ⁠הּ֙1Anything that she said would be given to herYou can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “she could take whatever she wanted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
240EST213abe2מִ⁠בֵּ֥ית הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֖ים1the house of women“the harem for virgins”
241EST213abe3בֵּ֥ית הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1the house of the king“the kings rooms” or “the kings house” or “the kings palace”
242EST214abe4הִ֣יא בָאָ֗ה1she would goShe would not walk over on her own. Rather, the kings servants would come and bring her to the kings private quarters, in the way that they were told to bring Vashti to the banquet in 1:11. You can say this explicitly if it would help your readers to understand the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
243EST214ded5figs-explicitוּ֠⁠בַ⁠בֹּקֶר הִ֣יא שָׁבָ֞ה1and in the morning she would return toIt 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 kings servants would bring her to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
244EST214lq9htranslate-ordinalבֵּ֤ית הַ⁠נָּשִׁים֙ שֵׁנִ֔י1the second house of womenAlternate translations: “a different house for women” or “the harem for concubines” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
245EST214yw63אֶל־יַ֧ד שַֽׁעֲשְׁגַ֛ז סְרִ֥יס הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַ⁠פִּֽילַגְשִׁ֑ים1into the hand of Shaashgaz, the eunuch of the king who was overseer of the concubines“to where Shaashgaz,…concubines would take care of her”
246EST214ze74bita-hqאֶל־יַ֧ד שַֽׁעֲשְׁגַ֛ז סְרִ֥יס הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַ⁠פִּֽילַגְשִׁ֑ים1into the hand of ShaashgazHere **hand** is a metaphor meaning power, control, or authority. Hegai was the overseer of the virgins. As the overseer of the concubines, Shaashgaz 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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
247EST214q5yxtranslate-namesשַֽׁעֲשְׁגַ֛ז1ShaashgazThis is a mans name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
248EST214abe5translate-unknownסְרִ֥יס הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ1the eunuch of the kingSee translated this term “eunuch” in 1:10. You could say “royal” instead of “of the king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
249EST214abe6שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַ⁠פִּֽילַגְשִׁ֑ים1the overseer of the concubinesThis means that Shaashgaz was “the official who took care of the concubines” or who was “responsible for the concubines.”
250EST214abe7figs-explicitהַ⁠פִּֽילַגְשִׁ֑ים1the concubinesAs a concubine, the young woman was one of the kings 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]])
251EST214abe8לֹא־תָב֥וֹא עוֹד֙ אֶל־הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1She would not go to the king againAlternate 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 phrase suggesting that there would be a larger social component to 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.
252EST214abe9חָפֵ֥ץ בָּ֛⁠הּ1had delighted in herThis means that he “had enjoyed being with her” or that she “had pleased the king very much.”
253EST214abf0figs-activepassiveוְ⁠נִקְרְאָ֥ה בְ⁠שֵֽׁם1and she was called by nameYou can say this with an active form, for example, “and the king asked for her by name” or “and called for her by name.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
254EST215fiy8grammar-connect-logic-contrastוּ⁠בְ⁠הַגִּ֣יעַ תֹּר־אֶסְתֵּ֣ר…לָ⁠ב֣וֹא אֶל־הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ1Now when the turn of Esther…came to go to the kingThe 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” that draws a contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
255EST215jk51figs-informremindבַּת־אֲבִיחַ֣יִל דֹּ֣ד מָרְדֳּכַ֡י אֲשֶׁר֩ לָקַֽח־ל֨⁠וֹ לְ⁠בַ֜ת1the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for him as a daughterThis background information reminds the reader who Esther was by describing her relationship to Mordecai. You could move this to the end of the verse and put it in parentheses, as UST does, so that you dont break up the flow of the contrast that is being drawn. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
256EST215mg8ytranslate-namesאֲבִיחַ֣יִל1AbihailThis man was Esthers father and Mordecais uncle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
257EST215qx3ufigs-doublenegativesלֹ֤א בִקְשָׁה֙ דָּבָ֔ר כִּ֠י אִ֣ם אֶת־אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֹאמַ֛ר הֵגַ֥י1she did not ask for anything except what Hegai…saidYou can state this in a positive form: “she asked only for” Alternate translation: “she did not ask for anything else to wear except.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
258EST215vw9rאֲשֶׁ֥ר יֹאמַ֛ר הֵגַ֥י1what Hegai…said“what Hegai recommended” or “what Hegai suggested”
259EST215abf1figs-explicitאֲשֶׁ֥ר יֹאמַ֛ר הֵגַ֥י1what Hegai…saidAs the kings 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, as UST does: “Hegai knew the kings 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, once again to preserve the flow of the contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
260EST215abf2figs-informremindסְרִיס־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֑ים1the eunuch of the king who was overseer of the womenThis is saying that Hegai was the royal official responsible for the women 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]])
261EST215abf3translate-unknownסְרִיס־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֑ים1the eunuch of the kingSee how you decided to translate the term “eunuch” in 1:10. You could say “royal” for “of the king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
262EST215abf4grammar-connect-logic-contrastוַ⁠תְּהִ֤י אֶסְתֵּר֙ נֹשֵׂ֣את חֵ֔ן בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֖י כָּל־רֹאֶֽי⁠הָ1And Esther was a lifter of favor in the eyes of every man who saw her.Another contrast is possibly being drawn. Even though Esther only asked for what Hegai recommended, everyone was still impressed by the way she looked. So you could use a word such as “nevertheless” or “still” that draws a contrast. On the other hand, perhaps people were just impressed with her simple beauty because she didnt try to be gaudy. They may also have been impressed with Hegais skill with her ensemble. You can decide whether it would help your readers to suggest a contrast here. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
263EST215z519figs-idiomנֹשֵׂ֣את חֵ֔ן בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֖י כָּל־רֹאֶֽי⁠הָ1a lifter of favor in the eyes of every man who saw herThis 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
264EST215jd87bita-hqבְּ⁠עֵינֵ֖י1in the eyes ofHere **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 all the men who saw Esther thought that she was either an attractive woman or a pleasant person, or both. Alternate translation: “The young girl greatly pleased him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
265EST215jd89figs-gendernotationsכָּל־רֹאֶֽי⁠הָ1every man who saw herThis phrase can mean either every man or every person who saw her. Alternate translation: “everyone who saw her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
266EST216jd91figs-activepassiveוַ⁠תִּלָּקַ֨ח אֶסְתֵּ֜ר1So Esther was takenYou can say this with an active form, for example, “The king's servants brought Esther.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
267EST216abf5figs-abstractnounsאֶל־בֵּ֣ית מַלְכוּת֔⁠וֹ1to the house of his royaltyYou can use an adjective to translate the abstract noun **royalty**, for example, “in his royal palace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
268EST216jd92translate-ordinalבַּ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ הָ⁠עֲשִׂירִ֖י1in the tenth monthAlternate translation: “month ten” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
269EST216jr5stranslate-hebrewmonthsהוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ טֵבֵ֑ת1which is the month of Tebeth“Tebeth” is the name of the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
270EST216abf6חֹ֣דֶשׁ טֵבֵ֑ת1the month of TebethThe 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.
271EST216abf7translate-unknownחֹ֣דֶשׁ טֵבֵ֑ת1the month of TebethYou 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 give the Hebrew days and months. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
272EST216x6ygtranslate-ordinalבִּ⁠שְׁנַת־שֶׁ֖בַע לְ⁠מַלְכוּתֽ⁠וֹ1in the seventh year of his reignAlternate translation: “during the seventh year of the reign of Ahasuerus as king of Persia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
273EST217p3s7figs-parallelismוַ⁠יֶּאֱהַ֨ב הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ אֶת־אֶסְתֵּר֙ מִ⁠כָּל־הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֔ים וַ⁠תִּשָּׂא־חֵ֥ן וָ⁠חֶ֛סֶד לְ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו מִ⁠כָּל־הַ⁠בְּתוּלֹ֑ת1And the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she lifted both favor and kindness before his face more than all the other virginsThese 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 dont need to include both phrases (unless you want your translation to capture something of the Hebrew storytelling style). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
274EST217abf8figs-explicitמִ⁠כָּל־הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֔ים1more than all the womenThis means all the other women who had been brought to the king and become his concubines. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
275EST217bcu8figs-idiomוַ⁠תִּשָּׂא־חֵ֥ן וָ⁠חֶ֛סֶד לְ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו1And she lifted both favor and kindness before his faceThis is a rare expression in Hebrew, and the exact meaning is uncertain. See how you translated similar phrases in 2:9 and 2:15. Review the explanation there if that would be helpful. In this context, it probably means that King Ahasuerus was very impressed with both Esthers appearance and her personality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
276EST217abf9figs-doubletוַ⁠תִּשָּׂא־חֵ֥ן וָ⁠חֶ֛סֶד לְ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו1And 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]])
277EST217jd93figs-metonymyלְ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו1before his faceHere **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
278EST217sym3translate-symactionוַ⁠יָּ֤שֶׂם כֶּֽתֶר־מַלְכוּת֙ בְּ⁠רֹאשָׁ֔⁠הּ1So he set a crown of royalty on her headAhasuerus did this to show that he was making Esther his queen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
279EST217abg0figs-abstractnounsכֶּֽתֶר־מַלְכוּת֙1a crown of royaltyYou can use an adjective to translate the abstract noun “royalty,” for example, “a royal crown.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
280EST218abg1figs-explicitוַ⁠יַּ֨עַשׂ הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ מִשְׁתֶּ֣ה גָד֗וֹל1Then the king made a great feastThe king did this to celebrate Esther becoming the queen. You can say this explicitly, for example, “Then, to celebrate her becoming the queen, the king hosted a great feast.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
281EST218b1hdtranslate-namesמִשְׁתֵּ֣ה אֶסְתֵּ֑ר1the feast of EstherYou should 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]])
282EST218ufm8translate-unknownוַ⁠הֲנָחָ֤ה לַ⁠מְּדִינוֹת֙ עָשָׂ֔ה1And he made a holiday for the provincesThis was probably a “tax holiday,” that is, a remission 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]])
283EST218jd95bita-hqכְּ⁠יַ֥ד הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1according to the hand of the kingHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
284EST219g38fgrammar-connect-time-sequentialוּ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֥ץ בְּתוּל֖וֹת שֵׁנִ֑ית1Now when virgins were being gathered a second timeSince this happened some time after Esthers 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]])
285EST219p842figs-explicitוּ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֥ץ בְּתוּל֖וֹת שֵׁנִ֑ית1Now when virgins were being gathered a second timeThe 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]])
286EST219abg2figs-activepassiveוּ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֥ץ בְּתוּל֖וֹת שֵׁנִ֑ית1Now when virgins were being gathered a second timeYou can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action, for example, “at the time when the king's officers were gathering virgins for a second time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
287EST219ang3grammar-connect-time-simultaneousוּ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֥ץ בְּתוּל֖וֹת שֵׁנִ֑ית וּ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֖י1Now when…were being gathered…Mordecai…thenThis 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]])
288EST219a23ffigs-idiomוּ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֖י יֹשֵׁ֥ב בְּ⁠שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1Mordecai was then sitting at the gate of the kingPossible meanings are: (1) Mordecai sat there so he could hear about how Esther was doing from the many people who passed through the gate. (2) **Sitting at the kings 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]])
289EST219i8inבְּ⁠שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1at the gate of the king“the gate to the kings house” or “the gate to the kings palace”
290EST220abg4אֵ֣ין אֶסְתֵּ֗ר מַגֶּ֤דֶת1Esther had not yet told“Esther had still not told anyone”
291EST220abg5figs-doubletמֽוֹלַדְתָּ⁠הּ֙ וְ⁠אֶת־עַמָּ֔⁠הּ1her ancestry (that is, her people)These two short phrases mean almost the same thing. They are used together to emphasize that Esther followed Mordecais 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]])
292EST220fb39כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה עָלֶ֖י⁠הָ מָרְדֳּכָ֑י1according to the charge that Mordecai had laid upon herAlternate translation: “just as Mordecai had instructed her” or “as Mordecai had made her promise.” Alternate translation: “because Mordecai had warned her not to tell anyone”
293EST220abg6וְ⁠אֶת־מַאֲמַ֤ר מָרְדֳּכַי֙ אֶסְתֵּ֣ר עֹשָׂ֔ה כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר הָיְתָ֥ה בְ⁠אָמְנָ֖ה אִתּֽ⁠וֹ1And Esther continued to do the command Mordecai, according to how she was with him in her fosteringThis means that Esther continued to follow all of Mordecai's instructions, just as she had done when she was growing up in his house.
294EST221vi16בַּ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ⁠הֵ֔ם1In those daysThis resumes the story after the background information that is provided in verse 20. Alternate translation: “During that time” (See: Connect - Simultaneous Time Relationship)
295EST221abg7figs-explicitוּ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֖י יֹשֵׁ֣ב בְּ⁠שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1when Mordecai was sitting at the gate of the kingIt 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]])
296EST221abg8figs-idiomיֹשֵׁ֣ב בְּ⁠שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1was sitting at the gate of the kingAs 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]])
297EST221y2vltranslate-namesבִּגְתָ֨ן וָ⁠תֶ֜רֶשׁ1Bigthan and TereshThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
298EST221abg9translate-unknownשְׁנֵֽי־סָרִיסֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙1two eunuchs of the kingSee how you translated this term in 1:10. For the phrase **of the king**, you can say “royal.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
299EST221abh0מִ⁠שֹּׁמְרֵ֣י הַ⁠סַּ֔ף1who were guardians of the doorwayIn this case the men were not guardians of one of the harems but guardians of the kings private rooms. You could say that they “guarded the doorway to the king's private rooms” or “protected the doorway to the king's private quarters.”
300EST221abh1bita-humanbehaviorוַ⁠יְבַקְשׁוּ֙1and they soughtHere **seeking** figuratively means actively trying to do something. Alternate translation: “they had planned” or “they had tried” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
301EST221jd97figs-idiomלִ⁠שְׁלֹ֣חַ יָ֔ד1to stretch out a handHere the expression “to stretch out a hand” means to cause someone physical harm with the intention of killing him. You could say that “they were planning to assassinate him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
302EST222y7tvfigs-activepassiveוַ⁠יִּוָּדַ֤ע הַ⁠דָּבָר֙ לְ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֔י1But the matter was made known to MordecaiYou can say this with an active form, for example, “Mordecai found out what they were planning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
303EST222abh2וַ⁠יַּגֵּ֖ד לְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֑ה1so he told it to Esther the queenThis means that he told Queen Esther about it somehow.
304EST222dgp3figs-idiomבְּ⁠שֵׁ֥ם מָרְדֳּכָֽי1in the name of MordecaiThis expression means that Esther passed the information along to King Ahasuerus on Mordecais behalf or that she told the king the information had come from him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
305EST223abh3grammar-connect-time-sequentialוַ⁠יְבֻקַּ֤שׁ הַ⁠דָּבָר֙ וַ⁠יִּמָּצֵ֔א וַ⁠יִּתָּל֥וּ שְׁנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם עַל־עֵ֑ץ1Then 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 should use a word such as “then” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
306EST223ld4yfigs-activepassiveוַ⁠יְבֻקַּ֤שׁ הַ⁠דָּבָר֙ וַ⁠יִּמָּצֵ֔א1Then the matter was sought out and was found outYou can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action, for example, “Then the king investigated Mordecai's report and found out that it was true, and he hanged the two of them on a wooden pole.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
307EST223abh4figs-activepassiveוַ⁠יִּתָּל֥וּ שְׁנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם עַל־עֵ֑ץ1the two of them were hanged on a treeYou 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]])
308EST223y28jbita-plantsעַל־עֵ֑ץ1on a treeHere **tree** figuratively represents some kind of pole or structure made from wood. This would be used to kill a person by suspending them above the ground. This might mean (1) by impaling them, that is, by sticking a sharp point on one end of the pole through their body, or (2) by hanging them with a rope tied around the neck. So you could translate this as “a wooden pole” or “a gallows.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
309EST223g9nhfigs-activepassiveוַ⁠יִּכָּתֵ֗ב1And it was writtenYou can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action, for example, “The kings scribes recorded an account of this.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
310EST223abh5figs-idiomבְּ⁠סֵ֛פֶר דִּבְרֵ֥י הַ⁠יָּמִ֖ים1the book of the events of daysThis is an idiom that describes a regular record of the events in a kings reign. You could call this “the royal chronicles.” Alternate translation: “the daily record book” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
311EST223abh6bita-hqלִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1before the face of the kingHere **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 kings presence.” Alternate translation: “The king watched a scribe write this down.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
312EST3introzb260# Esther 03 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Haman plots against the Jews<br><br>Mordecai considered prostrating himself before Haman. This would be considered to be worship. It was wrong to worship someone other than Yahweh. Because of this, he refused to do it on religious grounds. This made Haman angry so he decided to kill all the Jews in the Persian Empire.
313EST31mm4cwriting-neweventאַחַ֣ר ׀ הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֗לֶּה1After these thingsThis introduces a new event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
314EST31abh7grammar-connect-time-sequentialאַחַ֣ר ׀ הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֗לֶּה1After these thingsThis 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]])
315EST31ir5vtranslate-namesהָמָ֧ן1HamanThis is a mans name. It occurs many times in the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
316EST31abh8translate-namesבֶּֽן־הַמְּדָ֛תָא הָ⁠אֲגָגִ֖י1the son of Hammedatha, the AgagiteThese are the names of Hamans father and Hamans people group. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
317EST31abh9figs-explicitגִּדַּל֩…אֲחַשְׁוֵר֜וֹשׁ אֶת־הָמָ֧ן1Ahasuerus made Haman…greatThis means that Ahasuerus promoted Haman. Its implied in the story that Haman was already one of Ahasueruss 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]])
318EST31abi0figs-doubletוַֽ⁠יְנַשְּׂאֵ֑⁠הוּ וַ⁠יָּ֨שֶׂם֙ אֶת־כִּסְא֔⁠וֹ מֵ⁠עַ֕ל כָּל־הַ⁠שָּׂרִ֖ים1He lifted him up and placed his seat of authority from over all the officialsThese two phrases mean the same thing. They are used together to emphasize that the king was making Haman very powerful. You could combine them as UST does. Alternate translation: “the king promoted Haman and gave him a very high position” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
319EST31pl9ibita-humanbehaviorוַֽ⁠יְנַשְּׂאֵ֑⁠הוּ1He lifted him upHere **lifting** is a metaphor meaning to “advance” or “promote” a person to a higher, more important position than they had previously. Alternate translation: “He gave him a more important position” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-part1]])
320EST31ptm4figs-idiomכִּסְא֔⁠וֹ1his seat of authorityHere **seat of authority** means Hamans position or status in the Persian government. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
321EST31abi1figs-abstractnounsכִּסְא֔⁠וֹ1his seat of authorityYou can translate the abstract noun “authority” by using a concrete noun for this whole phrase, for example, “position” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
322EST31abi2מֵ⁠עַ֕ל כָּל־הַ⁠שָּׂרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִתּֽ⁠וֹ1from over all the officials who were with him**Him** refers to the king. You could say that “the king promoted him above the other officials” or “gave him more authority than all the other officials” or that “Haman became more important than all his other officials.”
323EST32abi3figs-synecdocheוְ⁠כָל־עַבְדֵ֨י הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ אֲשֶׁר־בְּ⁠שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ1Then all the servants of the king who were at the gate of the kingHere 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 kings 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-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
324EST32abi4figs-explicitוְ⁠כָל־עַבְדֵ֨י הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ…כֹּרְעִ֤ים וּ⁠מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ לְ⁠הָמָ֔ן1all the servants of the king…were bowing down and prostrating themselves to HamanThe servants were required to do this whenever Haman walked by, as a way of honoring him. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
325EST32e25ktranslate-symactionכֹּרְעִ֤ים וּ⁠מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙1were bowing down and prostrating themselvesThis 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]])
326EST32abi5figs-doubletכֹּרְעִ֤ים וּ⁠מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙1were bowing down and prostrating themselvesThese two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize that the officials knew how important it was to obey the kings 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]])
327EST32fg8vוּ⁠מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ לְ⁠הָמָ֔ן1and prostrating themselves to HamanThis means bowing down all the way to the ground.
328EST32jd99grammar-connect-logic-resultכִּי־כֵ֖ן צִוָּה־ל֣⁠וֹ1for thus the king had commanded concerning himYou can put this information first in the verse if that would be clearer in your language, because it explains the reason why all the other officials were bowing to Haman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
329EST32abi6figs-explicitכִּי־כֵ֖ן צִוָּה־ל֣⁠וֹ1for thus the king had commanded concerning himThe king did this as a sign of Hamans new position. 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]])
330EST32abi7figs-parallelismוּ⁠מָ֨רְדֳּכַ֔י לֹ֥א יִכְרַ֖ע וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶֽה1But Mordecai would neither bow down nor would he prostrate himselfThese two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how serious an offense this was against the kings 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]])
331EST32abi8figs-explicitוּ⁠מָ֨רְדֳּכַ֔י לֹ֥א יִכְרַ֖ע וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶֽה1But Mordecai would neither bow down nor would he prostrate himselfIt appears that as a Jew, Mordecai considered it wrong to worship anyone other than Yahweh, and that he believed it would be worshipping Haman if he bowed down low to the ground to honor him. So he refused to bow down, on religious grounds. You can say this explicitly if it would make your translation clearer. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
332EST33abi9עַבְדֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ אֲשֶׁר־בְּ⁠שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ1the servants of the king who were at the gate of the kingSee how you translated this expression at the beginning of verse 2.
333EST33abj0figs-explicitוַ⁠יֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ…לְ⁠מָרְדֳּכָ֑י1said to MordecaiThey 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, for example, “The other officials saw that, and they asked Mordecai.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
334EST33abj1מַדּ֨וּעַ֙ אַתָּ֣ה עוֹבֵ֔ר אֵ֖ת מִצְוַ֥ת הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1Why are you trespassing the command of the king?“Why are you disobeying the kings command?” or “Why are you not obeying what the king commanded?”
335EST34jd3rfigs-explicitב⁠אמר⁠ם אֵלָי⁠ו֙1when they spoke to himThis 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]])
336EST34jd1rfigs-idiomי֣וֹם וָ⁠י֔וֹם1day by dayThis expression means “every day.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
337EST34abj2וַ⁠יְהִ֗י ב⁠אמר⁠ם אֵלָי⁠ו֙…וְ⁠לֹ֥א שָׁמַ֖ע אֲלֵי⁠הֶ֑ם1Now it happened that, when they spoke…he did not listen to them.This means that even though the other officials questioned him and probably warned him, he still refused to bow down.
