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Book Chapter Verse ID SupportReference OrigQuote Occurrence GLQuote OccurrenceNote
EST front intro d989 0 # Introduction to Esther<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of Esther<br><br>1. King Ahasuerus sends away his wife, the queen (1:1–22)<br>1. Ahasuerus chooses Esther as the new queen (2:1–23)<br>1. Haman plots to destroy the Jews (3:1–15)<br>1. Mordecai asks Esther to help her people (4:1–17)<br>1. Esther pleads with the king for the Jews (5:1–7:10)<br>1. The result of Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews (8:1–9:16)<br>1. The Feast of Purim (9:17–32)<br>1. Conclusion (10:1–3)<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.
EST 1 intro v1fp 0 # Esther 01 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### The king’s divorce<br><br>The king’s advisers were afraid that husbands would lose their authority when they heard the queen had refused to come to show her beauty to the king’s guests; so the advisers told him to divorce her.
EST 1 1 zzz2 0 In the days of Ahasuerus “In the time of Ahasuerus” or “When Ahasuerus was ruling as king”
EST 1 1 v5ts writing-background 0 this is Ahasuerus who reigned from India as far as Cush, over 127 provinces This is background information to help the reader identify Ahasuerus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 1 1 k8tn 0 provinces A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government.
EST 1 2 dk31 figs-metonymy 0 sat on his royal throne Here “royal throne” may refer to his rule over the kingdom. Alternate translation: “ruled the empire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 2 wf72 0 fortress This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city.
EST 1 2 hgm3 translate-names 0 Susa This was a royal city of Persian kings. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 3 ry7m translate-numbers 0 In the third year of his reign “After he had ruled for 2 years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 1 3 prm1 figs-synecdoche 0 The army This likely refers to the leaders of the army. Alternate translation: “The officers of the army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 1 4 m8xa figs-doublet 0 the wealth of the splendor of his kingdom These words have similar meaning and emphasize how great his kingdom was. Alternate translation: “the great wealth of his kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 1 4 lun5 figs-doublet 0 the honor of the glory of his greatness These words have similar meaning and emphasize how great he was. Alternate translation: “the splendor of his greatness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 1 4 x1v6 translate-numbers 0 180 days “one hundred and eighty days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 1 5 ue3x 0 When these days were completed “At the end of that feast”
EST 1 5 fv9y 0 a feast lasting seven days This was a second feast that was only for the officials in Susa. Alternate translation: “another feast that lasted seven days”
EST 1 5 eb65 0 fortress This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city.See how you translated this in [Esther 1:1](../01/01.md).
EST 1 5 mj16 translate-names 0 Susa See how you translated the name of this place in [Esther 1:2](../01/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 6 asn4 0 a mosaic pavement A “mosaic” consists of colored stones arranged in an attractive pattern.
EST 1 6 eyi2 0 porphyry This is a kind of red and purple rock that contained pieces of crystal.
EST 1 7 urm7 figs-activepassive 0 Drinks were served in golden cups This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The guests drank wine from gold cups” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 1 7 r6ec 0 there was much royal wine that came because of the king’s generosity “the king was very generous with the royal wine”
EST 1 7 wpq1 0 generosity “great willingness to give”
EST 1 8 g5gu 0 There must be no compulsion “No one must be forced to drink”
EST 1 8 f6px 0 king had given orders to all the officials of his palace to do according to the desire of each man This statement means that the king told his workers to give all the guests as much wine as they wanted.
EST 1 10 jv7z translate-numbers 0 On the seventh day “After 6 days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 1 10 le6l figs-synecdoche 0 the king’s heart was feeling happy because of the wine Here “heart” refers to the king, and “feeling happy” is an idiom that means he was drunk. Alternate translation: “the king was drunk with wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 10 dcb2 translate-names 0 Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Karkas These are names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 10 ens5 writing-background 0 the seven officials who served before him This is background information to explain who these men were. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 1 11 qvk4 0 her features were stunning “she was very beautiful”
EST 1 12 b57q figs-activepassive 0 at the word of the king that had been brought to her by the officials This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when the king’s officials told her about his command” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 1 12 kp6p 0 at the word “at the command”
EST 1 12 bsd5 figs-metaphor 0 his rage burned within him The intensity of the king’s anger is spoken of as if it was a fire that burned inside him. Alternate translation: “his rage was as intense as a fire inside him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 1 13 g9fe 0 who understood the times “who understood the things that happened in their lives”
EST 1 13 x2u7 writing-background 0 for this was the king’s procedure toward all who were expert in law and judgment This background information explains why the king called these men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 1 14 cc44 translate-names 0 Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memukan These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 15 j6sh figs-explicit 0 In compliance with the law…by the officials? It may be helpful to state who asked this question. Alternate translation: The king said to them, “In compliance with the law…by the officials?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 15 ics9 0 In compliance with the law “In observance of the law” or “In obedience to the law”
EST 1 16 ss5y translate-names 0 Memukan Translate his name as in [Esther 1:14](../01/14.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 16 yqr8 figs-hyperbole 0 all the officials and all the people…all the provinces These are exaggerations to emphasize the damage that the queen’s refusal caused. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EST 1 16 ecp2 0 provinces a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:1](../01/01.md).
EST 1 17 gn4g figs-hyperbole 0 all women This is an exaggeration to emphasize the damage that the queen’s refusal caused. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EST 1 18 u6d7 0 There will be much contempt and anger “They will be angry with their husbands and treat them with contempt”
EST 1 19 j7p1 0 Connecting Statement: Meremoth continues to answer the king.
EST 1 19 d8qk figs-123person 0 If it pleases the king…from him…before him…Let the king Meremoth speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: “If it pleases you…from you…before you…Please” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 19 mh1a figs-activepassive 0 which cannot be repealed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “which no one can change” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 1 20 des3 figs-123person 0 the king’s decree…his vast kingdom Meremoth speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: “your decree…your vast kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 20 v9l3 figs-activepassive 0 When the king’s decree is proclaimed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When they hear the king’s decree” or “When they hear what you have commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 1 20 p8nz 0 vast very wide
EST 1 20 be9r figs-merism 0 from the greatest to the least significant This is a merism that refers to both extremes and everyone in between. This probably refers to the husbands, but it is possible that it refers to the wives. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EST 1 21 p5us translate-names 0 Memukan Translate his name as in [Esther 1:14](../01/14.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 22 n1pr 0 province A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:1](../01/01.md).
EST 1 22 jj9n 0 every man should be master of his own household “all men should have complete authority over their wives and their children”
EST 1 22 e481 figs-activepassive 0 This decree was given This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They wrote this decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 intro eb4q 0 # 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>Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, discovered that two men planned to kill the king. He told Esther, who then told the king. She also gave Mordecai credit for telling her.
EST 2 1 dpc3 writing-newevent 0 After these things This introduces a new event that happened a while later. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 2 1 e4lp 0 the anger of King Ahasuerus subsided “the king became less angry”
EST 2 1 xpt9 0 the decree This is refers to the decree in [Esther 1:19-20](../01/19.md).
EST 2 2 s4hv figs-activepassive 0 Let a search be made This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Tell your servants to search” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 2 abt8 figs-123person 0 on the king’s behalf The men speak to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “on your behalf” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 2 3 lu87 0 Connecting Statement: The young servants continue to speak to the king.
EST 2 3 g9vp figs-123person 0 Let the king…the king’s official The servants spoke to the king in third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “You should…your official” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 2 3 f1hs 0 provinces A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:1](../01/01.md).
EST 2 3 j4ka 0 harem where the wives of a man with many wives live
EST 2 3 my1y 0 the fortress This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:2](../01/02.md).
EST 2 3 xqf9 translate-names 0 Susa See how you translated the name of this place in [Esther 1:2](../01/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 3 d754 figs-activepassive 0 Let them be put under the care of Hegai, the king’s official, who is in charge of the women This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Let Hegai, the king’s official, who is in charge of the women, take care of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 3 lf71 translate-names 0 Hegai This is a man’s name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 3 w1ly 0 their cosmetics A “cosmetic” is a substance such as a cream, lotion, or powder that women usually put on their face or body to improve their appearance.
EST 2 4 lh3n figs-123person 0 pleases the king The servants spoke to the king in third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “pleases you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 2 5 h6z2 writing-participants 0 There was a certain Jew This introduces Mordecai as a new character in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EST 2 5 uu9i translate-names 0 Susa Translate the name of this city as in [Esther 1:2](../01/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 5 q2rz translate-names 0 son of Jair son of Shimei son of Kish “Jair,” “Shimei,” and “Kish” are men from whom “Mordecai” is the male descendant. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 5 kw5t 0 a Benjamite “of the tribe of Benjamin”
EST 2 6 egm7 writing-background 0 He had been taken away…king of Babylonia carried away This background information explains how Mordecai came to live in Susa. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylonia carried him and other exiles away along with Jehoiachin, king of Judah” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 6 z7fe 0 He had been taken away from Jerusalem The Hebrew text leaves unclear who is being spoken of here. It is perhaps Kish, who seems to have been the great-grandfather of Mordecai. If it was Mordecai himself, then he would be extremely old at the time of the events concerning Esther. Many modern versions leave this matter unclear. A few versions, including the UST, choose to assume that it was Mordecai who had been taken away from Jerusalem.
EST 2 6 ch1t translate-names 0 Jehoiachin, king of Judah (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 7 skt5 writing-background 0 This continues the background information about Mordecai and explains his relationship to Esther. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 2 7 m9kx translate-names 0 Hadassah This is Esther’s Hebrew name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 7 hfm9 0 his uncle’s daughter “his cousin”
EST 2 7 ccb1 0 she had neither father nor mother “her father and mother had died”
EST 2 7 jl3y 0 took her as his own daughter “cared for her as if she was his own daughter”
EST 2 8 c52i figs-activepassive 0 When the king’s order and decree were proclaimed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “After the king commanded that they search for some beautiful women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 8 qz1y 0 proclaimed “announced”
EST 2 8 m3ld figs-activepassive 0 many young women were brought This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “they brought many young women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 8 mbk1 figs-activepassive 0 They were put under Hegai’s care This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Hegai began to take care of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 8 n3zc figs-activepassive 0 Esther also was taken into the king’s palace and put under the care of Hegai, the overseer of the women This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Hegai, the overseer of the women, also began to take care of Esther when they brought her to the king’s palace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 8 a7n7 0 palace See how you translated this in [Esther 1:5](../01/05.md).
EST 2 9 wqb3 figs-doublet 0 The young girl pleased him, and she found favor with him These two phrases mean the same thing and emphasize how much she pleased him. Alternate translation: “The young girl greatly pleased him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 2 9 f8i8 0 The young girl “Esther”
EST 2 11 nz1p 0 about Esther’s welfare “how Esther was doing” or “about Esther’s well-being”
EST 2 12 jcj8 writing-background 0 General Information: Verses 12-14 are background information about the customs for the women who became the king’s wives. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 2 12 p7i5 0 complying with the regulations for the women “acting in accordance with the requirements for the women”
EST 2 12 zhd1 0 beauty treatments Things done to make the girls look more beautiful and smell good.
EST 2 13 v133 figs-activepassive 0 whatever she desired was given to her This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “she could take whatever she desired” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 13 te4h 0 palace See how you translated this in [Esther 1:5](../01/05.md).
EST 2 14 leb8 writing-background 0 This continues the background information that began in [Esther 2:12](../02/12.md) about the customs for the women who became the king’s wives. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 2 14 ded5 figs-explicit 0 in the morning It is implied that this is the following morning. This information can be made clear. Alternate translation: “the next morning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 14 lq9h translate-numbers 0 second house “a different house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 2 14 yw63 0 to the custody of Shaashgaz,…concubines “to where Shaashgaz,…concubines would take care of her”
EST 2 14 ze74 0 custody “supervision” or “protection”
EST 2 14 q5yx translate-names 0 Shaashgaz This is a man’s name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 15 fiy8 writing-newevent 0 Now when the time came This introduces a new part of the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 2 15 jk51 writing-newevent 0 daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his own daughter This background information reminds the reader of Esther’s relationship to Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 2 15 mg8y translate-names 0 Abihail Esther’s father and Mordecai’s uncle (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 15 qx3u 0 she did not ask for anything but what This can be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “she asked only for what”
EST 2 15 vw9r translate-names 0 Hegai See how you translated this man’s name in [Esther 2:3](../02/03.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 15 z519 figs-idiom 0 received the favor of all This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “pleased all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 16 jr5s translate-hebrewmonths 0 the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth “Tebeth” is the name of the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part December and the first part January on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 16 x6yg translate-ordinal 0 seventh year “year number 7” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 2 17 p3s7 0 The king loved This is the romantic use of the word “love.”
EST 2 17 bcu8 figs-idiom 0 received acceptance and favor before him These idioms mean the same thing and emphasize how much the Esther pleased the king. Alternate translation: “greatly pleased him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 2 17 sym3 translate-symaction 0 set the royal crown on her head The king did this to show that he was making her his queen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 2 18 b1hd figs-explicit 0 “Esther’s feast,” It may be helpful to state that this is the name of the feast. Alternate translation: “he called it, ‘Esther’s feast,’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 18 ufm8 0 he granted relief from taxation to the provinces “he collected fewer taxes from the provinces than he had been collecting”
EST 2 18 n5cv 0 provinces A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:1](../01/01.md).
EST 2 18 n3vx 0 royal generosity “generosity that only a king can give”
EST 2 19 g38f 0 when the virgins had been gathered together a second time It is unclear when this second gathering happened, and why. Therefore some versions have altered the text somewhat. It is probably best to translate it as it is written.
EST 2 19 p842 translate-numbers 0 a second time “one more time” or “an additional time” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 2 19 a23f 0 Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate Possible meanings are (1) Mordecai sat there so he could hear how Esther was doing from the many people who passed through the gate or (2) “sitting at the king’s gate” is an idiom that means Mordecai was given a position of authority by the king.
EST 2 19 i8in 0 the king’s gate “the gate to the king’s palace”
EST 2 20 fb39 0 as Mordecai had instructed her Mordecai told her not to tell anyone about her family.
EST 2 21 vi16 writing-newevent 0 In those days This introduces a new event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 2 21 y2vl translate-names 0 Bigthana and Teresh These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 22 y7tv figs-activepassive 0 When the matter was revealed to Mordecai This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “When Mordecai learned about what they were planning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 22 dgp3 figs-idiom 0 in the name of Mordecai This is an idiom. Alternate translation: “on behalf of Mordecai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 23 ld4y figs-activepassive 0 The report was investigated and confirmed, and both the men were hanged This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The king investigated and confirmed the report, and ordered his servants to hang both men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 23 y28j translate-unknown 0 a gallows This was a structure used for killing people by tying one end of a rope around the top of the structure and the other end of the rope around their necks and hanging them from it. Alternate translation: “a frame for hanging people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 23 g9nh figs-activepassive 0 This account was written This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They recorded this account” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 intro zb26 0 # 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.
EST 3 1 mm4c writing-newevent 0 After these things This introduces a new event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 3 1 ir5v translate-names 0 Haman son of Hammedatha the Agagite This is the name and description of Haman, one of the king’s officials. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 3 1 ptm4 figs-idiom 0 placed his seat of authority above all the officials who were with him Here “seat of authority” represents his position or status in the government. Alternate translation: “promoted him above the other officials” or “gave him more authority than all the other officials” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 2 e25k translate-symaction 0 knelt…prostrated These acts represent submission to the authority of Haman. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 3 2 fg8v 0 prostrated themselves to Haman “humbled themselves and lay flat on the ground before Haman”
EST 3 4 uek4 0 to see if the matter about Mordecai would remain like that “to find out what Haman would do about Mordecai’s actions”
EST 3 5 njt5 translate-symaction 0 did not kneel and bow down Mordecai showed disrespect for Haman’s status in the government by not doing these actions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 3 5 wk8p figs-metaphor 0 Haman was filled with rage Here Haman’s rage is spoken of as something that could fill him up. Alternate translation: “Haman became very angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 3 6 k5h9 0 He had contempt for the idea of killing only Mordecai “He rejected the idea of killing just Mordecai.” This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “He decided to kill more than just Mordecai”
EST 3 6 hue9 0 exterminate all the Jews “get rid of all the Jews” or “kill all the Jews”
EST 3 7 zl12 translate-ordinal 0 In the first month “In month one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 7 wyv6 translate-hebrewmonths 0 which is the month of Nisan “Nisan” is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of March and the first part of April on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 3 7 tw99 translate-ordinal 0 in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus “in year number 12 of King Ahasuerus” or “when King Ahasuerus had reigned for about twelve years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 7 g4lt translate-names 0 the Pur—that is the lot—was thrown “they cast the Pur—that is the lot—” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 3 7 k3vd translate-ordinal 0 the twelfth month “month twelve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 7 ih4b translate-hebrewmonths 0 the month of Adar “Adar” is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. It is during the last part of February and the first part of March on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 3 8 aig9 0 a certain people “a group of people” This refers to the Jews as an ethnic group.
EST 3 8 p4a8 0 scattered and distributed “who live in many different places”
EST 3 8 id3h 0 provinces A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:1](../01/01.md).
EST 3 8 r34x figs-123person 0 the king’s…the king Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “your…you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 3 8 bf9g 0 it is not suitable for the king to let them stay “the king should not let them remain.” This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “the king should remove them”
EST 3 9 eh3w figs-synecdoche 0 I will weigh out…into the hands of those Here “hands” stands for the men. To “weigh out” is an idiom that means to pay them. Alternate translation: “I will pay…to the men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 9 lhv5 translate-bmoney 0 ten thousand talents of silver “330 metric tons of silver” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bmoney]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 3 10 c9md 0 signet ring a special ring that could be used to imprint the king’s official seal on a proclamation
EST 3 11 sz4b figs-activepassive 0 I will see that the money is given back to you The meaning of this phrase is not clear. Possible meanings are (1) “I will return the money to you” or (2) “Take the money and give it to the men just as you have said.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 12 hx6c figs-activepassive 0 the king’s scribes were summoned…a decree containing all that Haman had commanded was written This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the king summoned his scribes…they wrote a decree containing all that Haman had commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 12 t6qa translate-hebrewmonths 0 thirteenth day of the first month This is the first month of the Hebrew calendar. The thirteenth day is near the beginning of April on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 12 th6l 0 king’s provincial governors “governors of the provinces.” Translate “province” as in [Esther 1:1](../01/01.md).
EST 3 12 lyf2 figs-activepassive 0 It was written in the name of King Ahasuerus and was sealed with his ring This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They wrote the decree in the name of King Ahasuerus and Haman sealed it with the king’s signet ring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 12 h6xp figs-metonymy 0 in the name of Here “name” represents the authority of the king. Alternate translation: “in the authority of” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 3 13 hxx6 figs-activepassive 0 Documents were hand-delivered by couriers This can be translated in active form. Alternate translation: “Couriers hand-delivered the documents” or “Courtiers gave the documents directly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 13 xs6g figs-doublet 0 annihilate, kill, and destroy These words mean the same thing and emphasize the completeness of the destruction. Alternate translation: “completely destroy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 3 13 g5br translate-ordinal 0 thirteenth day of the twelfth month “day thirteen of month twelve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 13 i5ur translate-hebrewmonths 0 which is the month of Adar “Adar” is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. The thirteenth day is near the beginning of March on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 3 13 pbp1 0 plunder steal by force
EST 3 14 tj7n figs-activepassive 0 A copy of the letter was made law in every province This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The officials in every province made a copy of the letter become the law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 14 vga2 0 province A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:1](../01/01.md).
EST 3 14 l9w7 figs-activepassive 0 In every province it was made known to all the people This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They told all the people in every province” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 14 f6dc 0 this day “that day”
EST 3 15 i12c figs-activepassive 0 The decree was also distributed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They also distributed the decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 15 m927 0 the fortress This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:2](../01/02.md).
EST 3 15 nlk8 translate-names 0 Susa See how you translated the name of this place in [Esther 1:2](../01/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 3 15 wm4u 0 was in turmoil “was in a state of great confusion”
EST 4 intro z7u2 0 # 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]])
EST 4 1 nya6 0 learned of all that had been done “found out about those letters”
EST 4 1 vgy8 translate-symaction 0 tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes These acts are signs of severe sadness. Alternate translation: “tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes to show his grief” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 4 3 e73y 0 province A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:1](../01/01.md).
EST 4 3 e7zx 0 there was great mourning among the Jews “the Jews mourned greatly”
EST 4 3 djf6 0 Many of them lay in sackcloth and ashes “Many of them were on the ground, dressed in sackcloth and sitting in ashes”
EST 4 4 q7ll 0 young women and her servants “female servants and male servants”
EST 4 4 y8bc 0 to clothe Mordecai “for Mordecai to wear”
EST 4 5 vf4m translate-names 0 Hathak This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 4 5 lp8m figs-activepassive 0 one of the king’s officials who had been assigned to serve her This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “one of the officials whom the king had assigned to serve her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 4 6 icg7 translate-names 0 Hathak See how you translated this man’s name in [Esther 4:5](../04/05.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 4 6 mgl5 0 the city square “the city plaza”
EST 4 7 zq3s translate-names 0 Haman See how you translated this man’s name in [Esther 3:1](../03/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 4 8 zt49 0 He also gave him “Mordecai also gave Hathak”
EST 4 8 gds6 0 to beg for his favor “to beg for the king’s favor”
EST 4 11 d9mh 0 if any man or woman goes to the king…the king holds out the golden scepter This conditional clause can be expressed as a statement. It may also be helpful to divide it into two sentences. Alternate translation: “no man or woman is allowed to go to the king inside the inner courtyard unless the king summons them. The person who breaks this law will be executed unless the king holds out his golden scepter to him”
EST 4 11 gv1v translate-numbers 0 thirty days “30 days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 4 14 i1uy figs-personification 0 relief and rescue will rise up for the Jews from another place Here “relief” and “rescue” are spoken of as if they are living things that can rise up. Alternate translation: “someone else will rise up from another place and rescue the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EST 4 14 dtg7 figs-rquestion 0 Who knows whether you have come to this royal position for such a time as this? The purpose of this question is to have Esther think deeply about her role in this situation. Alternate translation: “Who knows, perhaps it was for just for a time like this that you were made queen.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EST 4 16 d6cq translate-names 0 Susa See how you translated the name of this place in [Esther 1:2](../01/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 4 16 t2wg translate-symaction 0 fast for me…will fast Fasting was a symbolic act that the Jews did when they were praying intensely. This can be made explicit. Alternate translation: “fast and pray for me…will fast and pray” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 4 16 qw8v translate-numbers 0 three days “3 days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 intro k5ff 0 # Esther 05 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter begins a section about Haman’s fall (Chapters 5-7).<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Esther’s 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]])
EST 5 1 uk7p 0 facing the entrance to the house “across the room from the entrance of the house” or “looking toward the entrance to the house”
EST 5 2 pw4x figs-metaphor 0 she received approval in his eyes The word “eyes” refers to his sight and is a metaphor for his evaluation of her. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “he was pleased with her” or “he approved of her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 5 2 uu8s 0 He held out to her the golden scepter in his hand He did this to show that he was pleased with her.
EST 5 2 z4mn 0 touched the tip of the scepter She probably did this to show that she respected his authority and was thankful for his kindness to her.
