# General Information:

This passage summarizes much of the story of Esther in order to explain the reason for the festival of Purim.

# Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite

This is the name and description of Haman, one of the king's officials. See how you translated this in [Esther 3:1](../03/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])

# he threw Pur (that is, he threw lots)

"Pur" was the Persian word for "lot." The phrase "he threw lots" explains what "he threw Pur" means.

# he threw Pur (that is, he threw lots)

Why he threw Pur, or lots, can be stated clearly. AT: "he threw Pur (that is, he threw lots) to find out what would be the best day to attack the Jews" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])

# But when the matter came before the king

The Hebrew text can also be interpreted to mean, "But when Esther came before the king." Some modern versions choose this interpretation.

# the wicked plan Haman developed against the Jews should come back on his own head

"Come back on his own head" means that it should be done to Haman. AT: "the wicked plan Haman developed against the Jews should be done to him" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])

# translationWords

* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/other/letter]]
* [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/evil]]