338EST34uek4bita-humanbehaviorוַ⁠יַּגִּ֣ידוּ לְ⁠הָמָ֗ן לִ⁠רְאוֹת֙ הֲ⁠יַֽעַמְדוּ֙ דִּבְרֵ֣י מָרְדֳּכַ֔י1So they told Haman to see if the words of Mordecai would standIn 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/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
339EST34abj3grammar-connect-logic-resultכִּֽי־הִגִּ֥יד לָ⁠הֶ֖ם אֲשֶׁר־ה֥וּא יְהוּדִֽי1for he had told them that he was a JewThis is the answer that Mordecai gave the other officials when they asked him why he refused to bow down to Haman. You can put it first in the verse if that would be clearer in your language, 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]])
340EST34abj4figs-explicitכִּֽי־הִגִּ֥יד לָ⁠הֶ֖ם אֲשֶׁר־ה֥וּא יְהוּדִֽי1for he had told them that he was a JewMordecais 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]])
341EST35abj5bita-humanbehaviorוַ⁠יַּ֣רְא הָמָ֔ן1The Haman sawHere **seeing** figuratively means knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. This phrase means that Haman learned about this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
342EST35njt5figs-parallelismאֵ֣ין מָרְדֳּכַ֔י כֹּרֵ֥עַ וּ⁠מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה ל֑⁠וֹ1Mordecai would neither bow down nor prostrate himself to himThese 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 that “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]])
343EST35wk8pfigs-metaphorוַ⁠יִּמָּלֵ֥א הָמָ֖ן חֵמָֽה1And Haman was filled with rageHere Hamans 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]])
344EST36k5h9figs-activepassiveוַ⁠יִּ֣בֶז בְּ⁠עֵינָ֗י⁠ו1And it was despised in his eyesYou 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]])
345EST36abj6figs-explicitוַ⁠יִּ֣בֶז בְּ⁠עֵינָ֗י⁠ו1And it was despised in his eyesHaman 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]])
346EST36abj7וַ⁠יִּ֣בֶז1it was despised**Despise** in this context means not to hate but to “think little of.” This expression means that Haman decided it would not be enough just to kill Mordecai himself.
347EST36jd9rbita-hqבְּ⁠עֵינָ֗י⁠ו1in his eyesHere **eyes** stand for “seeing,” and in this case “seeing” figuratively means judgment. This phrase means “in Hamans judgment.” Alternate translation: “as he saw it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
348EST36abj8לִ⁠שְׁלֹ֤ח יָד֙ בְּ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֣י לְ⁠בַדּ֔⁠וֹ1to stretch out a hand against Mordecai aloneAlternate 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.”
349EST36j11rfigs-idiomלִ⁠שְׁלֹ֤ח יָד֙1to stretch out a handAs in 2:21, 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]])
350EST36abj9כִּֽי־הִגִּ֥ידוּ ל֖⁠וֹ אֶת־עַ֣ם מָרְדֳּכָ֑י1for 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 worshipped 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.
351EST36hue9bita-humanbehaviorוַ⁠יְבַקֵּ֣שׁ הָמָ֗ן לְ⁠הַשְׁמִ֧יד1So Haman sought to annihilateHere **seeking** figuratively means trying to do something. In this context. this means that “Haman decided that he would try to kill” all the Jews. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
352EST36abk0בְּ⁠כָל־מַלְכ֥וּת אֲחַשְׁוֵר֖וֹשׁ1in all the kingdom of AhasuerusThis means in the entire empire that King Ahasuerus ruled.
353EST36abk1figs-doubletהַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֛ים…עַ֥ם מָרְדֳּכָֽי1the Jews, the people of MordecaiThese 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: “Mordecais people, the Jews.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
354EST37zl12translate-ordinalבַּ⁠חֹ֤דֶשׁ הָ⁠רִאשׁוֹן֙1In the first month“In month one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
355EST37wyv6translate-hebrewmonthsהוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ נִיסָ֔ן1which 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]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
356EST37abk2translate-unknownחֹ֣דֶשׁ נִיסָ֔ן1the month of NisanAs in 2:16, 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]])
357EST37tw99translate-ordinalבִּ⁠שְׁנַת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣ים עֶשְׂרֵ֔ה לַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ1in the twelfth year of the king AhasuerusAlternate 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]])
358EST37abk3translate-unknownהַ⁠גּוֹרָ֜ל1the lotA “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 to guide the selection process and favor the action if it were done on the date chosen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
359EST37abk4figs-activepassiveהִפִּ֣יל פּוּר֩1a Pur…was castYou can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action, for example, “Haman had his servants cast a Pur” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
360EST37abk5grammar-connect-logic-resultהִפִּ֣יל פּוּר֩1a Pur…was castYou can put this information first if that would be clearer in your language, because it explains the rest of what happens in this verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
361EST37j13rbita-hqלִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הָמָ֗ן1before the face of HamanHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
362EST37j15rמִ⁠יּ֧וֹם ׀ לְ⁠י֛וֹם וּ⁠מֵ⁠חֹ֛דֶשׁ לְ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ1from day to day and from month to monthThis expression means that the lot was cast to select a particular day of the month and a particular month of the year.
363EST37j17rfigs-explicitמִ⁠יּ֧וֹם ׀ לְ⁠י֛וֹם וּ⁠מֵ⁠חֹ֛דֶשׁ לְ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ1from day to day and from month to monthHaman 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]])
364EST37ih4btranslate-hebrewmonthsשְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר הוּא־חֹ֥דֶשׁ אֲדָֽר1the 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]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
365EST37abk6שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר הוּא־חֹ֥דֶשׁ אֲדָֽר1the twelfth, which is the month of AdarSee how you decided in 2:16 and the first part of this verse to represent the dates that are given in the Hebrew calendar in the book of Esther.
366EST37abk7figs-explicitשְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר הוּא־חֹ֥דֶשׁ אֲדָֽר1the twelfth, which is the month of AdarThis 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]])
367EST37k3vdtranslate-ordinalשְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר1the twelfthAlternative translation: “month twelve” or “the twelfth month” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
368EST38abk8figs-explicitוַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר הָמָן֙ לַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ1Then Haman said to the king AhasuerusThe 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]])
369EST38aig9translate-numbersיֶשְׁנ֣⁠וֹ עַם־אֶחָ֗ד1He 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]])
370EST38p4a8figs-doubletמְפֻזָּ֤ר וּ⁠מְפֹרָד֙1scattered and dispersedThese 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]])
371EST38abk9בֵּ֣ין הָֽ⁠עַמִּ֔ים בְּ⁠כֹ֖ל מְדִינ֣וֹת מַלְכוּתֶ֑⁠ךָ1among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdomHaman is saying that the Jews are mixed in with all the other peoples, and they live in every province.
372EST38abl0וְ⁠דָתֵי⁠הֶ֞ם שֹׁנ֣וֹת מִ⁠כָּל־עָ֗ם וְ⁠אֶת־דָּתֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ אֵינָ֣⁠ם עֹשִׂ֔ים1And 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 kings laws as a result.
373EST38r34xfigs-123personדָּתֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙1the laws of the kingHaman 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]])
374EST38bf9gfigs-doublenegativesוְ⁠לַ⁠מֶּ֥לֶךְ אֵין־שֹׁוֶ֖ה לְ⁠הַנִּיחָֽ⁠ם1And there is no profit to the king to leave them untouchedHaman is saying, “It is not good for you to allow them to live in your empire.” This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “the king should remove them” or “you should remove them”
375EST38j19rfigs-123personוְ⁠לַ⁠מֶּ֥לֶךְ1no profit to the kingHaman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. You could express the same meaning in the second person: “not good for you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
376EST39abl1figs-123personאִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֔וֹב1If it is good to the kingHaman speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
377EST39abl2figs-idiomאִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֔וֹב1If it is good to the kingSee how you decided to translate this idiom in 1:19. 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]])
378EST39abl3figs-activepassiveיִכָּתֵ֖ב1let it be writtenYou can say this with an active form, and you can say who would do the action, for example, “the king could write a decree” or “you could write a decree.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
379EST39abl4לְ⁠אַבְּדָ֑⁠ם1to destroy themThis means that the decree would say that all the Jews should be killed.
380EST39eh3wfigs-idiomאֶשְׁקוֹל֙ עַל־יְדֵי֙ עֹשֵׂ֣י הַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֔ה1I will weigh out…into the hands of the doers of the workThis could mean either of two possibilities: (1) “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: “I will pay … the men who do the work from my own resources.” (2) Haman could mean that these officers will be able to collect a huge amount of money from the plunder they get from the Jews. Referring to the weight would be a way of saying “I guarantee that it will be at least that much.” In 3:13, the kings 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
381EST39lhv5translate-bmoney⁠עֲשֶׂ֨רֶת אֲלָפִ֜ים כִּכַּר־כֶּ֗סֶף110,000 talents of silverThis would be worth over $300 million at current prices. But since prices vary over time, if you expressed the amount 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
382EST39abl5עֹשֵׂ֣י הַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֔ה1the doers of the workThis means the officers whom Ahasuerus would send around the empire to organize the killing of the Jews.
383EST39abl6לְ⁠הָבִ֖יא אֶל־גִּנְזֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1to bring into the treasuries of the kingThis could mean either of two possibilities: (1) This could be indicating that when Haman says he will put the money into the hands of the officers who carry out his plan, he actually means that he will put the money in the royal treasury so that it can be paid out to them. Or, (2) Haman could be saying that all the plunder from the Jews can be brought into the royal treasuries, and that will make the king even richer.
384EST39abl7figs-123personגִּנְזֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1the treasuries of the kingHaman 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]])
385EST310abl8figs-explicitוַ⁠יָּ֧סַר הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ אֶת־טַבַּעְתּ֖⁠וֹ מֵ⁠עַ֣ל יָד֑⁠וֹ וַֽ⁠יִּתְּנָ֗⁠הּ לְ⁠הָמָ֧ן1Then the king removed his signet from on his hand, and he gave it to HamanThe implication is that Ahasuerus thought that Hamans 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]])
386EST310abl9translate-symactionוַ⁠יָּ֧סַר הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ אֶת־טַבַּעְתּ֖⁠וֹ מֵ⁠עַ֣ל יָד֑⁠וֹ וַֽ⁠יִּתְּנָ֗⁠הּ לְ⁠הָמָ֧ן1Then the king removed his signet ring from on his handGiving the ring to Haman showed that Haman could act on the kings 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]])
387EST310c9mdtranslate-unknownטַבַּעְתּ֖⁠וֹ1his signet ringThis was a special ring that could be used to imprint the kings official seal on a law or decree. This ring had the kings 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 kings 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]])
388EST310abm0בֶּֽן־הַמְּדָ֛תָא הָ⁠אֲגָגִ֖י1the son of Hammedatha the AgagiteThis information about Hamans 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 persons full name and other identifying information.) If you repeat this information in your own translation, your readers should see this significance.
389EST310abm1figs-informremindצֹרֵ֥ר הַ⁠יְּהוּדִֽים1the adversary of the JewsThis 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]])
390EST311sz4bfigs-activepassiveהַ⁠כֶּ֖סֶף נָת֣וּן לָ֑⁠ךְ1The silver is given to youYou can say this with an active form. This could mean a number of different things: (1) “You can keep the plunder for yourself.” (2) “I will return the money to you,” that is, “I will pay you back after the plan is carried out.” (3) “Take the money and give it to the men just as you have said.” (4) “You do not need to pay for the expenses of the plan yourself.” (5) 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]])
391EST311abm2bita-hqוְ⁠הָ⁠עָ֕ם לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת בּ֖⁠וֹ כַּ⁠טּ֥וֹב בְּ⁠עֵינֶֽי⁠ךָ1and the people, to do with them as is good in your eyesHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
392EST312hx6cfigs-activepassiveוַ⁠יִּקָּרְאוּ֩ סֹפְרֵ֨י הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ1And the scribes of the king were calledYou 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]])
393EST312t6qatranslate-hebrewmonthsבַּ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָ⁠רִאשׁ֗וֹן בִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֣ר יוֹם֮ בּ⁠וֹ֒1in the first month, on the thirteenth day of itAlternate 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]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
394EST312abm3בַּ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָ⁠רִאשׁ֗וֹן בִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֣ר יוֹם֮ בּ⁠וֹ֒1in the first month, on the thirteenth day of itYou can put this information first because it places the event within the timeline of the story.
395EST312abm4figs-activepassiveוַ⁠יִּכָּתֵ֣ב כְּֽ⁠כָל־אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֣ה הָמָ֡ן1in was written according to all the Haman commandedYou 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]])
396EST312abm5translate-unknownאֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנֵֽי־הַ֠⁠מֶּלֶךְ1the satraps of the kingThis 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]])
397EST312abm6הַ⁠פַּח֞וֹת אֲשֶׁ֣ר ׀ עַל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֗ה1the governors who were over province by province“the governors of each province”
398EST312j23rfigs-idiomמְדִינָ֣ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֗ה1province by provinceThis expression means “every province.” See how you translated this in 1:22. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
399EST312abm7שָׂ֤רֵי עַם֙ וָ⁠עָ֔ם1the officials of people by people“the leaders of each people group”
400EST312j25rfigs-idiomעַם֙ וָ⁠עָ֔ם1people by peopleThis expression means “every people group.” See how you translated this in [1:22](../01/22.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
401EST312j27rfigs-idiomמְדִינָ֤ה וּ⁠מְדִינָה֙ כִּ⁠כְתָבָ֔⁠הּ1province by province according to its writingSee how you translated this in 1:22. Alternate translation: “to each province using its own alphabet” or “written in its own script” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
402EST312abm8figs-explicitמְדִינָ֤ה וּ⁠מְדִינָה֙ כִּ⁠כְתָבָ֔⁠הּ1province by province according to its writingThe 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]])
403EST312j31rfigs-idiomוְ⁠עַ֥ם וָ⁠עָ֖ם כִּ⁠לְשׁוֹנ֑⁠וֹ1and to people by people according to its own tongueSee how you translated this expression in 1:22. Alternate translation: “and to each people group in its own language.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
404EST312j33rbita-hqכִּ⁠לְשׁוֹנ֑⁠וֹ1according to its tongueHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
405EST312abm9figs-metaphorבְּ⁠שֵׁ֨ם הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֹשׁ֙ נִכְתָּ֔ב1In the name of the king Ahasuerus it was written(1) Here **name** could mean the authority of the king. This would be saying that Hamans 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 kings name to the letter. Alternate translation: “They signed the king's name at the end of the letters.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
406EST312lyf2figs-activepassiveנִכְתָּ֔ב וְ⁠נֶחְתָּ֖ם בְּ⁠טַבַּ֥עַת הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1It was written, and it was sealed with the signet ring of the kingYou 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 kings 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]])
407EST313hxx6figs-activepassiveוְ⁠נִשְׁל֨וֹחַ סְפָרִ֜ים1And letters were sentYou can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action, for example, “couriers delivered the letters.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
408EST313j34rbita-hqבְּ⁠יַ֣ד הָ⁠רָצִים֮1by the hand of runnersHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
409EST313abn0figs-metonymyאֶל־כָּל־מְדִינ֣וֹת הַ⁠מֶּלֶךְ֒1to all of the provinces of the kingHaman 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]])
410EST313xs6gfigs-doubletלְ⁠הַשְׁמִ֡יד לַ⁠הֲרֹ֣ג וּ⁠לְ⁠אַבֵּ֣ד1to annihilate, to slaughter, and to destroyThese 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]])
411EST313abn1figs-merismמִ⁠נַּ֨עַר וְ⁠עַד־זָקֵ֜ן1from young even to oldThis 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]])
412EST313abn2טַ֤ף וְ⁠נָשִׁים֙1children and women“including the children and the women”
413EST313j35rtranslate-numbersבְּ⁠י֣וֹם אֶחָ֔ד1on one dayAlternate translation: “on a single day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
414EST313abn3figs-explicitבִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר1on the thirteenth of the twelfth monthImplicitly 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]])
415EST313g5brtranslate-ordinalבִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר1on the thirteenth“on day thirteen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
416EST313j36rtranslate-ordinalלְ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר1of the twelfth month“of month twelve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
417EST313i5urtranslate-hebrewmonthsהוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֑ר1which is the month of AdarThis 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]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
418EST313pbp1וּ⁠שְׁלָלָ֖⁠ם לָ⁠בֽוֹז1and to plunder their spoilsThis means that the letters also said that those who killed the Jews could take everything that belonged to them.
419EST314tj7nfigs-activepassiveהַ⁠כְּתָ֗ב לְ⁠הִנָּ֤תֵֽן דָּת֙ בְּ⁠כָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֔ה1the writing, to be given as a law in every province by provinceYou can say this with an active form, for example, “The officials in every province made a copy of the letter become the law.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
420EST314vga2figs-idiomבְּ⁠כָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֔ה1In every province by provinceThis expression means “each and every province.” See how you translated the term “province” in 1:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
421EST314l9w7figs-activepassiveהַ⁠כְּתָ֗ב…גָּל֖וּי לְ⁠כָל־הָֽ⁠עַמִּ֑ים1the writing…was uncovered for all the peoplesYou 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 that copies of these letters should be nailed up where all the people could see them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
422EST314f6dcלִ⁠הְי֥וֹת עֲתִדִ֖ים לַ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה1to be ready for this dayAlternate 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 when the day came”
423EST315abn4הָֽ⁠רָצִ֞ים יָצְא֤וּ דְחוּפִים֙ בִּ⁠דְבַ֣ר הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1The runners went out hurrying by decree of the kingThis means that the king had commanded the couriers to deliver the letters as quickly as possible.
424EST315abn5figs-explicitהָֽ⁠רָצִ֞ים יָצְא֤וּ דְחוּפִים֙ בִּ⁠דְבַ֣ר הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1The runners went out hurrying by decree of the kingYou 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 letter quickly to every province in the empire.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
425EST315i12cfigs-activepassiveוְ⁠הַ⁠דָּ֥ת נִתְּנָ֖ה1and the law was givenYou can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action, for example, “A herald also proclaimed what the letter said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
426EST315nlk8translate-unknownבְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֣ן הַ⁠בִּירָ֑ה1in Susa the citadelHere this likely means “in the capital city of Susa.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
427EST315abn6figs-synecdocheיָשְׁב֣וּ לִ⁠שְׁתּ֔וֹת1sat 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]])
428EST315wm4ufigs-explicitנָבֽוֹכָה1the city of Susa was in confusionThe 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]])
429EST315abn7figs-metonymyוְ⁠הָ⁠עִ֥יר שׁוּשָׁ֖ן1but the city of SusaThis 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]])
430EST315abn8figs-abstractnounsנָבֽוֹכָה1was in confusionYou can translate the abstract noun “confusion” with a concrete noun phrase such as “a state of great confusion.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
431EST4introz7u20# Esther 04 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Mordecai warns Esther to act<br><br>Mordecai tells Esther she must beg the king for the Jews lives, even if she risks her own death.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Implicit information<br><br>There is implicit information translators may not understand. “Who knows whether you have come to this royal position for such a time as this?” This means “maybe God made you the queen so you could save the Jews.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
432EST41j37rwriting-participantsוּ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֗י יָדַע֙1Now when Mordecai knewHere 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]])
433EST41nya6כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר נַעֲשָׂ֔ה1about all that had been done“about Hamans plan to kill all the Jews” or “about those letters”
434EST41vgy8translate-symactionוַ⁠יִּקְרַ֤ע מָרְדֳּכַי֙ אֶת־בְּגָדָ֔י⁠ו וַ⁠יִּלְבַּ֥שׁ שַׂ֖ק וָ⁠אֵ֑פֶר1he tore his garments and put on sackcloth and ashesThese actions demonstrate extreme sadness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
435EST41abn9figs-explicitוַ⁠יִּקְרַ֤ע מָרְדֳּכַי֙ אֶת־בְּגָדָ֔י⁠ו וַ⁠יִּלְבַּ֥שׁ שַׂ֖ק וָ⁠אֵ֑פֶר1he tore his garments and put on sackcloth and ashesYou 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]])
436EST41abo0figs-explicitוַ⁠יֵּצֵא֙ בְּ⁠ת֣וֹךְ הָ⁠עִ֔יר1he went out into the midst of the cityThe next verse shows that Mordecai was heading towards the kings 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 may have wanted to contact Esther and ask her to help with the trouble. Or both. Alternate translation: “He started walking towards the city center, towards the kings palace.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
437EST41abo1figs-doubletוַ⁠יִּזְעַ֛ק זְעָקָ֥ה גְדֹלָ֖ה וּ⁠מָרָֽה1and 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 Mordecais cry was so loud because it was so anguished. Alternate translation: “cried out in anguish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
438EST42abo2וַ⁠יָּב֕וֹא1And he came**He** means Mordecai. Alternate translation: “So when Mordecai reached.”