EST 5 3 c6h7 figs-activepassive 0 Up to half of my kingdom, it will be given to you This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If you ask for up to half of my kingdom, I will give it to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 5 4 m3uy figs-123person 0 If it pleases the king, let the king and Haman come…for him In order to show respect to a king, people sometimes did not call him “you.” This can be translated with the word “you” along with other words that show respect. Alternate translation: “O King, if it pleases you, come and bring Haman…for you” or “If you are willing to do this, Sir, come, and let Haman come with you…for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 4 nx4v translate-names 0 Haman See how you translated this man’s name in [Esther 3:1](../03/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 5 6 d5wr figs-abstractnouns 0 What is your petition The abstract noun “petition” can be expressed with the verb “ask for” or “want”? Alternate translation: “What do you ask for” or “What do you want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 5 6 e2v2 figs-activepassive 0 It will be granted you This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “I will give you what you ask for” or “I will do for you what you ask” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 5 6 q5nt figs-abstractnouns 0 What is your request The abstract noun “request” can be expressed with the verb “ask for” or “want”? Alternate translation: “What do you ask for” or “What do you want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 5 6 pj3p figs-activepassive 0 Up to half of the kingdom, it will be granted This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If you ask for up to half of my kingdom, I will give it to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 5 7 r4aw figs-doublet 0 My petition and my request The words “petition” and “request” mean the same thing. She probably used these words together as a way of speaking very formally and respectfully to the king. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 5 8 c2jy figs-123person 0 if I have found favor in the eyes of the king and if it pleases the king In order to show respect to a king, people sometimes did not call him “you.” This can be translated with the word “you” along with other words that show respect. Alternate translation: “if you are pleased with me, O King, and if it pleases you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 8 c2br figs-idiom 0 if I have found favor in the eyes of the king “Find favor” here is an idiom that means be approved of or that he is pleased with her. “In the eyes of the king” is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: “if the king evaluates me and approves” or “if the king is pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 5 8 x8hf figs-123person 0 let the king and Haman come This can be translated with the word “you” along with other words that show respect. Alternate translation: “please come and bring Haman” or “please come and let Haman come with you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 8 gf9b figs-123person 0 I will answer the king’s question This can be translated with the word “you” along with other words that show respect. Alternate translation: “I will answer your question” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 9 dkg6 translate-symaction 0 Mordecai neither rose up Rising was a sign of respect. Mordecai did not give Haman special respect. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 5 9 s47u figs-metaphor 0 he was filled with rage Being “filled with rage” represents being very angry. Alternate translation: he was extremely angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 5 10 uc3i 0 Nevertheless This can be translated with a phrase. “Even though he was so angry”
EST 5 10 v5nl figs-metaphor 0 Haman restrained himself Restraining himself represents refusing to do something that he wanted very much to do. Haman wanted to show Mordecai that he was very angry. Alternate translation: “Haman refused to show how angry he was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 5 10 bcn1 translate-names 0 Zeresh This is a woman’s name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 5 11 mvm5 figs-abstractnouns 0 Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches “Splendor” and “riches” are both abstract nouns. Alternate translation: “Haman told them about how great his wealth was” or “Haman told them about the many great things he owned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 5 11 m7fq figs-abstractnouns 0 all the promotions by which the king honored him The abstract noun “promotion” can be expressed with the verb “promote.” It means that the king gave him more important work. Alternate translation: “How the king had promoted him many times and honored him” or “how the king had honored him many times by giving him more important work” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 5 11 b7c5 figs-metaphor 0 how he had advanced above all the officials and the servants of the king Advancing above people represents becoming more important than them. Alternate translation: “how he had become more important than all the officials and the servants of the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 5 12 w1bm 0 no one else but me This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “only me”
EST 5 13 wu84 0 is worth nothing to me “does not make me happy” or “does not satisfy me”
EST 5 14 i2f3 translate-unknown 0 a gallows a structure used for killing a person by tying one end of a rope around the top of the structure and the other end of the rope around the person’s neck and hanging him from it. See how you translated this in [Esther 2:23](../02/23.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 5 14 k8zd translate-numbers 0 fifty cubits high “50 cubits high.” You may convert this to a modern measure. Alternate translation: “twenty-three meters high” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EST 5 14 i8is 0 he had the gallows constructed “he told people to construct the gallows”
EST 5 14 bbs9 0 This pleased Haman “Haman liked this idea”
EST 6 intro i9x7 0 # Esther 06 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter continues the story of Haman’s 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.
EST 6 2 syd9 translate-names 0 Bigthana and Teresh These are the names of two men. See how your translated their names in [Esther 2:21](../02/21.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 6 2 u4gi figs-metaphor 0 It was found recorded there Here “found” is an metaphor for learning. Both “found” and “recorded” can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “They found that the writers had recorded there” or “They learned that the writers had written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 3 lmz6 figs-activepassive 0 What was done to give honor This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “What did I do to give honor” or “What did we do to give honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 3 n2az figs-activepassive 0 Nothing was done for him This can be expressed in active form. However it may be good to find a way that does not give the impression that servants were accusing the king. Alternate translation: “No one did anything for Mordecai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 4 ys6c 0 Haman See how you translated this man’s name in [Esther 3:1](../03/01.md)
EST 6 4 guv8 0 the outer courtyard “the first courtyard from the outside”
EST 6 4 vu7p figs-explicit 0 hanging Mordecai It can be made clear what the purpose of hanging him was. Alternate translation: “killing Mordecai by hanging him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 4 at53 translate-unknown 0 the gallows he set up for him The gallows was a structure that was used to kill people by hanging them from it. See how you translated “gallows” in [Esther 5:14](../05/14.md). Alternate translation: “the structure Haman set up for hanging Mordecai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 6 4 rg8t 0 set up “built”
EST 6 6 ky5i figs-123person 0 What should be done for the man whom the king takes pleasure in honoring Here the king speaks of himself in the third person. This can be stated in first person and in active form. Alternate translation: “What should I do for the man whom I take pleasure in honoring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 6 n3r5 figs-idiom 0 the king takes pleasure in honoring Taking pleasure in doing something is an idiom for being glad to do something or wanting to do something. Alternate translation: “the king is glad to honor” or “the king wants to honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 6 6 jh4i figs-metaphor 0 said in his heart The heart represents the thoughts and attitudes. Alternate translation: “thought” or “said to himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 6 yft1 figs-rquestion 0 Whom would the king take pleasure in honoring more than me? This can be expressed as a statement. “Surely there is no one whom the king would take pleasure in honoring more than me!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EST 6 8 mz79 figs-activepassive 0 let royal robes be brought This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “let someone bring royal robes” or “tell your servants to bring royal robes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 8 r63j 0 on whose head is the royal crest The word “whose” refers to the horse. The royal crest is a special symbol that represents the king’s family.
EST 6 9 pp3l figs-activepassive 0 Then let the robes and the horse be given This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Then let them give the robes and the horse” or “Then tell them to give the robes and the horse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 9 pfz6 0 Let them dress…in honoring, and let them lead him “Tell them to dress…in honoring and to lead him”
EST 6 9 qs3k 0 Let them proclaim “Tell the noble official and servants to proclaim”
EST 6 10 gln7 0 Do not fail in a single matter of what you have said The phrase “a single matter” emphasizes that he must do absolutely everything he said. It can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “Be sure to do absolutely everything you have said”
EST 6 12 uri5 translate-symaction 0 with his head covered People often covered their head to show that they were either extremely sad or ashamed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 6 13 pkd2 translate-names 0 Zeresh See how you translated this woman’s name in [Esther 6:13](../06/13.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 6 13 fd5k figs-metaphor 0 before whom you have begun to fall…you will certainly fall before him They spoke as if Haman and Mordecai were in a battle, and Haman was beginning to lose the battle. Here “to fall” represents being dishonored and defeated. Alternate translation: “who has already humiliated you…he will certainly defeat you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 13 nan5 figs-metaphor 0 you will not overcome him “you will not win against him.” They spoke as if Haman and Mordecai were in a battle. Here overcoming a person represents having greater honor than that person. Alternate translation: “you will not have greater honor than he has” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 7 intro x4w3 0 # Esther 07 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>The story of Haman’s fall concludes in this chapter.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Covering Haman’s face<br><br>When “the servants covered Haman’s face,” they were showing that he had been condemned to be executed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/condemn]])
EST 7 1 n8vb translate-names 0 Haman See how you translated this man’s name in [Esther 3:1](../03/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 7 2 xt9f 0 On this second day “on this second day of feasting”
EST 7 2 s5ae 0 while they were serving wine “while the servants were pouring the wine and giving it to them”
EST 7 2 p1xt figs-abstractnouns 0 What is your petition The abstract noun “petition” can be expressed with the verb “ask for” or “want.” Alternate translation: “What do you ask for” or “What do you want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 7 2 sem7 figs-activepassive 0 It will be granted to you This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “I will give you what you ask for” or “I will do for you what you ask” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 7 2 yks7 figs-activepassive 0 Up to half of the kingdom, and it will be granted This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “If you ask for up to half of my kingdom, I will give it to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 7 3 k27c figs-idiom 0 If I have found favor in your eyes, king “Find favor” here is an idiom that means to be approved of or that he is pleased with her. “In your eyes” is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: “If you evaluate me and approve” or “If you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 7 3 bvi1 figs-abstractnouns 0 this is my petition The abstract noun “petition” can be expressed with the verb “ask for.” Alternate translation: “this is what I ask for” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 7 4 fhs7 figs-metaphor 0 For we have been sold The metaphor “being sold” represents being betrayed. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For someone has betrayed us” or “For someone has put us in danger of our enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 7 4 e9cx figs-doublet 0 to be destroyed, killed, and annihilated Here all three words have the same meaning and are used for emphasis. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “for our enemies to destroy, kill, and annihilate us” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 7 5 dl4b figs-idiom 0 Where is this person to be found who has filled his heart to do such a thing To fill one’s heart to do something is an idiom meaning to dare to do something. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Where is the one who has dared to so such a thing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 7 6 ar4f 0 was terrified “was extremely afraid”
EST 7 7 bzd4 figs-idiom 0 The king got up in a rage Being in a rage is an idiom for being extremely angry. Alternate translation: “The king was extremely angry and got up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 7 7 uaq6 0 to beg for his life from Queen Esther “to beg Queen Esther to save his life”
EST 7 7 qz1m figs-metaphor 0 He saw that disaster was being decided Here seeing represents realizing or understanding. Alternate translation: “He realized that disaster was being decided” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 7 7 nin1 figs-activepassive 0 disaster was being decided against him by the king This can be stated in active form. The abstract noun “disaster” can be expressed with the more concrete verbs “destroy” or “kill.” Alternate translation: “the king was deciding to cause a disaster against him” or “the king was deciding to destroy him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 7 8 mxd2 figs-activepassive 0 where the wine had been served This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “where servants had served the wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 7 8 h4c7 0 couch a long piece of furniture where a person can sit or lie down
EST 7 8 thq6 figs-rquestion 0 Will he assault the queen in my presence in my own house? The king uses this question to show his shock and anger at what Haman was doing. This question can be translated as a statement. Alternate translation: “He even dares to attack the queen in my presence and in my own house!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EST 7 8 l4ce figs-euphemism 0 assault the queen “attack the queen.” This phrase is a polite way to refer to rape. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
EST 7 8 adq6 figs-metonymy 0 As soon as this sentence came out of the king’s mouth Speech coming out of the mouth is a metonym that represents speaking. Alternate translation: “As soon as the king said this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 7 8 ju8q figs-explicit 0 the servants covered Haman’s face Apparently they did this because they understood that the king wanted Haman to be killed. Alternate translation: “the servants covered Haman’s face as a sign that he would be killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 7 9 a7ic translate-names 0 Harbona This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 7 9 sre1 translate-numbers 0 A gallows fifty cubits tall You may convert “fifty cubits” to a modern measure. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Esther 5:14](../05/14.md). Alternate translation: “A gallows twenty-three meters high” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-bdistance]])
EST 7 10 umd4 figs-metaphor 0 Then the king’s rage died down The king’s rage is a spoken of as if it were a large fire that became smaller. Alternate translation: “Then the king’s rage lessened” or “Then the king was not so angry” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 intro z6j7 0 # Esther 08 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### God’s protection<br>Yahweh is at work in this chapter preventing the Jews from possible destruction. God used Esther and Mordecai to protect their people.
EST 8 1 nm3u 0 Haman See how you translated this man’s name in [Esther 3:1](../03/01.md).
EST 8 2 m5hz translate-unknown 0 signet ring This ring had the king’s name or mark on it. When he put a wax seal on important papers, he would press the mark onto the seal. If a paper had this mark on its seal, people would know that what was written on the paper was written with the king’s authority and had to be obeyed. See how you translated this in [Esther 3:10](../03/10.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 8 2 z5yn 0 gave it to Mordecai By giving his signet ring to Mordecai, the king gave Mordecai the authority to write important papers that people would have to obey.
EST 8 2 d2tj 0 Haman’s estate This refers to the things that had belonged to Haman and that the king had given to Esther.
EST 8 3 uh2a 0 pleaded with “begged”
EST 8 3 jmn7 figs-explicit 0 to put an end to the evil plan of Haman the Agagite “Put an end to” here is an idiom meaning to stop something. Alternate translation: “to stop the evil plan of Haman the Agagite” or “to prevent the evil things from happening that Haman the Agagite had planned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 3 bp22 0 the Agagite See how you translated this in [Esther 3:1](../03/01.md)
EST 8 3 c2hw 0 scheme that he had devised “the plot that he had invented” or “the plot that Haman invented”
EST 8 4 xh24 0 the king held out the golden scepter to Esther He did this to show that he was pleased with her. See how you translated a similar phrase in [Esther 5:2](../05/02.md)
EST 8 5 w7yl 0 If it pleases the king “If what I ask for pleases the king”
EST 8 5 ftc7 figs-idiom 0 if I have found favor in your eyes Here “found favor” is an idiom that means be approved of or that he is pleased with her. Here “eyes” are a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: “if you have evaluated me and approve” or “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 5 h8zb figs-metaphor 0 if the thing seems right before the king “Before the king” here is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: “if what I ask for seems right in the king’s evaluation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 5 xci7 figs-metonymy 0 I am pleasing in your eyes Here “your eyes” is a metonym for sight, and sight is a metaphor representing his evaluation. Alternate translation: “if you evaluate me and I please you” or “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 5 nbk3 0 revoke take back and make of no effect
EST 8 5 s7bt translate-names 0 Hammedatha This is the name of a man. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 8 5 q2iz 0 provinces A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:1](../01/01.md).
EST 8 6 udt6 figs-rquestion 0 For how could I bear to see disaster fall on my people? How could I endure watching the destruction of my relatives? Esther used these questions to show that she would be extremely sad if her people were to be destroyed. Alternate translation: “I cannot bear to see disaster fall on the Jews. I cannot endure watching my relatives be killed.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EST 8 7 h44h figs-synecdoche 0 the house of Haman This represents all that Haman had owned. Alternate translation: “all that had belonged to Haman” or “all of Haman’s property” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 8 7 t1fv 0 gallows See how you translated this in [Esther 6:4](../06/04.md)
EST 8 8 j3mn figs-metonymy 0 Write…in the name of the king Writing something in the king’s name represents writing it with his authority, or writing it as his representative. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 8 t52i figs-activepassive 0 For the decree…ring cannot be revoked This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “For no one can revoke the decree…ring” or “For no one can cancel the decree…ring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 8 8 i9nn figs-explicit 0 For the decree…ring cannot be revoked The information given between the words “decree” and “cannot” is the reason that the king cannot revoke Haman’s decree. It can be shown clearly that it was the reason with the word “because.” Alternate translation: “For I cannot revoke the decree that has already been written, because it was written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s ring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 8 fg72 figs-metonymy 0 decree that has already been written in the king’s name Writing something in the king’s name represents writing it with his authority, or writing it as his representative. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 9 s4ue figs-activepassive 0 the king’s scribes were called This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “the king called his scribes.” The reader should understand that the king probably told an official to go and bring the scribes back with him. The king probably did not call out with a loud voice to get them to come. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 9 j356 translate-hebrewmonths 0 the third month, which is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day of the month “Sivan” is the name of the third month of the Hebrew calendar. The twenty-third day is near the middle of June on Western calendars. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 8 9 sz6j figs-activepassive 0 A decree was written This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They wrote a decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 8 9 zp4q translate-numbers 0 127 provinces “one hundred and twenty-seven provinces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 8 9 bvt4 0 provinces A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:1](../01/01.md).
EST 8 9 bj5s 0 written in their own writing “written in their own script.” There are different writing systems around the world.
EST 8 10 ijp2 figs-metonymy 0 wrote in the name of King Ahasuerus Writing something in the king’s name represents writing it with his authority, or writing it as his representative. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 10 jf31 0 signet ring See how you translated this phrase in [Esther 8:2](../08/02.md)
EST 8 10 yt4j 0 couriers people who carry messages
EST 8 10 p9uc figs-explicit 0 bred from the royal stud The royal stud was the king’s best male horse. The horses that were used in the king’s service were its offspring. Alternate translation: “the offspring of the king’s best horse” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 11 ig7u 0 gave to the Jews…permission to gather “told the Jews…that he was allowing them to gather”
EST 8 11 e1mj figs-metaphor 0 make a stand This is a metaphor for fighting back and not running away. Alternate translation: “fight back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 12 hi2y 0 the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar See how you translated this in [Esther 3:13](../03/13.md)
EST 8 13 qk1d figs-idiom 0 to take vengeance on their enemies “To take vengeance on people” here is an idiom meaning to hurt people who have hurt you. Alternate translation: “to fight back against their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 14 b69j figs-idiom 0 They went without delay “Without delay” here is an idiom meaning that they did not delay or wait. Alternate translation: “They went immediately” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 14 s4qi translate-names 0 Susa This is the city where the king’s palace was. See how you translated it in [Esther 1:2](../01/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 8 15 eqc4 figs-metonymy 0 the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced The “city” represents the people living in it. Alternate translation: “the people of the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 15 i1ec figs-hendiadys 0 shouted and rejoiced The word “rejoiced” tells how they shouted. Alternate translation: “shouted joyfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 8 16 q2ru figs-metaphor 0 had light and gladness Possible meanings are that (1) having light is a metaphor for being happy. Alternate translation: “were happy and glad” or (2) having light is metaphor for feeling prosperous and safe. Alternate translation: “felt safe and were glad” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 16 n94u figs-explicit 0 honor Possible meanings are that (1) other people honored the Jews. Alternate translation: “other people honored them” or (2) the Jews felt honored. Alternate translation: “they felt honored” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 17 k1eh 0 province A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:1](../01/01.md).
EST 8 17 va7t figs-metaphor 0 wherever the king’s decree reached Reaching places represents going to places. Alternate translation: “wherever the king’s men took his decree” or “wherever the king’s decree was read” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 17 p89m 0 holiday day on which people celebrate special events
EST 8 17 r3qf figs-metaphor 0 the fear of the Jews had fallen on them Fear falling on people represents people becoming very afraid. Alternate translation: “they had become very afraid of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 intro yty1 0 # 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.
EST 9 1 t9yc 0 the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day See how you translated a similar phrase in [Esther 3:13](../03/13.md).
EST 9 1 wh56 figs-idiom 0 when the king’s law and decree were about to be carried out “Carry out” here is an idiom meaning to do something that was commanded or planned. This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “when the people were about to obey the king’s law and decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 1 ect2 figs-idiom 0 to gain power over them Gaining power over people is an idiom for defeating them. Alternate translation: “to defeat the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 1 lq9y figs-metaphor 0 it was reversed “the situation was reversed.” The situation being reversed is a metaphor meaning that the opposite of what was expected happened. Alternate translation: “the opposite happened” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 2 t3lz 0 provinces A province is a large area into which some countries are divided for the purposes of government. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:1](../01/01.md).
EST 9 2 tj62 figs-metonymy 0 to lay hands on those who tried to bring disaster on them Laying hands on people is a metonym for fighting against them. Alternate translation: “to fight their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 9 2 d44x figs-idiom 0 who tried to bring disaster on them To bring disaster on people is an idiom meaning to cause a disaster to happen to them. In this case it refers to destroying them. Alternate translation: “who tried to destroy them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 2 x8s3 figs-metonymy 0 No one could stand against them Standing against people represents resisting their attack. Alternate translation: “No one could resist the attack of the Jews” or “No one could successfully fight against the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 9 2 h7jh figs-metaphor 0 the fear of them had fallen on all the peoples Fear falling on people represents people becoming very afraid. Alternate translation: “all the peoples had become very afraid of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 3 xn99 0 provincial governors “governors of the provinces”
EST 9 3 q2ue figs-metaphor 0 the fear of Mordecai had fallen on them Fear falling on people represents people becoming afraid. Alternate translation: “they had become afraid of Mordecai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 4 xd49 0 was great in the king’s house “was very important in the king’s palace”
EST 9 4 mr66 figs-metaphor 0 his fame spread throughout all the provinces Fame spreading through places represents people in those places learning about how great he was. Alternate translation: “throughout the provinces people learned about how great he was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 6 g8ht 0 the fortress This refers to a castle, stronghold or fortified city. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:2](../01/02.md).
EST 9 6 b5ft translate-names 0 Susa This was a royal city of Persian kings. See how you translated this in [Esther 1:2](../01/02.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 6 ha18 translate-numbers 0 five hundred men “500 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 7 s6x2 translate-names 0 Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 8 g6zx translate-names 0 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 9 gj4p translate-names 0 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, Vaizatha These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 10 fsa2 translate-numbers 0 ten sons “10 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 10 tv36 translate-names 0 Haman 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]])
EST 9 10 r3bi translate-names 0 Hammedatha See how you translated this man’s name in [Esther 3:1](../03/01.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 10 xt5b 0 the enemy of the Jews This phrase tells us about Haman.
EST 9 12 cz3e translate-numbers 0 five hundred men “500 men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 12 j5p9 translate-numbers 0 ten sons “10 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 12 vh5l figs-rquestion 0 What then have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? The king uses this question to show that he believes that the Jews must have also killed many people in the other provinces. Alternate translation: “What they must have done in the rest of the king’s provinces!” or “They must have killed many more in the rest of the king’s provinces!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EST 9 12 s3sr figs-abstractnouns 0 what is your petition? The abstract noun “petition” can be expressed with the verb “ask for” or “want.” Alternate translation: “what do you ask for?” or “what do you want?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 9 12 n3ua figs-activepassive 0 It will be granted you This can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “I will give you what you ask for” or “I will do for you what you ask” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 12 ly4g figs-abstractnouns 0 What is your request? The abstract noun “request” can be expressed with the verb “ask for” or “want.” Alternate translation: “What do you ask for?” or “What do you want?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 9 13 nz41 figs-idiom 0 to carry out this day’s decree tomorrow also “Carry out” here is an idiom meaning to do something that was commanded or planned. Alternate translation: “to obey today’s decree tomorrow also” or “to do tomorrow also what was decreed that they should do today” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 13 nr1p translate-numbers 0 ten sons “10 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 13 qyu8 translate-unknown 0 gallows This was a structure used for killing people by tying one end of a rope around the top of the structure and the other end of the rope around their necks and hanging them from it. See how you translated this in [Esther 2:23](../02/23.md). Alternate translation: “a frame for hanging people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 9 15 p9gc 0 the fourteenth day of the month of Adar See how you translated a similar phrase in [Esther 3:13](../03/13.md).
EST 9 15 lp12 figs-metonymy 0 laid no hands on the plunder Laying their hands on things represents taking them. Alternate translation: “took none of the plunder” or “did not take any of the plunder” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 9 16 i1d1 translate-numbers 0 seventy-five thousand “75,000” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 16 m2cx figs-metonymy 0 they did not lay their hands on the valuables of those they killed Laying their hands on things represents taking them. Alternate translation: “they did not take any of the valuables of the people they killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 9 16 kms1 0 valuables “valuable things” or “possessions”
EST 9 17 ll4f 0 the thirteenth day of the month of Adar See how you translated a similar phrase in [Esther 3:13](../03/13.md).
EST 9 17 kjj1 0 On the fourteenth day they rested “On the fourteenth day of Adar the Jews who were in the provinces rested”
EST 9 18 w531 figs-explicit 0 the Jews who were in Susa assembled together Why they assembled together can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “the Jews who were in Susa assembled together to fight against their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 21 n4v9 figs-idiom 0 to keep the fourteenth and the fifteenth day of Adar every year To keep a day is an idiom that means to celebrate it. Alternate translation: “to celebrate the fourteenth and fifteenth days of Adar every year” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 22 nch1 figs-metaphor 0 their sorrow turned to joy Turning represents changing. The abstract nouns sorrow and joy can be expressed with “sad” and “joyful.” Alternate translation: “they changed from being very sad to being joyful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 23 fy5p 0 General Information: This passage summarizes much of the story of Esther in order to explain the reason for the festival of Purim.