439EST42j38rbita-hqעַ֖ד לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1only as far as before the face of the gate of the kingHere **face** figuratively represents the front of an object. The phrase means that Mordecai could not come inside the gate to the kings palace, but had to wait just outside of it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
440EST42abo3שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1the gate of the kingSee how you translated this in 2:19. Alternate translation: “the gate to the kings palace”
441EST42abo4grammar-connect-logic-resultאֵ֥ין לָ⁠ב֛וֹא אֶל־שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ בִּ⁠לְב֥וּשׁ שָֽׂק1no one was to come into the gate of the king while wearing sackclothAlternate 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: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
442EST43e73yfigs-idiomוּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֗ה1And in every province by provinceThis 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]])
443EST43abo5מְקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר דְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ וְ⁠דָת⁠וֹ֙ מַגִּ֔יעַ1any place where the decree of the king and his law reached“anywhere the letter that said to destroy the Jews was announced in public”
444EST43abo6figs-doubletדְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ וְ⁠דָת⁠וֹ֙1the decree of the king and his lawThese 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 letter that said to destroy the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
445EST43e7zxאֵ֤בֶל גָּדוֹל֙ לַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים1there was great mourning by the Jews“the Jews mourned greatly” or “When the Jews heard about it, they mourned greatly”
446EST43abo7וְ⁠צ֥וֹם1and fasting“They went without food”
447EST43abo8figs-doubletוּ⁠בְכִ֖י וּ⁠מִסְפֵּ֑ד1weeping, and lamentingThese 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]])
448EST43djf6שַׂ֣ק וָ⁠אֵ֔פֶר יֻצַּ֖ע לָֽ⁠רַבִּֽים1sackcloth and ashes were laid out by the multitudes“Many of them were on the ground, dressed in sackcloth and sitting in ashes”
449EST44q7llנַעֲר֨וֹת אֶסְתֵּ֤ר1the young female attendants of Esther“Esthers female servants” of “Esthers maids”
450EST44abo9translate-unknownוְ⁠סָרִיסֶ֨י⁠הָ֙1and her eunuchsSee how you translated this term in 1:10. Alternate translation: “male servants” or “her other officials” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
451EST44abp0figs-explicitוַ⁠יַּגִּ֣ידוּ לָ֔⁠הּ1and they told herThat 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
452EST44abp2figs-explicitוַ⁠תִּתְחַלְחַ֥ל הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֖ה מְאֹ֑ד1even the queen was seized with extreme fearThe 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]])
453EST44y8bctranslate-symactionוַ⁠תִּשְׁלַ֨ח בְּגָדִ֜ים לְ⁠הַלְבִּ֣ישׁ אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַ֗י1she sent garments to clothe Mordecai and to take off his sackcloth from upon him**She** means Esther. This was a way of encouraging Mordecai to be hopeful and act publicly as if whatever situation he was worried about was not completely desperate. Alternate translation: “She sent Mordecai some good clothes to wear instead of the sackcloth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
454EST44abp3translate-symactionוְ⁠לֹ֥א קִבֵּֽל1he did not acceptAlternate translation: “he refused to put them on” This was Mordecais way of replying to Esther that the situation truly was desperate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
455EST45abp4וַ⁠תִּקְרָא֩ אֶסְתֵּ֨ר לַ⁠הֲתָ֜ךְ מִ⁠סָּרִיסֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙1So Esther called for Hathak, from the eunuchs of the king“Then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the kings officials”
456EST45vf4mtranslate-namesלַ⁠הֲתָ֜ךְ1for HathakThis is a mans name. It occurs several times in this chapter. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
457EST45lp8mwriting-backgroundמִ⁠סָּרִיסֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֶעֱמִ֣יד לְ⁠פָנֶ֔י⁠הָ1from the eunuchs of the king whom he had caused to stand before her faceAlternate 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]])
458EST45icg7translate-unknownמִ⁠סָּרִיסֵ֤י1from the eunuchs ofSee how you translated this term **eunuch** in 1:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
459EST45j39rbita-hqלְ⁠פָנֶ֔י⁠הָ1before her faceHere **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase means that the guardians served Esther personally. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
460EST45abp5וַ⁠תְּצַוֵּ֖⁠הוּ עַֽל־מָרְדֳּכָ֑י1She commanded him concerning Mordecai“She told him to go out and speak with Mordecai”
461EST45abp6figs-parallelismלָ⁠דַ֥עַת מַה־זֶּ֖ה וְ⁠עַל־מַה־זֶּֽה1to know what this was and on account of what this wasThese 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]])
462EST46abp7figs-explicitוַ⁠יֵּצֵ֥א הֲתָ֖ךְ אֶֽל־מָרְדֳּכָ֑י1So Hathak went out to MordecaiHathak 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]])
463EST46mgl5רְח֣וֹב הָ⁠עִ֔יר1the open place of the city“the central plaza”
464EST46j41rbita-hqלִ⁠פְנֵ֥י1before the face ofHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
465EST46abp8figs-metonymyשַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1the gate of the kingAlternate 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]])
466EST47zq3sfigs-synecdocheוַ⁠יַּגֶּד־ל֣⁠וֹ מָרְדֳּכַ֔י אֵ֖ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר קָרָ֑⁠הוּ1Mordecai reported to him all that had happened to himAlternate translation: “Mordecai told Hathak everything that Haman was planning to do to the Jews.” The story says that this had happened to **him** (Mordecai), but here Mordecai figuratively represents the entire group that he is one member of. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
467EST47abp9פָּרָשַׁ֣ת הַ⁠כֶּ֗סֶף אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָמַ֤ר הָמָן֙ לִ֠⁠שְׁקוֹל עַל־גִּנְזֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ בַּיְּהוּדִ֖ים לְ⁠אַבְּדָֽ⁠ם1the exact amount of silver that Haman had said to weigh out in the treasuries of the king, against, to destroy themThis could mean either of two possibilities: (1) The amount of silver that Haman had said he would contribute to pay for the expenses of the plan to destroy the Jews, or (2) 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. You could say either one as an alternate translation.
468EST48j43rפַּתְשֶׁ֣גֶן כְּתָֽב־הַ֠⁠דָּת אֲשֶׁר־נִתַּ֨ן1a copy of the writing“a copy of the letter that Haman had sent out” or “a copy of the decree”
469EST48zt49figs-activepassiveהַ֠⁠דָּת אֲשֶׁר־נִתַּ֨ן בְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֤ן1the law that had been given in SusaYou can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “the law that had been read in Susa.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
470EST48abq0לְ⁠הַשְׁמִידָ⁠ם֙1to annihilate them“that said that all the Jews must be killed”
471EST48abq1figs-parallelismלְ⁠הַרְא֥וֹת אֶת־אֶסְתֵּ֖ר וּ⁠לְ⁠הַגִּ֣יד לָ֑⁠הּ1in order to show Esther, and to inform herThese 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. “He told Hathak to show the letter to Esther so that she would know exactly what it said.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
472EST48abq2וּ⁠לְ⁠צַוּ֣וֹת עָלֶ֗י⁠הָ1and to lay a charge upon her“and to urge her”
473EST48gds6figs-doubletלְ⁠הִֽתְחַנֶּן־ל֛⁠וֹ וּ⁠לְ⁠בַקֵּ֥שׁ1to implore his favor and to seekThese two phrases mean similar things. They are repeated to emphasize the force of the action that Mordecai felt was needed. Alternate translation: “to beg him desperately” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
474EST48j47rbita-hqמִ⁠לְּ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו1to go to the king…from before his faceHere **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 kings intervention. Alternate translation: “to go to the king personally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
475EST48abq3עַל־עַמָּֽ⁠הּ1concerning her people“to act mercifully toward her people”
476EST49abq4וַ⁠יָּב֖וֹא הֲתָ֑ךְ וַ⁠יַּגֵּ֣ד לְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֔ר אֵ֖ת דִּבְרֵ֥י מָרְדֳּכָֽי1So Hathak went and told Esther the words of Mordecai.“So Hathak returned to Esther and told her what Mordecai had said.”
477EST410abq5וַ⁠תֹּ֤אמֶר אֶסְתֵּר֙ לַ⁠הֲתָ֔ךְ וַ⁠תְּצַוֵּ֖⁠הוּ אֶֽל־מָרְדֳּכָֽי1Then Esther spoke to Hathak and commanded him to say to Mordecai:“The Esther told Hathak to go back to Mordecai and tell his this:”
478EST411abq6figs-merismכָּל־עַבְדֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֡לֶךְ וְ⁠עַם־מְדִינ֨וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ יֽוֹדְעִ֗ים1All 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” refer 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]])
479EST411abq7כָּל־עַבְדֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֡לֶךְ וְ⁠עַם־מְדִינ֨וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ יֽוֹדְעִ֗ים1All the servants of the king and the people of the provinces of the king are knowingEsther 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.
480EST411d9mhfigs-merismכָּל־אִ֣ישׁ וְ⁠אִשָּׁ֡ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר1for any man or womanHere Esther once again refers to something 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]])
481EST411abq8translate-symactionיָבֽוֹא־אֶל־הַ⁠מֶּלֶךְ֩ אֶל־הֶ⁠חָצֵ֨ר הַ⁠פְּנִימִ֜ית1who goes to the king, to the inner courtAs 5:1 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]])
482EST411abq9אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹֽא־יִקָּרֵ֗א1who has not been called“without being summoned”
483EST411abr0אַחַ֤ת דָּת⁠וֹ֙1his law is oneAlternate 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.
484EST411abr1לְ⁠הָמִ֔ית1to cause to die“that person must be executed”
485EST411abr2לְ֠⁠בַד מֵ⁠אֲשֶׁ֨ר יֽוֹשִׁיט־ל֥⁠וֹ הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ אֶת־שַׁרְבִ֥יט הַ⁠זָּהָ֖ב וְ⁠חָיָ֑ה1apart from when the king holds out to him the scepter of gold, then he will live“unless the king holds our his golden scepter to them”
486EST411abr3translate-unknownשַׁרְבִ֥יט הַ⁠זָּהָ֖ב1the scepter of goldA scepter was an ornamental staff or wand that rulers carried or held as a symbol of their authority. The scepter of King Ahasuerus seems to have been made of gold. Alternate translation: “golden scepter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
487EST411abr4figs-explicitוַ⁠אֲנִ֗י לֹ֤א נִקְרֵ֨אתי֙ לָ⁠ב֣וֹא אֶל־הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ זֶ֖ה שְׁלוֹשִׁ֥ים יֽוֹם1But as for me, I have not been called to come to the king these thirty daysEsther 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, and 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
488EST411j49rgrammar-connect-logic-contrastוַ⁠אֲנִ֗י1But as for meThis expression indicates a contrast between Esthers present situation and the situation she has just described. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
489EST411abr5זֶ֖ה שְׁלוֹשִׁ֥ים יֽוֹם1these 30 daysThe phrase means that Esther has not been called in the kings 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”
490EST411gv1vtranslate-numbersזֶ֖ה שְׁלוֹשִׁ֥ים יֽוֹם1these 30 days“thirty days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
491EST412abr6וַ⁠יַּגִּ֣ידוּ לְ⁠מָרְדֳּכָ֔י אֵ֖ת דִּבְרֵ֥י אֶסְתֵּֽר1So they told to Mordecai the words of Esther“So Hathak went back to Mordecai and told him what Esther had said”
492EST413abr7וַ⁠יֹּ֥אמֶר מָרְדֳּכַ֖י לְ⁠הָשִׁ֣יב אֶל־אֶסְתֵּ֑ר1Then Mordecai said to return to Esther“Mordecai told Hathak to tell this to Ester”
493EST413abr8אַל־תְּדַמִּ֣י בְ⁠נַפְשֵׁ֔⁠ךְ לְ⁠הִמָּלֵ֥ט בֵּית־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ מִ⁠כָּל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִֽים1Do not think to yourself to escape in the palace of the king, from all the Jews.“Do not think that just because you live there in the palace, you will escape when all the other Jews are killed.”
494EST414abr9אִם־הַחֲרֵ֣שׁ תַּחֲרִישִׁי֮ בָּ⁠עֵ֣ת הַ⁠זֹּאת֒1if you indeed remain silent at this time“If you say nothing at all now”
495EST414i1uyfigs-personificationרֶ֣וַח וְ⁠הַצָּלָ֞ה יַעֲמ֤וֹד לַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ מִ⁠מָּק֣וֹם אַחֵ֔ר1relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another placeHere “relief” and “rescue” are spoken of as if they are living things that can rise up. Alternate translation: “someone else will rise up from another place and rescue the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
496EST414abs0⁠אַ֥תְּ וּ⁠בֵית־אָבִ֖י⁠ךְ תֹּאבֵ֑דוּ1but you and the house of your father will perishAlternate 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) will have done anything.
497EST414dtg7figs-rquestionוּ⁠מִ֣י יוֹדֵ֔עַ אִם־לְ⁠עֵ֣ת כָּ⁠זֹ֔את הִגַּ֖עַתְּ לַ⁠מַּלְכֽוּת1And who knows if you have arrived at royalty for such a time as this?This is really a statement. 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 for a time just like this that you became queen.” (See: Rhetorical Question) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
498EST415abs1וַ⁠תֹּ֥אמֶר אֶסְתֵּ֖ר לְ⁠הָשִׁ֥יב אֶֽל־מָרְדֳּכָֽי1Then Esther said to return to Mordecai:“After Hathak told this to Esther, she told him to go back to Mordecai and say this to him:”
499EST416d6cqfigs-activepassiveכָּל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֜ים הַֽ⁠נִּמְצְאִ֣ים בְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֗ן1all the Jews who are found in SusaYou 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]])
500EST416t2wgtranslate-symactionוְ⁠צ֣וּמוּ עָ֠לַ⁠י1And fast on account of meFasting (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]])
501EST416qw8vtranslate-numbersוְ⁠אַל־תֹּאכְל֨וּ וְ⁠אַל־תִּשְׁתּ֜וּ שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת יָמִים֙ לַ֣יְלָה וָ⁠י֔וֹם1neither eating nor drinking for three days, both night and dayThis 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.”
502EST416j51rtranslate-symactionגַּם־אֲנִ֥י וְ⁠נַעֲרֹתַ֖⁠י אָצ֣וּם כֵּ֑ן1Also, I myself and my young female attendants will fast likewise“My maids and I will also fast”
503EST416abs2וּ⁠בְ⁠כֵ֞ן1Then, in such circumstances“After we have all done that, and while still fasting”
504EST416abs3אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹֽא־כַ⁠דָּ֔ת1which is not according to the law“even though there is a law against going without being summoned”
505EST416abs4וְ⁠כַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָבַ֖דְתִּי אָבָֽדְתִּי1and if I perish, I perish“I am prepared to do that even if it costs me my life”
506EST417abs5figs-explicitוַֽ⁠יַּעֲבֹ֖ר מָרְדֳּכָ֑י1So Mordecai wentThe implication is that Mordecai did this after Hathak brought Esthers 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]])
507EST417abs6כְּ⁠כֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוְּתָ֥ה עָלָ֖י⁠ו אֶסְתֵּֽר1according to the whole charge that Esther had laid upon him“everything that Esther had told him to do”
508EST5introk5ff0# Esther 05 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter begins a section about Hamans fall (Chapters 5-7).<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Esthers respect<br>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]])
509EST51j53rwriting-neweventוַ⁠יְהִ֣י ׀ בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁלִישִׁ֗י1Now it happened on the third dayThis 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]])
510EST51abs7figs-abstractnounsוַ⁠תִּלְבַּ֤שׁ אֶסְתֵּר֙ מַלְכ֔וּת1Esther put on royaltyYou can use an adjective and a concrete noun to translate the abstract noun “royalty.” Alternate translation: “Esther put on her royal robes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
511EST51abs8figs-explicitוַ⁠תִּלְבַּ֤שׁ אֶסְתֵּר֙ מַלְכ֔וּת1Esther put on royaltyIts 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. 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]])
512EST51abs9בַּ⁠חֲצַ֤ר בֵּית־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הַ⁠פְּנִימִ֔ית1the inner court of the palace of the kingSee how you translated this in 4:11. Alternate translation: “the inner courtyard of the palace”
513EST51uk7pנֹ֖כַח בֵּ֣ית הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1opposite to the house of the king“across from the room where the king was”
514EST51abt0figs-abstractnounsוְ֠⁠הַ⁠מֶּלֶךְ יוֹשֵׁ֞ב עַל־כִּסֵּ֤א מַלְכוּת⁠וֹ֙ בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הַ⁠מַּלְכ֔וּת1sitting on the throne of his royalty in the palace of royalty**Royalty** is an abstract noun that refers to the royal authority that the king exercised. 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 throne” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
515EST51j55rנֹ֖כַח פֶּ֥תַח הַ⁠בָּֽיִת1opposite to the entrance of the palace“facing the entrance of the room”
516EST52abt1grammar-connect-time-sequentialוַ⁠יְהִי֩1Then it happened thatThis expression introduces what happened next. Alternate translation: “Now” or “and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
517EST52abt2כִ⁠רְא֨וֹת1as soon as…saw“as soon as…noticed”
518EST52j57rfigs-idiomנָשְׂאָ֥ה חֵ֖ן בְּ⁠עֵינָ֑י⁠ו1she lifted favor in his eyesSee 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. Or both. Alternate translation: “he was very pleased to see her” or “he approved of her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
519EST52pw4xbita-hqנָשְׂאָ֥ה חֵ֖ן בְּ⁠עֵינָ֑י⁠ו1she lifted favor in his eyesHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
520EST52uu8stranslate-symactionוַ⁠יּ֨וֹשֶׁט הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ לְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֗ר אֶת־שַׁרְבִ֤יט הַ⁠זָּהָב֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּ⁠יָד֔⁠וֹ1And the king held out to her the golden scepter that was in his handKing Ahasuerus did this to show that he would not enforce the law that said Esther should be executed for coming into the kings 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]])
521EST52abt3figs-explicitוַ⁠יּ֨וֹשֶׁט הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ לְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֗ר אֶת־שַׁרְבִ֤יט הַ⁠זָּהָב֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּ⁠יָד֔⁠וֹ1And the king held out to her the golden scepter that was in his handKing 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]])
522EST52abt4וַ⁠תִּקְרַ֣ב1so…approached“so…came close” or “so…came up to the throne”
523EST52abt5figs-explicitוַ⁠תִּגַּ֖ע בְּ⁠רֹ֥אשׁ הַ⁠שַּׁרְבִֽיט1and touched the head of the scepterThis action was probably customary for a kings subjects in a Persian court, when the king extended the royal scepter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
524EST52z4mntranslate-symactionוַ⁠תִּגַּ֖ע בְּ⁠רֹ֥אשׁ הַ⁠שַּׁרְבִֽיט1and touched the head of the scepterThis action demonstrated that Esther respected the authority of King Ahasuerus and was thankful for his kindness to her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
525EST52j59rbita-hqבְּ⁠רֹ֥אשׁ הַ⁠שַּׁרְבִֽיט1the head of the scepterHere **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 kings 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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
526EST53abt6מַה־לָּ֖⁠ךְ אֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֑ה1What is to you, Esther the queen?“What do you want, Queen Esther?”
527EST53abt7figs-parallelismמַה־לָּ֖⁠ךְ אֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֑ה וּ⁠מַה־בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛⁠ךְ1What 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]])
528EST53j61rfigs-hyperboleעַד־חֲצִ֥י הַ⁠מַּלְכ֖וּת וְ⁠יִנָּ֥תֵֽן לָֽ⁠ךְ1As much as half of the kingdom, and let it be given to youThis 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 kings 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]])
529EST53c6h7figs-activepassiveוְ⁠יִנָּ֥תֵֽן לָֽ⁠ךְ1and let it be given to youYou 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]])
530EST54abt8figs-idiomאִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ ט֑וֹב1If it is good to the kingThis 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]])
531EST54m3uyfigs-123personאִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ ט֑וֹב1If it is good to the kingEsther 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]])
532EST54j63rfigs-123personיָב֨וֹא הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ וְ⁠הָמָן֙1let the king come with HamanEsther 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]])
533EST54abt9figs-123personהַ⁠מִּשְׁתֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁר־עָשִׂ֥יתִי לֽ⁠וֹ1the banquet that I have made for himEsther 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]])
534EST54abu0figs-yousingularהַ⁠מִּשְׁתֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁר־עָשִׂ֥יתִי לֽ⁠וֹ1the banquet that I have made for himIf 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-youdual]])
535EST55abu1figs-explicitוַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1Then the king saidThe 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]])
536EST55abu2מַהֲרוּ֙ אֶת־הָמָ֔ן לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת אֶת־דְּבַ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֑ר1Bring Haman quickly, in order to do the word of EstherThe **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”
537EST55abu3עָשְׂתָ֥ה1had made“had prepared for them”
538EST56abu4בְּ⁠מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה הַ⁠יַּ֔יִן1during the banquet of wine“while they were drinking wine”
539EST56d5wrfigs-parallelismמַה־שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֖⁠ךְ וְ⁠יִנָּ֣תֵֽן לָ֑⁠ךְ וּ⁠מַה־בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛⁠ךְ עַד־חֲצִ֥י הַ⁠מַּלְכ֖וּת וְ⁠תֵעָֽשׂ1What 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 give Esther what she wants. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation. Alternate translation: “Now please tell me what you really want. I will do it for you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
540EST56pj3pfigs-explicitמַה־שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֖⁠ךְ וְ⁠יִנָּ֣תֵֽן לָ֑⁠ךְ וּ⁠מַה־בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛⁠ךְ עַד־חֲצִ֥י הַ⁠מַּלְכ֖וּת וְ⁠תֵעָֽשׂ1What 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]])
541EST56q5ntfigs-abstractnounsשְּׁאֵלָתֵ֖⁠ךְ…בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛⁠ךְ1your petition…your requestThe 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]])
542EST56e2v2figs-activepassiveוְ⁠יִנָּ֣תֵֽן…וְ⁠תֵעָֽשׂ1And let it be given to you…let it be doneYou 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]])
543EST56j65rעַד־חֲצִ֥י הַ⁠מַּלְכ֖וּת1As much as half of the kingdomSee how you translated this expression in 5:3. 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.”
544EST57abu5figs-hendiadysוַ⁠תַּ֥עַן…וַ⁠תֹּאמַ֑ר1Then…answered and saidHere 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]])
545EST57r4awfigs-doubletשְׁאֵלָתִ֖⁠י וּ⁠בַקָּשָׁתִֽ⁠י1My petition and my requestThe 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]])
546EST57abu6figs-abstractnounsשְׁאֵלָתִ֖⁠י וּ⁠בַקָּשָׁתִֽ⁠י1My petition and my requestThe 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]])
547EST58c2brfigs-idiomאִם־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֜ן בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ1if I have found favor in the eyes of the kingThe 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]])
548EST58abu7bita-hqאִם־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֜ן בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ1if I have found favor in the eyes of the kingHere **eyes** figuratively represent seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. The phrase means for King Ahasuerus to be pleased with Esther and so willing to grant her request. Alternate translation: Alternate translation: “if the king evaluates me and approves” or “if the king is pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
549EST58c2jyfigs-123personאִם־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֜ן בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ1if I have found favor in the eyes of the kingEsther 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]])
550EST58abu8figs-idiomוְ⁠אִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ ט֔וֹב1if it is good to the kingThis is an idiom. See how you translated it in 1:19, 3:9, and 5:4. Alternate translation: “If it seems like a good idea to you, O king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
551EST58j69rfigs-doubletלָ⁠תֵת֙ אֶת־שְׁאֵ֣לָתִ֔⁠י וְ⁠לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת אֶת־בַּקָּשָׁתִ֑⁠י1to grant my petition and to perform my requestThe phrases “to grant my petition” and “to perform my request” mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “to give me what I want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
552EST58x8hffigs-123personיָב֧וֹא הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ וְ⁠הָמָ֗ן אֶל־הַ⁠מִּשְׁתֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֣ה לָ⁠הֶ֔ם1let the king come with Haman to the banquet that I will make for themEsther 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]])
553EST58j71rfigs-youdualיָב֧וֹא הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ וְ⁠הָמָ֗ן אֶל־הַ⁠מִּשְׁתֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֣ה לָ⁠הֶ֔ם1let the king come with Haman to the banquet that I will make for themIf 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]])
554EST58abu9וּ⁠מָחָ֥ר אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה כִּ⁠דְבַ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1and tomorrow I will do according to the word of the kingThe **word of the king** means his request for Esther to tell him what she wants. Alternate translation: “I will answer your question then”
555EST58gf9bfigs-123personכִּ⁠דְבַ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1according to the word of the kingEsther 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]])
556EST59abv1וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֤א1And…went out“And…left the banquet”
557EST59j73rfigs-doubletשָׂמֵ֖חַ וְ⁠ט֣וֹב לֵ֑ב1joyful and good of heartThe 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 Esthers banquet with King Ahasuerus. Alternate translation: “feeling very happy” [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]
558EST59j75rbita-hqוְ⁠ט֣וֹב לֵ֑ב1and good of heartHere **heart** figuratively represents the action of thinking or feeling. The phrase means that Haman felt happy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
559EST59dkg6figs-explicitוְ⁠לֹא־קָם֙1that he neither rose upUnder other circumstances, officials were expected to bow low to the ground to show respect for Haman. (See 3:2.) 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]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
560EST59j77rtranslate-symactionוְ⁠לֹא־זָ֣ע מִמֶּ֔⁠נּוּ1nor trembled from himThe 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]])
561EST59s47ufigs-metaphorוַ⁠יִּמָּלֵ֥א הָמָ֛ן עַֽל־מָרְדֳּכַ֖י חֵמָֽה1then Haman was filled with rage on account of MordecaiHere Hamans rage is described here as something that could fill him up. See how you translated this expression in 3:5. Alternate translation: “Haman became very angry because of Mordecai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
562EST510v5nlgrammar-connect-logic-contrastוַ⁠יִּתְאַפַּ֣ק הָמָ֔ן1But Haman restrained himselfThere 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]])
563EST510abv2וַ⁠יָּב֖וֹא אֶל־בֵּית֑⁠וֹ1and went to his house“went home”
564EST510abv3וַ⁠יִּשְׁלַ֛ח וַ⁠יָּבֵ֥א1Then he sent and brought“he gathered togethered”
565EST510bcn1translate-namesזֶ֥רֶשׁ1ZereshThis is a womans 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]])
566EST511abv4וַ⁠יְסַפֵּ֨ר1Then…recounted“Then…boasted”
567EST511mvm5figs-abstractnounsכְּב֥וֹד עָשְׁר֖⁠וֹ1the 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]])
568EST511j79rtranslate-symactionוְ⁠רֹ֣ב בָּנָ֑י⁠ו1and the multitude of his sonsHaving 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. Alternate translation: “how many sons he had” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
569EST511abv5figs-gendernotationsבָּנָ֑י⁠ו1his sonsThis 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]])
570EST511m7fqגִּדְּל֤⁠וֹ1made him great“how the king had promoted him many times” or “how the king had honored him many times by giving him more important work”
571EST511b7c5bita-humanbehaviorנִשְּׂא֔⁠וֹ עַל1he had lifted him overHere **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/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-part1]])
572EST511abv6figs-explicitהַ⁠שָּׂרִ֖ים וְ⁠עַבְדֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1the officials and administrators of the kingThis means all of the others, as 3:1 makes clear. Alternate translation: “all of his other officials and administrators” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
573EST512abv7figs-exclamationsאַ֣ף1In additionAlternate 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]])
574EST512w1bmלֹא־הֵבִיאָה֩ אֶסְתֵּ֨ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֧ה עִם־הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ…כִּ֣י אִם־אוֹתִ֑⁠י1Esther the queen did not bring anyone with the king…except meThis 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.”
575EST512abv8עָשָׂ֖תָה1she had made“she had prepared”
576EST512abv9figs-activepassiveוְ⁠גַם־לְ⁠מָחָ֛ר אֲנִ֥י קָֽרוּא־לָ֖⁠הּ עִם־הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1And also for tomorrow, I am called by her with the kingYou can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “And she has also invited only me to attend another banquet with the king tomorrow.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
577EST513abw0figs-metaphorוְ⁠כָל־זֶ֕ה אֵינֶ֥⁠נּוּ שֹׁוֶ֖ה לִ֑⁠י בְּ⁠כָל־עֵ֗ת אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֲנִ֤י רֹאֶה֙1But all of this is not equal for me to every time that I seeThis 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 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]])
578EST513wu84וְ⁠כָל־זֶ֕ה1But all of thisHaman is continuing to speak here. You can show this by beginning with, “Then Haman said”
579EST513abw1figs-informremindהַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔י1the JewThis phrase gives clarifying information about Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
580EST513abw2figs-explicitיוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּ⁠שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1sitting at the gate of the kingHaman 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 kings 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]])
581EST513abw3בְּ⁠שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1the gate of the king“the citadel gate”
582EST514j81rוְ⁠כָל־אֹֽהֲבָ֗י⁠ו1with all his friendsThis means the friends whom Haman had invited to his home that day. Alternate translation: “his friends who were there”
583EST514abw4וַ⁠תֹּ֣אמֶר ל⁠וֹ֩1Then…said to him“suggested”
584EST514abw5figs-explicitיַֽעֲשׂוּ1Let them makeYou can say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “have your servants set up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
585EST514i2f3bita-plantsעֵץ֮1a treeSee how you translated this in 2:23. 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/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
586EST514k8zdtranslate-bdistanceגָּבֹ֣הַּ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים אַמָּה֒150 cubits highYou can convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “seventy-five feet high” or “twenty-three meters high” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
587EST514abw6וּ⁠בַ⁠בֹּ֣קֶר1And in the morning“then tomorrow morning”
588EST514abw7אֱמֹ֣ר לַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ וְ⁠יִתְל֤וּ אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַי֙ עָלָ֔י⁠ו1say to the king, and let them hang Mordecai on itWhile Hamans servants would likely carry out the action, it would happen under Hamans orders and perhaps under his supervision, so you can describe him as the one who does the action if that would be natural in your language. Alternate translation: “tell the king that you want to impale [or hang] Mordecai on it”
589EST514abw8grammar-connect-logic-resultוּ⁠בֹֽא…אֶל הַ⁠מִּשְׁתֶּ֖ה שָׂמֵ֑חַ1Then 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: “Once you have executed him, you will be able to go to the banquet … in a good mood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
590EST514bbs9figs-metonymyוַ⁠יִּיטַ֧ב הַ⁠דָּבָ֛ר לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הָמָ֖ן1And the word was good before the face of HamanThe **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 idea pleased Haman very much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
591EST514i8isוַ⁠יַּ֥עַשׂ הָ⁠עֵֽץ1and he made the treeHaman 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”
592EST514j83rbita-plantsהָ⁠עֵֽץ1the treeYou should translate this the same way you did earlier in the verse, “the pole” or “the gallows.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
593EST6introi9x70# Esther 06 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter continues the story of Hamans fall.<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Approaching the king<br>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.
594EST61j85rwriting-neweventבַּ⁠לַּ֣יְלָה הַ⁠ה֔וּא1That nightThis 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]])
595EST61abw9figs-personificationנָדְדָ֖ה שְׁנַ֣ת הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1the sleep of the king fled awayHere **sleep** is spoken of as if it were a living thing that could flee away. Alternate translation: “the king was unable to sleep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
596EST61abx1figs-explicitוַ⁠יֹּ֗אמֶר לְ⁠הָבִ֞יא1And 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. “So he told the young men who attended him to bring in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
597EST61abx2סֵ֤פֶר הַ⁠זִּכְרֹנוֹת֙ דִּבְרֵ֣י הַ⁠יָּמִ֔ים1the book of records of the events of daysThis is equivalent to the expression “the book of the events of days” in 2:23. See how you translated that expression. Alternate translation: “the royal chronicles” or “the records of what had happened during all the time he had been king.”
598EST61abx3וַ⁠יִּהְי֥וּ נִקְרָאִ֖ים1they were being called outThis 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]])
599EST61j87rbita-hqלִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1before the face of the kingHere **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase means that the book was being read in the kings presence. Alternate translation: “to the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
600EST62u4gifigs-activepassiveוַ⁠יִּמָּצֵ֣א כָת֗וּב1And it was found writtenBoth terms **found** and **recorded** can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “They found that the writers had recorded there” or “They learned that the writers had written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
601EST62abx4figs-explicitהִגִּ֨יד מָרְדֳּכַ֜י עַל1Mordecai had told aboutThe implication is that Mordecai had saved the kings 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 kings life by discovering a plot against the king and telling him about it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
602EST62abx5figs-eventsהִגִּ֨יד מָרְדֳּכַ֜י עַל1Mordecai had told aboutTo relate the events in chronological order, you can put this at the end of the verse. Alternate translation: “But Mordecai had saved the kings life by discovering their plot and telling him about it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
603EST62syd9translate-namesבִּגְתָ֣נָא וָ⁠תֶ֗רֶשׁ1Bigthana and TereshThese are the same two men who are named in 2:21. However, there the first mans 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]])
604EST62abx6translate-unknownשְׁנֵי֙ סָרִיסֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1two of the eunuchs of the kingSee how you translated the term “eunuch” in 1:10. Alternate translation: “two of the royal guardians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
605EST62abx7מִ⁠שֹּׁמְרֵ֖י הַ⁠סַּ֑ף1who were from the guardians of the doorwaySee how you translated this expression in 2:23. Alternate translation: “who protected the doorway to the king's private quarters”
606EST62abx8bita-humanbehaviorבִּקְשׁוּ֙1they had soughtHere **seeking** figuratively means actively trying to do something. Alternate translation: “they had planned” or “they had tried” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
607EST62j89rfigs-idiomלִ⁠שְׁלֹ֣חַ יָ֔ד1to stretch out a handAs in 2:21, 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]])
608EST63abx9וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1The the king said“Then the king asked”
609EST63lmz6figs-doubletמַֽה־נַּעֲשָׂ֞ה יְקָ֧ר וּ⁠גְדוּלָּ֛ה לְ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֖י1What honor or great deed was done for Mordecai**Honor** and **great deed** have similar meanings and they are used together emphasize that Mordecai should certainly have been honored in some way for saving the kings life. If it would be clearer in your language, you can express this general meaning by saying something like, “What did I do to honor 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-doublet]])
610EST63aby0figs-activepassiveנַּעֲשָׂ֞ה1was doneYou 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]])
611EST63aby1עַל־זֶ֑ה1on account of this“for saving my life”
612EST63n2azfigs-activepassiveלֹא־נַעֲשָׂ֥ה עִמּ֖⁠וֹ דָּבָֽר1Not a thing has been done with himYou 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]])
613EST64aby2figs-explicitמִ֣י בֶ⁠חָצֵ֑ר1Who is in the court?The implication is that King Ahasuerus wanted to consult somebody about the best way to honor Mordecai. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. The story has already said in 1:13 that it was the king's habit to consult his advisors on important questions. Alternate translation: “The king wanted to consult someone about the best way to honor Mordecai, so he asked, Is anyone out in the courtyard?’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
614EST64aby3מִ֣י בֶ⁠חָצֵ֑ר1Who is in the court?In order to present the events in logical and chronological order, you can put the kings 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.
615EST64guv8בֶ⁠חָצֵ֑ר1in the court“courtyard”
616EST64j91rwriting-backgroundוְ⁠הָמָ֣ן בָּ֗א לַ⁠חֲצַ֤ר בֵּית־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הַ⁠חִ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה לֵ⁠אמֹ֣ר לַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ לִ⁠תְלוֹת֙ אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַ֔י עַל־הָ⁠עֵ֖ץ אֲשֶׁר־הֵכִ֥ין לֽ⁠וֹ1Now 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 himThis 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/writing-background]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-orderHeb]])
617EST64rg8tלַ⁠חֲצַ֤ר בֵּית־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הַ⁠חִ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה1to the outer court of the house of the kingAlternate 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.
618EST64vu7pלֵ⁠אמֹ֣ר לַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ לִ⁠תְלוֹת֙ אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַ֔י עַל־הָ⁠עֵ֖ץ1to say to the king to hang Mordecai“to tell the king that he wanted to hang Mordecai” or “to tell the king that he wanted to impale Mordecai”
619EST64at53הָ⁠עֵ֖ץ אֲשֶׁר־הֵכִ֥ין לֽ⁠וֹ1the tree that he had prepared for him“on the pole that he had set up” or “on the gallows that he had set up”
620EST64aby4bita-plantsהָ⁠עֵ֖ץ1the treeSee how you translated this term in 2:23 and 5:14. Review the note to 2:23 if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “pole” or “gallows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
621EST65aby5figs-explicitוַ⁠יֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ נַעֲרֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙1And the young men of the king saidIt 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 that 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]])
622EST65j93rהִנֵּ֥ה1BeholdThis 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”
623EST65j95rיָבֽוֹא1Let him come“Bring him in”
624EST66j97rוַ⁠יָּבוֹא֮ הָמָן֒ וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר ל⁠וֹ֙ הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1Then Haman came, and the king said to him“When Haman came in, the king said”
625EST66ky5ifigs-123personמַה־לַ⁠עֲשׂ֕וֹת בָּ⁠אִ֕ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֣ץ בִּ⁠יקָר֑⁠וֹ1What 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]])
626EST66n3r5figs-idiomאֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֣ץ בִּ⁠יקָר֑⁠וֹ1in whose honor the king is delightedTo 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]])
627EST66jh4ibita-hqוַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר הָמָן֙ בְּ⁠לִבּ֔⁠וֹ1Then Haman said in his heartHere **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.” But 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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
628EST66yft1figs-rquestionלְ⁠מִ֞י יַחְפֹּ֥ץ הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת יְקָ֖ר יוֹתֵ֥ר מִמֶּֽ⁠נִּי1For whom would the king delight to do honor more than meHaman 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]])
629EST67j1d1figs-idiomאִ֕ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֥ץ בִּ⁠יקָרֽ⁠וֹ1For a man in whose honor the king is delightedTo 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]])
630EST67aby6figs-123personאִ֕ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֥ץ בִּ⁠יקָרֽ⁠וֹ1For a man in whose honor the king is delightedHaman 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]])
631EST68mz79figs-explicitיָבִ֨יאוּ֙1let them bringThe implication is that the kings 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]])
632EST68aby7figs-abstractnounsלְב֣וּשׁ מַלְכ֔וּת אֲשֶׁ֥ר לָֽבַשׁ־בּ֖⁠וֹ הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1a garment of royalty with which the king has clothed himself**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 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]])
633EST68aby8figs-123personאֲשֶׁ֥ר לָֽבַשׁ־בּ֖⁠וֹ הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1with which the king has clothed himselfHaman 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]])
634EST68aby9figs-123personוְ⁠ס֗וּס אֲשֶׁ֨ר רָכַ֤ב עָלָי⁠ו֙1and a horse on which the king has riddenHaman 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]])
635EST68r63jfigs-activepassiveוַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִתַּ֛ן כֶּ֥תֶר מַלְכ֖וּת בְּ⁠רֹאשֽׁ⁠וֹ1and which has been given a crown of royalty for its headThis 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]])
636EST68abz0figs-explicitוַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִתַּ֛ן כֶּ֥תֶר מַלְכ֖וּת בְּ⁠רֹאשֽׁ⁠וֹ1and which has been given a crown of royalty for its headThe implication is that this would be done to show that this was one of the kings 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]])
637EST68abz1figs-abstractnounsכֶּ֥תֶר מַלְכ֖וּת1a 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]])
638EST69pp3lbita-hqוְ⁠נָת֨וֹן הַ⁠לְּב֜וּשׁ וְ⁠הַ⁠סּ֗וּס עַל־יַד־אִ֞ישׁ מִ⁠שָּׂרֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙1Then give this garment and this horse into the hand of a man from the most noble officials of the kingHere **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 kings 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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
639EST69j1d3figs-123personאִ֞ישׁ מִ⁠שָּׂרֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הַֽ⁠פַּרְתְּמִ֔ים1a man from the most noble officials of the kingHaman 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-metaphor]])
640EST69pfz6figs-explicitוְ⁠הִלְבִּ֨ישׁוּ֙1And let them clotheSince **them** is plural, it likely refers to the kings 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]])
641EST69j1d5figs-idiomהָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֣ץ בִּֽ⁠יקָר֑⁠וֹ1the man in whose honor the king is delightedTo 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]])
642EST69abz2figs-123personהָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֣ץ בִּֽ⁠יקָר֑⁠וֹ1the man in whose honor the king is delightedHaman 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]])
643EST69abz3וְ⁠הִרְכִּיבֻ֤⁠הוּ עַל־הַ⁠סּוּס֙1and cause him to ride on the horse“Have them seat that man on the horse and then lead the horse”
644EST69abz4בִּ⁠רְח֣וֹב הָ⁠עִ֔יר1in the open place of the cityThis refers to a large, open space in the city, either the space that was in front of the palace (as in 4:6), 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”
645EST69qs3kוְ⁠קָרְא֣וּ1and proclaim“and tell the noble official and servants to proclaim” or “and have them shout out”
646EST69j1d7bita-hqלְ⁠פָנָ֔י⁠ו1before his faceHere **face** figuratively represents the front of a person. The phrase means that the servants were to shout 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: “to everyone in front of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
647EST69j1d9figs-idiomכָּ֚כָה יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה לָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֥ץ בִּ⁠יקָרֽ⁠וֹ1Thus shall it be done for the man in whose honor the king is delightedTo 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]])
648EST610j2d1figs-explicitוַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ לְ⁠הָמָ֗ן1So the king said to HamanThe implication is that the king liked Hamans 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]])
649EST610abz5כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבַּ֔רְתָּ וַֽ⁠עֲשֵׂה־כֵן֙1according to how you have spoken, and do thus“be sure to do absolutely everything you have said” or “do just what you have suggested”
650EST610abz6figs-idiomהַ⁠יּוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּ⁠שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1the man who sits at the gate of the kingAs in 2:19, this is likely an idiom that 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 gate to the palace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
651EST610abz7figs-123personהַ⁠יּוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּ⁠שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1the man who sits at the gate of the kingHere 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]])
652EST610gln7figs-metaphorאַל־תַּפֵּ֣ל דָּבָ֔ר1Do not allow a word to failHere 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]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-part1]])
653EST610abz8figs-doublenegativesאַל־תַּפֵּ֣ל דָּבָ֔ר1Do not allow a word to failThis can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “Be sure to do absolutely everything that you have said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
654EST611abz9וַ⁠יַּרְכִּיבֵ֨⁠הוּ֙ בִּ⁠רְח֣וֹב הָ⁠עִ֔יר1and paraded him in the open place of the citySee 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”
655EST611j2d5bita-hqוַ⁠יִּקְרָ֣א לְ⁠פָנָ֔י⁠ו1called out before his faceHere **face** figuratively represents the front of a person. The phrase means that the servants were to shout out to the people in front Mordecai, that is, the people who were in the path of his horse as it approached. Alternate translation: “shouted out to everyone in front of him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
656EST611j2d7figs-idiomאֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֥ץ בִּ⁠יקָרֽ⁠וֹ1Thus shall it be done for the man in whose honor the king is delightedTo 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: Idiom)(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
657EST611aca0כָּ֚כָה יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה לָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֥ץ בִּ⁠יקָרֽ⁠וֹ1the gate of the king“the gate to the kings palace”
658EST612uri5translate-symactionאָבֵ֖ל וַ⁠חֲפ֥וּי רֹֽאשׁ1mourning with a covering of headPeople often covered their head 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]])
659EST613j3d1figs-explicitוַ⁠יְסַפֵּ֨ר הָמָ֜ן1Then Haman recountedThe implication is that just as Haman gathered his friends together in 5:10 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 gathered his friends together once again. He told…” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
660EST613aca1figs-explicitכָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר קָרָ֑⁠הוּ1everything that had happened to himThe implication is, 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]])
661EST613aca2figs-explicitוַ⁠יֹּ֩אמְרוּ֩ ל֨⁠וֹ חֲכָמָ֜י⁠ו וְ⁠זֶ֣רֶשׁ1Then his wise men and Zeresh said to himThe 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]])
662EST613aca3חֲכָמָ֜י⁠ו1his wise menSee how you translated this expression in 1:13. Alternate translation: “his advisors”
663EST613fd5kfigs-metaphorאִ֣ם…מָרְדֳּכַ֞י אֲשֶׁר֩ הַחִלּ֨וֹתָ לִ⁠נְפֹּ֤ל לְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֙1If Mordecai, before whose face you have begun to fallThis 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, 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” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
664EST613j3d3bita-hqלְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֙1before…faceHere **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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
665EST613p5t2bita-plantsמִ⁠זֶּ֣רַע הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֡ים1from the seed of the JewsHere **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/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
666EST613nan5figs-metaphorלֹא־תוּכַ֣ל ל֔⁠וֹ1you will not prevail against himHere Hamans 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]])
667EST613j3d5grammar-connect-logic-contrastכִּֽי1butThis 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]])
668EST613j3d7figs-metaphorנָפ֥וֹל תִּפּ֖וֹל1you will surely fallHere the action of **falling** (1) either refers once again to prostrating oneself, and is a metaphor meaning to be dishonored and defeated, or (2) Hamans wife and friends are saying that defeat will be the outcome of the figurative battle for him. Alternate translation: “he will certainly defeat you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-part1]])
669EST613j3d9bita-hqלְ⁠פָנָֽי⁠ו1before his faceHere **face** figuratively represents the front of a person. The phrase either means (1) that Haman will figuratively fall down (bow down) entirely in front of Mordecai, or (2) that figuratively Mordecai will kill Haman in face-to-face combat. Alternate translation: “he will certainly defeat you”(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
670EST614j4d1grammar-connect-time-backgroundעוֹדָ⁠ם֙ מְדַבְּרִ֣ים עִמּ֔⁠וֹ1They were still speaking with him when the eunuchs of the king arrivedThis phrase indicates something that happened after Hamans 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 kings eunuchs arrived.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
671EST614aca4translate-unknownוְ⁠סָרִיסֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ1when the eunuchs of the kingSee how you decided to translate this term in 1:10. Alternate translation: “some of the royal guardians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
672EST614aca5וַ⁠יַּבְהִ֨לוּ֙ לְ⁠הָבִ֣יא אֶת־הָמָ֔ן1And they hurried to bring Haman“they wanted to bring Haman quickly”
673EST614aca6אֲשֶׁר־עָשְׂתָ֥ה אֶסְתֵּֽר1that Esther had made“that Esther had prepared”
674EST7introx4w30# Esther 07 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>The story of Hamans fall concludes in this chapter.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Covering Hamans face<br><br>When “the servants covered Hamans face,” they were showing that he had been condemned to be executed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/condemn]])
675EST71n8vbfigs-synecdocheוַ⁠יָּבֹ֤א הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ וְ⁠הָמָ֔ן לִ⁠שְׁתּ֖וֹת עִם־אֶסְתֵּ֥ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּֽה1So 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]])
676EST72xt9ftranslate-ordinalבַּ⁠יּ֤וֹם הַ⁠שֵּׁנִי֙1on the second dayAlternate translation: “at that second banquet” or “on that second day of feasting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
677EST72s5aeבְּ⁠מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה הַ⁠יַּ֔יִן1during the banquet of wine“while they were drinking wine” or “while the servants were pouring the wine and giving it to them”
678EST72yks7figs-parallelismמַה־שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֛⁠ךְ…וְ⁠תִנָּ֣תֵֽן לָ֑⁠ךְ וּ⁠מַה־בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛⁠ךְ עַד־חֲצִ֥י הַ⁠מַּלְכ֖וּת וְ⁠תֵעָֽשׂ1What 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 give 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]])
679EST72p1xtfigs-explicitמַה־שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֛⁠ךְ1What is your petitionAhasuerus 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]])
680EST72sem7figs-activepassiveוְ⁠תִנָּ֣תֵֽן…וְ⁠תֵעָֽשׂ1And let it be given to you…and let it be doneYou 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]])
681EST72j4d3figs-abstractnounsשְּׁאֵלָתֵ֛⁠ךְ…בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛⁠ךְ1your petition…your requestThe 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]])
682EST72j4d5figs-hyperboleעַד־חֲצִ֥י הַ⁠מַּלְכ֖וּת1As much as half of the kingdomSee how you translated this expression in 5:3 and 5:6. Alternate translation: “I will give you anything you ask for, no matter how great it is.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
683EST73ac96figs-hendiadysוַ⁠תַּ֨עַן…וַ⁠תֹּאמַ֔ר1Then…answered and saidHere 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]])
684EST73k27cfigs-idiomאִם־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙1If 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]])
685EST73aca7bita-hqאִם־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙1If I have found favor in your eyesHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
686EST73j4d7הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1O kingIn this case Esther is addressing Ahasuerus directly as “O king,” not speaking about him in the third person as a sign of respect, as she and others often do elsewhere in the story. So it would be good to include this phrase in your translation.