EST 9 24 ib25 translate-names 0 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]])
EST 9 24 bcy2 0 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.
EST 9 24 xz7s figs-explicit 0 he threw Pur (that is, he threw lots) Why he threw Pur, or lots, can be stated clearly. Alternate translation: “he threw Pur (that is, he threw lots) to find out what would be the best day to attack the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 25 m8x3 0 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.
EST 9 25 y57b figs-idiom 0 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. Alternate translation: “the wicked plan Haman developed against the Jews should be done to him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 26 buf1 figs-idiom 0 they called these days Purim, after the name of Pur To call something after something else is an idiom that means to give it the same name or a similar name. Alternate translation: “They called these days Purim, like the word Pur” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 26 c1gi translate-names 0 Purim This is the name of the festival that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman’s plot to destroy and kill all the Jews in a single day. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 26 yq8m figs-explicit 0 the name of Pur. It can be stated clearly what “Pur” means. Alternate translation: “the word Pur, which means ‘lot.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 28 hc8s figs-activepassive 0 These days were to be celebrated and observed This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “The Jews were to celebrate and observe these days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 28 i2qk 0 would never cease to faithfully observe This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “would always faithfully observe”
EST 9 29 je8e 0 Queen Esther daughter of Abihail and Mordecai the Jew wrote…this second letter Esther was the daughter of Abihail. Esther and Mordecai wrote the letter.
EST 9 29 cm8c translate-names 0 Abihail Esther’s father and Mordecai’s uncle. See how you translated this in [Esther 2:15](../02/15.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 29 ku7d translate-numbers 0 second letter “additional letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 30 iw9y figs-activepassive 0 Letters were sent to all the Jews This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “They sent letters to all the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 30 u389 translate-numbers 0 127 provinces “one hundred and twenty-seven provinces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 30 iaf7 figs-abstractnouns 0 wishing the Jews safety and truth The abstract nouns “safety” and “truth” can be expressed with phrases. Alternate translation: “wishing that the Jews would be safe and that people would be faithful to the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 9 31 rl2s figs-metaphor 0 The Jews accepted this obligation for themselves and their descendants Accepting an obligation is a metaphor for agreeing with the obligation. The abstract noun “obligation” can be expressed with the verb “obligate.” Alternate translation: “The Jews agreed and said that they and their descendants were obligated to celebrate the days of Purim” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 9 31 rgr9 figs-metaphor 0 they accepted times of fasting and lamenting Accepting times of fasting and lamenting is a metaphor for agreeing to fast and lament at certain times. Alternate translation: “they agreed to fast and lament at certain times” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 10 intro h4m4 0 # Esther 10 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Mordecai’s 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.
EST 10 1 b5ht figs-metonymy 0 imposed a tax on the land and on the coastlands along the sea To impose a tax means to make people pay a tax. The land and coastlands represent the people living there. Alternate translation: “made the people living in the land and on the coastlands along the sea pay a tax” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 10 2 p98n figs-abstractnouns 0 All the achievements of his power and might The abstract noun “achievements” can be expressed with the verb “achieve” or the phrase “do great things. The abstract nouns “power” and “might” can be translated with adjectives. Alternate translation: “All that he achieved because of how powerful and mighty he was” or “All the great things that he did because of his power and might” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 10 2 k7tc figs-metaphor 0 the full account of the greatness of Mordecai to which the king had raised him The king honoring Mordecai is spoken of as if the king physically raised him up. Alternate translation: “the full account of how the King had made it known that Mordecai was great” or “the full account of how the king had honored Mordecai for the great things he had done” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 10 3 wfb8 0 second in rank to King Ahasuerus “the most important person after King Ahasuerus”
EST 10 3 iui7 figs-metaphor 0 Jewish brothers The word brothers represents people who were like him. Alternate translation: “fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 10 3 wte9 figs-metaphor 0 he sought the welfare of his people Seeking something is a metaphor for working hard for something. The abstract noun “welfare” can be translated as a phrase with the verb “prosper” or the adjective “secure.” Alternate translation: “He worked hard so his people would prosper” or “He worked hard so his people would be secure” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 10 3 s8f8 0 he spoke for the peace of all his people “he represented his people so that they might have peace”
EST front intro d989 0 # Introduction to Esther<br>## Part 1: General Introduction<br><br>### Outline of Esther<br><br>1. King Ahasuerus sends away his wife, the queen (1:1–22)<br>1. Ahasuerus chooses Esther as the new queen (2:1–23)<br>1. Haman plots to destroy the Jews (3:1–15)<br>1. Mordecai asks Esther to help her people (4:1–17)<br>1. Esther pleads with the king for the Jews (5:1–7:10)<br>1. The result of Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews (8:1–9:16)<br>1. The Feast of Purim (9:17–32)<br>1. Conclusion (10:1–3)<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.<br>
EST 1 intro v1fp 0 # Esther 01 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### The king’s divorce<br><br>The king’s advisers were afraid that husbands would lose their authority when they heard the queen had refused to come to show her beauty to the king’s guests; so the advisers told him to divorce her.<br>
EST 1 1 jdr1 writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִ֖י 1 Now it happened In the Old Testament, this is a standard way of beginning a historical story. Many languages have similar story-opening formulas, and if your language has one, you can use it. But do not use it if it would suggest that the story is not real, only made up. Alternate translation: “This account happened” (See: Introduction of a New Event) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 1 1 zzz2 figs-idiom בִּ⁠ימֵ֣י אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ 1 In the days of Ahasuerus The term **day** is used figuratively here to refer to a longer period of time. You could just say “during the reign of Ahasuerus,” as UST does. But as an alternative, you could say, “in the time of Ahasuerus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 1 qwe1 translate-names אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ 1 Ahasuerus This is a man’s name. It occurs many times in the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 1 v5ts writing-background ה֣וּא אֲחַשְׁוֵר֗וֹשׁ הַ⁠מֹּלֵךְ֙ מֵ⁠הֹ֣דּוּ וְ⁠עַד־כּ֔וּשׁ שֶׁ֛בַע וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֥ים וּ⁠מֵאָ֖ה מְדִינָֽה 1 he was Ahasuerus the one who ruled from India even as far as Ethiopia, 127 provinces This is background information to help the reader identify Ahasuerus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 1 1 qwe3 ה֣וּא אֲחַשְׁוֵר֗וֹשׁ הַ⁠מֹּלֵךְ֙ 1 he was Ahasuerus, the one who ruled “This king named Ahasuerus ruled”
EST 1 1 qwe5 writing-background מֵ⁠הֹ֣דּוּ וְ⁠עַד־כּ֔וּשׁ 1 from India even as far as Ethiopia In case your audience might not know where these places are, you could say, “extending from India in the east to Ethiopia in the west.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 1 1 qwe7 writing-background שֶׁ֛בַע וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֥ים וּ⁠מֵאָ֖ה מְדִינָֽה 1 127 provinces The number is given to show what a large empire this was. You could say that explicitly: “Ahasuerus ruled a very large empire that had 127 provinces.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 1 2 dk31 figs-metonymy כְּ⁠שֶׁ֣בֶת…עַ֚ל כִּסֵּ֣א מַלְכוּת֔⁠וֹ 1 sat on the throne of his royalty Here the action of sitting on a throne is used figuratively to mean ruling over a kingdom. You could just say “ruled,” as UST does. But as an alternative, you could say, “ruled his empire from his royal throne” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 2 qwe9 figs-abstractnouns עַ֚ל כִּסֵּ֣א מַלְכוּת֔⁠וֹ 1 the throne of his royalty **Royalty** is an abstract noun that refers to the royal authority that the king exercised. You can translate this idea with a verb, “the throne he ruled from,” or an adjective, “his royal throne.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 2 hgm3 translate-names בְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֥ן 1 in Susa This was the name of a royal city of the Persian kings. It occurs many times in the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 2 qwr1 translate-unknown הַ⁠בִּירָֽה 1 the citadel This means a “castle” or “palace” where a king would live. But since the city of Susa itself is being called a “citadel” here, it’s likely that the term figuratively means “royal city” or “capital city.” The person telling this story is identifying Susa as the capital by calling it by the name of something closely associated with it, the royal palace within it. A good translation might be “the capital city of Persia.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 3 ry7m translate-ordinal בִּ⁠שְׁנַ֤ת שָׁלוֹשׁ֙ לְ⁠מָלְכ֔⁠וֹ 1 in the third year of his reign This means that Ahasuerus had already ruled for two full years and that these events took place in the year that followed them. Alternate translation: “during the third year that Ahasuerus ruled his empire” or “after he had ruled for two years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 1 3 qwr3 figs-abstractnouns בִּ⁠שְׁנַ֤ת שָׁלוֹשׁ֙ לְ⁠מָלְכ֔⁠וֹ 1 in the third year of his reign **Reign** is an abstract noun that refers to the royal authority that the king exercised. You can translate it with a verb: “during the third year that Ahasuerus ruled” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 3 qwr5 עָשָׂ֣ה מִשְׁתֶּ֔ה 1 he made a feast “he hosted a feast”
EST 1 3 prm1 figs-synecdoche חֵ֣יל ׀ פָּרַ֣ס וּ⁠מָדַ֗י 1 the army of Persia and Media This likely refers to the leaders of the army. It is describing a part of the army by referring to the whole army. Alternate translation: “the officers of the army” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 1 3 qwr7 הַֽ⁠פַּרְתְּמִ֛ים 1 the noblemen This probably means something like “the wealthy landowners.”
EST 1 3 jdr3 figs-metonymy  לְ⁠פָנָֽי⁠ו 1 before his face **Face** figuratively stands for the presence of a person, so this phrase means “in his presence.” The invitation was to come to the royal capital to attend a banquet where the king would be present in person. You could say, as UST does, that the king was present in person to host the feast. Or you could say as an alternative, “All of them came to Susa for the feast.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 4 qwr9 figs-abstractnouns בְּ⁠הַרְאֹת֗⁠וֹ אֶת־עֹ֨שֶׁר֙ כְּב֣וֹד מַלְכוּת֔⁠וֹ 1 when he displayed the wealth of the glory of his kingdom You can translate the abstract noun with an emphasized adjective. Alternate translation: “Ahasuerus … wanted to demonstrate … the great wealth of his kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 4 qet1 figs-explicit בְּ⁠הַרְאֹת֗⁠וֹ 1 when he displayed “He” refers to the king. The implication is that he held this banquet 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]])
EST 1 4 m8xa figs-doublet עֹ֨שֶׁר֙ כְּב֣וֹד מַלְכוּת֔⁠וֹ 1 the wealth of the glory of his kingdom The words “wealth” and “glory” have similar meanings and they are used together to emphasize how great his kingdom was. Alternate translation: “the great wealth of his kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 1 4 qet3 figs-abstractnouns בְּ⁠הַרְאֹת֗⁠וֹ…וְ⁠אֶ֨ת־יְקָ֔ר תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת גְּדוּלָּת֑⁠וֹ 1 when he displayed…the splendor of the beauty of his greatness You can translate abstract nouns “splendor,” “beauty,” and “greatness” as adjectives. Alternate translation: “Ahasuerus … wanted to demonstrate … that he was a very powerful king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 4 lun5 figs-doublet יְקָ֔ר תִּפְאֶ֖רֶת גְּדוּלָּת֑⁠וֹ 1 the splendor of the beauty of his greatness The words “splendor” and “beauty” have similar meaning and emphasize how great he was. Alternate translation: “the splendor of his greatness” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 1 4 qet5 figs-explicit יָמִ֣ים רַבִּ֔ים שְׁמוֹנִ֥ים וּ⁠מְאַ֖ת יֽוֹם 1 for many days, for 180 days This was a very long time for a royal feast to last. The earlier part of the verse provides the reason for this. To make the connection explicit, you could add some explanatory words to the verse like this: “Ahasuerus entertained his guests fabulously, because he wanted to demonstrate that his empire was extremely wealthy and that he was a very powerful king. He did so many things for them that the festivities lasted for six months.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 4 x1v6 translate-numbers שְׁמוֹנִ֥ים וּ⁠מְאַ֖ת יֽוֹם 1 for 180 days 180 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]])
EST 1 5 ue3x figs-explicit וּ⁠בִ⁠מְל֣וֹאת׀ הַ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֗לֶּה 1 And when those days were fulfilled The 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]])
EST 1 5 fv9y translate-numbers עָשָׂ֣ה הַ⁠מֶּ֡לֶךְ…מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה 1 the king made a feast This was a second feast that the king hosted. He likely did this to thank the people who had worked so hard in hosting the first feast. You could say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 5 mj16 translate-unknown בְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֨ן הַ⁠בִּירָ֜ה 1 in Susa the citadel The expression in this case seems to refer specifically to the royal palace or 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 palace 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]])
EST 1 5 qet7 figs-idiom הַ⁠נִּמְצְאִים֩ 1 who were found Here **found** is an idiom that means “could be found” or “were there.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 5 qet9 figs-activepassive הַ⁠נִּמְצְאִים֩ 1 who were found You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “who worked for him in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 1 5 qey1 figs-merism לְ⁠מִ⁠גָּ֧דוֹל וְ⁠עַד־קָטָ֛ן 1 from the greatest even to the least The person telling this story is referring to the staff of the palace by speaking of two extreme parts of it, the most important and the least important people who worked there, in order to include everyone in between. You could just explain this meaning, as UST does. Alternate translation: “from the most important official to the least important servant” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EST 1 5 qey3 שִׁבְעַ֣ת יָמִ֑ים 1 for seven days Alternate translation: “another feast that lasted seven days” The story does not suggest that this was an unusually long time by saying “for many days.” But you could also say something like “a whole week” to show that this was a generous gesture of thanks on the part of the king.
EST 1 6 qey5 translate-unknown ח֣וּר ׀ כַּרְפַּ֣ס וּ⁠תְכֵ֗לֶת 1 Linens cotton and blue These **linens** were curtains that were hung in the courtyard. “Cotton” refers to the white color of some of them. So this means “white and blue curtains. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 6 qey7 ח֣וּר ׀ כַּרְפַּ֣ס וּ⁠תְכֵ֗לֶת 1 Linens cotton and blue You can specify at the start of this verse that the location being described is the same as in the previous verse: “In the courtyard, white and blue curtains.”
EST 1 6 qey9 translate-unknown בְּ⁠חַבְלֵי־ב֣וּץ וְ⁠אַרְגָּמָ֔ן 1 by cords of byssus and purple **Byssus** means “white linen” and it is used to describe the white color of some of these cords. So this means “white and purple cords.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-translate-unknown]])
EST 1 6 qru1 figs-explicit מִטּ֣וֹת ׀ זָהָ֣ב וָ⁠כֶ֗סֶף 1 couches of gold and silver You can specify that these couches were there for the guests to recline on while they ate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 6 asn4 translate-unknown רִֽצְפַ֥ת 1 a pavement This word probably refers to a mosaic floor made of inlaid pieces of colorful precious stones.
EST 1 6 eyi2 translate-unknown בַּהַט 1 porphyry This is a kind of red and purple stone that contains pieces of crystal. You could call it “feldspar,” or say something descriptive like “red marble.” (See: Translate Unknowns) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 6 qru3 translate-unknown וָ⁠שֵׁ֖שׁ 1 and alabaster This is a white precious stone. You could identify it as “alabaster.” Alternatively, while it is not exactly the same thing as marble, your readers would get the right idea if you called it “white marble.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 6 qru5 translate-unknown וְ⁠סֹחָֽרֶת 1 and precious stone This word probably refers to a black marble that was used to create borders around mosaics. You could call this “black marble,” or you could just say that the floor contained “another precious stone.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 7 urm7 figs-abstractnouns וְ⁠הַשְׁקוֹת֙ 1 And the serving was The abstract noun **serving** refers to how the drinks were served at the banquet. You can translate it with a verb: “The attendants served wine.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 7 qru7 ⁠כֵלִ֖ים מִ⁠כֵּלִ֣ים שׁוֹנִ֑ים 1 with vessels different from other vessels This could mean that “no two of them were alike.” But you could also just say that the wine was served in “various kinds of golden cups.”
EST 1 7 r6ec figs-explicit וְ⁠יֵ֥ין מַלְכ֛וּת רָ֖ב כְּ⁠יַ֥ד הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 and the wine of royalty was abundant according to the hand of the king This means that King Ahasuerus himself paid for all the wine that the guests drank at his seven-day feast in Susa, and 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]])
EST 1 7 qru9 figs-abstractnouns וְ⁠יֵ֥ין מַלְכ֛וּת רָ֖ב כְּ⁠יַ֥ד הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 and the wine of royalty This probably means special fine wine that only the king could acquire and afford. You can translate the abstract noun “royalty” with an adjective. Alternate translation: “royal wine.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 7 wpq1 figs-metonymy כְּ⁠יַ֥ד הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 according to the hand of the king Here **hand** refers figuratively to the king himself, viewed through his action of giving. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 8 qtu1 figs-abstractnouns וְ⁠הַ⁠שְּׁתִיָּ֥ה כַ⁠דָּ֖ת 1 the drinking was according to the law The abstract noun **drinking** refers here not to the action of drinking, but to the guidelines for serving drinks that the king had established for the banquet. Alternate translation: “Ahasuerus had established this rule for all his household attendants who served the wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 8 g5gu figs-explicit אֵ֣ין אֹנֵ֑ס 1 There is no compulsion This could mean one of two things. (1) No one would be stopped from drinking, even if the attendants thought they had already had enough. Alternate translation: “There was to be no restriction on drinking.” (2) There would be no requirement to drink. Alternate translation: “No one must be forced to drink.” Either way, this was another sign of the generosity that the king showed as he hosted this banquet to thank the people who worked for him. Either he was (1) allowing them to drink as much as they wanted to, or (2) not requiring them to eat and drink everything that was served at a banquet, as guests of the king would usually 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]])
EST 1 8 f6px grammar-connect-logic-result כִּי־כֵ֣ן׀ יִסַּ֣ד הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ עַ֚ל כָּל־רַ֣ב בֵּית֔⁠וֹ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת כִּ⁠רְצ֥וֹן אִישׁ־וָ⁠אִֽישׁ 1 for thus the king had established for every overseer of his house, to do according to the desire of man by man Alternate translation: “The king made the attendants who served the wine follow this rule.” This explains why no one had to drink if they did not want to. If it would be clearer in your language, you can give this explanation (the reason) before the result that it accounts for, using a connecting word like “so”: “the king had established for every overseer of his house to do according to the desire of man by man, so the drinking was according to the law, ‘There is no compulsion.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 1 8 qtu3 לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת כִּ⁠רְצ֥וֹן אִישׁ־וָ⁠אִֽישׁ 1 to do according to the desire of man by man Alternate translation: “The king wanted every guest to be able to drink as much as he wanted,” or “All the guests could drink as little or as much as they wanted.”
EST 1 8 jdr5 figs-idiom אִישׁ־וָ⁠אִֽישׁ 1 man by man This is an idiom that means “everyone.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 9 qtu5 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous גַּ֚ם 1 Also This introduces something else that was happening at the same time. You can indicate this by saying something like, “During this time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
EST 1 9 qtu7 writing-participants וַשְׁתִּ֣י הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֔ה 1 Vashti the queen You can explain that she was the wife of Ahasuerus: “Queen Vashti, the king’s wife” or “his wife.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EST 1 9 qtu9 translate-names וַשְׁתִּ֣י הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֔ה 1 Vashti This is a woman’s name. It occurs several times in this chapter and the next one. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 9 qti1 מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה נָשִׁ֑ים 1 a feast of women This could mean the women who served in the palace, the wives of the men who were officers and servants, or both. You could say “a feast for the wives of the men who attended” or “for the women who worked in the palace.”
EST 1 9 qti3 בֵּ֚ית הַ⁠מַּלְכ֔וּת אֲשֶׁ֖ר לַ⁠מֶּ֥לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֽוֹשׁ 1 the house of royalty that belonged to the king Ahasuerus Alternate translation: “the royal palace where King Ahasuerus lived”
EST 1 9 qti5 figs-abstractnouns בֵּ֚ית הַ⁠מַּלְכ֔וּת 1 house of royalty You can translate the abstract noun “royalty” with the adjective “royal.” Alternate translation: “royal palace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 10 jv7z translate-ordinal בַּ⁠יּוֹם֙ הַ⁠שְּׁבִיעִ֔י 1 On the seventh day Alternate translation: “After 6 days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 1 10 le6l figs-metaphor כְּ⁠ט֥וֹב לֵב־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ בַּ⁠יָּ֑יִן 1 when the heart of the king was pleased by the wine Here **heart** figuratively means the action of thinking or feeling. Alternate translation: “when King Ahasuerus was in a good mood from drinking wine” or “when the king was drunk with wine” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 10 dcb2 translate-names מְהוּמָן בִּזְּתָ֨א חַרְבוֹנָ֜א בִּגְתָ֤א וַ⁠אֲבַגְתָא֙ זֵתַ֣ר וְ⁠כַרְכַּ֔ס 1 Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha and Abagtha, Zethar and Karkas These are names of seven men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 10 ens5 translate-unknown הַ⁠סָּ֣רִיסִ֔ים 1 the…eunuchs This term occurs a dozen times in the story. It describes male royal officials 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 women’s quarters, and guardians of the women inside, to take care of them and look after their needs. (As we learn in 2:21, some of these officials also protected the king’s private quarters.) As we see here, and as will also be seen in 2:14 and 2:16, their duties included escorting women from place to place. The term likely indicates that, in keeping with the practices of the time, these men were castrated because their work brought them into such close contact with the king’s wives and concubines. If your language has a term for such an official and you think your readers would recognize it, you can use it. Otherwise, you can use a term that describes the role that these officials played in the royal court. Alternate translation: “guardians” or “officials” or “castrated servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 10 qti7 writing-background הַ⁠מְשָׁ֣רְתִ֔ים אֶת־פְּנֵ֖י הַ⁠מֶּ֥לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֽוֹשׁ 1 who served before the face of King Ahasuerus This is background information to explain who these men were. Alternate translation: “who attended him personally.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 1 10 jdr7 figs-metonymy פְּנֵ֖י הַ⁠מֶּ֥לֶךְ 1 the face of King Here **face** figuratively means the presence of a person. The phrase means that these seven men served King Ahasuerus personally. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 11 qti9 figs-explicit לְ֠⁠הָבִיא 1 to bring This is the beginning of the instructions that King Ahasuerus gave to the seven eunuchs he summoned in verse 10. You can make this explicit: “He told them to bring.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 11 jdr9 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 to the face of the king Here **face** figuratively means the presence of a person. The phrase means that King Ahasuerus wanted Queen Vashti to come personally into his presence. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 11 asd1 figs-abstractnouns בְּ⁠כֶ֣תֶר מַלְכ֑וּת 1 in a crown of royalty You can translate the abstract noun **royalty** with an adjective: “wearing her royal crown.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 11 asd3 figs-explicit בְּ⁠כֶ֣תֶר מַלְכ֑וּת 1 in a crown of royalty Ahasuerus likely wanted Vashti to wear her queen’s crown so that everyone would know that she was his wife. You could say that explicitly. (For the possible reasons why he wanted them to know this, see the next note.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 11 asd5 writing-background לְ⁠הַרְא֨וֹת הָֽ⁠עַמִּ֤ים וְ⁠הַ⁠שָּׂרִים֙ אֶת־יָפְיָ֔⁠הּ 1 in order to show the people and the officials her beauty Everything Ahasuerus did at his banquets was to show how rich and powerful he was. He seems to have believed that having a very beautiful wife was one more thing that proved he was a great man. So he wanted everyone to see how beautiful Vashti was. You can put this second in the verse, after explaining that Vashti was a very beautiful woman, because it accounts for what happens afterwards, when the king sends his seven personal servants to bring her in to his banquet. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 1 11 asd7 הָֽ⁠עַמִּ֤ים וְ⁠הַ⁠שָּׂרִים֙ 1 the people and the officials This might mean, “his guests, especially the officials.”