687EST73aca8figs-idiomוְ⁠אִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ ט֑וֹב1and if it is good to the kingThis is an idiom that also appears in 1:19, 3:9, 5:4, and 5:8. The 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 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]])
688EST73aca9figs-parallelismתִּנָּֽתֶן־לִ֤⁠י נַפְשִׁ⁠י֙ בִּ⁠שְׁאֵ֣לָתִ֔⁠י וְ⁠עַמִּ֖⁠י בְּ⁠בַקָּשָׁתִֽ⁠י1let my life be given to me at my petition, and my people at my requestThese two phrases mean similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize the idea that they are expressing. You could combine them. 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]])
689EST73j4d9figs-activepassiveתִּנָּֽתֶן־לִ֤⁠י נַפְשִׁ⁠י֙1let my life be given to meYou can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Please spare my life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
690EST73bvi1figs-abstractnounsבִּ⁠שְׁאֵ֣לָתִ֔⁠י1at my petitionThe 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]])
691EST73acb0וְ⁠עַמִּ֖⁠י1and my people“and save my people”
692EST73j5d1figs-abstractnounsבְּ⁠בַקָּשָׁתִֽ⁠י1at my requestThe abstract noun “request” 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]])
693EST74acb1figs-metaphorכִּ֤י נִמְכַּ֨רְנוּ֙1For we have been soldAs 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]])
694EST74fhs7figs-activepassiveכִּ֤י נִמְכַּ֨רְנוּ֙1For we have been soldYou 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]])
695EST74e9cxfigs-doubletלְ⁠הַשְׁמִ֖יד לַ⁠הֲר֣וֹג וּ⁠לְ⁠אַבֵּ֑ד1for annihilation, for slaughter, and for destructionAs in 3:13, these words mean the same thing and are used together to emphasize the completeness of the destruction. Alternate translation: “and they are going to destroy us completely” (A “doublet” can involve the use of more than two words.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
696EST74acb2וְ֠⁠אִלּוּ לַ⁠עֲבָדִ֨ים וְ⁠לִ⁠שְׁפָח֤וֹת נִמְכַּ֨רְנוּ֙1if we had been sold as slaves and female servants“if the men and even the women had been sold into slavery”
697EST74acb3הֶחֱרַ֔שְׁתִּי1I would have kept silent“I would not have said anything about that to you”
698EST74j5d3figs-hyperboleאֵ֥ין הַ⁠צָּ֛ר שֹׁוֶ֖ה בְּ⁠נֵ֥זֶק הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1the distress would not have been equal to a burden of the kingEsther is speaking very deferentially and no doubt with some exaggeration. She is saying that it would have been worthless 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.) Alternate translation: “that would have been a matter too small to bother you with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
699EST74acb4figs-123personהַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1the kingEsther addresses King Ahasuerus in the third person as a way of showing respect. Alternate translation: “you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
700EST75acb5וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר֙…וַ⁠יֹּ֖אמֶר1Then…spoke and said“responded”
701EST75acb6figs-parallelismמִ֣י ה֥וּא זֶה֙ וְ⁠אֵֽי־זֶ֣ה ה֔וּא1Who is he, this man? And where is this manThese 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 mans 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]])
702EST75acb7מִ֣י ה֥וּא זֶה֙ וְ⁠אֵֽי־זֶ֣ה ה֔וּא1Who is he, this man?“Who has done this?”
703EST75dl4bbita-hqוְ⁠אֵֽי־זֶ֣ה ה֔וּא אֲשֶׁר־מְלָא֥⁠וֹ לִבּ֖⁠וֹ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת כֵּֽן1And 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. Saying that the “heart” is “full” is a figurative way of saying that someone is daring to do something that should not be done. Alternate translation: “Where is the man who has dared to do such a thing?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
704EST76j5d5figs-doubletאִ֚ישׁ צַ֣ר וְ⁠אוֹיֵ֔ב1A man, and adversary, and an enemyThese words mean the same thing. They emphasize Hamans complete hostility towards the Jews. Alternate translation: “The one who is our bitter enemy” (A “doublet” can involve the use of more than two words. See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
705EST76j5d7הָמָ֥ן הָ⁠רָ֖ע הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה1this evil Haman“this evil man Haman”
706EST76ar4fנִבְעַ֔ת1was terrified“was extremely afraid”
707EST76j5d9bita-hqנִבְעַ֔ת מִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֥י1terrified from before the face ofHere **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 terrified to be in the presence of the king and the queen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
708EST77bzd4figs-idiomוְ⁠הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ קָ֤ם בַּ⁠חֲמָת⁠וֹ֙ מִ⁠מִּשְׁתֵּ֣ה הַ⁠יַּ֔יִן1Then the king rose up in his rage from the banquet of wineHere “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]])
709EST77j6d1figs-explicitקָ֤ם…אֶל־גִּנַּ֖ת הַ⁠בִּיתָ֑ן1rose up…to the garden of the palaceThe 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. You can say explicitly why he went outside. Alternate translation: “He went outside into the palace garden to decide what to do.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
710EST77uaq6bita-humanbehaviorלְ⁠בַקֵּ֤שׁ עַל־נַפְשׁ⁠וֹ֙1in order to seek for his lifeHere **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 beg Queen Esther to save his life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
711EST77qz1mbita-humanbehaviorכִּ֣י רָאָ֔ה1for he sawHere **seeing** is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “he realized” or “he understood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
712EST77nin1figs-activepassiveכָלְתָ֥ה אֵלָ֛י⁠ו הָ⁠רָעָ֖ה מֵ⁠אֵ֥ת הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1evil was determined against him by the kingYou 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]])
713EST77j6d3figs-abstractnounsכָלְתָ֥ה אֵלָ֛י⁠ו הָ⁠רָעָ֖ה מֵ⁠אֵ֥ת הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1evil was determined against him by the kingHere 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]])
714EST78j6d5figs-explicitוְ⁠הַ⁠מֶּ֡לֶךְ שָׁב֩…וְ⁠הָמָן֙ נֹפֵ֔ל1Now when the king returned…Haman was fallenThe 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]])
715EST78j6d7בֵּ֣ית ׀ מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה הַ⁠יַּ֗יִן1the house of the banquet of wine“the room where they had been drinking wine”
716EST78h4c7figs-explicitוְ⁠הָמָן֙ נֹפֵ֔ל עַל־הַ⁠מִּטָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֣ר עָלֶ֔י⁠הָ1Now…Haman was fallen on the couch on which Esther wasThe 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 pleading for his life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
717EST78acb8figs-eventsוְ⁠הָמָן֙ נֹפֵ֔ל עַל־הַ⁠מִּטָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֣ר עָלֶ֔י⁠הָ1Now…Haman was fallen on the couch on which Esther wasIf 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]])
718EST78acb9וְ⁠הָמָן֙ נֹפֵ֔ל עַל־הַ⁠מִּטָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֣ר עָלֶ֔י⁠הָ1Now…Haman was fallen on the couch on which Esther wasThe expression **was fallen** means that as Haman was begging for his life, he was not standing up, but 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, its possible that Haman was even grabbing her arms or shoulders as he pleaded with her.) 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.”
719EST78acc0הַ⁠מִּטָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֣ר עָלֶ֔י⁠הָ1the couch on which Esther wasIn this culture, especially at a banquet like this one, people would recline on couches as they ate and drank. Alternate translation: “Esthers banqueting couch”
720EST78thq6figs-rquestionהֲ֠⁠גַם לִ⁠כְבּ֧וֹשׁ אֶת־הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֛ה עִמִּ֖⁠י בַּ⁠בָּ֑יִת1Is it also to subdue the queen, with me, in the house?This is a statement, but the king phrases it as a question to show his shock and anger at what he thinks Haman is doing. Alternate translation: “He is even trying to rape the queen!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
721EST78l4cefigs-euphemismלִ⁠כְבּ֧וֹשׁ אֶת־הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֛ה1to subdue the queenThe 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. Alternate translation: “trying to rape the queen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
722EST78acc1figs-parallelismעִמִּ֖⁠י בַּ⁠בָּ֑יִת1with me, in the houseThese 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 kings 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]])
723EST78adq6figs-idiomהַ⁠דָּבָ֗ר יָצָא֙ מִ⁠פִּ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1The word was going out from the mouth of the kingThis expression describes the action of speaking. Alternate translation: “As soon as the king said this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
724EST78acc2grammar-connect-time-backgroundהַ⁠דָּבָ֗ר…וּ⁠פְנֵ֥י הָמָ֖ן חָפֽוּ1The word was going out…when they covered the face of HamanThe king spoke, and then the servants covered Hamans 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: “As soon as the king said this, they covered Hamans face” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
725EST78j6d9figs-explicitוּ⁠פְנֵ֥י הָמָ֖ן חָפֽוּ1when they covered the face of HamanThe implication is that some the kings 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 Hamans face as a sign that he would be executed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
726EST78acc3translate-symactionוּ⁠פְנֵ֥י הָמָ֖ן חָפֽוּ1when they covered the face of HamanCovering 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 Hamans face as a sign that he would be executed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
727EST79a7ictranslate-namesחַ֠רְבוֹנָה1HarbonaThis is a mans name. See how you translated it in 1:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
728EST79j7d1bita-hqאֶחָ֨ד מִן־הַ⁠סָּרִיסִ֜ים לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ1one from the eunuchs before the face of the kingHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
729EST79acc4translate-unknownהַ⁠סָּרִיסִ֜ים לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ1the eunuchs before the face of the kingSee how you translated this term and this phrase in 1:10. Alternate translation: “the guardians who served the king personally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
730EST79j7d3הִנֵּה1behold**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, “O king!”
731EST79acc5גַּ֣ם…הָ⁠עֵ֣ץ אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֪ה הָמָ֟ן לְֽ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֞י…עֹמֵד֙ בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הָמָ֔ן1Also…the tree that Haman made for Mordecai…is standing at the house of Haman“Haman has also set up a pole [or gallows] at his house because he wants to impale [or hang] Mordecai on it”
732EST79j7d5bita-plantsהָ⁠עֵ֣ץ1the treeSee how you translated this term in 2:23, 5:14, and 6:4. Review the note to 2:23 if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “wooden pole” or “gallows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
733EST79j7d7figs-idiomלְֽ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֞י אֲשֶׁ֧ר דִּבֶּר־ט֣וֹב עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ1for Mordecai, who spoke good for the kingThis expression means that Mordecai said something that benefitted the king. Specifically, Mordecai reported an assassination plot and saved the kings life. Alternate translation: “Mordecai, who saved your life.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
734EST79j7d9figs-123personדִּבֶּר־ט֣וֹב עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ1spoke good for the kingHarbona 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]])
735EST79acc6עֹמֵד֙1is standing“is set up”
736EST79sre1translate-bdistanceגָּבֹ֖הַּ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים אַמָּ֑ה150 cubits highIf it would be clearer in your language, you can convert this to a modern measure. See how you translated this phrase in 5:14. Alternate translation: “seventy-five feet high” or “twenty-three meters high” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
737EST79acc7figs-explicitתְּלֻ֥⁠הוּ עָלָֽי⁠ו1Hang him on it**Him** means Haman. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Impale [or hang] Haman on it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
738EST710j8d3bita-plantsהָ⁠עֵ֖ץ1the treeAs 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/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
739EST710acc8הֵכִ֣ין1he had prepared“he had set up”
740EST710umd4figs-metaphorוַ⁠חֲמַ֥ת הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ שָׁכָֽכָה1and the rage of the king subsidedHere the story figuratively compares the kings 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 kings 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/bita-phenom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
741EST8introz6j70# Esther 08 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Gods protection<br>Yahweh is at work in this chapter preventing the Jews from possible destruction. God used Esther and Mordecai to protect their people.
742EST81j8d5writing-neweventבַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠ה֗וּא1On that dayThis could mean one of three things. (1) A new series of events is now being described, but the story wants to make 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 when Haman lost his life, and his property with it, 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 Hamans 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]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
743EST81j8d7bita-manmadeנָתַ֞ן הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ֙ לְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֔ה אֶת־בֵּ֥ית הָמָ֖ן1the king Ahasuerus gave to Esther the queen the house of HamanHere **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/bita-manmade]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
744EST81nm3ufigs-informremindצֹרֵ֣ר הַיְּהוּדִ֑ים1the adversary of the JewsThis phrase gives clarifying information about Haman. Alternate translation: “the enemy of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
745EST81acc9figs-explicitוּ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֗י בָּ֚א לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1Mordecai came before the face of the kingThe implication is that when the king learned how Mordecai was related to Esther, he summoned him into his presence. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “When he learned that, the king summoned Mordecai to come into his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
746EST81j8d9bita-hqלִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1before the face of the kingHere **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase indicates that Mordecai was allowed to come into the kings presence. Alternate translation: “into his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
747EST81acd0הִגִּ֥ידָה אֶסְתֵּ֖ר מַ֥ה הוּא־לָֽ⁠הּ1Esther told what he was to herAlternate translation: “how he was related to her” You can say this before saying that the king summoned Mordecai, since it happened first.
748EST81j9d1figs-explicitהִגִּ֥ידָה אֶסְתֵּ֖ר מַ֥ה הוּא־לָֽ⁠הּ1Esther told what he was to herEsther 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. 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]])
749EST82m5hztranslate-symactionוַ⁠יָּ֨סַר הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ אֶת־טַבַּעְתּ֗⁠וֹ…וַֽ⁠יִּתְּנָ֖⁠הּ לְ⁠מָרְדֳּכָ֑י1the king removed his signet ring…and he gave it to MordecaiGiving the ring to Mordecai showed that Mordecai could now act on the kings 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 he had the power to act on his authority.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
750EST82acd1translate-unknownטַבַּעְתּ֗⁠וֹ1signet ringSee how you translated this in 3:10. 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]])
751EST82j9d3figs-explicitאֲשֶׁ֤ר הֶֽעֱבִיר֙ מֵֽ⁠הָמָ֔ן1that he had caused to pass from HamanThis 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 him when he sentenced him to death, and he was wearing it again.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
752EST82acd2figs-eventsאֲשֶׁ֤ר הֶֽעֱבִיר֙ מֵֽ⁠הָמָ֔ן1that he had caused to pass from HamanYou can put this information first in the verse because it happened before everything else. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
753EST82acd3figs-metaphorוַ⁠תָּ֧שֶׂם אֶסְתֵּ֛ר אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַ֖י עַל־בֵּ֥ית הָמָֽן1Esther placed Mordecai over the house of HamanTo 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]])
754EST82z5ynוַֽ⁠יִּתְּנָ֖⁠הּ לְ⁠מָרְדֳּכָ֑י1and he gave it to MordecaiBy giving his signet ring to Mordecai, the king gave Mordecai the authority to write important papers that people would have to obey.
755EST82d2tjfigs-metonymyבֵּ֥ית הָמָֽן1the house of HamanSee 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]])
756EST83j9d5writing-neweventוַ⁠תּ֣וֹסֶף אֶסְתֵּ֗ר וַ⁠תְּדַבֵּר֙ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1Then Esther repeated her action, and she spoke before the face of the kingHere 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 kings presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
757EST83j9d7bita-hqלִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1before the face of the kingHere **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. Alternate translation: “while she was in his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
758EST83j9d9figs-idiomוַ⁠תִּפֹּ֖ל לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י רַגְלָ֑י⁠ו1And she fell before the face of his feetHere **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]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]])
759EST83acd4translate-symactionוַ⁠תִּפֹּ֖ל לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י רַגְלָ֑י⁠ו1And she fell before the face of his feetThis 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]])
760EST83acd5figs-explicitוַ⁠תִּפֹּ֖ל לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י רַגְלָ֑י⁠ו1And she fell before the face of his feetEsthers 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]])
761EST83j1r1bita-hqלִ⁠פְנֵ֣י רַגְלָ֑י⁠ו1before the face of his feetHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
762EST83uh2aוַ⁠תֵּ֣בְךְּ וַ⁠תִּתְחַנֶּן־ל֗⁠וֹ1and wept and implored favor from him“and cried as she begged him”
763EST83jmn7לְ⁠הַֽעֲבִיר֙ אֶת־רָעַת֙ הָמָ֣ן הָֽ⁠אֲגָגִ֔י1to take away the evil of Haman the Agagite and his plot that he had plotted against the Jews“to stop the evil plan of Haman the Agagite” or “to prevent the evil things from happening that Haman the Agagite had planned”
764EST83acd6figs-idiomלְ⁠הַֽעֲבִיר֙ אֶת־רָעַת֙ הָמָ֣ן הָֽ⁠אֲגָגִ֔י1to take away the evil ofThis expression means to prevent a wrong action from happening. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
765EST83bp22translate-namesהָֽ⁠אֲגָגִ֔י1the AgagiteThis is the name of Hamans people group. See how you translated this in 3:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
766EST83c2hwמַֽחֲשַׁבְתּ֔⁠וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר חָשַׁ֖ב1his plot that he had plotted“the plot that he had invented” or “the plot that Haman invented”
767EST84xh24translate-symactionוַ⁠יּ֤וֹשֶׁט הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ לְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֔ר אֵ֖ת שַׁרְבִ֣ט הַ⁠זָּהָ֑ב1And the king held out to Esther the scepter of goldAs in 5:2, 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 kings 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 their request. Alternate translation: “The king held out his golden scepter to Esther.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
768EST84acd7translate-unknownשַׁרְבִ֣ט הַ⁠זָּהָ֑ב1the scepter of goldSee how you translated this in 4:11. 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]])
769EST84acd8וַ⁠תָּ֣קָם אֶסְתֵּ֔ר1so Esther rose up“Esther got up off the floor”
770EST84j1r5bita-hqלִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1before the face of the kingHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
771EST85w7ylfigs-parallelismאִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ ט֜וֹב וְ⁠אִם־מָצָ֧אתִי חֵ֣ן לְ⁠פָנָ֗י⁠ו1If 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 eyesThese two pairs of phrases mean basically the same thing. Esther is saying that the king should grant her request if what she is going to suggest seems like a good idea to him, and if he is positively disposed towards her. 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, and if you are pleased with me.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
772EST85acd9figs-123personאִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ ט֜וֹב וְ⁠אִם־מָצָ֧אתִי חֵ֣ן לְ⁠פָנָ֗י⁠ו1If 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 eyesHere 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
773EST85ace0figs-idiomאִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ ט֜וֹב1If it is good to the kingThis is an idiom that also appears in 1:19, 3:9, 5:4, and 5:8. 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, 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.” Esther is also pleading here, so you could use that phrase here in your translation as well. Alternate translation: “if what I ask for seems right in the kings evaluation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
774EST85ftc7figs-idiomוְ⁠אִם־מָצָ֧אתִי חֵ֣ן1if I have found favorThis 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]])
775EST85j1r7bita-hqלְ⁠פָנָ֗י⁠ו…לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1before his face…before the face of the kingHere **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 Esthers 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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
776EST85xci7bita-hqבְּ⁠עֵינָ֑י⁠ו1in his eyesHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
777EST85j1r9figs-idiomיִכָּתֵ֞ב לְ⁠הָשִׁ֣יב אֶת־הַ⁠סְּפָרִ֗ים1let it be written to take back the lettersThe 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]])
778EST85nbk3figs-activepassiveיִכָּתֵ֞ב לְ⁠הָשִׁ֣יב אֶת־הַ⁠סְּפָרִ֗ים1let it be writtenYou 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]])
779EST85j2r1מַחֲשֶׁ֜בֶת הָמָ֤ן בֶּֽן־הַמְּדָ֨תָא֙ הָ⁠אֲגָגִ֔י1the plot of Haman, the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite“that Haman, the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, sent out”
780EST85s7btלְ⁠אַבֵּד֙ אֶת־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּ⁠כָל־מְדִינ֥וֹת הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1to destroy the Jews who are in all of the provinces of the king“His letter said to destroy all the Jews everything in your empire”
781EST86j2r5grammar-connect-logic-resultכִּ֠י1ForHere Esther is giving the reason why she is asking King Ahasuerus to revoke the letters. Alternate translation: “I am asking this because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
782EST86udt6figs-rquestionאֵיכָכָ֤ה אוּכַל֙ וְֽ⁠רָאִ֔יתִי בָּ⁠רָעָ֖ה אֲשֶׁר־יִמְצָ֣א אֶת־עַמִּ֑⁠י וְ⁠אֵֽיכָכָ֤ה אוּכַל֙ וְֽ⁠רָאִ֔יתִי בְּ⁠אָבְדַ֖ן מוֹלַדְתִּֽ⁠י1how 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. I cannot endure watching my relatives be killed.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
783EST86ace1figs-parallelismאֵיכָכָ֤ה אוּכַל֙ וְֽ⁠רָאִ֔יתִי בָּ⁠רָעָ֖ה אֲשֶׁר־יִמְצָ֣א אֶת־עַמִּ֑⁠י וְ⁠אֵֽיכָכָ֤ה אוּכַל֙ וְֽ⁠רָאִ֔יתִי בְּ⁠אָבְדַ֖ן מוֹלַדְתִּֽ⁠י1how 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 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]])
784EST86ace2figs-abstractnounsבָּ⁠רָעָ֖ה1the evilEven though it was morally very wrong for Haman to want to destroy Mordecais whole people, here the abstract noun “evil” likely means “harm,” as in 7:7. It means the same thing as “destruction” in the next sentence. In this context, the term can be expressed with a verb such as “destroyed.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
785EST86ace3figs-idiomיִמְצָ֣א1would findAs in 1:5, “found” 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 Hamans letters is not undone. Alternate translation: “would be destroyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
786EST86ace4figs-abstractnounsבְּ⁠אָבְדַ֖ן1the destruction ofThis abstract noun can be expressed with a verb such as “destroyed.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
787EST86ace5מוֹלַדְתִּֽ⁠י1my kindred“relatives”
788EST87j2r7הִנֵּ֨ה1BeholdThis 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 such as, “As you know.”