EST 1 11 asd9 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי־טוֹבַ֥ת מַרְאֶ֖ה הִֽיא 1 for she was pleasing of appearance If it would be clearer in your language, you can 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]])
EST 1 11 qvk4 figs-idiom כִּֽי־טוֹבַ֥ת מַרְאֶ֖ה הִֽיא 1 she was pleasing of appearance Alternate translation: “she was very beautiful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 12 asf1 figs-events וַ⁠תְּמָאֵ֞ן הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֣ה וַשְׁתִּ֗י לָ⁠בוֹא֙ 1 But the queen Vashti refused to come You can put the events in chronological order and say first that the eunuchs told Vashti what the king had commanded, and then say that she refused to come. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 1 12 asf3 figs-explicit וַ⁠תְּמָאֵ֞ן הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֣ה וַשְׁתִּ֗י לָ⁠בוֹא֙ 1 But the queen Vashti refused to come If your language needs to give a reason why she refused, it is most likely “because she did not want a group of drunken men staring at her lustfully.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 12 b57q בִּ⁠דְבַ֣ר הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 at the word of the king Alternate translation: “at the king’s command” or “what the king wanted”
EST 1 12 asf5 figs-metonymy בְּ⁠יַ֣ד הַ⁠סָּרִיסִ֑ים 1 by the hand of the eunuchs Here **hand** refers figuratively to the eunuchs themselves, viewed through their action of telling Vashti what the king had commanded. Alternation translation: “when those servants told Queen Vashti what the king wanted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 12 kp6p translate-unknown הַ⁠סָּרִיסִ֑ים 1 the eunuchs See how you translated this term in 1:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 12 asf7 figs-parallelism וַ⁠יִּקְצֹ֤ף הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ מְאֹ֔ד וַ⁠חֲמָת֖⁠וֹ בָּעֲרָ֥ה בֽ⁠וֹ 1 the king became very angry, and his rage burned within him These two phrases mean similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize the idea that they are expressing. You could combine them, as UST does: “The king became so angry that he could barely contain himself.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 1 12 bsd5 figs-metaphor וַ⁠חֲמָת֖⁠וֹ בָּעֲרָ֥ה בֽ⁠וֹ 1 and his rage burned within him Here the story uses a metaphor that pictures the king’s anger as a fire that burned inside of him. If your language has a different word picture that it uses to describe extreme anger, you can use that here. If not, you can translate plainly, “his anger continued to increase.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-phenom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 1 13 asf9 לַ⁠חֲכָמִ֖ים 1 to the wise men This means the king’s advisors. You could call them “his advisors” or “the royal advisors.”
EST 1 13 g9fe יֹדְעֵ֣י הָֽ⁠עִתִּ֑ים 1 who were knowers of the times This means something like “who knew the right way to do things” or “who understood the culture.”
EST 1 13 x2u7 writing-background כִּי־כֵן֙ דְּבַ֣ר הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 for thus was the manner of the king This means that “it was the king's habit” to consult his advisors on important questions. This is background information that explains why the king called upon these men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 1 13 adf1 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּי־כֵן֙ דְּבַ֣ר הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 for thus was the manner of the king You can 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]])
EST 1 13 jd11 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֕י 1 before the face of Here **face** refers figuratively to the presence of a person. The phrase means that King Ahasuerus would personally ask his wise men for advice in matters like these. Alternate translation: “to consult personally with” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 13 adf3 יֹדְעֵ֖י דָּ֥ת וָ⁠דִֽין 1 knowers of law and judgment This means that these advisors knew the law and knew how to make good decisions in light of it.
EST 1 14 adf5 וְ⁠הַ⁠קָּרֹ֣ב אֵלָ֗י⁠ו 1 and the ones near to him “the king’s closest advisors”
EST 1 14 cc44 translate-names כַּרְשְׁנָ֤א שֵׁתָר֙ אַדְמָ֣תָא תַרְשִׁ֔ישׁ מֶ֥רֶס מַרְסְנָ֖א מְמוּכָ֑ן 1 Karshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Mersena, Memukan These are the names of seven men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 14 jd13 figs-idiom רֹאֵי֙ פְּנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 seers of the face of the king **To see the face of** is an idiom that means to be in the presence of a person. The phrase means that King Ahasuerus would regularly and personally consult with these seven advisors. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 14 adf7 figs-metaphor הַ⁠יֹּשְׁבִ֥ים רִאשֹׁנָ֖ה בַּ⁠מַּלְכֽוּת 1 the ones who sat first in the kingdom Here **sitting** represents ruling or judging. The expression here means that these were the most powerful officials in the empire. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 1 15 j6sh figs-explicit כְּ⁠דָת֙ מַֽה־לַּ⁠עֲשׂ֔וֹת בַּ⁠מַּלְכָּ֖ה וַשְׁתִּ֑י עַ֣ל׀ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹֽא־עָשְׂתָ֗ה אֶֽת־מַאֲמַר֙ הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ בְּ⁠יַ֖ד הַ⁠סָּרִיסִֽים 1 According to law, what is to be done with the queen Vashti on account of that she did not perform the command of King Ahasuerus by the hand of the eunuchs? This verse presents the question that the king asked the wise men. It may be helpful to indicate this by saying something like, “The king asked them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 15 ics9 כְּ⁠דָת֙…עַ֣ל ׀ אֲשֶׁ֣ר 1 According to law…on account of that “What does the law say we should do…because…?”
EST 1 15 adf9 figs-events בְּ⁠יַ֖ד הַ⁠סָּרִיסִֽים 1 by the hand of the eunuchs To present the events in chronological order, you can 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]])
EST 1 15 jd15 figs-metonymy בְּ⁠יַ֖ד הַ⁠סָּרִיסִֽים 1 by the hand of the eunuchs Here **hand** figuratively represents the action of doing or giving. The phrase means that the eunuchs were the ones who told Queen Vashti what King Ahasuerus had commanded her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 15 adg1 translate-unknown הַ⁠סָּרִיסִֽים 1 eunuchs See how you translated this term in 1:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 1 15 adg3 figs-metonymy וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר מְמוּכָ֗ן לִ⁠פְנֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 And Memukan answered before the face of the king and the officials Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. The phrase means that Memukan was speaking in the presence of the king and of the other officials. Alternate translation: “Then Memukan spoke so that both the king and the officials could hear” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bira-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 16 ss5y translate-names מְמוּכָ֗ן 1 Memukan See how you translated this man’s name in 1:14. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 16 yqr8 figs-hyperbole כָּל־הָ֣⁠עַמִּ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֕ר בְּ⁠כָל־מְדִינ֖וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֥לֶךְ 1 all the people who are in all the provinces of the king This means all the different people groups that were living in the empire. You could say “all the people groups in all the provinces that King Ahasuerus rules” or more generally “every person who lives in the entire empire of King Ahasuerus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EST 1 16 adg5 figs-123person הַ⁠מֶּ֥לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֽוֹשׁ 1 the king Ahasuerus Memukan speaks of the king in third person as a form of respect. If you want to portray him as speaking primarily to the king, because he is answering the king’s question, you could have him say “in all the provinces that you rule” or “every person who lives in your entire empire.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 17 jd17 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי 1 For This introduces the reason why Memukan says that Queen Vashti has done wrong against all the men in the kingdom and not only against King Ahasuerus. To show that, you can begin with, “This is what will happen.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 1 17 gn4g figs-hyperbole יֵצֵ֤א דְבַר־הַ⁠מַּלְכָּה֙ עַל־כָּל־הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֔ים 1 the matter of the queen will go out to all the women To emphasize his point, Memukan exaggerates and says that every single woman in the empire will hear about Queen Vashti refusing to obey King Ahasuerus. You could say, as UST does, that “women all over the empire” will hear about what the queen did. Or you could preserve Memukan’s manner of speaking by saying “every woman” will hear. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EST 1 17 jd19 figs-metonymy לְ⁠הַבְז֥וֹת בַּעְלֵי⁠הֶ֖ן בְּ⁠עֵינֵי⁠הֶ֑ן 1 to make their husbands despised in their eyes Here **eyes** stand for “seeing,” and “seeing” figuratively means knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. The phrase means that the women will treat their husbands with disrespect and not obey them. Alternate translation: “women will despise their husbands.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 1 17 adg7 figs-explicit בְּ⁠אָמְרָ֗⁠ם הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֡וֹשׁ אָמַ֞ר לְ⁠הָבִ֨יא אֶת־וַשְׁתִּ֧י הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֛ה לְ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו וְ⁠לֹא־בָֽאָה 1 when they say, “The king Ahasuerus said to bring Vashti the queen before his face, but she did not come.” The implication is that they will go on to say, “So if even the queen can disobey the king, why should I have to obey my husband?” If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 17 adg9 grammar-connect-logic-result הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֡וֹשׁ אָמַ֞ר לְ⁠הָבִ֨יא אֶת־וַשְׁתִּ֧י הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֛ה לְ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו וְ⁠לֹא־בָֽאָה 1 The king Ahasuerus said to bring Vashti the queen before his face, but she did not come. The women will stop respecting their husbands after they hear about this. You can put this report about what Queen Vashti did first, before “women will stop respecting their husbands,” because it is the reason that explains that result. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 1 17 jd21 figs-metonymy לְ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו 1 before his face Here **face** figuratively means the presence of a person. The phrase means the Queen Vashti refused to come into the presence of King Ahasuerus when he summoned her during the feast. See how you translated this in verse 11. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 18 afg1 וְֽ⁠הַ⁠יּ֨וֹם הַ⁠זֶּ֜ה 1 Now this day “Even today” or “Even this very day”
EST 1 18 afg3 שָׂר֣וֹת פָּֽרַס־וּ⁠מָדַ֗י 1 the noblewomen of Persia and Media It becomes clear later in the verse that Memukan is speaking of the wives of the king’s officials, and you could 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.”
EST 1 18 afg5 דְּבַ֣ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֔ה 1 the matter of the queen “what the queen has done”
EST 1 18 afg7 תֹּאמַ֣רְנָה 1 will speak This means that they will “talk back” or disobey. Alternate translation: “refuse to obey”
EST 1 18 afg9 figs-explicit לְ⁠כֹ֖ל שָׂרֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 to all the officials of the king This means the husbands of the noblewomen. The implication may be, “They will disobey their husbands, even though they are officials of the king.” You could say that explicitly, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 18 u6d7 וּ⁠כְ⁠דַ֖י בִּזָּי֥וֹן וָ⁠קָֽצֶף 1 and there will be contempt and wrath enough This could mean either that “they will treat their husbands with disrespect, and this will make their husbands angry with them” or that “they will be angry with their husbands and treat them with contempt.”
EST 1 18 afh1 figs-explicit וּ⁠כְ⁠דַ֖י 1 and there will be enough This could mean that the husbands will be 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]])
EST 1 19 afh3 figs-idiom אִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֗וֹב 1 If it is good to the king This is an idiom that means, “If the king thinks this is a good idea” or “If this advice is pleasing to the king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 19 d8qk figs-123person אִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֗וֹב 1 If it is good to the king Memukan speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: “If it pleases you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 19 jd25 figs-metonymy יֵצֵ֤א דְבַר־מַלְכוּת֙ מִ⁠לְּ⁠פָנָ֔י⁠ו 1 let a decree of royalty go out from before his face Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. The phrase means that the decree will come from the king himself. Alternate translation: “you should personally issue a royal decree” or “you should write a decree yourself.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 19 afh5 figs-abstractnouns דְבַר־מַלְכוּת֙ 1 a decree of royalty You can translate the abstract noun **royalty** with the adjective “royal.” Alternate translation: “royal decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 19 jd23 figs-123person מִ⁠לְּ⁠פָנָ֔י⁠ו 1 from before his face Memukan speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: “personally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 19 afh7 figs-activepassive וְ⁠יִכָּתֵ֛ב 1 and let it be written You can say this with an active form, and you can say who will do the action. Alternate translation: “you should write a decree yourself” or “command your scribes to write a decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 1 19 mh1a וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַעֲב֑וֹר 1 which do not pass away “these laws never become invalid” or “can never be changed”
EST 1 19 jd27 figs-123person תָב֜וֹא…לִ⁠פְנֵי֙ הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ 1 come before the face of the king Memukan speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: “never come into your presence again” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 19 jd29 figs-metonymy תָב֜וֹא…לִ⁠פְנֵי֙ הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ 1 come before the face of the king Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. The phrase means that Queen Vashti will never again come into the king’s presence. Alternate translation: “never again come before King Ahasuerus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 19 jd31 figs-123person וּ⁠מַלְכוּתָ⁠הּ֙ יִתֵּ֣ן הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ לִ⁠רְעוּתָ֖⁠הּ הַ⁠טּוֹבָ֥ה מִמֶּֽ⁠נָּה 1 and let the king give her royalty to her female neighbor Memukan speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. You can show the same meaning with a verb that addresses a singular “you” and indicates that Memukan is offering advice, not giving a command: “choose another woman to be queen.” Alternate translation: “the king can give her position as queen to some other woman.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 19 afh9 figs-abstractnouns וּ⁠מַלְכוּתָ⁠הּ֙ 1 and…her royalty You can translate the abstract noun “royalty” with an expression such as “her royal position” or “her position as queen.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 1 19 afj1 figs-explicit הַ⁠טּוֹבָ֥ה מִמֶּֽ⁠נָּה 1 the woman who is better than she Memukan means that the next queen should be “better than” Vashti by obeying all of the king’s commands. You could say this explicitly, as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 1 20 v9l3 figs-activepassive וְ⁠נִשְׁמַע֩ פִּתְגָ֨ם הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ 1 Then the decree of the king will be heard You can say this with an active form, and you can say who will do the action. Alternate translation: “when everyone … hears” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 1 20 des3 figs-123person פִּתְגָ֨ם הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ 1 the decree of the king Memukan speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. You could express the same meaning in the second person: “When they hear what you have commanded” Alternate translation: “When they hear the king’s decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 20 jd33 figs-123person אֲשֶֽׁר־יַעֲשֶׂה֙ בְּ⁠כָל־מַלְכוּת֔⁠וֹ 1 that he will make for all his kingdom Even though the decree of Ahasuerus applied only to Vashti directly, implicitly it meant that all wives had to obey their husbands, or else their husbands could banish and divorce them as well. You can say this explicitly at the end of the verse: “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)
EST 1 20 afj3 figs-123person מַלְכוּת֔⁠וֹ 1 his kingdom Memukan speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. Alternate translation: “for all your kingdom” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 1 20 p8nz כִּ֥י רַבָּ֖ה הִ֑יא 1 though it is great “even though your empire is very large”
EST 1 20 afj5 הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֗ים יִתְּנ֤וּ יְקָר֙ לְ⁠בַעְלֵי⁠הֶ֔ן 1 women will give honor to their husbands “women will respect and obey their husbands”
EST 1 20 be9r figs-merism לְ⁠מִ⁠גָּד֖וֹל וְ⁠עַד־קָטָֽן 1 from the greatest to the least This expression figuratively refers to all of the husbands in the empire. By naming both extremes, it includes everyone in between. You could just give the meaning, as UST does: “every husband in the empire” Alternate translation: “This will be true for both the most important man and the least important man in the empire, and everyone in between.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EST 1 21 afj7 figs-idiom וַ⁠יִּיטַב֙ הַ⁠דָּבָ֔ר בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 The word seemed good in the eyes of the king Like “if it is good to the king” in verse 19, this is an idiom that means, “the king thought this was a good idea” or “this advice pleased the king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 21 afj9 figs-metonymy בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ וְ⁠הַ⁠שָּׂרִ֑ים 1 in the eyes of the king and the officials Here **eyes** stand for for seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. The phrase means that King Ahasuerus and all the officials who heard Memukan’s advice thought that his suggestion was a good idea. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 1 21 agj1 וַ⁠יַּ֥עַשׂ הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ כִּ⁠דְבַ֥ר מְמוּכָֽן 1 the king acted according to the word of Memukan This means that King Ahasuerus wrote a law proclaiming what Memukan had suggested.
EST 1 21 p5us translate-names מְמוּכָֽן 1 Memukan Translate his name as in 1:14. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 1 22 agj3 וַ⁠יִּשְׁלַ֤ח סְפָרִים֙ אֶל־כָּל־מְדִינ֣וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 he sent letters to all the provinces of the king “He” means King Ahasuerus. This is saying that the king sent letters to every province in his empire.
EST 1 22 jd37 figs-idiom מְדִינָ֤ה וּ⁠מְדִינָה֙ 1 province by province This is an idiom that means “every province” or “every single province.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 22 agj5 כִּ⁠כְתָבָ֔⁠הּ 1 according to its own writing “using its own alphabet” or “written in its own script”
EST 1 22 jd39 figs-idiom עַ֥ם וָ⁠עָ֖ם 1 people by people This is an idiom that means “every people group” or “every single people group.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 1 22 jd41 figs-metonymy כִּ⁠לְשׁוֹנ֑⁠וֹ 1 according to its tongue Here **tongue** figuratively means the language spoken by a person or a group of people. Alternate translation: “in its own language” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 22 jj9n לִ⁠הְי֤וֹת כָּל־אִישׁ֙ שֹׂרֵ֣ר בְּ⁠בֵית֔⁠וֹ 1 that every man should be ruling in his house This meant that that all men should have complete authority over their wives and their children.
EST 1 22 jd43 figs-metonymy כִּ⁠לְשׁ֥וֹן עַמּֽ⁠וֹ 1 speaking according to the tongue of his people Here **tongue** figuratively means the language spoken by a person or a group of people. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 1 22 agj7 figs-explicit כִּ⁠לְשׁ֥וֹן עַמּֽ⁠וֹ 1 speaking according to the tongue of his people The implication is that the husband ought to be able to give orders to his wife in his own native language and that she should understand and obey him, even if she had to learn his language to do so. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 intro eb4q 0 # Esther 02 General Notes<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>Esther’s cousin, Mordecai, discovered that two men planned to kill the king. He told Esther, who then told the king. She also gave Mordecai credit for telling her.<br>
EST 2 1 dpc3 writing-newevent אַחַר֙ הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה 1 After these things This 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]])
EST 2 1 e4lp כְּ⁠שֹׁ֕ךְ חֲמַ֖ת הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ 1 when the rage of the king Ahasuerus subsided “when King Ahasuerus no longer felt so angry” or “became less angry”
EST 2 1 agj9 זָכַ֤ר אֶת־וַשְׁתִּי֙ 1 he remembered Vashti This means that he started to think about Vashti and he probably missed her.
EST 2 1 xpt9 figs-explicit אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֔תָה וְ⁠אֵ֥ת אֲשֶׁר־נִגְזַ֖ר עָלֶֽי⁠הָ 1 what she had done, and what had been decided concerning her This refers to Vashti’s refusal to obey Ahasuerus and 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]])
EST 2 1 agk1 figs-activepassive אֲשֶׁר־נִגְזַ֖ר עָלֶֽי⁠הָ 1 what had been decided You can say this with an active form, and you can say that the king performed the action. Alternate translation: “what he had decided” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 2 agk3 translate-unknown נַעֲרֵֽי־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ מְשָׁרְתָ֑י⁠ו 1 the young men of the king who serve him These were not the older, wiser royal advisors whom Ahasuerus consulted in 1:13, but younger men who stood nearby the king ready to help with any practical needs. You could call them his “personal servants.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 2 agk5 figs-explicit יְבַקְשׁ֥וּ לַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ נְעָר֥וֹת 1 Let them seek for the king young women Implicit in this suggestion is the idea, “You should get a new wife for yourself.” You can say that explicitly at the beginning of the advice that the young men give to the king. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 2 s4hv figs-activepassive יְבַקְשׁ֥וּ 1 Let 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.”
EST 2 2 abt8 figs-123person לַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ 1 for the king The young men speak to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternatively, you could have them say “for yourself” or “on your behalf.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 2 2 jd45 figs-idiom טוֹב֥וֹת מַרְאֶֽה 1 pleasing of appearance As in 1:11, this is an idiom that means “very beautiful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 3 g9vp figs-123person וְ⁠יַפְקֵ֨ד הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ 1 And let the king appoint The young men speak to the king in third person as a sign of respect. Alternatively, you could have them say “you could appoint” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 2 3 jd47 figs-idiom טוֹבַ֨ת מַרְאֶ֜ה 1 pleasing of appearance As in 1:11, this is an idiom that means “very beautiful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 3 xqf9 translate-unknown שׁוּשַׁ֤ן הַ⁠בִּירָה֙ 1 Susa the citadel In this context, this expression probably means “to the palace here in Susa.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 3 j4ka בֵּ֣ית הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֔ים 1 the house of women This means the harem for virgins, the place where the young women would live and receive beauty treatments before they were taken to the king (see verses 13 and 14).
EST 2 3 d754 figs-activepassive אֶל־יַ֥ד הֵגֶ֛א סְרִ֥יס הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֑ים 1 into the hand of Hegai, the eunuch of the king who is overseer of the women This can be stated in active form. Alternate translation: “Let Hegai, the king’s official, who is in charge of the women, take care of them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 3 jd49 figs-metaphor יַ֥ד הֵגֶ֛א 1 the hand of Hegai Here **hand** is a metaphor meaning power, control, or authority. As the overseer of the women, Hegai was responsible for the young women who lived in the harem for virgins. Alternate translation: “under the custody of Hegai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 2 3 lf71 translate-names הֵגֶ֛א 1 Hegai This is a man’s name. It occurs several times in this chapter. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 3 jd51 figs-123person סְרִ֥יס הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 the eunuch of the king The servants spoke to the king in third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “your eunuch” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 2 3 agk7 translate-unknown סְרִ֥יס 1 eunuch See how you translated this term in 1:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 3 agk9 שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֑ים 1 who is overseer of the women “the official who is in charge of the women who live there.”
EST 2 3 w1ly translate-unknown  תַּמְרוּקֵי⁠הֶֽן 1 their ointments This term seems to refer to a specific substance that women would put on their face or other parts of their body to make themselves more beautiful. From verse 12, it appears to mean lotions that were used along with oils and perfumes. But here, this one aspect of a woman’s beauty treatment seems to be used to refer to all of it, so you could call these “beauty treatments.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknowns]]) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 2 4 jd53 figs-123person וְ⁠הַֽ⁠נַּעֲרָ֗ה אֲשֶׁ֤ר תִּיטַב֙ בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Then the young woman who is pleasing in the eyes of the king The servants spoke to the king in third person as a sign of respect. You could express the same meaning in the second person by saying something such as “the young woman you like the best.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 2 4 lh3n figs-metonymy בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י 1 in the eyes of Here **eyes** figuratively represent seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. The phrase means that King Ahasuerus could decide which young woman he liked the best and make her queen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 2 4 jd55 figs-metonymy וַ⁠יִּיטַ֧ב הַ⁠דָּבָ֛ר בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 the word was pleasing in the eyes of the king Here **eyes** have the same figurative meaning. The phrase indicates that King Ahasuerus thought that this suggestion was a good idea. Alternate translation: “The king found their suggestion appealing” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 2 4 zxc1 וַ⁠יַּ֥עַשׂ כֵּֽן 1 so he did thus “so he followed the suggestion”
EST 2 5 h6z2 writing-participants אִ֣ישׁ יְהוּדִ֔י 1 A man, a Jew This introduces Mordecai as a new character in the story. This expression means “a Jewish man.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EST 2 5 uu9i translate-unknown בְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֣ן הַ⁠בִּירָ֑ה 1 in Susa the citadel Here the phrase likely indicates the city rather than the palace, that is, “the capital city of Susa.”