789EST87ace6בֵית־הָמָ֜ן נָתַ֣תִּי לְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֗ר1I have given the house of Haman to EstherSee the note about this expression in 8:1. Alternate translation: “I have given Esther all the property that belonged to Haman” or “I have given Esther the household of Haman”
790EST87h44hbita-hqבֵית־הָמָ֜ן1the house of HamanHere **house** is a metonym meaning the entire household of Haman. Alternate translation: “the household of Haman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
791EST87ace7figs-eventsוְ⁠אֹת⁠וֹ֙ תָּל֣וּ עַל־הָ⁠עֵ֔ץ1they have hanged him on the treeAlternate 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 Hamans property to Esther. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
792EST87ace8bita-plantsהָ⁠עֵ֔ץ1the treeSee how you translated this term in 2:23, 5:14, 6:4, 7:9, and 7:10. Review the note to 2:23 if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “wooden pole” or “gallows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
793EST87ace9עַ֛ל אֲשֶׁר1on account of that“because”
794EST87j2r9figs-idiomשָׁלַ֥ח יָד֖⁠וֹ1he stretched out his handHere the expression “to stretch out a hand” means to cause someone physical harm with the intention of killing them. Alternate translation: “because he wanted to kill all the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
795EST88acf0וְ֠⁠אַתֶּם1So you“So this is what you should do”
796EST88acf1כִּתְב֨וּ עַל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֜ים כַּ⁠טּ֤וֹב בְּ⁠עֵֽינֵי⁠כֶם֙1write for the Jews as is good in your eyes“I am giving you permission to write other letters, to save your people”
797EST88j3r1bita-hqכַּ⁠טּ֤וֹב בְּ⁠עֵֽינֵי⁠כֶם֙1as is good in your eyesHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
798EST88j3mnbita-hqבְּ⁠שֵׁ֣ם הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1in the name of the kingHere **name** is a metaphor meaning authority. This phrase means Esther and Mordecai have permission to write with the authority of the King Ahasuerus. (See: Metaphor) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
799EST88acf2figs-123personבְּ⁠שֵׁ֣ם הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1in the name of the kingKing 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]])
800EST88j3r3translate-unknownבְּ⁠טַבַּ֣עַת הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1with the signet ring of the kingThis is a special ring that could be used to imprint the kings 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]])
801EST88acf3figs-123personבְּ⁠טַבַּ֣עַת הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1with the signet ring of the kingKing 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]])
802EST88j3r5grammar-connect-logic-resultכִּֽי1ForHere King Ahasuerus is expressing the reason why he cannot write a new letter revoking the first one, and so Esther and Mordecai should address the situation as they think best. Alternate translation: “But” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
803EST88acf4כְתָ֞ב…אֵ֥ין לְ⁠הָשִֽׁיב1there is none to take back a writingAs in verse 5, this expression means “revoke.” Alternate translation: “no one can revoke”
804EST88acf5כְתָ֞ב…אֵ֥ין לְ⁠הָשִֽׁיב1there is none to take back a writingYou can put this first in the verse, because it explains why Ahasuerus answers Esther and Mordecai in the way he does.
805EST88acf6figs-explicitכְתָ֞ב אֲשֶׁר־נִכְתָּ֣ב בְּ⁠שֵׁם־הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ וְ⁠נַחְתּ֛וֹם בְּ⁠טַבַּ֥עַת הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ1a writing that has been written in the name of the king and has been sealed with the signet ring of the kingThe king is describing a general situation, but he has Hamans 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 that the kings laws could not be changed once they had been made and proclaimed.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
806EST89acf7grammar-connect-logic-resultוַ⁠יִּקָּרְא֣וּ סֹפְרֵֽי־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ1So…were calledThis indicates that what is described in this verse was done because of what the king said in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
807EST89s4uefigs-activepassiveוַ⁠יִּקָּרְא֣וּ סֹפְרֵֽי־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ1So the scribes of the king were calledYou 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]])
808EST89acf8וַ⁠יִּקָּרְא֣וּ סֹפְרֵֽי־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ1So the scribes of the king were calledIf 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.
809EST89j4r1translate-ordinalבַּ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁלִישִׁ֜י1in the third month“in month three” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
810EST89acf9figs-explicitבַּ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁלִישִׁ֜י1in the third monthAlternate translation: “in the third month of the year.” It would still be the same year as in 3:7, 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]])
811EST89j356translate-hebrewmonthsהוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ סִיוָ֗ן1which 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]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
812EST89acg1הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ סִיוָ֗ן1which is the month of SivanThe 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.
813EST89j4r3translate-ordinalבִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֣ה וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִים֮ בּ⁠וֹ֒1on the twenty-third of itAlternation translation: “on day 23” or “on the twenty-third day of the month.” The exact date of the letter helps establish its legal authority. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
814EST89sz6jfigs-activepassiveוַ⁠יִּכָּתֵ֣ב כְּֽ⁠כָל־אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֣ה מָרְדֳּכַ֣י1And according to all that Mordecai commanded it was writtenYou can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “and they wrote a letter saying everything that Mordecai told them to write” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
815EST89acg2figs-explicitאֶל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֡ים1to the JewsIt 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. “The letter addressed the Jews in the empire, but copies were also sent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
816EST89acg3וְ⁠אֶ֣ל הָ⁠אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנִֽים־וְ⁠הַ⁠פַּחוֹת֩ וְ⁠שָׂרֵ֨י הַ⁠מְּדִינ֜וֹת1and to the satraps, and the governors and officials of the provincesSee how you translated these terms in 3:12, where they were used to describe who received Hamans letter. Alternate translation: “to the royal officials, and to the governors and leaders in each province”
817EST89acg4אֲשֶׁ֣ר ׀ מֵ⁠הֹ֣דּוּ וְ⁠עַד־כּ֗וּשׁ שֶׁ֣בַע וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֤ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֙ מְדִינָ֔ה1that were from India even as far as Ethiopia: 127 provincesThis is background information explaining how far this new letter had to be sent. See how you translated this phrase in 1:1. Alternate translation: “The empire of Ahasuerus had 127 provinces, stretching all the way from India in the east to Ethiopia in the west.”
818EST89zp4qtranslate-numbersשֶׁ֣בַע וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֤ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֙ מְדִינָ֔ה1127 provincesAlternate translation: “one hundred and twenty-seven provinces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
819EST89j4r5figs-idiomמְדִינָ֤ה וּ⁠מְדִינָה֙1province by provinceThis expression means “every province.” Alternate translation: “The scribes wrote to every province” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
820EST89bj5sכִּ⁠כְתָבָ֔⁠הּ1according to its writing“using its own alphabet” or “written in its own script”
821EST89j4r7figs-idiomוְ⁠עַ֥ם וָ⁠עָ֖ם1and people by peopleThis expression means “every people group.” Alternate translation: “and to each people group” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
822EST89j4r9bita-hqכִּ⁠לְשֹׁנ֑⁠וֹ1according to its tongueHere **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/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
823EST89j5r1וְ⁠אֶ֨ל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים כִּ⁠כְתָבָ֖⁠ם וְ⁠כִ⁠לְשׁוֹנָֽ⁠ם1and to the Jews according to their writing and according to their tongueThe 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.”
824EST810acg5וַ⁠יִּכְתֹּ֗ב…וַ⁠יַּחְתֹּ֖ם1And he wrote…and he sealed**He** means Mordecai. You can use his name here in your translation.
825EST810ijp2bita-hqבְּ⁠שֵׁם֙ הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֹ֔שׁ1in the name of King AhasuerusHere **name** is a metaphor meaning authority. Alternate translation: “Mordecai wrote with the authority of King Ahasuerus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
826EST810jf31figs-explicitוַ⁠יַּחְתֹּ֖ם בְּ⁠טַבַּ֣עַת הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1and he sealed with the signet ring of the kingThis 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 kings official seal on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
827EST810yt4jbita-hqבְּ⁠יַד֩ הָ⁠רָצִ֨ים בַּ⁠סּוּסִ֜ים1by the hand of runners on horsesAs in 3:13, **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]])
828EST810acg6רֹכְבֵ֤י הָ⁠רֶ֨כֶשׁ֙ הָֽ⁠אֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִ֔ים בְּנֵ֖י הָֽ⁠רַמָּכִֽים1riders of the royal pack horses, sons of the mares“They rose fast horses that were used in the kings service. These horses had been bred in the kings stables.”
829EST810p9ucbita-hqבְּנֵ֖י הָֽ⁠רַמָּכִֽים1sons of the maresHere **sons** is a metonym meaning the offspring of royal livestock, probably either horses or donkeys. Alternate translation: “the offspring of the kings horses” or “the offspring of the kings donkeys” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
830EST811ig7uנָתַ֨ן הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ לַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֣ים1the king gave to the Jews“The letters said that the king had given the Jews…permission”
831EST811j5r5figs-idiomבְּ⁠כָל־עִיר־וָ⁠עִ֗יר1in every city by cityThis 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 that Jews living in rural areas also defended themselves, not just Jews living in cities. 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]])
832EST811e1mjbita-humanbehaviorלְ⁠הִקָּהֵל֮ וְ⁠לַ⁠עֲמֹ֣ד עַל־נַפְשָׁ⁠ם֒1to gather and to stand for their lifeHere **standing** 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 “fight back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
833EST811j5r7figs-doubletלְ⁠הַשְׁמִיד֩ וְ⁠לַ⁠הֲרֹ֨ג וּ⁠לְ⁠אַבֵּ֜ד1to annihilate, and to slaughter, and to destroyThese 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 and 7:4. Alternate translation: “completely destroy” (A “doublet” can involve the use of more than two words. See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
834EST811acg7figs-metonymyכָּל־חֵ֨יל עַ֧ם וּ⁠מְדִינָ֛ה הַ⁠צָּרִ֥ים אֹתָ֖⁠ם1any 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]])
835EST811acg8טַ֣ף וְ⁠נָשִׁ֑ים1children and women“They could also kill the wives and children of the soldiers”
836EST811acg9וּ⁠שְׁלָלָ֖⁠ם לָ⁠בֽוֹז1and plunder their spoilSee how you translated this expression in 3:13. Alternate translation: “and take everything that belonged to them”
837EST812ach0בְּ⁠י֣וֹם אֶחָ֔ד1on one day“on the same day”
838EST812ach1בְּ⁠כָל־מְדִינ֖וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ1in all of the provinces of the king Ahasuerus“in every province throughout the empire”
839EST812j6r3translate-ordinalבִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר1on the thirteenthAlternate translation: “on day 13” or “on the thirteenth day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
840EST812hi2ytranslate-ordinalלְ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר1of the twelfth monthAlternate translation: “of month 12” or “of the twelfth month” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
841EST812ach2figs-explicitלְ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר1of the twelfth monthImplicitly 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]])
842EST812j6r4translate-hebrewmonthsהוּא־חֹ֥דֶשׁ אֲדָֽר1which is the month of AdarThis is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
843EST813ach3הַ⁠כְּתָ֗ב1the writing“the letter”
844EST813j6r5figs-activepassiveלְ⁠הִנָּ֤תֵֽן דָּת֙1was to be given as a lawYou can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “so that people would know that the king had commanded this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
845EST813j6r7figs-idiomבְּ⁠כָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֔ה1in every province by provinceThis expression means “each and every province.” Alternate translation: “in every single province” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
846EST813ach4figs-activepassiveגָּל֖וּי לְ⁠כָל־הָ⁠עַמִּ֑ים1being uncovered for all the peoplesYou 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]])
847EST813ach5⁠לִ⁠הְי֨וֹת הַיְּהוּדִ֤ים עֲתִידִים֙ לַ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠זֶּ֔ה1for the Jews to be prepared for that day“That way the Jews would get ready to do what the letter said when the day came”
848EST813qk1dfigs-idiomלְ⁠הִנָּקֵ֖ם מֵ⁠אֹיְבֵי⁠הֶֽם1to take revenge from their enemiesThis 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]])
849EST814ach6figs-activepassiveמְבֹהָלִ֥ים וּ⁠דְחוּפִ֖ים בִּ⁠דְבַ֣ר הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ1hastened and hurried by the word of the kingYou 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]])
850EST814b69jfigs-doubletמְבֹהָלִ֥ים וּ⁠דְחוּפִ֖ים1hastened and hurriedThese two terms mean almost the same thing and are used together to emphasis 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]])
851EST814ach7הָ⁠רָצִ֞ים רֹכְבֵ֤י הָ⁠רֶ֨כֶשׁ֙ הָֽ⁠אֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִ֔ים1The runners, the riders of the royal pack horses“He sent them out on fast horses that were used in his service”
852EST814ach8figs-eventsהָ⁠רָצִ֞ים רֹכְבֵ֤י הָ⁠רֶ֨כֶשׁ֙ הָֽ⁠אֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִ֔ים1The runners, the riders of the royal pack horsesTo present the events in chronological order, you can put this after the kings command. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
853EST814j6r9figs-activepassiveוְ⁠הַ⁠דָּ֥ת נִתְּנָ֖ה1And the law was givenYou can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Copies of the letter were also posted and read” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
854EST814s4qiבְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֥ן הַ⁠בִּירָֽה1in Susa the citadel“in the capital city of Susa”
855EST815j7r3writing-neweventוּ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֞י יָצָ֣א1Then Mordecai went outThis introduces a new event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-orderHeb]])
856EST815j7r5bita-hqמִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ1from before the face of the kingHere **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: “Mordecai left the palace.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
857EST815ach9figs-explicitבִּ⁠לְב֤וּשׁ מַלְכוּת֙ תְּכֵ֣לֶת וָ⁠ח֔וּר וַ⁠עֲטֶ֤רֶת זָהָב֙ גְּדוֹלָ֔ה וְ⁠תַכְרִ֥יךְ בּ֖וּץ וְ⁠אַרְגָּמָ֑ן1in a garment of royalty of blue and white, with a great crown of gold and a robe of fine linen and purpleThe 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 kings presence to fulfill his duties. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
858EST815aci0בִּ⁠לְב֤וּשׁ מַלְכוּת֙ תְּכֵ֣לֶת וָ⁠ח֔וּר וַ⁠עֲטֶ֤רֶת זָהָב֙ גְּדוֹלָ֔ה וְ⁠תַכְרִ֥יךְ בּ֖וּץ וְ⁠אַרְגָּמָ֑ן1in a garment of royalty of blue and white, with a great crown of gold and a robe of fine linen and purpleMordecais change from sackcloth to royal robes showed that even before the day came for the Jews to fight back, their situation had changed from desperation to triumph.
859EST815aci1בִּ⁠לְב֤וּשׁ מַלְכוּת֙ תְּכֵ֣לֶת וָ⁠ח֔וּר וַ⁠עֲטֶ֤רֶת זָהָב֙ גְּדוֹלָ֔ה וְ⁠תַכְרִ֥יךְ בּ֖וּץ וְ⁠אַרְגָּמָ֑ן1a garment of royalty of blue and white“a blue and white royal garment”
860EST815aci2וָ⁠ח֔וּר וַ⁠עֲטֶ֤רֶת זָהָב֙1a great crown of gold“a large golden crown”
861EST815eqc4figs-metonymyוְ⁠הָ⁠עִ֣יר שׁוּשָׁ֔ן צָהֲלָ֖ה וְ⁠שָׂמֵֽחָה1and the city of SusaHere the city represents the people living in it. Alternate translation: “the people of Susa” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
862EST815i1ecfigs-hendiadysצָהֲלָ֖ה וְ⁠שָׂמֵֽחָה1cheered and rejoicedThis 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]])
863EST815aci3figs-explicitצָהֲלָ֖ה וְ⁠שָׂמֵֽחָה1cheered and rejoicedThe 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]])
864EST816aci4figs-doubletהָֽיְתָ֥ה אוֹרָ֖ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָ֑ה1there was light and joyThe terms **light** and **joy** mean the same thing. They are used together to show how happy the Jews felt. Alternate translation: “the Jews felt very happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
865EST816q2rubita-phenomהָֽיְתָ֥ה אוֹרָ֖ה1there was lightHere **light** figuratively represents happiness. Alternate translation: “the Jews felt happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-phenom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
866EST816j7r9figs-doubletאוֹרָ֖ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָ֑ה1light and joyHere the terms **light** and **joy** mean the same thing. They are used together to emphasize the extreme happiness that the Jews felt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
867EST816j8r1figs-doubletוְ⁠שָׂשֹׂ֖ן וִ⁠יקָֽר1and rejoicing and honorThese 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]])
868EST816n94ufigs-explicitוִ⁠יקָֽר1and honorHere **honor** might have two possible meanings. (1) The Jews felt honor instead of shame. Alternate translation: “they felt honored” (2) Other people honored the Jews. Alternate translation: “other people honored them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
869EST817k1ehfigs-idiomוּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־מְדִינָ֨ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֜ה1And in every province by provinceThis expression means “each and every province.” Alternate translation: in every single province” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
870EST817j8r3figs-idiomוּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־עִ֣יר וָ⁠עִ֗יר1and in every city by cityThis expression means “each and every city.” Alternate translation: “in every single city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
871EST817va7tfigs-personificationמְקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר דְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ וְ⁠דָת⁠וֹ֙ מַגִּ֔יעַ1any place where the word of the king and his law had reachedThis expression describes the kings message as if it were a person that could travel to a particular place. This phrase refers to all the places that received the kings letter. Alternate translation: “wherever the kings couriers took his decree” or “wherever the couriers read the letter announcing the kings decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
872EST817j8r5figs-doubletשִׂמְחָ֤ה וְ⁠שָׂשׂוֹן֙ לַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים1there was joy and rejoicing for the JewsThe 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]])
873EST817p89mfigs-doubletמִשְׁתֶּ֖ה וְ⁠י֣וֹם ט֑וֹב1a feast and a good dayThese two terms mean something similar and are used together to emphasize the great happiness and joy that the Jews felt. Alternate translation: “and had big celebrations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
874EST817aci5figs-idiomוְ⁠י֣וֹם ט֑וֹב1a good dayThis expression generally means a day of happiness or celebration. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
875EST817aci6figs-explicitוְ⁠רַבִּ֞ים מֵֽ⁠עַמֵּ֤י הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ מִֽתְיַהֲדִ֔ים1And many from the peoples of the land became JewsThe implication is that they did this so that they would not be attacked 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]])
876EST817aci7וְ⁠רַבִּ֞ים מֵֽ⁠עַמֵּ֤י הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ מִֽתְיַהֲדִ֔ים1And many from the peoples of the land“many people from other groups in the empire”
877EST817aci8figs-idiomמֵֽ⁠עַמֵּ֤י הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙1from the peoples of the landThe **peoples of the land** were the non-Jewish people groups within the empire. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
878EST817r3qfbita-humanbehaviorנָפַ֥ל פַּֽחַד־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֖ים עֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם1dread of the Jews had fallen on themHere **falling** is a metaphor meaning to affect someone. Alternate translation: “they had become very afraid of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
879EST817aci9figs-eventsנָפַ֥ל פַּֽחַד־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֖ים עֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם1dread of the Jews had fallen upon themTo 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]])
880EST9introyty10# Esther 09 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Purim<br>The events of this chapter were so significant, the Jews celebrated these events every year after this. It is known as “Purim.”<br><br>## Important figures of speech in this chapter<br><br>### Ironic Situation<br>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.