EST 2 5 zxc3 translate-names מָרְדֳּכַ֗י 1 Mordecai This is a man’s name. It occurs many times throughout the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 5 q2rz translate-names בֶּ֣ן יָאִ֧יר בֶּן־שִׁמְעִ֛י בֶּן־קִ֖ישׁ 1 the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish These are men’s names. Jair, Shimei, and Kish are Mordecai’s male ancestors. You could say, “Mordecai was the son of Jair, who was the son of Shimei, who was the son of Kish,” or, “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]])
EST 2 5 kw5t  אִ֥ישׁ יְמִינִֽי 1 a man, a Benjamite While this likely refers to Kish, it is necessarily also true of Mordecai, and you could put it second in the verse. That way Mordecai’s nationality would come first, then his tribe, and then his family and clan. Alternate translation: “from the tribe of Benjamin”
EST 2 6 zxc5 writing-background אֲשֶׁ֤ר הָגְלָה֙ מִ⁠יר֣וּשָׁלַ֔יִם עִם־הַ⁠גֹּלָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הָגְלְתָ֔ה עִ֖ם יְכָנְיָ֣ה מֶֽלֶךְ־יְהוּדָ֑ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֶגְלָ֔ה נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֖ר מֶ֥לֶךְ בָּבֶֽל 1 who had been exiled from Jerusalem with the captives who had been exiled along with Jehoiachin, the king of Judah, who Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had exiled The story now tells about something that happened many years before. This is background information that explains how this Jewish family came to live in Susa. You should introduce this by saying something like, “Many years earlier.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 2 6 z7fe figs-activepassive אֲשֶׁ֤ר הָגְלָה֙ מִ⁠יר֣וּשָׁלַ֔יִם 1 who had been exiled from Jerusalem If it would be clearer in your language, you could say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had taken Kish away from Jerusalem along with some other captives.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 6 egm7 writing-background אֲשֶׁ֤ר הָגְלָה֙ מִ⁠יר֣וּשָׁלַ֔יִם 1 who had been exiled from Jerusalem You can bring this information forward from later in the verse because it provides background information that helps identify Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 2 6 zxc7 figs-explicit אֲשֶׁ֤ר הָגְלָה֙ מִ⁠יר֣וּשָׁלַ֔יִם 1 who had been exiled from Jerusalem If it would be clearer in your language, you could say where King Nebuchadnezzar brought the people that he took away from Jerusalem. Alternate translation: “had taken Kish away from Jerusalem … and brought him to Babylon.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 6 zxc9 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous עִ֖ם 1 along with This means that the two things happened at the same time. You can indicate this with a phrase like “at the same time that he took.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
EST 2 6 ch1t translate-names יְכָנְיָ֣ה מֶֽלֶךְ־יְהוּדָ֑ה 1 Jeconiah, the king of Judah In the historical passage where this event is described (2 Kings 24:8–17), this king is called Jehoiachin. That was another name by which he was known. You can call him Jehoiachin here in Esther if you think that would help your readers recognize him better. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 6 zxv1 אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֶגְלָ֔ה נְבוּכַדְנֶאצַּ֖ר מֶ֥לֶךְ בָּבֶֽל 1 whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had exiled You can say where King Nebuchadnezzar brought this king when he took him away from Jerusalem, for example, “Nebuchadnezzar … took King Jehoiachin of Judah away from Jerusalem and brought him to Babylon.”
EST 2 7 zxv3 וַ⁠יְהִ֨י 1 And he was The story now returns to talking about Mordecai. You can specify his name: “Now Mordecai.”
EST 2 7 zxv5 אֹמֵ֜ן 1 fostering “was taking care of”
EST 2 7 hfm9 בַּת־דֹּד֔⁠וֹ 1 the daughter of his uncle If your language has a specific term for this relationship, you can use it, for example, “his cousin.” Alternate translation: “his uncle’s daughter”
EST 2 7 m9kx translate-names הֲדַסָּ֗ה הִ֤יא אֶסְתֵּר֙ 1 Hadassah (she is Esther) Here the story is indicating that this woman’s Hebrew name was Hadassah and her Persian name was Esther. You could say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 7 zxv7 translate-names אֶסְתֵּר֙ 1 Esther This is a woman’s name. It occurs many times throughout the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 7 ccb1 אֵ֥ין לָ֖⁠הּ אָ֣ב וָ⁠אֵ֑ם 1 there was not for her a father or a mother You could say simply that “she was an orphan,” as UST does. Alternate translation: “both her father and mother had died”
EST 2 7 jd59 figs-parallelism וְ⁠הַ⁠נַּעֲרָ֤ה יְפַת־תֹּ֨אַר֙ וְ⁠טוֹבַ֣ת מַרְאֶ֔ה 1 Now the young woman was beautiful of form and pleasing of appearance These two phrases mean something similar. Separately they could be saying that Esther was both sexually mature and very attractive. But taken together they mean that overall she was very pleasant to look at. You could combine them, as UST does, and say that she was “exceptionally attractive” Alternate translation: “she had a lovely body and a beautiful face.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 2 7 skt5 writing-background וּ⁠בְ⁠מ֤וֹת אָבִ֨י⁠הָ֙ וְ⁠אִמָּ֔⁠הּ לְקָחָ֧⁠הּ מָרְדֳּכַ֛י ל֖⁠וֹ לְ⁠בַֽת 1 And at the death of her father and her mother, Mordecai had taken her for him as a daughter This is background information explaining the relationship between Mordecai and Esther. You can move it to right after the place where Esther is introduced by name, because it describes what happened in the past, before Esther became a beautiful young woman. Alternate translation: “After her father and her mother had died, Mordecai had adopted her as his own daughter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 2 8 zxv9 grammar-connect-time-sequential וַ⁠יְהִ֗י 1 So it happened that After providing this background information about Mordecai and Esther in verses 5–7, the story now tells what happened as a result of these facts, when the provincial officers described in verse 3 began sending young women to the harem. That is, the story tells what happened to Esther because her family was living in the Persian empire and she was very attractive. 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]])
EST 2 8 zcv1 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous בְּ⁠הִשָּׁמַ֤ע דְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ וְ⁠דָת֔⁠וֹ וּֽ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֞ץ נְעָר֥וֹת רַבּ֛וֹת 1 when the decree of the king and his law were heard, and when many young women were gathered This indicates that two actions took place at the same time. You should indicate this with a phrase like “at the same time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
EST 2 8 zcv3 figs-activepassive בְּ⁠הִשָּׁמַ֤ע דְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ וְ⁠דָת֔⁠וֹ וּֽ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֞ץ נְעָר֥וֹת רַבּ֛וֹת 1 when the decree of the king and his law were heard You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. For example, “when the messengers proclaimed the king's decree and the scribes published the king's law.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 8 c52i דְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 the decree of the king This refers to King Ahasuerus banishing Queen Vashti from his presence.
EST 2 8 zcv5 וְ⁠דָת֔⁠וֹ 1 and his law This refers to King Ahasuerus commanding that men would have complete authority over their wives.
EST 2 8 zcv7 figs-explicit בְּ⁠הִשָּׁמַ֤ע 1 when…were heard You could also say where they did this action. Alternate translation: “Messengers went throughout the empire and proclaimed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 8 m3ld figs-activepassive וּֽ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֞ץ נְעָר֥וֹת רַבּ֛וֹת 1 and when many young women were gathered You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action: “the officers the king had appointed in each province began to bring many young women” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 8 jd65 translate-unknown שׁוּשַׁ֥ן הַ⁠בִּירָ֖ה 1 Susa the citadel Here again this likely means “the capital city of Susa.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 8 mbk1 figs-metaphor אֶל־יַ֣ד הֵגָ֑י 1 into the hand of Hegai Here **hand** is a metaphor meaning power, control, or authority. As the overseer of the women, Hegai was responsible for the women in the harem for virgins. You could say that the officers “put them under the custody of Hegai” or that “Hegai began to take care of them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 2 8 zcv9 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וַ⁠יְהִ֗י בְּ⁠הִשָּׁמַ֤ע…וּֽ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֞ץ…וַ⁠תִּלָּקַ֤ח 1 So it happened that, when…were heard, and when…were gathered…Esther was taken This means that Esther was brought to the harem of King Ahaserus at the same as other young women were also being brought to the harem. You can say “they brought Esther at the same time” or “they also brought Esther.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
EST 2 8 n3zc figs-activepassive וַ⁠תִּלָּקַ֤ח 1 that…Esther was taken You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “they brought Esther” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 8 zcb1 figs-explicit וַ⁠תִּלָּקַ֤ח 1 that…Esther was taken You can explain why this happened, for example, “Because Esther was exceptionally attractive, the officers also brought her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 8 zcb3 בֵּ֣ית הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 the house of the king “the king’s palace”
EST 2 8 jd71 figs-metaphor אֶל־יַ֥ד הֵגַ֖י שֹׁמֵ֥ר הַ⁠נָּשִֽׁים 1 into the hand of Hegai As earlier in this verse, this means “under the custody of Hegai” or that “Hegai also began to take care of her.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 2 8 zcb5 writing-background שֹׁמֵ֥ר הַ⁠נָּשִֽׁים 1 who was overseer of the women This means that Hegai took care of the young women who lived in the harem for virgins.” If it would be clearer in your language, you could move this information to earlier in the verse, when Hegai is first mentioned, because it explains why the young women were brought to him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 2 9 zcb7 וַ⁠תִּיטַ֨ב הַ⁠נַּעֲרָ֣ה בְ⁠עֵינָי⁠ו֮ וַ⁠תִּשָּׂ֣א חֶ֣סֶד לְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֒ 1 the young woman was pleasing in his eyes, and she lifted kindness before his face This means that “Hegai found Esther attractive, and she obtained kindness from him” or that “Hegai was very impressed with Esther, and she won his favor.” In other words, because he was so impressed with her, this made him want to do everything he could to help her. This is background information that explains why Hegai took the actions that are listed next.
EST 2 9 zcb9 figs-metonymy וַ⁠תִּיטַ֨ב הַ⁠נַּעֲרָ֣ה בְ⁠עֵינָי⁠ו֮ 1 the young woman was pleasing in his eyes Here **eyes** figuratively represent seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. In this context, the phrase probably means that Hegai thought that Esther was either an attractive woman or a pleasant person, or both. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 2 9 f8i8 הַ⁠נַּעֲרָ֣ה 1 the young woman This means Esther. You should make sure that this is clear in your translation.
EST 2 9 jd75 בְ⁠עֵינָי⁠ו֮ 1 in his eyes Here **his** means Hegai. You should make sure that this clear in your translation.
EST 2 9 jd77 figs-metonymy וַ⁠תִּשָּׂ֣א חֶ֣סֶד לְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֒ 1 and she lifted kindness before his face Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. To say that she “lifted kindness before his face” is a rare expression in Hebrew, and the exact meaning is uncertain. In this context, it could even suggest that Esther and Hegai became friends. Alternate translation: “she won his favor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 2 9 jd79 לְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֒ 1 before his face Here **his** means Hegai. You should make sure that this clear in your translation.
EST 2 9 abc1 translate-unknown תַּמְרוּקֶ֤י⁠הָ 1 her ointments Alternate translation: “her beauty treatments,” as in 2:3. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 9 abc2 מָנוֹתֶ֨⁠הָ֙ 1 her portions of food In context, this likely means that Hegai made sure that Esther was served good food that would keep her healthy.
EST 2 9 abc3 שֶׁ֣בַע הַ⁠נְּעָר֔וֹת הָ⁠רְאֻי֥וֹת לָֽ⁠תֶת־לָ֖⁠הּ מִ⁠בֵּ֣ית הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 gave her seven young women chosen from the house of the king This means that Hegai chose seven female servants from the king's palace and assigned them to take care of Esther.
EST 2 9 abc4 וַ⁠יְשַׁנֶּ֧⁠הָ וְ⁠אֶת־נַעֲרוֹתֶ֛י⁠הָ 1 And he transferred her and her young women **Her** means Esther, and “her young women” means the female attendants Hegai assigned to her.
EST 2 9 abc5 לְ⁠ט֖וֹב בֵּ֥ית הַ⁠נָּשִֽׁים 1 to the best of the house of women “to the best rooms in the harem for virgins”
EST 2 10 abc6 לֹא־הִגִּ֣ידָה אֶסְתֵּ֔ר אֶת־עַמָּ֖⁠הּ וְ⁠אֶת־מֽוֹלַדְתָּ֑⁠הּ 1 Esther had not told her people or ancestry This means that Esther had not told anyone this information about herself.
EST 2 10 abc7 figs-doublet אֶת־עַמָּ֖⁠הּ וְ⁠אֶת־מֽוֹלַדְתָּ֑⁠הּ 1 her people or her ancestry These two short phrases mean almost the same thing. They are used together to emphasize that Esther followed Mordecai’s instructions exactly. You could combine them, as UST does, and say something like “what people group she was from.” Alternate translation: “Esther did not tell anyone that she was a Jew, and she did not tell anyone who her relatives were” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 2 10 abc8 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֧י מָרְדֳּכַ֛י צִוָּ֥ה עָלֶ֖י⁠הָ 1 for Mordecai had laid a charge upon her This is background information that explains why Esther did not tell anyone about her family or nationality. So you can put it first in the verse if that is clearer in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 2 10 abc9 צִוָּ֥ה עָלֶ֖י⁠הָ 1 had laid a charge upon her This means that Mordecai had gotten her to promise not to do it.
EST 2 11 jd81 figs-idiom וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־י֣וֹם וָ⁠י֔וֹם 1 And always day by day Alternate translation: “Each and every day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 11 abd1 מָרְדֳּכַי֙ מִתְהַלֵּ֔ךְ 1 Mordecai was walking about Express this in the way your language describes habitual action, for example, “Mordecai would walk around.”
EST 2 11 jd83 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֖י חֲצַ֣ר 1 before the face of the courtyard Here **face** figuratively means the front of a place. So you could say “in front of the courtyard.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 2 11 abd2 בֵּית־הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֑ים 1 the house of women “the harem for virgins”
EST 2 11 abd3 grammar-connect-logic-result לָ⁠דַ֨עַת֙ אֶת־שְׁל֣וֹם אֶסְתֵּ֔ר וּ⁠מַה־יֵּעָשֶׂ֖ה בָּֽ⁠הּ 1 in order to know the welfare of Esther and what was being done with her This is background information that explains why Mordecai would walk around in front of the courtyard. It was so that he could ask people who were going 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]])
EST 2 11 nz1p שְׁל֣וֹם אֶסְתֵּ֔ר 1 the welfare of Esther “how Esther was doing” or “about Esther’s well-being”
EST 2 11 abd4 figs-parallelism שְׁל֣וֹם אֶסְתֵּ֔ר וּ⁠מַה־יֵּעָשֶׂ֖ה בָּֽ⁠הּ 1 the welfare of Esther and what was being done with her These two phrases mean similar things. The story is using the repetition to emphasize how concerned Mordecai was for Esther. You could combine them, as UST does. Alternate translation: “how Esther was doing and what was happening with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 2 12 jcj8 writing-background וּ⁠בְ⁠הַגִּ֡יעַ 1 Now when…came Verses 12 to 14 are background information about how the virgins who were gathered for the king became his concubines. These verses are not specifically about Esther, but about the women in general. Use 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]])
EST 2 12 jd85 figs-idiom נַעֲרָ֨ה וְ⁠נַעֲרָ֜ה 1 young woman by young woman Alternate translation: “each one of the young women.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 12 abd5 figs-explicit וּ⁠בְ⁠הַגִּ֡יעַ תֹּר֩…לָ⁠ב֣וֹא ׀ אֶל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֗וֹשׁ 1 when the turn came…to go to the king Ahasuerus Each of these young women was going to have sexual relations with the king and, as a result, legally become one of his concubines, that is, one of his secondary wives. As the story has already explained, he would then choose one of them to become his queen and primary wife. But the king would still provide for each of the concubines for the rest of her life. They would not be free to marry anyone else. This is something that the story’s original audience would have understood implicitly. You can say it explicitly if your readers need this information to understand the story: “Each young woman in the harem, one at a time, was going to have sexual relations with King Ahasuerus and become one of his concubines” or “one of his secondary wives.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-symaction]])
EST 2 12 abd6 מִ⁠קֵּץ֩ הֱי֨וֹת לָ֜⁠הּ…שְׁנֵ֣ים עָשָׂ֣ר חֹ֔דֶשׁ 1 it was after her 12 months This means that before her turn came, each woman received a full year of beauty treatments.
EST 2 12 p7i5 translate-unknown כְּ⁠דָ֤ת הַ⁠נָּשִׁים֙ 1 according to the law of women Here **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]])
EST 2 12 abd7 writing-background כִּ֛י כֵּ֥ן יִמְלְא֖וּ יְמֵ֣י מְרוּקֵי⁠הֶ֑ן 1 For thus the days of their beautification would be fulfilled This phrase indicates that the story is now going to provide background information on how these treatments were done. It means, “This is how these women would spend the time preparing to go to the king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 2 12 abd8 figs-explicit שִׁשָּׁ֤ה חֳדָשִׁים֙ בְּ⁠שֶׁ֣מֶן הַ⁠מֹּ֔ר 1 six months by oil of myrrh This means that a woman’s attendants would rub her body with olive oil mixed with myrrh every day for six months. You can explain this in more detail if your readers need this information to understand the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 12 abd9 בְּ⁠שֶׁ֣מֶן הַ⁠מֹּ֔ר 1 by oil of myrrh This likely means “olive oil mixed with myrrh.”
EST 2 12 zhd1 translate-unknown וּ⁠בְ⁠תַמְרוּקֵ֖י הַ⁠נָּשִֽׁים 1 and by the ointments of women This means lotions designed for women. In 2:3 and 2:9, this one specific part of the program seems to be used figuratively to mean all of it, and so in those verses it can be translated “beauty treatments.” But it should be translated with a specific term or phrase here, such as “women’s lotions” or “feminine ointments,” because it is named along with oils and perfumes as one component of the treatment. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 13 abd0 וּ⁠בָ⁠זֶ֕ה 1 Then at this “After a woman’s year of beauty treatments was completed”
EST 2 13 abe0 הַֽ⁠נַּעֲרָ֖ה בָּאָ֣ה אֶל־הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 the young woman would go to the king This means that the young woman would go and have sexual relations with the king and thereby become one of his concubines. If your readers need this information to understand the story, you could explain that here, if you did not do so in verse 12. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-symaction]])
EST 2 13 abe1 figs-explicit כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֨ר תֹּאמַ֜ר יִנָּ֤תֵֽן לָ⁠הּ֙ 1 Anything that she said would be given to her “Anything” most likely refers to clothing and jewelry. This phrase probably means that a woman could take any of those that she wanted from the harem for virgins and wear them when she went to the king’s palace. You could say that explicitly, 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 king’s palace.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 13 v133 figs-activepassive כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֨ר תֹּאמַ֜ר יִנָּ֤תֵֽן לָ⁠הּ֙ 1 Anything that she said would be given to her You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “she could take whatever she wanted” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 13 abe2 מִ⁠בֵּ֥ית הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֖ים 1 the house of women “the harem for virgins”
EST 2 13 abe3 בֵּ֥ית הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the house of the king “the king’s rooms” or “the king’s house” or “the king’s palace”
EST 2 14 abe4 הִ֣יא בָאָ֗ה 1 she would go She would not walk over on her own. Rather, the king’s servants would come and bring her to the king’s private quarters, in the way that they were told to bring Vashti to the banquet in 1:11. You can say this explicitly if it would help your readers to understand the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 14 ded5 figs-explicit וּ֠⁠בַ⁠בֹּקֶר הִ֣יא שָׁבָ֞ה 1 and in the morning she would return to It is implied that this is the following morning. This information can be made clear. Once again, she would not go on her own. Alternate translation: “the next morning the king’s servants would bring her to” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 14 lq9h translate-ordinal בֵּ֤ית הַ⁠נָּשִׁים֙ שֵׁנִ֔י 1 the second house of women Alternate translations: “a different house for women” or “the harem for concubines” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 2 14 yw63 אֶל־יַ֧ד שַֽׁעֲשְׁגַ֛ז סְרִ֥יס הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַ⁠פִּֽילַגְשִׁ֑ים 1 into the hand of Shaashgaz, the eunuch of the king who was overseer of the concubines “to where Shaashgaz,…concubines would take care of her”
EST 2 14 ze74 figs-metaphor אֶל־יַ֧ד שַֽׁעֲשְׁגַ֛ז סְרִ֥יס הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַ⁠פִּֽילַגְשִׁ֑ים 1 into the hand of Shaashgaz Here **hand** is a metaphor meaning power, control, or authority. 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]])
EST 2 14 q5yx translate-names שַֽׁעֲשְׁגַ֛ז 1 Shaashgaz This is a man’s name. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 14 abe5 translate-unknown סְרִ֥יס הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 the eunuch of the king See translated this term “eunuch” in 1:10. You could say “royal” instead of “of the king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 14 abe6 שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַ⁠פִּֽילַגְשִׁ֑ים 1 the overseer of the concubines This means that Shaashgaz was “the official who took care of the concubines” or who was “responsible for the concubines.”
EST 2 14 abe7 figs-explicit הַ⁠פִּֽילַגְשִׁ֑ים 1 the concubines As a concubine, the young woman was one of the king’s secondary wives. She would live in this harem for the rest of her life. She was not free to return to her family or to marry anybody else. If it would help your readers to understand the story, you could explain all or part of this to your readers here, if you did not do so in 2:12 or 2:13. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 14 abe8 לֹא־תָב֥וֹא עוֹד֙ אֶל־הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 She would not go to the king again Alternate translation: “She would not go and see the king again.” In verse 12, the Note mentioned that “go to the king” meant “have sexual relations with the king.” But for this occurrence of the expression, it is appropriate to use a 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.
EST 2 14 abe9 חָפֵ֥ץ בָּ֛⁠הּ 1 had delighted in her This means that he “had enjoyed being with her” or that she “had pleased the king very much.”
EST 2 14 abf0 figs-activepassive וְ⁠נִקְרְאָ֥ה בְ⁠שֵֽׁם 1 and she was called by name You can say this with an active form, for example, “and the king asked for her by name” or “and called for her by name.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 15 fiy8 grammar-connect-logic-contrast וּ⁠בְ⁠הַגִּ֣יעַ תֹּר־אֶסְתֵּ֣ר…לָ⁠ב֣וֹא אֶל־הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 Now when the turn of Esther…came to go to the king The story resumes here after the background information that was provided in verses 12-14 about what the women in the harem did when they became concubines of the king. A contrast is being drawn. A young woman could take any clothing and jewelry she wanted from the harem. But Esther only asked for what Hegai recommended. So it would be good to introduce this episode with a word such as “but” that draws a contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EST 2 15 jk51 figs-informremind בַּת־אֲבִיחַ֣יִל דֹּ֣ד מָרְדֳּכַ֡י אֲשֶׁר֩ לָקַֽח־ל֨⁠וֹ לְ⁠בַ֜ת 1 the daughter of Abihail, the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her for him as a daughter This background information reminds the reader who Esther was by describing her relationship to Mordecai. You could move this to the end of the verse and put it in parentheses, as UST does, so that you don’t break up the flow of the contrast that is being drawn. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 2 15 mg8y translate-names אֲבִיחַ֣יִל 1 Abihail This man was Esther’s father and Mordecai’s uncle. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 15 qx3u figs-doublenegatives לֹ֤א בִקְשָׁה֙ דָּבָ֔ר כִּ֠י אִ֣ם אֶת־אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֹאמַ֛ר הֵגַ֥י 1 she did not ask for anything except what Hegai…said You can state this in a positive form: “she asked only for” Alternate translation: “she did not ask for anything else to wear except.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EST 2 15 vw9r אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֹאמַ֛ר הֵגַ֥י 1 what Hegai…said “what Hegai recommended” or “what Hegai suggested”
EST 2 15 abf1 figs-explicit אֲשֶׁ֥ר יֹאמַ֛ר הֵגַ֥י 1 what Hegai…said As the king’s personal servant, Hegai would have known what kind of clothing and jewelry Ahasuerus found attractive on a woman. By following his advice, Esther showed that she trusted Hegai. This is implicit information that you can make explicit if it would help the reader to understand the story. You might say, for example, as UST does: “Hegai knew the king’s preferences because he was his personal servant. Esther had come to trust Hegai and so she followed his advice.” This could go at the end of the verse, once again to preserve the flow of the contrast. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 15 abf2 figs-informremind סְרִיס־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֑ים 1 the eunuch of the king who was overseer of the women This is saying that Hegai was the royal official responsible for the women the harem for virgins. This is background information that reminds the reader who Hegai was by describing his responsibilities. You could also move this to the end of the verse and put it in parentheses. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 2 15 abf3 translate-unknown סְרִיס־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ שֹׁמֵ֣ר הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֑ים 1 the eunuch of the king See 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]])
EST 2 15 abf4 grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַ⁠תְּהִ֤י אֶסְתֵּר֙ נֹשֵׂ֣את חֵ֔ן בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֖י כָּל־רֹאֶֽי⁠הָ 1 And 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 didn’t try to be gaudy. They may also have been impressed with Hegai’s 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]])
EST 2 15 z519 figs-idiom נֹשֵׂ֣את חֵ֔ן בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֖י כָּל־רֹאֶֽי⁠הָ 1 a lifter of favor in the eyes of every man who saw her This is a rare expression in Hebrew, and the exact meaning is uncertain. In this context, the expression probably means that everyone who saw Esther dressed in the clothes she would wear for her visit to the king was very impressed with the way she looked. Alternate translation: “pleased all” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 15 jd87 figs-metonymy בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֖י 1 in the eyes of Here **eyes** is a metonym for seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. In this context, the phrase probably means that 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]])
EST 2 15 jd89 figs-gendernotations כָּל־רֹאֶֽי⁠הָ 1 every man who saw her This phrase can mean either every man or every person who saw her. Alternate translation: “everyone who saw her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EST 2 16 jd91 figs-activepassive וַ⁠תִּלָּקַ֨ח אֶסְתֵּ֜ר 1 So Esther was taken You can say this with an active form, for example, “The king's servants brought Esther.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 16 abf5 figs-abstractnouns אֶל־בֵּ֣ית מַלְכוּת֔⁠וֹ 1 to the house of his royalty You can use an adjective to translate the abstract noun **royalty**, for example, “in his royal palace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 2 16 jd92 translate-ordinal בַּ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ הָ⁠עֲשִׂירִ֖י 1 in the tenth month Alternate translation: “month ten” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 2 16 jr5s translate-hebrewmonths הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ טֵבֵ֑ת 1 which is the month of Tebeth “Tebeth” is the name of the tenth month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 16 abf6 חֹ֣דֶשׁ טֵבֵ֑ת 1 the month of Tebeth The story is being recorded from the perspective of the Persian court. But for the benefit of its intended Jewish audience, the Hebrew name of the month is given.