881EST91j8r7writing-neweventוּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁנֵים֩ עָשָׂ֨ר חֹ֜דֶשׁ1Now in the twelfth monthThis introduces a new event. This verse provides a summary of everything that happens in this chapter. So even though it describes the final outcome, you do not need to move it to the end of the chapter to present the events in chronological order. An opening summary like this is a characteristic device of Hebrew storytelling, and by leaving it in place, you will allow your readers to experience the story somewhat the way the original audience did. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
882EST91acj0figs-explicitוּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁנֵים֩ עָשָׂ֨ר חֹ֜דֶשׁ הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֗ר בִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר יוֹם֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ1Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of itThe 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]])
883EST91j8r9translate-ordinalוּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁנֵים֩ עָשָׂ֨ר חֹ֜דֶשׁ1Now in the twelfth monthAlternate translation: “Now in month 12” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
884EST91t9yctranslate-hebrewmonthsהוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֗ר1which is the month of Adar“Adar” is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
885EST91j9r1translate-ordinalבִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר יוֹם֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ1on the thirteenth day of itAlternate translation: “on day 13” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
886EST91acj1אֲשֶׁ֨ר…דְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ וְ⁠דָת֖⁠וֹ לְ⁠הֵעָשׂ֑וֹת1when the word of the king and his law“what the letter said the king had decreed”
887EST91wh56figs-personificationאֲשֶׁ֨ר הִגִּ֧יעַ דְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ וְ⁠דָת֖⁠וֹ לְ⁠הֵעָשׂ֑וֹת1when the word of the king and his law had reached the time to be doneThis expression describes the kings 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 people were about to obey the kings law and decree” or “when the people were about to obey the kings law and decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
888EST91acj2בַּ⁠יּ֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֨ר שִׂבְּר֜וּ אֹיְבֵ֤י הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ לִ⁠שְׁל֣וֹט בָּ⁠הֶ֔ם1on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to dominate them“The enemies of the Jews had expected to defeat the Jews on that day”
889EST91ect2figs-idiomלִ⁠שְׁל֣וֹט1to dominateThis 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]])
890EST91lq9yfigs-metaphorוְ⁠נַהֲפ֣וֹךְ1but being overturnedSaying that a situation was turned over is a figurative way of saying that the opposite of what was expected happened. Alternate translation: “the situation was reversed” or “the opposite happened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
891EST91acj3ה֔וּא אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִשְׁלְט֧וּ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֛ים הֵ֖מָּה בְּ⁠שֹׂנְאֵי⁠הֶֽם1it happened that the Jews themselves dominated those who hated them“Instead, the Jews themselves destroyed their enemies”
892EST91acj4figs-idiomהֵ֖מָּה בְּ⁠שֹׂנְאֵי⁠הֶֽם1those who hated themThis is an idiom that describes enemies (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
893EST92acj5נִקְהֲל֨וּ1assembled themselves“joined together”
894EST92tj62figs-idiomלִ⁠שְׁלֹ֣חַ יָ֔ד1to stretch out a handHere the expression “to stretch out a hand” means to cause someone physical harm with the intention of killing him. Alternate translation: “to defend themselves against” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
895EST92d44xfigs-abstractnounsבִּ⁠מְבַקְשֵׁ֖י רָֽעָתָ֑⁠ם1against those seeking their evilHere the abstract noun “evil” likely means “harm,” as in 7:7 and 8:6. 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]])
896EST92acj6figs-idiomוְ⁠אִישׁ֙ לֹא־עָמַ֣ד לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם1But a man did not stand to their faceAlternate translation: “no one stood against them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
897EST92x8s3bita-humanbehaviorוְ⁠אִישׁ֙ לֹא־עָמַ֣ד לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם1But a man did not stand to their faceHere **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/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
898EST92j9r3figs-metonymyלִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם1to their faceHere **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/bita-hq]]) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
899EST92h7jhbita-humanbehaviorנָפַ֥ל פַּחְדָּ֖⁠ם עַל־כָּל־הָ⁠עַמִּֽים1sudden fear of them had fallen on all the peoplesHere **falling** is a metaphor meaning to affect someone. Alternate translation: “all the peoples suddenly became very afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
900EST92acj7figs-explicitנָפַ֥ל פַּחְדָּ֖⁠ם עַל־כָּל־הָ⁠עַמִּֽים1sudden fear of them had fallen on all the peoplesThe 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]])
901EST93acj8שָׂרֵ֨י הַ⁠מְּדִינ֜וֹת וְ⁠הָ⁠אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנִ֣ים וְ⁠הַ⁠פַּח֗וֹת1the officials of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governorsSee how you translated these terms in 3:12 and 8:9. Alternate translation: “the leaders in each province, the royal officials, and the governors”
902EST93acj9וְ⁠עֹשֵׂ֤י הַ⁠מְּלָאכָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1and those doing the work that was for the king“anyone the king had trusted with his affairs”
903EST93ack0figs-metaphorמְנַשְּׂאִ֖ים אֶת־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֑ים1were lifting up the JewsHere **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/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
904EST93q2uebita-humanbehaviorנָפַ֥ל פַּֽחַד־מָרְדֳּכַ֖י עֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם1dread of Mordecai had fallen on themHere **falling** is a metaphor meaning to affect someone. Alternate translation: “they became very afraid of Mordecan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
905EST94j9r5grammar-connect-logic-resultכִּֽי1ForThis 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]])
906EST94xd49figs-explicitגָ֤דוֹל מָרְדֳּכַי֙ בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1Mordecai was great in the palace of the kingThe 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]])
907EST94ack1figs-metonymyגָ֤דוֹל מָרְדֳּכַי֙ בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1Mordecai was great in the palace of the king**The palace of the king** is a figurative way of describing the kings administration by referring to the place where it was headquartered. Alternate translation: “was very important in the kings palace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
908EST94ack2גָ֤דוֹל מָרְדֳּכַי֙ בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ1Mordecai was great**Great** here is the same term that, as a verb, describes promotion within the kings service in in 3:1 and 5:11. Alternate translation: “Mordecai was a very important royal official”
909EST94mr66figs-personificationוְ⁠שָׁמְע֖⁠וֹ הוֹלֵ֣ךְ בְּ⁠כָל־הַ⁠מְּדִינ֑וֹת1and the report of him was going out into all the provincesHere the story speaks of the news of Mordecais greatness as if it were a living thing that could travel throughout the empire. Alternate translation: “throughout the empire, everyone was hearing about how great he was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
910EST94j9r9figs-idiomמָרְדֳּכַ֖י הוֹלֵ֥ךְ וְ⁠גָדֽוֹל1Mordecai was progressing and becoming greatThis 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]])
911EST95ack3וַ⁠יַּכּ֤וּ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ בְּ⁠כָל־אֹ֣יְבֵי⁠הֶ֔ם מַכַּת־חֶ֥רֶב1the Jews struck to all their enemies a strike of swordAfter 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”
912EST95ack4figs-idiomוַ⁠יַּכּ֤וּ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ בְּ⁠כָל־אֹ֣יְבֵי⁠הֶ֔ם מַכַּת־חֶ֥רֶב1the Jews struck to all their enemies a strike of swordThis 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]])
913EST95j11dfigs-synecdocheמַכַּת־חֶ֥רֶב1a strike of swordSwords 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 their weapons and fought against their enemies.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
914EST95j13dfigs-doubletוְ⁠הֶ֖רֶג וְ⁠אַבְדָ֑ן1and slaughter, and destructionThese 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]])
915EST95j15dfigs-idiomוַ⁠יַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ בְ⁠שֹׂנְאֵי⁠הֶ֖ם כִּ⁠רְצוֹנָֽ⁠ם1and they did to those who hated them according to their pleasureThis 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]])
916EST95ack5figs-idiomבְ⁠שֹׂנְאֵי⁠הֶ֖ם1those who hated themThis is an idiom that describes enemies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
917EST96b5ftוּ⁠בְ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֣ן הַ⁠בִּירָ֗ה1And in Susa the citadel“Just in Susa, the capital city”
918EST96j17dfigs-doubletהָרְג֤וּ…וְ⁠אַבֵּ֔ד1slaughtered and destroyedThese two words have the same meaning and are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
919EST96ha18translate-numbersחֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת אִֽישׁ1500 menAlternate translation: “five hundred men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
920EST97ack6figs-explicitפַּרְשַׁנְדָּ֛תָא…דַּֽלְפ֖וֹן…אַסְפָּֽתָא1Parshandatha, Dalphon, AspathaThe story lists the names of Hamans sons before explaining that they were his sons and that the Jews killed them. You can say this explicitly, even though the information will be repeated in verse 10. Alternate translation, add: “The 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]])
921EST97s6x2translate-namesפַּרְשַׁנְדָּ֛תָא…דַּֽלְפ֖וֹן…אַסְפָּֽתָא1Parshandatha, Dalphon, AspathaThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
922EST98g6zxtranslate-namesפּוֹרָ֛תָא…אֲדַלְיָ֖א…אֲרִידָֽתָא1Poratha, Adalia, AridathaThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
923EST99gj4ptranslate-namesפַּרְמַ֨שְׁתָּא֙…אֲרִיסַ֔י…אֲרִדַ֖י…וַיְזָֽתָא1Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, VaizathaThese are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
924EST910fsa2translate-numbersעֲ֠שֶׂרֶת בְּנֵ֨י1ten sonsAlternate translation: “10 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
925EST910xt5bfigs-informremindצֹרֵ֥ר הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֖ים1the adversary of the JewsThis phrase tells gives clarifying information about Haman. Alternate translation: “the enemy of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
926EST910j19dfigs-idiomלֹ֥א שָׁלְח֖וּ אֶת־יָדָֽ⁠ם1they did not stretch out their handHere 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]])
927EST910ack7וּ⁠בַ֨⁠בִּזָּ֔ה1But…to the plunder“But…the things that belonged to them”
928EST911ack8בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠ה֗וּא1On that day“At the end of the day”
929EST911j21dfigs-personificationבָּ֣א מִסְפַּ֧ר…לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1the report of the number…came to the face of the kingHere the story speaks about the report as if it were a living thing that could come into the the kings presence. Alternate translation: “one of the kings servants reported the number of those who were killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
930EST911acl0bita-hqלִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ1to the face of the kingHere **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase likely means that someone came into the kings presence in order to deliver this report. Alternate translation: “someone came in and reported to the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
931EST911j22dfigs-activepassiveמִסְפַּ֧ר הַֽ⁠הֲרוּגִ֛ים1the number of those who were killedYou 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]])
932EST911j23dבְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֥ן הַ⁠בִּירָ֖ה1in Susa the citadel“the capital city of Susa”
933EST912j29dבְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֣ן הַ⁠בִּירָ֡ה1in Susa the citadel“the capital city of Susa”
934EST912j33dfigs-doubletהָרְגוּ֩…וְ⁠אַבֵּ֜ד1have slaughtered and destroyedThese terms mean the same thing and are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
935EST912cz3etranslate-numbersחֲמֵ֧שׁ מֵא֣וֹת אִ֗ישׁ1500 men“five hundred men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
936EST912acl1וְ⁠אֵת֙1with“including”
937EST912j5p9translate-numbersעֲשֶׂ֣רֶת בְּנֵֽי1ten sonsAlternate translation: “10 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
938EST912vh5lfigs-rquestionבִּ⁠שְׁאָ֛ר מְדִינ֥וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ מֶ֣ה עָשׂ֑וּ1In 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 kings provinces!” or “They must have killed many more in the rest of the kings provinces!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
939EST912s3srfigs-parallelismוּ⁠מַה־שְּׁאֵֽלָתֵ⁠ךְ֙ וְ⁠יִנָּ֣תֵֽן לָ֔⁠ךְ וּ⁠מַה־בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֥⁠ךְ ע֖וֹד וְ⁠תֵעָֽשׂ1Now 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. 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]])
940EST912n3uafigs-activepassiveוְ⁠יִנָּ֣תֵֽן לָ֔⁠ךְ…וְ⁠תֵעָֽשׂ1And it will be given to you…and it will be doneYou can capture these parallel passive statements with one statement using an active form. You can also say who will doe the action. Alternate translation: “I will do it for you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
941EST912ly4gfigs-abstractnounsשְּׁאֵֽלָתֵ⁠ךְ֙…בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֥⁠ךְ1your petition…your requestThe 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]])
942EST913acl2figs-idiomאִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֔וֹב1If it is good to the kingThis 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]])
943EST913acl3figs-activepassiveיִנָּתֵ֣ן1let it be givenYou 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]])
944EST913nz41גַּם־מָחָ֗ר לַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֔ן לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת כְּ⁠דָ֣ת הַ⁠יּ֑וֹם1also tomorrow to the Jews who are in Susa to do according to the law of today“all the Jews who live in Susa to obey todays decree tomorrow also” or “to do tomorrow also what was decreed that they should do today”
945EST913j43dבְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֔ן1in Susa“in the capital city of Susa”
946EST913acl4עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת בְּנֵֽי־הָמָ֖ן יִתְל֥וּ1let the ten sons of Haman hangThe request is not for the king to allow the bodies to be impaled (or hanged), but for the king to order this. Alternate translation: “and have the bodies of Hamans ten sons impaled [or hanged]”
947EST913acl5translate-symactionעֲשֶׂ֥רֶת בְּנֵֽי־הָמָ֖ן יִתְל֥וּ1let the ten sons of Haman hangThe 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]])
948EST913acl6figs-explicitעֲשֶׂ֥רֶת בְּנֵֽי־הָמָ֖ן יִתְל֥וּ1the ten sons of HamanIt is implicit that since Hamans 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 Hamans ten sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
949EST913nr1ptranslate-numbersעֲשֶׂ֥רֶת בְּנֵֽי1ten sonsAlternate translation: “10 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
950EST913qyu8figs-metonymyהָ⁠עֵֽץ1the treeSee how you translated this term in 2:23 and its other occurrences. Review the explanation in the note to 2:23 if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “wooden pole” or “gallows.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
951EST914acl7figs-activepassiveוַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ לְ⁠הֵֽעָשׂ֣וֹת כֵּ֔ן1the king said for this to be doneYou can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “The king granted both of Esthers requests.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
952EST914acl8figs-explicitוַ⁠תִּנָּתֵ֥ן דָּ֖ת בְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֑ן1And a law was given in SusaThis phrase “in Susa” seems to indicate that this refers to Esthers 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]])
953EST914j47dfigs-activepassiveוַ⁠תִּנָּתֵ֥ן דָּ֖ת בְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֑ן1And a law was given in SusaThis can be stated in active form. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
954EST914j49dבְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֑ן1in Susa“the capital city of Susa”
955EST914acl9תָּלֽוּ1they hangedThis was Esthers second request. You can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “he ordered his servants to impale [or hang] the bodies of Haman's ten sons”
956EST914j51dtranslate-numbersעֲשֶׂ֥רֶת בְּנֵֽי1ten sonsAlternate translation: “10 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
957EST915j55dבְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֗ן1who were in Susa“who lived in the capital city of Susa”
958EST915acm0וַ⁠יִּֽקָּהֲל֞וּ1So…assembled themselves“joined together”
959EST915p9gctranslate-ordinalבְּ⁠י֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙1on the fourteenth dayAlternate translation: “on day 14” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
960EST915j57dtranslate-hebrewmonthsלְ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֔ר1of the month of Adar“Adar” is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
961EST915j59dבְ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֔ן1in Susa“in the capital city of Susa”
962EST915j61dtranslate-numbersשְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת אִ֑ישׁ1300 menAlternate translation: “three hundred men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
963EST915lp12figs-idiomוּ⁠בַ֨⁠בִּזָּ֔ה לֹ֥א שָׁלְח֖וּ אֶת־יָדָֽ⁠ם1they did not stretch out their hand to the plunderHere 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]])
964EST916acm1וּ⁠שְׁאָ֣ר הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֡ים אֲשֶׁר֩ בִּ⁠מְדִינ֨וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ1And the rest of the Jews who were in the provinces of the king“the Jews who lived in the other parts of the empire”
965EST916j65dbita-humanbehaviorנִקְהֲל֣וּ ׀ וְ⁠עָמֹ֣ד עַל־נַפְשָׁ֗⁠ם1assembled themselves and stood for their livesHere **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. Alternate translation: “joined together to fight back against their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
966EST916acm2figs-explicitנִקְהֲל֣וּ ׀ וְ⁠עָמֹ֣ד עַל־נַפְשָׁ֗⁠ם1assembled themselvesIts 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. Alternate translation, add: “on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
967EST916acm3figs-metaphorוְ⁠נ֨וֹחַ֙ מֵ⁠אֹ֣יְבֵי⁠הֶ֔ם1and they rested from their enemiesHere **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 their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
968EST916kms1וְ⁠הָרֹג֙ בְּ⁠שֹׂ֣נְאֵי⁠הֶ֔ם חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה וְ⁠שִׁבְעִ֖ים אָ֑לֶף1they slaughtered 75,000 of those who hated them“and killed 75,000 of them”
969EST916i1d1translate-numbersחֲמִשָּׁ֥ה וְ⁠שִׁבְעִ֖ים אָ֑לֶף175000Alternate translation: “seventy-five thousand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
970EST916m2cxלֹ֥א שָֽׁלְח֖וּ אֶת־יָדָֽ⁠ם1they did not stretch out their hand to the plunder“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”
971EST917acm4בְּ⁠יוֹם־שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר לְ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֑ר וְ⁠נ֗וֹחַ1On the thirteenth day of the month of Adar: then they rested“They fought their enemies on that day and defeated them”
972EST917ll4ftranslate-ordinalבְּ⁠יוֹם־שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר1the thirteenth dayAlternate translation: “day 13” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
973EST917j67dtranslate-hebrewmonthsלְ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֑ר1of the month of Adar“Adar” is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
974EST917acm5בְּ⁠אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠עָשֹׂ֣ה אֹת֔⁠וֹ י֖וֹם מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָֽה1on the fourteenth day of it, then they made it a day of feasting and rejoicing“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”
975EST917kjj1translate-ordinalבְּ⁠אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ1on the fourteenth of itAlternate translation: “on day 14” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
976EST917j69dfigs-hendiadysמִשְׁתֶּ֥ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָֽה1feasting and rejoicingThis 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]])
977EST917acm6figs-synecdocheמִשְׁתֶּ֥ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָֽה1feastingThis 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]])
978EST918w531וְהַיְּהוּדִ֣ים אֲשֶׁר־בְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֗ן נִקְהֲלוּ֙1But the Jews who were in Susa assembled themselves“But the Jews who lived in the capital city of Susa”
979EST918acm7figs-explicitנִקְהֲלוּ֙1assembled themselvesThe 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]])
980EST918acm8בִּ⁠שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ וּ⁠בְ⁠אַרְבָּעָ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר בּ֑⁠וֹ1on the thirteenth of it and on the fourteenth of it“on the thirteenth and fourteenth days of the month of Adar”
981EST918j73dtranslate-ordinalבִּ⁠שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ1on the thirteenth of itAlternate translation: “on day 13” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
982EST918j75dtranslate-ordinalוּ⁠בְ⁠אַרְבָּעָ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר בּ֑⁠וֹ1and on the fourteenth of itAlternate translation: “and on day 14” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
983EST918acm9figs-metaphorוְ⁠נ֗וֹחַ בַּ⁠חֲמִשָּׁ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠עָשֹׂ֣ה אֹת֔⁠וֹ י֖וֹם מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָֽה1And 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]])
984EST918j77dtranslate-ordinalבַּ⁠חֲמִשָּׁ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ1on the fifteenth of itAlternate translation: “on day 15” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
985EST918j79dfigs-hendiadysמִשְׁתֶּ֥ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָֽה1feasting and rejoicingThis phrase means the same thing as in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “feasted joyfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
986EST919j81dgrammar-connect-logic-resultעַל־כֵּ֞ן1ThereforeThis 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]])
987EST919acn0figs-parallelismהַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֣ים הַפְּרָזִ֗ים הַ⁠יֹּשְׁבִים֮ בְּ⁠עָרֵ֣י הַ⁠פְּרָזוֹת֒1the Jews, the ones of the open country, the ones who dwell in the cities of the open areasThese 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]])
988EST919acn1figs-explicitעֹשִׂ֗ים אֵ֠ת י֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙…וְ⁠י֣וֹם ט֑וֹב1make the fourteenth day…and a good dayThe 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 fifteen day.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
989EST919acn2עֹשִׂ֗ים אֵ֠ת י֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙…וְ⁠י֣וֹם ט֑וֹב1make the fourteenth day…and a good day“observe this holiday on the fourteenth day”
990EST919j83dtranslate-ordinalי֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙1the fourteenth dayAlternate translation: “day 14” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
991EST919j85dtranslate-hebrewmonthsלְ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֔ר1of the month of Adar“Adar” is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
992EST919j87dfigs-hendiadysשִׂמְחָ֥ה וּ⁠מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה1for rejoicing and for feastingAs in verses 17 and 18, this means “by celebrating joyfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
993EST919j89dfigs-idiomוְ⁠י֣וֹם ט֑וֹב1and a good dayThis expression generally means a day of happiness or celebration. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
994EST919acn3translate-symactionוּ⁠מִשְׁל֥וֹחַ מָנ֖וֹת אִ֥ישׁ לְ⁠רֵעֵֽ⁠הוּ1and for the sending of gifts, a man to his friendGiving 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]])
995EST919j91dfigs-idiomאִ֥ישׁ לְ⁠רֵעֵֽ⁠הוּ1a man to his friendHere “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-gendernotations]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
996EST920acn4וַ⁠יִּכְתֹּ֣ב…הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֖ים הָ⁠אֵ֑לֶּה1And…wrote these things“wrote down everything that had happened”
997EST920acn5כָּל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֗ים אֲשֶׁר֙ בְּ⁠כָל־מְדִינוֹת֙ הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ1all the Jews who were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus“all the Jews throughout the empire”
998EST920j95dfigs-merismהַ⁠קְּרוֹבִ֖ים וְ⁠הָ⁠רְחוֹקִֽים1the near ones and the far onesThis 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]])