EST 2 16 abf7 translate-unknown חֹ֣דֶשׁ טֵבֵ֑ת 1 the month of Tebeth You could convert the Hebrew days and months into approximate dates on the calendar that your culture uses. However, the Jews used a lunar calendar, so if you use a solar calendar, the dates will be different every year and the translation will not be quite accurate. So you may just want to give the Hebrew days and months. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 2 16 x6yg translate-ordinal בִּ⁠שְׁנַת־שֶׁ֖בַע לְ⁠מַלְכוּתֽ⁠וֹ 1 in the seventh year of his reign Alternate translation: “during the seventh year of the reign of Ahasuerus as king of Persia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 2 17 p3s7 figs-parallelism וַ⁠יֶּאֱהַ֨ב הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ אֶת־אֶסְתֵּר֙ מִ⁠כָּל־הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֔ים וַ⁠תִּשָּׂא־חֵ֥ן וָ⁠חֶ֛סֶד לְ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו מִ⁠כָּל־הַ⁠בְּתוּלֹ֑ת 1 And the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she lifted both favor and kindness before his face more than all the other virgins These two phrases mean almost the same thing. The information is given twice, in slightly different ways, to emphasize that Ahasuerus was completely convinced that Esther was the one he should make his queen. “More than all the virgins” basically duplicates the meaning of “more than all the women,” so, if this duplication would be confusing in your language, you don’t need to include both phrases (unless you want your translation to capture something of the Hebrew storytelling style). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 2 17 abf8 figs-explicit מִ⁠כָּל־הַ⁠נָּשִׁ֔ים 1 more than all the women This means all the other women who had been brought to the king and become his concubines. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 17 bcu8 figs-idiom וַ⁠תִּשָּׂא־חֵ֥ן וָ⁠חֶ֛סֶד לְ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו 1 And she lifted both favor and kindness before his face This is a rare expression in Hebrew, and the exact meaning is uncertain. See how you translated similar phrases in 2:9 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 Esther’s appearance and her personality. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 17 abf9 figs-doublet וַ⁠תִּשָּׂא־חֵ֥ן וָ⁠חֶ֛סֶד לְ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו 1 And she lifted both favor and kindness before his face **Favor** and **kindness** mean similar things and are probably used together here to strengthen a single idea. Alternate translation: “he was very pleased with her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 2 17 jd93 figs-metonymy לְ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו 1 before his face Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 2 17 sym3 translate-symaction וַ⁠יָּ֤שֶׂם כֶּֽתֶר־מַלְכוּת֙ בְּ⁠רֹאשָׁ֔⁠הּ 1 So he set a crown of royalty on her head Ahasuerus did this to show that he was making Esther his queen. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 2 17 abg0 figs-abstractnouns כֶּֽתֶר־מַלְכוּת֙ 1 a crown of royalty You can use an adjective to translate the abstract noun “royalty,” for example, “a royal crown.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 2 17 abg1 figs-explicit וַ⁠יַּ֨עַשׂ הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ מִשְׁתֶּ֣ה גָד֗וֹל 1 Then the king made a great feast The king did this to celebrate Esther becoming the queen. You can say this explicitly, for example, “Then, to celebrate her becoming the queen, the king hosted a great feast.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 18 b1hd translate-names מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה אֶסְתֵּ֑ר 1 the feast of Esther You 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]])
EST 2 18 ufm8 translate-unknown וַ⁠הֲנָחָ֤ה לַ⁠מְּדִינוֹת֙ עָשָׂ֔ה 1 And he made a holiday for the provinces This was probably a “tax holiday,” that is, a 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]])
EST 2 18 jd95 figs-metonymy כְּ⁠יַ֥ד הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 according to the hand of the king Here **hand** figuratively represents the action of doing or giving. The phrase means that King Ahasuerus personally gave lavish gifts to the guests at this feast. You could say something like “with royal generosity” or “with great willingness to give” or “with generosity that only a king can give.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 2 19 g38f grammar-connect-time-sequential וּ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֥ץ בְּתוּל֖וֹת שֵׁנִ֑ית 1 Now when virgins were being gathered a second time Since this happened some time after Esther’s Feast, you can show this by using a connecting phrase such as “some time later.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EST 2 19 p842 figs-explicit וּ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֥ץ בְּתוּל֖וֹת שֵׁנִ֑ית 1 Now when virgins were being gathered a second time The most likely explanation for this is that Ahasuerus decided he would like to have more concubines. You can say this explicitly if it will help the readers to understand the story. He probably believed that having a large number of concubines was another thing that would show he was a great king. To do so, you could add: “because Ahasuerus decided that he would like to have more concubines.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 19 abg2 figs-activepassive וּ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֥ץ בְּתוּל֖וֹת שֵׁנִ֑ית 1 Now when virgins were being gathered a second time You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action, for example, “at the time when the king's officers were gathering virgins for a second time.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 19 ang3 grammar-connect-time-simultaneous וּ⁠בְ⁠הִקָּבֵ֥ץ בְּתוּל֖וֹת שֵׁנִ֑ית וּ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֖י 1 Now when…were being gathered…Mordecai…then This indicates that the information about Mordecai explains what he was doing at this same time. You can use a phrase such as “during this time” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-simultaneous]])
EST 2 19 a23f figs-idiom וּ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֖י יֹשֵׁ֥ב בְּ⁠שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 Mordecai was then sitting at the gate of the king Possible meanings are: (1) 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 king’s gate** is an idiom meaning that Mordecai worked for the king in some capacity and was stationed at the gate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 19 i8in בְּ⁠שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 at the gate of the king “the gate to the king’s house” or “the gate to the king’s palace”
EST 2 20 abg4 אֵ֣ין אֶסְתֵּ֗ר מַגֶּ֤דֶת 1 Esther had not yet told “Esther had still not told anyone”
EST 2 20 abg5 figs-doublet מֽוֹלַדְתָּ⁠הּ֙ וְ⁠אֶת־עַמָּ֔⁠הּ 1 her ancestry (that is, her people) These two short phrases mean almost the same thing. They are used together to emphasize that Esther followed Mordecai’s instructions exactly. You could combine them, as UST does. Alternate translation: “who her relatives were or that she was a Jew” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 2 20 fb39 כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר צִוָּ֥ה עָלֶ֖י⁠הָ מָרְדֳּכָ֑י 1 according to the charge that Mordecai had laid upon her Alternate translation: “just as Mordecai had instructed her” or “as Mordecai had made her promise.” Alternate translation: “because Mordecai had warned her not to tell anyone”
EST 2 20 abg6 וְ⁠אֶת־מַאֲמַ֤ר מָרְדֳּכַי֙ אֶסְתֵּ֣ר עֹשָׂ֔ה כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר הָיְתָ֥ה בְ⁠אָמְנָ֖ה אִתּֽ⁠וֹ 1 And Esther continued to do the command Mordecai, according to how she was with him in her fostering This means that Esther continued to follow all of Mordecai's instructions, just as she had done when she was growing up in his house.
EST 2 21 vi16 בַּ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ⁠הֵ֔ם 1 In those days This resumes the story after the background information that is provided in verse 20. Alternate translation: “During that time” (See: Connect - Simultaneous Time Relationship)
EST 2 21 abg7 figs-explicit וּ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֖י יֹשֵׁ֣ב בְּ⁠שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 when Mordecai was sitting at the gate of the king It is implicit in the story that Mordecai heard the two men talking who are named right afterwards. You can say this explicitly if it helps the readers to understand this part of the story. To do so, add: “he heard two men talking.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 2 21 abg8 figs-idiom יֹשֵׁ֣ב בְּ⁠שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 was sitting at the gate of the king As in verse 19, this is likely an idiom that means that Mordecai worked for the king in some capacity and was stationed at the gate, where officials met to make important decisions. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 21 y2vl translate-names בִּגְתָ֨ן וָ⁠תֶ֜רֶשׁ 1 Bigthan and Teresh These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 2 21 abg9 translate-names שְׁנֵֽי־סָרִיסֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 two eunuchs of the king See 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]])
EST 2 21 abh0 מִ⁠שֹּׁמְרֵ֣י הַ⁠סַּ֔ף 1 who were guardians of the doorway In this case the men were not guardians of one of the harems but guardians of the king’s private rooms. You could say that they “guarded the doorway to the king's private rooms” or “protected the doorway to the king's private quarters.”
EST 2 21 abh1 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יְבַקְשׁוּ֙ 1 and they sought Here **seek** figuratively means actively trying to do something. Alternate translation: “they had planned” or “they had tried” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 2 21 jd97 figs-idiom לִ⁠שְׁלֹ֣חַ יָ֔ד 1 to stretch out a hand Here the expression “to stretch out a hand” means to cause someone physical harm with the intention of killing him. You could say that “they were planning to assassinate him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 22 y7tv figs-activepassive וַ⁠יִּוָּדַ֤ע הַ⁠דָּבָר֙ לְ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֔י 1 But the matter was made known to Mordecai You can say this with an active form, for example, “Mordecai found out what they were planning” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 22 abh2 וַ⁠יַּגֵּ֖ד לְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֑ה 1 so he told it to Esther the queen This means that he told Queen Esther about it somehow.
EST 2 22 dgp3 figs-idiom בְּ⁠שֵׁ֥ם מָרְדֳּכָֽי 1 in the name of Mordecai This expression means that Esther passed the information along to King Ahasuerus on Mordecai’s behalf or that she told the king the information had come from him. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 23 abh3 grammar-connect-time-sequential וַ⁠יְבֻקַּ֤שׁ הַ⁠דָּבָר֙ וַ⁠יִּמָּצֵ֔א וַ⁠יִּתָּל֥וּ שְׁנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם עַל־עֵ֑ץ 1 Then the matter was sought out and was found out, and the two of them were hanged on a tree. This verse tells what happened next after Esther gave the information to the king. You should use a word such as “then” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EST 2 23 ld4y figs-activepassive וַ⁠יְבֻקַּ֤שׁ הַ⁠דָּבָר֙ וַ⁠יִּמָּצֵ֔א 1 Then the matter was sought out and was found out You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action, for example, “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]])
EST 2 23 abh4 figs-activepassive וַ⁠יִּתָּל֥וּ שְׁנֵי⁠הֶ֖ם עַל־עֵ֑ץ 1 the two of them were hanged on a tree You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “the king ordered his servants to impale those two men on wooden poles” or “the king ordered his servants to hang those two men on a gallows” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 23 y28j figs-metonymy עַל־עֵ֑ץ 1 on a tree Here **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]])
EST 2 23 g9nh figs-activepassive וַ⁠יִּכָּתֵ֗ב 1 And it was written You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action, for example, “The king’s scribes recorded an account of this.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 2 23 abh5 figs-idiom בְּ⁠סֵ֛פֶר דִּבְרֵ֥י הַ⁠יָּמִ֖ים 1 the book of the events of days This is an idiom that describes a regular record of the events in a king’s reign. You could call this “the royal chronicles.” Alternate translation: “the daily record book” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 2 23 abh6 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 before the face of the king Here **face** refers figuratively to the presence of a person. The phrase means that the scribes wrote this account while King Ahasuerus was personally present. You could say that they did this “in the king’s presence.” Alternate translation: “The king watched a scribe write this down.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 3 intro zb26 0 # 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.<br>
EST 3 1 mm4c writing-newevent אַחַ֣ר׀ הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֗לֶּה 1 After these things This introduces a new event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 3 1 abh7 grammar-connect-time-sequential אַחַ֣ר׀ הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֗לֶּה 1 After these things This event happened some time after Esther became queen, and you can show this by using a connecting phrase such as “some time later.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EST 3 1 ir5v translate-names הָמָ֧ן 1 Haman This is a man’s name. It occurs many times in the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 3 1 abh8 translate-names בֶּֽן־הַמְּדָ֛תָא הָ⁠אֲגָגִ֖י 1 the son of Hammedatha the Agagite These are the names of Haman’s father and his people group. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 3 1 abh9 figs-explicit גִּדַּל֩…אֲחַשְׁוֵר֜וֹשׁ אֶת־הָמָ֧ן 1 Ahasuerus made Haman…great This means that Ahasuerus promoted Haman. It’s implied in the story that Haman was already one of Ahasuerus’s officials, but that he was now being promoted to a higher position. You could say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 1 abi0 figs-doublet וַֽ⁠יְנַשְּׂאֵ֑⁠הוּ וַ⁠יָּ֨שֶׂם֙ אֶת־כִּסְא֔⁠וֹ מֵ⁠עַ֕ל כָּל־הַ⁠שָּׂרִ֖ים 1 He lifted him up and placed his seat of authority from over all the officials These two phrases mean the same thing. They are used together to emphasize that the king was making Haman very powerful. You could combine them as UST does. Alternate translation: “the king promoted Haman and gave him a very high position” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 3 1 ptm4 figs-idiom כִּסְא֔⁠וֹ 1 his seat of authority Here **seat of authority** means Haman’s position or status in the Persian government. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 1 abi1 figs-abstractnouns כִּסְא֔⁠וֹ 1 his seat of authority You can translate the abstract noun “authority” by using a concrete noun for this whole phrase, for example, “position” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 3 1 abi2 מֵ⁠עַ֕ל כָּל־הַ⁠שָּׂרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר אִתּֽ⁠וֹ 1 from over all the officials who were with him **Him** 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.”
EST 3 2 abi3 figs-synecdoche וְ⁠כָל־עַבְדֵ֨י הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ אֲשֶׁר־בְּ⁠שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 Then all the servants of the king who were at the gate of the king Here the **gate of the king**, probably the entrance to the citadel, may figuratively represent the citadel itself, the place where these officials served the king. The citadel, in turn, would represent everyone who served the king. So you could say just “all the king’s other officials.” 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]])
EST 3 2 abi4 figs-explicit וְ⁠כָל־עַבְדֵ֨י הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ…כֹּרְעִ֤ים וּ⁠מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ לְ⁠הָמָ֔ן 1 all the servants of the king…were bowing down and prostrating themselves to Haman The officials 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]])
EST 3 2 e25k translate-symaction כֹּרְעִ֤ים וּ⁠מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ 1 were bowing down and prostrating themselves This means that the other officials humbled themselves and lay flat on the ground before Haman. These actions represented recognition and respect for the very high position that the king had given him in the Persian government. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 3 2 abi5 figs-doublet כֹּרְעִ֤ים וּ⁠מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ 1 were bowing down and prostrating themselves These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize that the officials knew how important it was to obey the king’s command and honor Haman in this way. You could combine them as UST does and say something like “bow down all the way to the ground.” Alternate translation: “bowing and lying down on the ground” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 3 2 fg8v  וּ⁠מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוִים֙ לְ⁠הָמָ֔ן 1 and prostrating themselves to Haman This means bowing down all the way to the ground.
EST 3 2 jd99 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּי־כֵ֖ן צִוָּה־ל֣⁠וֹ 1 for thus the king had commanded concerning him You 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]])
EST 3 2 abi6 figs-explicit כִּי־כֵ֖ן צִוָּה־ל֣⁠וֹ 1 for thus the king had commanded concerning him The king did this as a sign of Haman’s new position. Alternate translation: “The king had commanded them to do this in order to show that he had given Haman such a high position.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 2 abi7 figs-parallelism וּ⁠מָ֨רְדֳּכַ֔י לֹ֥א יִכְרַ֖ע וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶֽה 1 But Mordecai would neither bow down nor would he prostrate himself These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how serious an offense this was against the king’s command, and how much determination it took for Mordecai to remain standing. You could combine these phrases as UST does and say, “But Mordecai refused to bow down to Haman.” Alternate translation: “Mordecai did not bow down or lie on the ground.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 3 2 abi8 figs-explicit וּ⁠מָ֨רְדֳּכַ֔י לֹ֥א יִכְרַ֖ע וְ⁠לֹ֥א יִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶֽה 1 But Mordecai would neither bow down nor would he prostrate himself It appears that as a Jew, Mordecai considered it wrong to worship anyone other than Yahweh, and that he believed 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]])
EST 3 3 abi9 עַבְדֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ אֲשֶׁר־בְּ⁠שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 the servants of the king who were at the gate of the king See how you translated this expression at the beginning of verse 2.
EST 3 3 abj0 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ…לְ⁠מָרְדֳּכָ֑י 1 said to Mordecai They spoke to Mordecai because they saw that he did not bow down. You can say this explicitly if that would be clearer in your language, for example, “The other officials saw that, and they asked Mordecai.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 3 abj1 מַדּ֨וּעַ֙ אַתָּ֣ה עוֹבֵ֔ר אֵ֖ת מִצְוַ֥ת הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 Why are you trespassing the command of the king? “Why are you disobeying the king’s command?” or “Why are you not obeying what the king commanded?”
EST 3 4 jd3r figs-explicit ב⁠אמר⁠ם אֵלָי⁠ו֙ 1 when they spoke to him This means that they spoke to him about not bowing down. Specifically, they warned him that he would be severely punished if he kept disobeying the king and not honoring his highest official. You can say that explicitly if it would be clearer in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 4 jd1r figs-idiom י֣וֹם וָ⁠י֔וֹם 1 day by day This expression means “every day.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 4 abj2 וַ⁠יְהִ֗י ב⁠אמר⁠ם אֵלָי⁠ו֙…וְ⁠לֹ֥א שָׁמַ֖ע אֲלֵי⁠הֶ֑ם 1 Now 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.
EST 3 4 uek4 וַ⁠יַּגִּ֣ידוּ לְ⁠הָמָ֗ן לִ⁠רְאוֹת֙ הֲ⁠יַֽעַמְדוּ֙ דִּבְרֵ֣י מָרְדֳּכַ֔י 1 So they told Haman to see if the words of Mordecai would stand In this context, **stand** figuratively means to survive a challenge, and “words” means the reasons that Mordecai gave for his actions. This phrase means that the other officials “told Haman about it, to see if he would tolerate it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 4 abj3 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי־הִגִּ֥יד לָ⁠הֶ֖ם אֲשֶׁר־ה֥וּא יְהוּדִֽי 1 for he had told them that he was a Jew This is the answer that Mordecai gave the other officials when they asked him why he refused to bow down to Haman. 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]])
EST 3 4 abj4 figs-explicit כִּֽי־הִגִּ֥יד לָ⁠הֶ֖ם אֲשֶׁר־ה֥וּא יְהוּדִֽי 1 for he had told them that he was a Jew Mordecai’s explanation would have included the fact that Jews would only worship Yahweh. You could say that explicitly if that would be clearer in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 4 abj5 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יַּ֣רְא הָמָ֔ן 1 The Haman saw Here **seeing** figuratively means knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. This phrase means that Haman learned about this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 3 5 njt5 figs-parallelism אֵ֣ין מָרְדֳּכַ֔י כֹּרֵ֥עַ וּ⁠מִֽשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה ל֑⁠וֹ 1 Mordecai would neither bow down nor prostrate himself to him These two phrases mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how serious an offense this was. You could combine them as UST does and say 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]])
EST 3 5 wk8p figs-metaphor וַ⁠יִּמָּלֵ֥א הָמָ֖ן חֵמָֽה 1 And Haman was filled with rage Here Haman’s rage is spoken of as something that could fill him up. You could say that he was “furious” or “extremely angry.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 3 6 k5h9 figs-activepassive וַ⁠יִּ֣בֶז בְּ⁠עֵינָ֗י⁠ו 1 And it was despised in his eyes You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate Translation: “Haman considered that it was not enough” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 6 abj6 figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּ֣בֶז בְּ⁠עֵינָ֗י⁠ו 1 And it was despised in his eyes Haman probably decided to go to such extremes because he was so angry. You could say that explicitly if that would be clearer in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 6 abj7 וַ⁠יִּ֣בֶז 1 it was despised **Despise** in this context means not to hate but to “think little of.” This expression means that Haman decided it would not be enough just to kill Mordecai himself.
EST 3 6 jd9r figs-metonymy  בְּ⁠עֵינָ֗י⁠ו 1 in his eyes Here **eyes** stand for “seeing,” and in this case “seeing” figuratively means judgment. This phrase means “in Haman’s judgment.” Alternate translation: “as he saw it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 3 6 abj8 לִ⁠שְׁלֹ֤ח יָד֙ בְּ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֣י לְ⁠בַדּ֔⁠וֹ 1 to stretch out a hand against Mordecai alone Alternate translation: “he rejected the idea of killing only Mordecai” or “he decided to kill more than just Mordecai” or “he decided that it would not be enough to get rid of only Mordecai.”
EST 3 6 j11r figs-idiom לִ⁠שְׁלֹ֤ח יָד֙ 1 to stretch out a hand As in 2:21, the expression **to stretch out a hand** means to cause someone physical harm with the intention of killing them. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 6 abj9 כִּֽי־הִגִּ֥ידוּ ל֖⁠וֹ אֶת־עַ֣ם מָרְדֳּכָ֑י 1 for they had told him the people of Mordecai **They** means the other royal officials. **Him** refers to Haman. “The people of Mordecai” means the Jews. Mordecai had told these officials that he would not bow down to Haman because Jews 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.
EST 3 6 hue9 figs-metaphor וַ⁠יְבַקֵּ֣שׁ הָמָ֗ן לְ⁠הַשְׁמִ֧יד 1 So Haman sought to annihilate Here **seeking** figuratively means trying to do something. In this context. this means that “Haman decided that he would try to kill” all the Jews. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 3 6 abk0 בְּ⁠כָל־מַלְכ֥וּת אֲחַשְׁוֵר֖וֹשׁ 1 in all the kingdom of Ahasuerus This means in the entire empire that King Ahasuerus ruled.
EST 3 6 abk1 figs-doublet הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֛ים…עַ֥ם מָרְדֳּכָֽי 1 the Jews, the people of Mordecai These two phrases refer to the same group of people. The repetition emphasizes how great the threat was to their existence. You could combine them as UST does and say something like “all of the Jews.” Alternate translation: “Mordecai’s people, the Jews.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 3 7 zl12 translate-ordinal בַּ⁠חֹ֤דֶשׁ הָ⁠רִאשׁוֹן֙ 1 In the first month “In month one” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 7 wyv6 translate-hebrewmonths הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ נִיסָ֔ן 1 which is the month of Nisan “Nisan” is the name of the first month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 3 7 abk2 translate-unknown חֹ֣דֶשׁ נִיסָ֔ן 1 the month of Nisan As 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]])
EST 3 7 tw99 translate-ordinal בִּ⁠שְׁנַת֙ שְׁתֵּ֣ים עֶשְׂרֵ֔ה לַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ 1 in the twelfth year of the king Ahasuerus Alternate translations: “during the twelfth year of the reign of Ahasuerus as king of Persia” or “when King Ahasuerus had reigned for about twelve years” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 7 g4lt translate-names הִפִּ֣יל פּוּר֩ ה֨וּא הַ⁠גּוֹרָ֜ל 1 a Pur (which is "the lot") The storyteller is giving both the Persian and the Hebrew name because this is the story behind the Festival of Purim, which takes its name from “Pur.” So this is not repetition for emphasis. You can put in the Persian name and the name for “lot” in your own language to show that the storyteller is doing this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 3 7 abk3 translate-unknown הַ⁠גּוֹרָ֜ל 1 the lot A “lot” was an object with different markings on various sides that was used, most likely by dropping it on the ground, to select a specific time for doing something. The belief was that God or the gods would control which way the object fell 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]])
EST 3 7 abk4 figs-activepassive הִפִּ֣יל פּוּר֩ 1 a Pur…was cast You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action, for example, “Haman had his servants cast a Pur” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 7 abk5 grammar-connect-logic-result הִפִּ֣יל פּוּר֩ 1 a Pur…was cast You 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]])
EST 3 7 j13r figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הָמָ֗ן 1 before the face of Haman Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. In this context, the phrase means that Haman was physically present when the lot was cast. Alternate translation: “as Haman watched” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 3 7 j15r מִ⁠יּ֧וֹם ׀ לְ⁠י֛וֹם וּ⁠מֵ⁠חֹ֛דֶשׁ לְ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ 1 from day to day and from month to month This expression means that the lot was cast to select a particular day of the month and a particular month of the year.
EST 3 7 j17r figs-explicit מִ⁠יּ֧וֹם ׀ לְ⁠י֛וֹם וּ⁠מֵ⁠חֹ֛דֶשׁ לְ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ 1 from day to day and from month to month Haman was casting the lot to determine the best day and the best month to kill the Jews. You can say that explicitly if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate Translation: “To determine the best day and the best month to kill the Jews.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 7 ih4b translate-hebrewmonths שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר הוּא־חֹ֥דֶשׁ אֲדָֽר 1 the twelfth, which is the month of Adar “Adar” is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. This name occurs several times in the story. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 3 7 abk6 שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר הוּא־חֹ֥דֶשׁ אֲדָֽר 1 the twelfth, which is the month of Adar See how you decided in 2:16 and the first part of this verse to represent the dates that are given in the Hebrew calendar in the book of Esther.
EST 3 7 abk7 figs-explicit שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר הוּא־חֹ֥דֶשׁ אֲדָֽר 1 the twelfth, which is the month of Adar This means that the lot indicated the twelfth month of that year as the time for Haman to carry out his plan. You can say that explicitly if that would be clearer in your language. (The day that was chosen is reported in verse 13.) Alternate Translation: “the lot indicated the twelfth month, the month of Adar, as the best month to kill the Jews.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 7 k3vd translate-ordinal שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר 1 the twelfth Alternative translation: “month twelve” or “the twelfth month” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 8 abk8 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר הָמָן֙ לַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ 1 Then Haman said to the king Ahasuerus The implication is that Haman then went to see the king so that he could speak with him. You could say that explicitly. Do not give your readers the impression that the king was present with Haman while he was casting the lot. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 8 aig9 translate-numbers יֶשְׁנ֣⁠וֹ עַם־אֶחָ֗ד 1 He has one people **He** refers to the king, and **one people** refers to the Jews as a people group. So this means “there is a people group” or “a group of people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 3 8 p4a8 figs-doublet  מְפֻזָּ֤ר וּ⁠מְפֹרָד֙ 1 scattered and dispersed These two words mean almost the same thing. Haman uses the repetition to emphasize that the Jews are everywhere throughout the empire and so their influence, which he says is bad, will affect everyone. You could combine these words as UST does. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 3 8 abk9 בֵּ֣ין הָֽ⁠עַמִּ֔ים בְּ⁠כֹ֖ל מְדִינ֣וֹת מַלְכוּתֶ֑⁠ךָ 1 among the peoples in all the provinces of your kingdom Haman is saying that the Jews are mixed in with all the other peoples, and they live in every province.
EST 3 8 abl0 וְ⁠דָתֵי⁠הֶ֞ם שֹׁנ֣וֹת מִ⁠כָּל־עָ֗ם וְ⁠אֶת־דָּתֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ אֵינָ֣⁠ם עֹשִׂ֔ים 1 And their laws are different from every people, and the laws of the king they do not obey. Haman is saying that the Jews have their own set of laws, and he is accusing them of not obeying the king’s laws as a result.
EST 3 8 r34x figs-123person דָּתֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 the laws of the king Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. You could have him say “your laws.” Or you could indicate this respect another way by having Haman begin by saying, “Your Majesty.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 3 8 bf9g figs-doublenegatives וְ⁠לַ⁠מֶּ֥לֶךְ אֵין־שֹׁוֶ֖ה לְ⁠הַנִּיחָֽ⁠ם 1 And there is no profit to the king to leave them untouched Haman is saying, “It is not good for you to allow them to live in your empire.” This can also be stated in positive form. Alternate translation: “the king should remove them” or “you should remove them”
EST 3 8 j19r figs-123person וְ⁠לַ⁠מֶּ֥לֶךְ 1 no profit to the king Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. You could express the same meaning in the second person: “not good for you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 3 9 abl1 figs-123person אִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֔וֹב 1 If it is good to the king Haman speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 3 9 abl2 figs-idiom אִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֔וֹב 1 If it is good to the king See how you decided to translate this idiom in 1:19. Alternate translation: “If it seems like a good idea to you, O king” or “If the king thinks this is a good idea” or “If this advice is pleasing to the king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 9 abl3 figs-activepassive יִכָּתֵ֖ב 1 let it be written You can say this with an active form, and you can say who would do the action, for example, “the king could write a decree” or “you could write a decree.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 9 abl4 לְ⁠אַבְּדָ֑⁠ם 1 to destroy them This means that the decree would say that all the Jews should be killed.
EST 3 9 eh3w figs-idiom אֶשְׁקוֹל֙ עַל־יְדֵי֙ עֹשֵׂ֣י הַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֔ה 1 I will weigh out…into the hands of the doers of the work This could mean either of two possibilities: (1) “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 king’s letter specifies that those who kill the Jews can take their plunder. Alternate translation: “we will get so much plunder that the officers you send will be able to bring back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 9 lhv5 translate-bmoney ⁠עֲשֶׂ֨רֶת אֲלָפִ֜ים כִּכַּר־כֶּ֗סֶף 1 10,000 talents of silver This 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]])
EST 3 9 abl5 עֹשֵׂ֣י הַ⁠מְּלָאכָ֔ה 1 the doers of the work This means the officers whom Ahasuerus would send around the empire to organize the killing of the Jews.
EST 3 9 abl6 לְ⁠הָבִ֖יא אֶל־גִּנְזֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 to bring into the treasuries of the king This 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.
EST 3 9 abl7 figs-123person גִּנְזֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the treasuries of the king Haman speaks to the king in third person as a form of respect. You could also have him speak of “your royal treasuries” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 3 10 abl8 figs-explicit וַ⁠יָּ֧סַר הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ אֶת־טַבַּעְתּ֖⁠וֹ מֵ⁠עַ֣ל יָד֑⁠וֹ וַֽ⁠יִּתְּנָ֗⁠הּ לְ⁠הָמָ֧ן 1 Then the king removed his signet from on his hand, and he gave it to Haman The implication is that Ahasuerus thought that Haman’s suggestion was a good idea and he agreed to it. You could say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “The king agreed that this was a good idea, so.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 10 abl9 figs-symaction וַ⁠יָּ֧סַר הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ אֶת־טַבַּעְתּ֖⁠וֹ מֵ⁠עַ֣ל יָד֑⁠וֹ וַֽ⁠יִּתְּנָ֗⁠הּ לְ⁠הָמָ֧ן 1 Then the king removed his signet ring from on his hand Giving the ring to Haman showed that Haman could act on the king’s own authority. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The king gave Haman the power to act on his authority to carry out the plan. To show that, he gave Haman the ring he wore that had his official seal on it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-symaction]])
EST 3 10 c9md translate-unknown טַבַּעְתּ֖⁠וֹ 1 his signet ring This was a special ring that could be used to imprint the king’s official seal on a law or decree. This ring had the king’s name or mark on it. When he put a wax seal on important papers, he would press the mark onto the seal. If a paper had this mark on its seal, people would know that what was written on the paper was written with the king’s authority and had to be obeyed. You could describe this as “the ring he wore that had his official seal on it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 3 10 abm0 בֶּֽן־הַמְּדָ֛תָא הָ⁠אֲגָגִ֖י 1 the son of Hammedatha the Agagite This information about Haman’s identity is repeated to stress that the king giving him the signet ring was an official legal act that transferred power to him. (In the same way, legal documents today often use a person’s full name and other identifying information.) If you repeat this information in your own translation, your readers should see this significance.
EST 3 10 abm1 figs-informremind צֹרֵ֥ר הַ⁠יְּהוּדִֽים 1 the adversary of the Jews This phrase gives clarifying information about Haman. It means that he had become “the enemy of the Jews.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 3 11 sz4b figs-activepassive הַ⁠כֶּ֖סֶף נָת֣וּן לָ֑⁠ךְ 1 The silver is given to you You can say this with an active form. This could mean 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]])
EST 3 11 abm2 figs-metonymy וְ⁠הָ⁠עָ֕ם לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת בּ֖⁠וֹ כַּ⁠טּ֥וֹב בְּ⁠עֵינֶֽי⁠ךָ 1 and the people, to do with them as is good in your eyes Here **eyes** figuratively represent seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. The king is telling Haman that he can do whatever he wants to the Jews. Alternate translation: “You can do to the Jews as you see fit.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 3 12 hx6c figs-activepassive וַ⁠יִּקָּרְאוּ֩ סֹפְרֵ֨י הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ 1 And the scribes of the king were called You can say this with an active form. You can also say who did the action. It was most likely Haman, since the king had given him authority to act on his behalf. So you could say, “Haman called in the royal scribes.” Alternate translation: “the king summoned his scribes.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 12 t6qa translate-hebrewmonths בַּ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָ⁠רִאשׁ֗וֹן בִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֣ר יוֹם֮ בּ⁠וֹ֒ 1 in the first month, on the thirteenth day of it Alternate translation: “on the thirteenth day of the first month.” You can add “of that same year” to show that Haman did this right after Ahasuerus agreed to his plan. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 12 abm3 בַּ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ הָ⁠רִאשׁ֗וֹן בִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֣ר יוֹם֮ בּ⁠וֹ֒ 1 in the first month, on the thirteenth day of it You can put this information first because it places the event within the timeline of the story.
EST 3 12 abm4 figs-activepassive וַ⁠יִּכָּתֵ֣ב כְּֽ⁠כָל־אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֣ה הָמָ֡ן 1 in was written according to all the Haman commanded You can say this with an active form. You can also say who did the action. Alternate translation: “and Haman dictated a letter to them” or “they wrote a decree containing all that Haman had commanded” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 12 abm5 translate-unknown אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנֵֽי־הַ֠⁠מֶּלֶךְ 1 the satraps of the king This seems to mean the officials of the king who served in the palace in the capital city, since they are distinguished from the provincial governors and the leaders of the people groups. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 3 12 abm6 הַ⁠פַּח֞וֹת אֲשֶׁ֣ר ׀ עַל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֗ה 1 the governors who were over province by province “the governors of each province”
EST 3 12 j23r figs-idiom מְדִינָ֣ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֗ה 1 province by province This expression means “every province.” See how you translated this in 1:22. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 12 abm7 שָׂ֤רֵי עַם֙ וָ⁠עָ֔ם 1 the officials of people by people “the leaders of each people group”
EST 3 12 j25r figs-idiom עַם֙ וָ⁠עָ֔ם 1 people by people This expression means “every people group.” See how you translated this in [1:22](../01/22.md). (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 12 j27r figs-idiom מְדִינָ֤ה וּ⁠מְדִינָה֙ כִּ⁠כְתָבָ֔⁠הּ 1 province by province according to its writing See how you translated this in 1:22. Alternate translation: “to each province using its own alphabet” or “written in its own script” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 12 abm8 figs-explicit מְדִינָ֤ה וּ⁠מְדִינָה֙ כִּ⁠כְתָבָ֔⁠הּ 1 province by province according to its writing The implication is that the scribes translated the letter and sent it to each province using its own alphabet. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 12 j31r figs-idiom וְ⁠עַ֥ם וָ⁠עָ֖ם כִּ⁠לְשׁוֹנ֑⁠וֹ 1 and to people by people according to its own tongue See how you translated this expression in 1:22. Alternate translation: “and to each people group in its own language.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 12 j33r figs-metonymy  כִּ⁠לְשׁוֹנ֑⁠וֹ 1 according to its tongue Here **tongue** is a metonym meaning the language spoken by a person or a group of people. Alternate translation: “according to its language” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 3 12 abm9 figs-metaphor בְּ⁠שֵׁ֨ם הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֹשׁ֙ נִכְתָּ֔ב 1 In the name of the king Ahasuerus it was written (1) Here **name** could mean the authority of the king. This would be saying that Haman’s letter had the same authority as it would have had if the king had sent it himself. Alternate translation: “Haman sent the letter under the king's own authority.” (2) However, this could also mean that Haman actually had the scribes sign the king’s name to the letter. Alternate translation: “They signed the king's name at the end of the letters.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 3 12 lyf2 figs-activepassive נִכְתָּ֔ב וְ⁠נֶחְתָּ֖ם בְּ⁠טַבַּ֥עַת הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 It was written, and it was sealed with the signet ring of the king You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “To show that he was sending the letter under the king's own authority, Haman sealed each copy of the letter with the ring that had the king’s official seal on it,” or, “The scribes signed the king's name at the end of the letters. Then they sealed the letters with wax, and stamped the wax by using the king's ring.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 13 hxx6 figs-activepassive וְ⁠נִשְׁל֨וֹחַ סְפָרִ֜ים 1 And letters were sent You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action, for example, “couriers delivered the letters.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 13 j34r figs-metaphor בְּ⁠יַ֣ד הָ⁠רָצִים֮ 1 by the hand of runners Here **hand** could mean two different things. (1) It could literally mean “hand,” meaning that the couriers carried the letters in their hands. Alternate translation: “Couriers hand-delivered the documents.” (2) “Hand” could also be a metaphor for power, control, or authority, meaning that couriers were the ones who delivered the letters to all the provinces throughout the empire. Alternate translation: “couriers gave the documents directly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 3 13 abn0 figs-metonymy אֶל־כָּל־מְדִינ֣וֹת הַ⁠מֶּלֶךְ֒ 1 to all of the provinces of the king Haman did not send the letters to the provinces (the geographical territories) themselves. Rather, he sent them to the officials in every province in the empire. The story is using the word “province” to refer figuratively to these officials by something associated with them, the territories they ruled. Your translation should make clear that the letters were sent to people, not places. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 3 13 xs6g figs-doublet לְ⁠הַשְׁמִ֡יד לַ⁠הֲרֹ֣ג וּ⁠לְ⁠אַבֵּ֣ד 1 to annihilate, to slaughter, and to destroy These words mean the same thing. They are used together to emphasize the completeness of the destruction that is envisioned. You could combine them as UST does and say something like “completely destroy.” (A “doublet” can use more than two words. See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 3 13 abn1 figs-merism מִ⁠נַּ֨עַר וְ⁠עַד־זָקֵ֜ן 1 from young even to old This is a figure of speech that figuratively describes all of something by naming two extreme parts of it in order to include everything in between. You could express its meaning as UST does and say something like “every single one of them.” Alternate translation: “including young people and old people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EST 3 13 abn2 טַ֤ף וְ⁠נָשִׁים֙ 1 children and women “including the children and the women”
EST 3 13 j35r translate-numbers בְּ⁠י֣וֹם אֶחָ֔ד 1 on one day Alternate translation: “on a single day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 3 13 abn3 figs-explicit בִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר 1 on the thirteenth of the twelfth month Implicitly this means “the thirteenth day of the twelfth month of that same year.” If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 13 g5br translate-ordinal בִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר 1 on the thirteenth “on day thirteen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 13 j36r translate-ordinal לְ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר 1 of the twelfth month “of month twelve” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 3 13 i5ur translate-hebrewmonths הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֑ר 1 which is the month of Adar This is the name of the twelfth month of the Hebrew calendar. See how you decided in 2:16 and 3:7 to express dates that the story gives according to the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 3 13 pbp1 וּ⁠שְׁלָלָ֖⁠ם לָ⁠בֽוֹז 1 and to plunder their spoils This means that the letters also said that those who killed the Jews could take everything that belonged to them.
EST 3 14 tj7n figs-activepassive הַ⁠כְּתָ֗ב לְ⁠הִנָּ֤תֵֽן דָּת֙ בְּ⁠כָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֔ה 1 the writing, to be given as a law in every province by province You can say this with an active form, for example, “The officials in every province made a copy of the letter become the law.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 14 vga2 figs-idiom בְּ⁠כָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֔ה 1 In every province by province This expression means “each and every province.” See how you translated the term “province” in 1:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 3 14 l9w7 figs-activepassive הַ⁠כְּתָ֗ב…גָּל֖וּי לְ⁠כָל־הָֽ⁠עַמִּ֑ים 1 the writing…was uncovered for all the peoples You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “The letter told the officials to post copies where everyone could see them” or “The king commanded that copies of these letters should be nailed up where all the people could see them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 14 f6dc לִ⁠הְי֥וֹת עֲתִדִ֖ים לַ⁠יּ֥וֹם הַ⁠זֶּֽה 1 to be ready for this day Alternate translations: “so that people would be ready to do on that day what the king had written in the letter” or “so that they would get ready to do what the letter said when the day came”
EST 3 15 abn4 הָֽ⁠רָצִ֞ים יָצְא֤וּ דְחוּפִים֙ בִּ⁠דְבַ֣ר הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 The runners went out hurrying by decree of the king This means that the king had commanded the couriers to deliver the letters as quickly as possible.
EST 3 15 abn5 figs-explicit הָֽ⁠רָצִ֞ים יָצְא֤וּ דְחוּפִים֙ בִּ⁠דְבַ֣ר הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 The runners went out hurrying by decree of the king You can state explicitly where the couriers brought the letters. Alternate translation: “As the king had commanded, couriers rushed the letters to every province in the empire,” or, “Then, according to what the king commanded, men riding horses took these letter quickly to every province in the empire.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 15 i12c figs-activepassive וְ⁠הַ⁠דָּ֥ת נִתְּנָ֖ה 1 and the law was given You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action, for example, “A herald also proclaimed what the letter said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 3 15 nlk8 translate-unknown בְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֣ן הַ⁠בִּירָ֑ה 1 in Susa the citadel Here this likely means “in the capital city of Susa.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 3 15 abn6 figs-synecdoche יָשְׁב֣וּ לִ⁠שְׁתּ֔וֹת 1 sat down to drink (1) This could mean that Ahasuerus and Haman had more than just a drink together. This could be a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to mean the whole thing. They may have celebrated with an entire banquet that is being described here by reference to one part of it, the drinks. Alternate translation: “had a celebration feast together.” (2) Another possibility is that this is describing a toast that Ahasuerus and Haman shared to celebrate their plan. “Sat down” would simply be describing how the men would have reclined at a table to drink. Alternate translation: “had a celebration toast” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 3 15 wm4u figs-explicit נָבֽוֹכָה 1 the city of Susa was in confusion The implication is that the people in Susa were very upset about what was going to happen and they did not know what to do about it. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 3 15 abn7 figs-metonymy וְ⁠הָ⁠עִ֥יר שׁוּשָׁ֖ן 1 but the city of Susa This does not mean the city itself, but the people who live there. This is a figure of speech in which something is called not by its own name, but by the name of something closely associated with it. So this means “everyone who lived in Susa” or “the people in Susa” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 3 15 abn8 figs-abstractnouns נָבֽוֹכָה 1 was in confusion You can translate the abstract noun “confusion” with a concrete noun phrase such as “a state of great confusion.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 4 intro z7u2 0 # 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]])<br>
EST 4 1 j37r writing-participants וּ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֗י יָדַע֙ 1 Now when Mordecai knew Here the story re-introduces Mordecai as the main character in focus. Alternate translation: “When Mordecai found out” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-participants]])
EST 4 1 nya6 כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר נַעֲשָׂ֔ה 1 about all that had been done “about Haman’s plan to kill all the Jews” or “about those letters”
EST 4 1 vgy8 translate-symaction וַ⁠יִּקְרַ֤ע מָרְדֳּכַי֙ אֶת־בְּגָדָ֔י⁠ו וַ⁠יִּלְבַּ֥שׁ שַׂ֖ק וָ⁠אֵ֑פֶר 1 he tore his garments and put on sackcloth and ashes These actions demonstrate extreme sadness. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 4 1 abn9 figs-explicit וַ⁠יִּקְרַ֤ע מָרְדֳּכַי֙ אֶת־בְּגָדָ֔י⁠ו וַ⁠יִּלְבַּ֥שׁ שַׂ֖ק וָ⁠אֵ֑פֶר 1 he tore his garments and put on sackcloth and ashes You can explain why Mordecai did this. Alternate translation: “he was so anguished that he tore his clothes and put on rough sackcloth and threw ashes over himself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 1 abo0 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֵּצֵא֙ בְּ⁠ת֣וֹךְ הָ⁠עִ֔יר 1 he went out into the midst of the city The next verse shows that Mordecai was heading towards the king’s palace. You could say that explicitly here. Mordecai might have wanted to call attention to the danger that the Jews were in by going to a public location where people were used to seeing him. Or he 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 king’s palace.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 1 abo1 figs-doublet וַ⁠יִּזְעַ֛ק זְעָקָ֥ה גְדֹלָ֖ה וּ⁠מָרָֽה 1 and cried out a great and bitter outcry **Great** and **bitter** are two words that refer to the same thing and that work together. They indicate that Mordecai’s cry was so loud because it was so anguished. Alternate translation: “cried out in anguish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 4 2 abo2 וַ⁠יָּב֕וֹא 1 And he came **He** means Mordecai. Alternate translation: “So when Mordecai reached.”