999EST921acn6figs-idiomלְ⁠קַיֵּם֮ עֲלֵי⁠הֶם֒ לִ⁠הְי֣וֹת עֹשִׂ֗ים1to set up for them to be makingHere **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]])
1000EST921j97dtranslate-ordinalי֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙1the fourteenth dayAlternate translation: “day 14” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
1001EST921j99dtranslate-hebrewmonthsלְ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֔ר1of the month of Adar“Adar” is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1002EST921j111translate-ordinalיוֹם־חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר בּ֑⁠וֹ1the fifteenth day of itAlternate translation: “day 15” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
1003EST921n4v9figs-idiomבְּ⁠כָל־שָׁנָ֖ה וְ⁠שָׁנָֽה1every year by yearThis expression means “every year.” Alternation translation: “every single year” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1004EST922acn7grammar-connect-logic-resultכַּ⁠יָּמִ֗ים אֲשֶׁר1as the days whenThis 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]])
1005EST922acn8figs-metaphorנָ֨חוּ בָ⁠הֶ֤ם הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ מֵ⁠א֣וֹיְבֵי⁠הֶ֔ם1the Jews rested on them from their enemiesAs 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]])
1006EST922acn9וְ⁠הַ⁠חֹ֗דֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר֩1and as the month when“And that was the month when”
1007EST922aco1figs-parallelismנֶהְפַּ֨ךְ לָ⁠הֶ֤ם מִ⁠יָּגוֹן֙ לְ⁠שִׂמְחָ֔ה וּ⁠מֵ⁠אֵ֖בֶל לְ⁠י֣וֹם ט֑וֹב1it had turned for them from sorrow into joy and from mourning into a good dayThese 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 “they became very happy.” Alternate translation: “they changed from being very sorrowful to being very joyful, from crying to celebrating.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1008EST922aco3figs-explicitנֶהְפַּ֨ךְ לָ⁠הֶ֤ם מִ⁠יָּגוֹן֙ לְ⁠שִׂמְחָ֔ה וּ⁠מֵ⁠אֵ֖בֶל לְ⁠י֣וֹם ט֑וֹב1it had turned for them from sorrow into joy and from mourning into a good dayIts 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. 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]])
1009EST922nch1bita-humanbehaviorנֶהְפַּ֨ךְ לָ⁠הֶ֤ם מִ⁠יָּגוֹן֙ לְ⁠שִׂמְחָ֔ה1it 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/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1010EST922aco4figs-abstractnounsמִ⁠יָּגוֹן֙ לְ⁠שִׂמְחָ֔ה1from sorrow into joyThe abstract nouns **sorrow** and **joy** can be expressed with adjectives such as “distressed” and “happy.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1011EST922j113לַ⁠עֲשׂ֣וֹת אוֹתָ֗⁠ם יְמֵי֙1in order to make them days of“So Mordecai told them to observe those days with”
1012EST922j115figs-hendiadysמִשְׁתֶּ֣ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָ֔ה1feasting and rejoicingAs 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]])
1013EST922aco5וּ⁠מִשְׁל֤וֹחַ מָנוֹת֙ אִ֣ישׁ לְ⁠רֵעֵ֔⁠הוּ1and sending of gifts, a man to his friendSee 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”
1014EST922j117figs-idiomאִ֣ישׁ לְ⁠רֵעֵ֔⁠הוּ1a man to his friendHere “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-gendernotations]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1015EST922aco6translate-symactionוּ⁠מַתָּנ֖וֹת לָֽ⁠אֶבְיוֹנִֽים1and gifts to the needyIn 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 be miss out on the benefits of the wonderful thing that God had done. Alternate translation: “Mordecai also told them they should help the poor on those days.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
1016EST923aco7figs-explicitוְ⁠קִבֵּל֙…אֲשֶׁר־כָּתַ֥ב מָרְדֳּכַ֖י אֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם1And…accepted…what Mordecai had written to themThe 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]])
1017EST923aco8וְ⁠קִבֵּל֙1And…accepted“agreed”
1018EST923ib25figs-eventsאֲשֶׁר־הֵחֵ֖לּוּ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֑וֹת1what they had begun to doAlternate 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]])
1019EST924j119grammar-connect-logic-resultכִּי֩1ForThis 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]])
1020EST924j125figs-informremindצֹרֵר֙ כָּל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים1the adversary of all the JewsThis phrase gives clarifying information about Haman. Alternate translation: “the enemy of all the Jews” (See: Phrases that Inform or Remind) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
1021EST924aco9חָשַׁ֥ב עַל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֖ים לְ⁠אַבְּדָ֑⁠ם1had plotted concerning the Jews to annihilate them“had tried to destroy them”
1022EST924j127figs-hendiadysלְ⁠הֻמָּ֖⁠ם וּֽ⁠לְ⁠אַבְּדָֽ⁠ם1to vex them and to destroy themThe terms **vex** and **destroy** mean basically the same thing. They are used together to emphasize the degree to which Hamans deadly plans were distressing to the Jews. You can combine the terms. Alternate translation: “and destroy them completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
1023EST925m8x3figs-explicitוּ⁠בְ⁠בֹאָ⁠הּ֮ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּלֶךְ֒1But when she came before the face of the king**She** means Esther. In this summary, many details are communicated implicitly. You can make them explicit. Alternate translation: “But Esther dared to come into the kings presence without being summoned, and she won his favor.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1024EST925j128bita-hqלִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּלֶךְ֒1before the face of the kingHere **face** is a metonym meaning the presence of a person. This phrase means that Esther came into the kings presence. Alternate translation: “into the kings presence” or “before the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
1025EST925acp1figs-explicitאָמַ֣ר עִם־הַ⁠סֵּ֔פֶר1he said with the letterOnce again much of the information is implicit here. 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]])
1026EST925y57bfigs-idiomיָשׁ֞וּב מַחֲשַׁבְתּ֧⁠וֹ הָ⁠רָעָ֛ה אֲשֶׁר־חָשַׁ֥ב עַל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֖ים עַל־רֹאשׁ֑⁠וֹ1Let his evil plot that he plotted concerning the Jews return on his head**His** and **he** 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 them instead. Alternate translation: “the wicked plan Haman developed against the Jews should be done to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1027EST925acp2figs-personificationוְ⁠תָל֥וּ אֹת֛⁠וֹ וְ⁠אֶת־בָּנָ֖י⁠ו עַל־הָ⁠עֵֽץ1and let them hang him and his sons on the treeThe letter did not actually say this. The story is summarizing the events in compressed form. It is speaking of the letter as if it were something that could take action and give commands like this. Alternate translation: “The king also ordered his servants to 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 impaled [or hanged] as well.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
1028EST925j129bita-plantsהָ⁠עֵֽץ1the treeSee how you translated this term in 2:23 and its other occurrences. Review the explanation in the note to 2:23 if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “wooden pole” or “gallows.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
1029EST926j131grammar-connect-logic-resultעַל־כֵּ֡ן1ThereforeThis 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]])
1030EST926acp3קָֽרְאוּ֩ לַ⁠יָּמִ֨ים הָ⁠אֵ֤לֶּה פוּרִים֙1they called these days, “Purim”“They” means the Jews. Alternate translation: “The Jews called these days Purim, like the word Pur”
1031EST926c1gitranslate-namesפוּרִים֙1PurimThis is the name of the festival that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Hamans plot to destroy and kill all the Jews in a single day. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1032EST926buf1writing-backgroundעַל־שֵׁ֣ם הַ⁠פּ֔וּר1on account of the name of PurAlternate 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]])
1033EST926yq8mfigs-explicitשֵׁ֣ם הַ⁠פּ֔וּר1the 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]])
1034EST926j133grammar-connect-logic-resultעַל־כֵּ֕ן1ThereforeThe 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]])
1035EST926acp4עַל־כָּל־דִּבְרֵ֖י הָ⁠אִגֶּ֣רֶת הַ⁠זֹּ֑את1on account of all the words of this letterThis is a reference to the letter that Mordecai wrote, as described in verses 2022. Alternate translation: “Mordecai wrote to them to tell them to observe this holiday”
1036EST926acp5figs-parallelismוּ⁠מָֽה־רָא֣וּ עַל־כָּ֔כָה וּ⁠מָ֥ה הִגִּ֖יעַ אֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם1and what they had seen concerning this and what had come upon themThese 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. You can combine the phrases. Alternate translation: “what had happened to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
1037EST926acp6figs-explicitוּ⁠מָֽה־רָא֣וּ עַל־כָּ֔כָה וּ⁠מָ֥ה הִגִּ֖יעַ אֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם1and what they had seen concerning this and what had come upon themThese phrases say generally “this” and “what,” but they are referring to the specific events the story has related. 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]])
1038EST926acp7וּ⁠מָֽה־רָא֣וּ עַל־כָּ֔כָה וּ⁠מָ֥ה הִגִּ֖יעַ אֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם1and what they had seen concerning this and what had come upon themYou can put this first, before the information about Mordecais letter, because it happened first. You can say “then” when you tell about the letter.
1039EST926j135figs-idiomוּ⁠מָ֥ה הִגִּ֖יעַ אֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם1and what had come upon themThis expression means “what had happened to them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1040EST927acp8קִיְּמ֣וּ וְקִבְּל֣וּ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֩ ׀ עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֨ם ׀ וְ⁠עַל־זַרְעָ֜⁠ם וְ⁠עַ֨ל כָּל־הַ⁠נִּלְוִ֤ים עֲלֵי⁠הֶם֙…לִ⁠הְי֣וֹת עֹשִׂ֗ים אֵ֣ת שְׁנֵ֤י הַ⁠יָּמִים֙ הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה1The 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“The Jews said that they would tell their descendants and those people who became Jews to be certain to celebrate this festival”
1041EST927acp9figs-doubletקִיְּמ֣וּ וְקִבְּל֣וּ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֩ ׀ עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֨ם ׀ וְ⁠עַל־זַרְעָ֜⁠ם וְ⁠עַ֨ל כָּל־הַ⁠נִּלְוִ֤ים עֲלֵי⁠הֶם֙…לִ⁠הְי֣וֹת עֹשִׂ֗ים אֵ֣ת שְׁנֵ֤י הַ⁠יָּמִים֙ הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה1The 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]])
1042EST927j137bita-plantsוְ⁠עַל־זַרְעָ֜⁠ם1and for their seedAs in 6:13, “seed” is a metaphor meaning “offspring.” Alternate translation: “and for their descendants” or “and for their offspring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1043EST927j139כָּל־הַ⁠נִּלְוִ֤ים עֲלֵי⁠הֶם֙1all those who unite themselves to them“everyone who became part of the Jewish people”
1044EST927j141figs-idiomוְ⁠לֹ֣א יַעֲב֔וֹר1and it will not pass awayThis expression means that the Jews would never stop celebrating the feast of Purim every year. You can put this last, since it refers to something after everything else. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1045EST927acq0figs-eventsלִ⁠הְי֣וֹת עֹשִׂ֗ים אֵ֣ת שְׁנֵ֤י הַ⁠יָּמִים֙ הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה1to be making these two daysAlternate 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]])
1046EST927acq1כִּ⁠כְתָבָ֖⁠ם1according to their writing“in the way that Mordecai had told them to do”
1047EST927acq2וְ⁠כִ⁠זְמַנָּ֑⁠ם1and according to their appointed timeThis means the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar, as specified in 9:21. Alternate translation: “on those specific days”
1048EST927j143figs-idiomבְּ⁠כָל־שָׁנָ֖ה וְ⁠שָׁנָֽה1every year by yearThis expression means “each and every year.” Alternate translation: “every single year” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1049EST928acq3grammar-connect-logic-resultוְ⁠הַ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ֠⁠אֵלֶּה נִזְכָּרִ֨ים וְ⁠נַעֲשִׂ֜ים1So these days are remembered and are madeThis gives the result of the reasons described in verses 26 and 27. Alternate translation: “And that is why” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
1050EST928acq4figs-doubletוְ⁠הַ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ֠⁠אֵלֶּה נִזְכָּרִ֨ים וְ⁠נַעֲשִׂ֜ים1So these days are remembered and are made**Remembered** and **made** mean basically the same thing. 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, “The Jews have celebrated these days.” Alternate translation: “They said that they would remember and celebrate on those two days.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1051EST928hc8sfigs-activepassiveוְ⁠הַ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ֠⁠אֵלֶּה נִזְכָּרִ֨ים וְ⁠נַעֲשִׂ֜ים1So these days are remembered and are madeThis expression uses two passive forms, but you could say the same thing using active forms. Alternate translation: “The Jews were to celebrate and observe these days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1052EST928j145figs-idiomבְּ⁠כָל־דּ֣וֹר וָ⁠ד֗וֹר1in every generation by generationThis expression means “each and every generation.” Alternate translation: “in every single generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1053EST928j147figs-idiomמִשְׁפָּחָה֙ וּ⁠מִשְׁפָּחָ֔ה1family by familyThis expression means “every family.” Alternate translation: “every Jewish family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1054EST928acq5figs-merismמְדִינָ֥ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֖ה וְ⁠עִ֣יר וָ⁠עִ֑יר1province by province, and city by cityThis 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 persons location, and a city would be the smallest. Particularly since the Jews continued to celebrate Purim after they were living in the Persian empire with its division into provinces, you might choose to express the meaning of this figure of speech. Alternate translation: “everywhere they have lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
1055EST928j149figs-idiomמְדִינָ֥ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֖ה1province by provinceThis expression means “every province.” Alternate translation: “in every single province” (See: Idiom)
1056EST928j151figs-idiomוְ⁠עִ֣יר וָ⁠עִ֑יר1and city by cityThis expression means “every city.” Alternate translation: “in every single city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1057EST928acq6figs-idiomוִ⁠ימֵ֞י הַ⁠פּוּרִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֗לֶּה לֹ֤א יַֽעַבְרוּ֙ מִ⁠תּ֣וֹךְ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים וְ⁠זִכְרָ֖⁠ם לֹא־יָס֥וּף מִ⁠זַּרְעָֽ⁠ם1these days of Purim will not pass awayAs 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-idiom]])
1058EST928acq7מִ⁠תּ֣וֹךְ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים1from the midst of the Jews“within the Jewish community”
1059EST928i2qkוְ⁠זִכְרָ֖⁠ם לֹא־יָס֥וּף1and their remembrance will not come to an end“will always observe”
1060EST928j155bita-plantsמִ⁠זַּרְעָֽ⁠ם1from their seedAs 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/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1061EST929je8efigs-informremindבַת־אֲבִיחַ֛יִל1the daughter of AbihailThis information reminds the reader who Esther was. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
1062EST929cm8ctranslate-namesאֲבִיחַ֛יִל1AbihailThis man was Esthers father and Mordecais uncle. See how you translated his name in 2:15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
1063EST929acq8הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֖י1the JewThis phrase gives clarifying information about Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
1064EST929acq9⁠תִּכְתֹּב…אֶת־כָּל־תֹּ֑קֶף1wrote with all power“Esther used her royal authority” or “Esther used the authority that she had as queen”
1065EST929ku7dtranslate-numbersלְ⁠קַיֵּ֗ם אֵ֣ת אִגֶּ֧רֶת הַ⁠פּוּרִ֛ים הַ⁠זֹּ֖את הַ⁠שֵּׁנִֽית1to set up this second letter of PurimAlternate translation: “to write an additional letter about Purim” or “to confirm what Mordecai had written about Purim in the first letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
1066EST930acr1figs-gendernotationsוַ⁠יִּשְׁלַ֨ח סְפָרִ֜ים1he sent lettersWhile this says “he,” in context it refers to the letter that Esther and Mordecai wrote together. Alternate translation: “They sent copes of this second letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
1067EST930acr2figs-parallelismאֶל־כָּל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֗ים אֶל־שֶׁ֨בַע וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֤ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֙ מְדִינָ֔ה מַלְכ֖וּת אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ1to all the Jews, to 127 provinces, the kingdom of AhasuerusThese 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]])
1068EST930acr3figs-metonymyשֶׁ֨בַע וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֤ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֙ מְדִינָ֔ה1127 provincesThe 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]])
1069EST930u389translate-numbersשֶׁ֨בַע וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֤ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֙ מְדִינָ֔ה1127 provincesAlternate translation: “one hundred and twenty-seven provinces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
1070EST930iaf7figs-abstractnounsדִּבְרֵ֥י שָׁל֖וֹם וֶ⁠אֱמֶֽת1words of peace and truthThe abstract nouns “peace” and “truth” can be expressed with adjectives. Alternate translation: “wishing that the Jews would be safe and that people would be faithful to the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1071EST931acr4לְ⁠קַיֵּ֡ם אֵת־יְמֵי֩ הַ⁠פֻּרִ֨ים הָ⁠אֵ֜לֶּה בִּ⁠זְמַנֵּי⁠הֶ֗ם כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁר֩ קִיַּ֨ם עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֜ם מָרְדֳּכַ֤י הַ⁠יְּהוּדִי֙ וְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֔ה1to set up these days of Purim at their appointed times according to what Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had set up for themAlternate 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.”
1072EST931rgr9figs-informremindהַ⁠יְּהוּדִי֙1the JewThis phrase gives clarifying information about Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
1073EST931acr5figs-explicitוְ⁠כַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר קִיְּמ֥וּ עַל־נַפְשָׁ֖⁠ם וְ⁠עַל־זַרְעָ֑⁠ם דִּבְרֵ֥י הַ⁠צֹּמ֖וֹת וְ⁠זַעֲקָתָֽ⁠ם1according to what they had set up concerning their lives and concerning their seed, to matters of the fasts and their outcryThis is referring to background information that the original audience would have known. 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 Babylonian conquest of Jerusalem in 2:6.) You can explain this in more detail. Alternate translation: “This would be in addition to the days of fasting and mourning that the Jews had established for themselves and their descendants to show their sorrow over the destruction of Jerusalem.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
1074EST931rl2sbita-plantsוְ⁠עַל־זַרְעָ֑⁠ם1and concerning their seedHere **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/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1075EST932acr6וּ⁠מַאֲמַ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֔ר קִיַּ֕ם דִּבְרֵ֥י הַ⁠פֻּרִ֖ים הָ⁠אֵ֑לֶּה1And the decree of Esther set up these matters of Purim“Esther also issued a decree establishing Purim as a holiday for the Jews”
1076EST932acr7figs-activepassiveוְ⁠נִכְתָּ֖ב בַּ⁠סֵּֽפֶר1and it was written in the bookYou 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]])
1077EST10introh4m40# Esther 10 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Mordecais new position<br><br>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.
1078EST101j157writing-neweventוַ⁠יָּשֶׂם֩ הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֧וֹשׁ1Then the king Ahasuerus setThis introduces a new event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
1079EST101b5htוַ⁠יָּשֶׂם֩…מַ֛ס1Then…set a tribute“Then…imposed a tax”
1080EST101acr8figs-explicitעַל־הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ וְ⁠אִיֵּ֥י הַ⁠יָּֽם1on the land and the islands of the seaThe 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. 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]])
1081EST101acr9figs-metonymyעַל־הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ וְ⁠אִיֵּ֥י הַ⁠יָּֽם1on the land and the islands of the seaThese 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]])
1082EST101acs0figs-merismעַל־הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ וְ⁠אִיֵּ֥י הַ⁠יָּֽם1on the land and the islands of the seaThis is likely a figure of speech that refers to something by speaking of two extreme parts of it in order to include everything in between. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the general meaning by saying something like “everyone throughout his empire.” Alternate translation: “all the people in the empire … even the people who lived on the islands in the Mediterranean Sea” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
1083EST102acs1figs-doubletוְ⁠כָל־מַעֲשֵׂ֤ה תָקְפּ⁠וֹ֙ וּ⁠גְב֣וּרָת֔⁠וֹ1And all the deeds of his power and his might**Power** and **might** mean essentially the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how powerful King Ahasuerus was. Alternate translation: “all that he achieved because of how powerful and mighty he was” or “all the great things that he did because of his power and might” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
1084EST102p98nfigs-abstractnounsתָקְפּ⁠וֹ֙ וּ⁠גְב֣וּרָת֔⁠וֹ1his power and his mightThe abstract nouns “power” and “might” can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: “his great power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
1085EST102k7tcfigs-metaphorוּ⁠פָרָשַׁת֙1with the full account of“They also wrote a full account”
1086EST102acs2גְּדֻלַּ֣ת מָרְדֳּכַ֔י1the greatness of Mordecai to which the king had made him greatAlternate translation: “of how the King had made it known that Mordecai was great” or “of how the king had honored Mordecai for the great things he had done”
1087EST102acs3גִּדְּל֖⁠וֹ1made him greatSee how you translated this phrase in 3:1 and 5:11. Alternate translation: “promoted him”
1088EST102acs4figs-rquestionהֲ⁠לוֹא־הֵ֣ם כְּתוּבִ֗ים עַל־סֵ֨פֶר֙ דִּבְרֵ֣י הַ⁠יָּמִ֔ים לְ⁠מַלְכֵ֖י מָדַ֥י וּ⁠פָרָֽס1are 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. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
1089EST102acs5figs-activepassiveהֲ⁠לוֹא־הֵ֣ם כְּתוּבִ֗ים1are they not written…?You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “The kings scribes made a record in …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
1090EST102acs6הֲ⁠לוֹא־הֵ֣ם כְּתוּבִ֗ים1are they not written…?You can put this first in the verse because it comes first logically.
1091EST102acs7figs-idiomסֵ֨פֶר֙ דִּבְרֵ֣י הַ⁠יָּמִ֔ים לְ⁠מַלְכֵ֖י מָדַ֥י וּ⁠פָרָֽס1the book of the events of days for the kings of Media and PersiaSee how you translated this in 2:23. Alternate translation: “the royal chronicles of Media and Persia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
1092EST103j159grammar-connect-logic-resultכִּ֣י1ForThis 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]])
1093EST103acs8figs-informremindהַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֗י1the JewThis phrase gives clarifying information about Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
1094EST103acs9מִשְׁנֶה֙ לַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ1was second to the King Ahasuerus“was the most important person after King Ahasuerus”
1095EST103act0וְ⁠גָדוֹל֙ לַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים1and great among the Jews“and a leader among his own people”
1096EST103act1וְ⁠רָצ֖וּי לְ⁠רֹ֣ב אֶחָ֑י⁠ו1favored by the multitude of his brothers“All of his fellow Jews respected him”
1097EST103iui7figs-gendernotationsאֶחָ֑י⁠ו1his brothersHere **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]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]])
1098EST103act2figs-parallelismדֹּרֵ֥שׁ טוֹב֙ לְ⁠עַמּ֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠דֹבֵ֥ר שָׁל֖וֹם לְ⁠כָל־זַרְעֽ⁠וֹ1seeking good for his people and speaking peace to all its seedThese 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]])
1099EST103act3figs-abstractnounsדֹּרֵ֥שׁ טוֹב֙ לְ⁠עַמּ֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠דֹבֵ֥ר שָׁל֖וֹם לְ⁠כָל־זַרְעֽ⁠וֹ1seeking good for his people and speaking peace to all its seedThe abstract nouns **good** and **peace** refer in this context to prosperity and security. You could translate these ideas with verbs, for example, “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]])
1100EST103wte9bita-humanbehaviorדֹּרֵ֥שׁ טוֹב֙ לְ⁠עַמּ֔⁠וֹ1seeking 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/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
1101EST103s8f8figs-idiomוְ⁠דֹבֵ֥ר שָׁל֖וֹם לְ⁠כָל־זַרְעֽ⁠וֹ1and 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]])
1102EST103j161bita-plantsלְ⁠כָל־זַרְעֽ⁠וֹ1to all its seedHere **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 work such as “always.” Alternate translation: “and for their descendants” or “and for their offspring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])