EST 4 2 j38r figs-metonymy עַ֖ד לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 only as far as before the face of the gate of the king Here **face** figuratively represents the front of an object. The phrase means that Mordecai could not come inside the gate to the king’s palace, but had to wait just outside of it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 4 2 abo3 שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 the gate of the king See how you translated this in 2:19. Alternate translation: “the gate to the king’s palace”
EST 4 2 abo4 grammar-connect-logic-result אֵ֥ין לָ⁠ב֛וֹא אֶל־שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ בִּ⁠לְב֥וּשׁ שָֽׂק 1 no one was to come into the gate of the king while wearing sackcloth Alternate translation: “But no one who was wearing sackcloth was allowed inside the palace gates” If it would be clearer in your language, you can put this information first in the verse because it explains why Mordecai waited outside. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 4 3 e73y figs-idiom וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֗ה 1 And in every province by province This expression means “in every single province.” See how you translated the term “province” in 1:1. Alternate translation: “in each and every province” or “in every province of the empire” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 4 3 abo5 מְקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר דְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ וְ⁠דָת⁠וֹ֙ מַגִּ֔יעַ 1 any place where the decree of the king and his law reached “anywhere the letter that said to destroy the Jews was announced in public”
EST 4 3 abo6 figs-doublet דְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ וְ⁠דָת⁠וֹ֙ 1 the decree of the king and his law These two phrases are referring to the same thing, that is, the information that the letter conveyed. The repetition is used to emphasize how serious a situation this was. Alternate translation: “the letter from the king” or “the letter that said to destroy the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 4 3 e7zx אֵ֤בֶל גָּדוֹל֙ לַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים 1 there was great mourning by the Jews “the Jews mourned greatly” or “When the Jews heard about it, they mourned greatly”
EST 4 3 abo7 וְ⁠צ֥וֹם 1 and fasting “They went without food”
EST 4 3 abo8 figs-doublet וּ⁠בְכִ֖י וּ⁠מִסְפֵּ֑ד 1 weeping, and lamenting These two words mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how distressed the Jews were. Alternate translation: “wailed loudly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 4 3 djf6 שַׂ֣ק וָ⁠אֵ֔פֶר יֻצַּ֖ע לָֽ⁠רַבִּֽים 1 sackcloth and ashes were laid out by the multitudes “Many of them were on the ground, dressed in sackcloth and sitting in ashes”
EST 4 4 q7ll נַעֲר֨וֹת אֶסְתֵּ֤ר 1 the young female attendants of Esther “Esther’s female servants” of “Esther’s maids”
EST 4 4 abo9 translate-unknown וְ⁠סָרִיסֶ֨י⁠הָ֙ 1 and her eunuchs See how you translated this term in 1:10. Alternate translation: “male servants” or “her other officials” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 4 4 abp0 figs-explicit וַ⁠יַּגִּ֣ידוּ לָ֔⁠הּ 1 and they told her That is, they told her that Mordecai was sitting outside the gate wearing sackcloth. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 4 abp1 figs-activepassive וַ⁠תִּתְחַלְחַ֥ל הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֖ה מְאֹ֑ד 1 even the queen was seized with extreme fear **The queen** means Esther. You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Esther herself became very afraid” or “this made the queen very distressed" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 4 4 abp2 figs-explicit וַ⁠תִּתְחַלְחַ֥ל הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֖ה מְאֹ֑ד 1 even the queen was seized with extreme fear The implication is that this happened when she heard what Mordecai was doing. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “When she heard about this, Esther herself became very afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 4 y8bc figs-symaction וַ⁠תִּשְׁלַ֨ח בְּגָדִ֜ים לְ⁠הַלְבִּ֣ישׁ אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַ֗י 1 she sent garments to clothe Mordecai and to take off his sackcloth from upon him **She** means Esther. This was 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/figs-symaction]])
EST 4 4 abp3 figs-symaction וְ⁠לֹ֥א קִבֵּֽל 1 he did not accept Alternate translation: “he refused to put them on” This was Mordecai’s way of replying to Esther that the situation truly was desperate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-symaction]])
EST 4 5 abp4 וַ⁠תִּקְרָא֩ אֶסְתֵּ֨ר לַ⁠הֲתָ֜ךְ מִ⁠סָּרִיסֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 So Esther called for Hathak, from the eunuchs of the king “Then Esther summoned Hathak, one of the king’s officials”
EST 4 5 vf4m translate-names לַ⁠הֲתָ֜ךְ 1 for Hathak This is a man’s name. It occurs several times in this chapter. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 4 5 lp8m writing-background מִ⁠סָּרִיסֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר הֶעֱמִ֣יד לְ⁠פָנֶ֔י⁠הָ 1 from the eunuchs of the king whom he had caused to stand before her face Alternate translation: “who was one of the royal guardians whom the king had assigned to serve Esther personally.” You can put this information first because it provides background information. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 4 5 icg7 translate-unknown מִ⁠סָּרִיסֵ֤י 1 from the eunuchs of See how you translated this term **eunuch** in 1:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 4 5 j39r bita-hq לְ⁠פָנֶ֔י⁠הָ 1 before her face Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase means that the guardians served Esther personally. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 4 5 abp5 וַ⁠תְּצַוֵּ֖⁠הוּ עַֽל־מָרְדֳּכָ֑י 1 She commanded him concerning Mordecai “She told him to go out and speak with Mordecai”
EST 4 5 abp6 figs-parallelism לָ⁠דַ֥עַת מַה־זֶּ֖ה וְ⁠עַל־מַה־זֶּֽה 1 to know what this was and on account of what this was These two phrases mean similar things. In both cases, “this” refers to what Mordecai was doing. The repetition is used to emphasize that Esther now knew there must be a very serious reason why Mordecai was wearing sackcloth in such a public place. Alternate translation: “to find out why he was so distressed that he was sitting at the palace gate wearing sackcloth” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 4 6 abp7 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֥א הֲתָ֖ךְ אֶֽל־מָרְדֳּכָ֑י 1 So Hathak went out to Mordecai Hathak went out specifically to speak with Mordecai and find out why he was so distressed, as Esther had asked him to do. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Hathak went out to speak with Mordecai” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 6 mgl5 רְח֣וֹב הָ⁠עִ֔יר 1 the open place of the city “the central plaza”
EST 4 6 j41r figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 before the face of Here **face** figuratively represents the front of an object. The phrase means that the open square was in front of the palace gate. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 4 6 abp8 figs-metonymy שַֽׁעַר־הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the gate of the king Alternate translation: “the citadel gate.” The citadel is being described by reference to something associated with it, the gate that leads into it. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 4 7 zq3s figs-synecdoche וַ⁠יַּגֶּד־ל֣⁠וֹ מָרְדֳּכַ֔י אֵ֖ת כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר קָרָ֑⁠הוּ 1 Mordecai reported to him all that had happened to him Alternate 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]])
EST 4 7 abp9 פָּרָשַׁ֣ת הַ⁠כֶּ֗סֶף אֲשֶׁ֨ר אָמַ֤ר הָמָן֙ לִ֠⁠שְׁקוֹל עַל־גִּנְזֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ בַּיְּהוּדִ֖ים לְ⁠אַבְּדָֽ⁠ם 1 the exact amount of silver that Haman had said to weigh out in the treasuries of the king, against, to destroy them This could mean either of two possibilities: (1) The amount of silver that Haman 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.
EST 4 8 j43r פַּתְשֶׁ֣גֶן כְּתָֽב־הַ֠⁠דָּת אֲשֶׁר־נִתַּ֨ן 1 a copy of the writing “a copy of the letter that Haman had sent out” or “a copy of the decree”
EST 4 8 zt49 figs-activepassive הַ֠⁠דָּת אֲשֶׁר־נִתַּ֨ן בְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֤ן 1 the law that had been given in Susa You 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]])
EST 4 8 abq0 לְ⁠הַשְׁמִידָ⁠ם֙ 1 to annihilate them “that said that all the Jews must be killed”
EST 4 8 abq1 figs-parallelism לְ⁠הַרְא֥וֹת אֶת־אֶסְתֵּ֖ר וּ⁠לְ⁠הַגִּ֣יד לָ֑⁠הּ 1 in order to show Esther, and to inform her These two phrases mean similar things. They are repeated to emphasize how important Mordecai knew it was for Esther to understand just what Haman was planning. “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]])
EST 4 8 abq2 וּ⁠לְ⁠צַוּ֣וֹת עָלֶ֗י⁠הָ 1 and to lay a charge upon her “and to urge her”
EST 4 8 gds6 figs-doublet  לְ⁠הִֽתְחַנֶּן־ל֛⁠וֹ 1 to implore his favor and to plead These 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]])
EST 4 8 j47r figs-metonymy מִ⁠לְּ⁠פָנָ֖י⁠ו 1 to go to the king…from before his face Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. In this context, the phrase means that Esther should go into the presence of the king to ask personally for the king’s intervention. Alternate translation: “to go to the king personally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 4 8 abq3 עַל־עַמָּֽ⁠הּ 1 concerning her people “to act mercifully toward her people”
EST 4 9 abq4 וַ⁠יָּב֖וֹא הֲתָ֑ךְ וַ⁠יַּגֵּ֣ד לְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֔ר אֵ֖ת דִּבְרֵ֥י מָרְדֳּכָֽי 1 So Hathak went and told Esther the words of Mordecai. “So Hathak returned to Esther and told her what Mordecai had said.”
EST 4 10 abq5 וַ⁠תֹּ֤אמֶר אֶסְתֵּר֙ לַ⁠הֲתָ֔ךְ וַ⁠תְּצַוֵּ֖⁠הוּ אֶֽל־מָרְדֳּכָֽי 1 Then Esther spoke to Hathak and commanded him to say to Mordecai: “The Esther told Hathak to go back to Mordecai and tell his this:”
EST 4 11 abq6 figs-merism כָּל־עַבְדֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֡לֶךְ וְ⁠עַם־מְדִינ֨וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ יֽוֹדְעִ֗ים 1 All the servants of the king and the people of the provinces of the king are knowing “All the servants of the king” refers to the royal officials in the palace. “The people of the provinces” 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]])
EST 4 11 abq7 כָּל־עַבְדֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֡לֶךְ וְ⁠עַם־מְדִינ֨וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ יֽוֹדְעִ֗ים 1 All the servants of the king and the people of the provinces of the king are knowing Esther says this to show that there is no uncertainty about this being the law. You can put this information after the description of the law itself, if that would be clearer in your language, so that it can serve to emphasize how definite the law is that was just described.
EST 4 11 d9mh figs-merism כָּל־אִ֣ישׁ וְ⁠אִשָּׁ֡ה אֲשֶׁ֣ר 1 for any man or woman Here Esther once again refers to 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]])
EST 4 11 abq8 figs-symaction יָבֽוֹא־אֶל־הַ⁠מֶּלֶךְ֩ אֶל־הֶ⁠חָצֵ֨ר הַ⁠פְּנִימִ֜ית 1 who goes to the king, to the inner court As 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/figs-symaction]])
EST 4 11 abq9 אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹֽא־יִקָּרֵ֗א 1 who has not been called “without being summoned”
EST 4 11 abr0 אַחַ֤ת דָּת⁠וֹ֙ 1 his law is one Alternate translation: “This law applies to everyone in the kingdom.” If that would be clearer in your language, you could put this after the explanation of the law itself.
EST 4 11 abr1 לְ⁠הָמִ֔ית 1 to cause to die “that person must be executed”
EST 4 11 abr2 לְ֠⁠בַד מֵ⁠אֲשֶׁ֨ר יֽוֹשִׁיט־ל֥⁠וֹ הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ אֶת־שַׁרְבִ֥יט הַ⁠זָּהָ֖ב וְ⁠חָיָ֑ה 1 apart 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”
EST 4 11 abr3 translate-unknown שַׁרְבִ֥יט הַ⁠זָּהָ֖ב 1 the scepter of gold A scepter was an ornamental staff or wand that rulers carried or held as a symbol of their authority. The scepter of King Ahasuerus seems to have been made of gold. Alternate translation: “golden scepter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 4 11 abr4 figs-explicit וַ⁠אֲנִ֗י לֹ֤א נִקְרֵ֨אתי֙ לָ⁠ב֣וֹא אֶל־הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ זֶ֖ה שְׁלוֹשִׁ֥ים יֽוֹם 1 But as for me, I have not been called to come to the king these thirty days Esther is saying by implication that she cannot speak to the king as Mordecai has requested, because the king has not been calling for her, which would have given her an opportunity to speak to him, 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]])
EST 4 11 j49r grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַ⁠אֲנִ֗י 1 But as for me This expression indicates a contrast between Esther’s present situation and the situation she has just described. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EST 4 11 abr5 זֶ֖ה שְׁלוֹשִׁ֥ים יֽוֹם 1 these 30 days The phrase means that Esther has not been called in the king’s presence for a period of at least 30 days. You could use an equivalent expression in your language that would indicate this is a long enough time that Esther has reason to believe the king is not interested in seeing her. Alternate translation: “in over a month”
EST 4 11 gv1v translate-numbers זֶ֖ה שְׁלוֹשִׁ֥ים יֽוֹם 1 these 30 days “thirty days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 4 12 abr6 וַ⁠יַּגִּ֣ידוּ לְ⁠מָרְדֳּכָ֔י אֵ֖ת דִּבְרֵ֥י אֶסְתֵּֽר 1 So they told to Mordecai the words of Esther “So Hathak went back to Mordecai and told him what Esther had said”
EST 4 13 abr7 וַ⁠יֹּ֥אמֶר מָרְדֳּכַ֖י לְ⁠הָשִׁ֣יב אֶל־אֶסְתֵּ֑ר 1 Then Mordecai said to return to Esther “Mordecai told Hathak to tell this to Ester”
EST 4 13 abr8 אַל־תְּדַמִּ֣י בְ⁠נַפְשֵׁ֔⁠ךְ לְ⁠הִמָּלֵ֥ט בֵּית־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ מִ⁠כָּל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִֽים 1 Do 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.”
EST 4 14 abr9 אִם־הַחֲרֵ֣שׁ תַּחֲרִישִׁי֮ בָּ⁠עֵ֣ת הַ⁠זֹּאת֒ 1 if you indeed remain silent at this time “If you say nothing at all now”
EST 4 14 i1uy figs-personification רֶ֣וַח וְ⁠הַצָּלָ֞ה יַעֲמ֤וֹד לַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ מִ⁠מָּק֣וֹם אַחֵ֔ר 1 relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place Here “relief” and “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]])
EST 4 14 abs0 ⁠אַ֥תְּ וּ⁠בֵית־אָבִ֖י⁠ךְ תֹּאבֵ֑דוּ 1 but you and the house of your father will perish Alternate translation: “you and your relatives will be killed.” The implication is that the Jews will be rescued starting in that other place, but the ones living in Susa will still be in danger because no one who could have helped them there (such as Esther) will have done anything.
EST 4 14 dtg7 figs-rquestion  וּ⁠מִ֣י יוֹדֵ֔עַ אִם־לְ⁠עֵ֣ת כָּ⁠זֹ֔את הִגַּ֖עַתְּ לַ⁠מַּלְכֽוּת 1 And who knows if you have arrived at royalty for such a time as this? This is really a statement. 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]])
EST 4 15 abs1 וַ⁠תֹּ֥אמֶר אֶסְתֵּ֖ר לְ⁠הָשִׁ֥יב אֶֽל־מָרְדֳּכָֽי 1 Then 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:”
EST 4 16 d6cq figs-activepassive כָּל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֜ים הַֽ⁠נִּמְצְאִ֣ים בְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֗ן 1 all the Jews who are found in Susa You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “all the Jews who live here in Susa” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 4 16 t2wg translate-symaction וְ⁠צ֣וּמוּ עָ֠לַ⁠י 1 And fast on account of me Fasting (that is, going without eating) was a symbolic act that the Jews did when they were praying intensely. You could make the connection with prayer explicit. Alternate translation: “fast and pray for me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 4 16 qw8v translate-numbers וְ⁠אַל־תֹּאכְל֨וּ וְ⁠אַל־תִּשְׁתּ֜וּ שְׁלֹ֤שֶׁת יָמִים֙ לַ֣יְלָה וָ⁠י֔וֹם 1 neither eating nor drinking for three days, both night and day This expression means that Esther was asking the Jews in Susa not to eat or drink anything during the day or the night for a period of three days. Alternate translation: “Tell them to not eat or drink anything for three days and three nights.”
EST 4 16 j51r translate-symaction גַּם־אֲנִ֥י וְ⁠נַעֲרֹתַ֖⁠י אָצ֣וּם כֵּ֑ן 1 Also, I myself and my young female attendants will fast likewise “My maids and I will also fast”
EST 4 16 abs2 וּ⁠בְ⁠כֵ֞ן 1 Then, in such circumstances “After we have all done that, and while still fasting”
EST 4 16 abs3 אֲשֶׁ֣ר לֹֽא־כַ⁠דָּ֔ת 1 which is not according to the law “even though there is a law against going without being summoned”
EST 4 16 abs4 וְ⁠כַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר אָבַ֖דְתִּי אָבָֽדְתִּי 1 and if I perish, I perish “I am prepared to do that even if it costs me my life”
EST 4 17 abs5 figs-explicit וַֽ⁠יַּעֲבֹ֖ר מָרְדֳּכָ֑י 1 So Mordecai went The implication is that Mordecai did this after Hathak brought Esther’s reply back to him. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “So after Hathak told this to Mordecai, he went” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 4 17 abs6 כְּ⁠כֹ֛ל אֲשֶׁר־צִוְּתָ֥ה עָלָ֖י⁠ו אֶסְתֵּֽר 1 according to the whole charge that Esther had laid upon him “everything that Esther had told him to do”
EST 5 intro k5ff 0 # Esther 05 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter begins a section about Haman’s fall (Chapters 5-7).<br><br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Esther’s 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]])<br>
EST 5 1 j53r writing-newevent וַ⁠יְהִ֣י׀ בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠שְּׁלִישִׁ֗י 1 Now it happened on the third day This introduces a new event in the story. Alternate translation: “Three days later” or “When Esther had been fasting for three days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 5 1 abs7 figs-abstractnouns וַ⁠תִּלְבַּ֤שׁ אֶסְתֵּר֙ מַלְכ֔וּת 1 Esther put on royalty You can use an adjective and a concrete noun to translate the abstract noun “royalty.” Alternate translation: “Esther put on her royal robes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 5 1 abs8 figs-explicit וַ⁠תִּלְבַּ֤שׁ אֶסְתֵּר֙ מַלְכ֔וּת 1 Esther put on royalty It’s 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]])
EST 5 1 abs9 בַּ⁠חֲצַ֤ר בֵּית־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הַ⁠פְּנִימִ֔ית 1 the inner court of the palace of the king See how you translated this in 4:11. Alternate translation: “the inner courtyard of the palace”
EST 5 1 uk7p נֹ֖כַח בֵּ֣ית הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 opposite to the house of the king “across from the room where the king was”
EST 5 1 abt0 figs-abstractnouns וְ֠⁠הַ⁠מֶּלֶךְ יוֹשֵׁ֞ב עַל־כִּסֵּ֤א מַלְכוּת⁠וֹ֙ בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הַ⁠מַּלְכ֔וּת 1 sitting on the throne of his royalty in the palace of royalty **Royalty** is an abstract noun that refers to 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]])
EST 5 1 j55r נֹ֖כַח פֶּ֥תַח הַ⁠בָּֽיִת 1 opposite to the entrance of the palace “facing the entrance of the room”
EST 5 2 abt1 grammar-connect-time-sequential וַ⁠יְהִי֩ 1 Then it happened that This expression introduces what happened next. Alternate translation: “Now” or “and” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-sequential]])
EST 5 2 abt2 כִ⁠רְא֨וֹת 1 as soon as…saw “as soon as…noticed”
EST 5 2 j57r figs-idiom נָשְׂאָ֥ה חֵ֖ן בְּ⁠עֵינָ֑י⁠ו 1 she lifted favor in his eyes See how you translated similar expressions in 2:9, 2:15, and 2:17. Review the explanations there if that would be helpful. In this context, it probably means that King Ahasuerus thought Esther looked very attractive as she stood in the court. It could also mean that King Ahasuerus was very pleased to see her. Or both. Alternate translation: “he was very pleased to see her” or “he approved of her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 5 2 pw4x figs-metonymy נָשְׂאָ֥ה חֵ֖ן בְּ⁠עֵינָ֑י⁠ו 1 she lifted favor in his eyes Here **eyes** figuratively represent seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. This phrase means that King Ahasuerus decided not to kill Esther for coming into the inner court without being summoned. Alternate translation: “he was very pleased to see her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]]))
EST 5 2 uu8s translate-symaction וַ⁠יּ֨וֹשֶׁט הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ לְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֗ר אֶת־שַׁרְבִ֤יט הַ⁠זָּהָב֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּ⁠יָד֔⁠וֹ 1 And the king held out to her the golden scepter that was in his hand King Ahasuerus did this to show that he would not enforce the law that said Esther should be executed for coming into the king’s inner court without being summoned. See how you translated this in 4:11. Alternate translation: “he extended the gold scepter toward her.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]
EST 5 2 abt3 figs-explicit וַ⁠יּ֨וֹשֶׁט הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ לְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֗ר אֶת־שַׁרְבִ֤יט הַ⁠זָּהָב֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּ⁠יָד֔⁠וֹ 1 And the king held out to her the golden scepter that was in his hand King Ahasuerus did this to show that he would not enforce the law that said Esther should be executed. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “he extended the gold scepter toward her to signal that he would be glad to talk to her.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 2 abt4 וַ⁠תִּקְרַ֣ב 1 so…approached “so…came close” or “so…came up to the throne”
EST 5 2 abt5 figs-explicit וַ⁠תִּגַּ֖ע בְּ⁠רֹ֥אשׁ הַ⁠שַּׁרְבִֽיט 1 and touched the head of the scepter This action was probably customary for a king’s subjects in a Persian court, when the king extended the royal scepter. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 2 z4mn translate-symaction וַ⁠תִּגַּ֖ע בְּ⁠רֹ֥אשׁ הַ⁠שַּׁרְבִֽיט 1 and touched the head of the scepter This action demonstrated that Esther respected the authority of King Ahasuerus and was thankful for his kindness to her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 5 2 j59r figs-metonymy בְּ⁠רֹ֥אשׁ הַ⁠שַּׁרְבִֽיט 1 the head of the scepter Here **head** is a metonym meaning the top (or uppermost part) of an object or location. This phrase means that Esther touched the top of the king’s scepter on the end that was extended toward her. Alternate translation: “the top of the scepter” or “the tip of the scepter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 5 3 abt6 מַה־לָּ֖⁠ךְ אֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֑ה 1 What is to you, Esther the queen? “What do you want, Queen Esther?”
EST 5 3 abt7 figs-parallelism מַה־לָּ֖⁠ךְ אֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֑ה וּ⁠מַה־בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛⁠ךְ 1 What is to you, Esther the queen? And what is your request? These two phrases mean almost the same thing. Ahasuerus says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show that he is very interested in hearing why Esther has come to see him. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation if it would be more natural in your language to combine them into one. Alternate translation: “What do you want, Queen Esther?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 5 3 j61r figs-hyperbole עַד־חֲצִ֥י הַ⁠מַּלְכ֖וּת וְ⁠יִנָּ֥תֵֽן לָֽ⁠ךְ 1 As much as half of the kingdom, and let it be given to you This was probably a formal and customary expression in the Persian royal court, meant to show honor to the person making a request of the king and to indicate the king’s willingness to be very generous when answering the request. King Ahasuerus was almost certainly not offering to give Esther half of his kingdom. If it would be clearer to your readers, you could express the meaning: “I will give you anything you ask for, no matter how great it is.” Alternate translation: “I will give you what you want, even if you ask me to give you half of my kingdom!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hyperbole]])
EST 5 3 c6h7 figs-activepassive וְ⁠יִנָּ֥תֵֽן לָֽ⁠ךְ 1 and let it be given to you You can say this with an active form, and you can say who will do the action. Alternate translation: “I will give you anything you ask for” or “I will give you what you want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 5 4 abt8 figs-idiom אִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ ט֑וֹב 1 If it is good to the king This is an idiom. See how you translated it in 1:19 and 3:9. Alternate translation: “If it seems like a good idea to you, O king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 5 4 m3uy figs-123person אִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ ט֑וֹב 1 If it is good to the king Esther speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “If it seems like a good idea to you, O king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 4 j63r figs-123person יָב֨וֹא הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ וְ⁠הָמָן֙ 1 let the king come with Haman Esther speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “O king, please come with Haman” or “you and Haman come” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 4 abt9 figs-123person הַ⁠מִּשְׁתֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁר־עָשִׂ֥יתִי לֽ⁠וֹ 1 the banquet that I have made for him Esther speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “the banquet that I have prepared for you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 4 abu0 figs-youdual הַ⁠מִּשְׁתֶּ֖ה אֲשֶׁר־עָשִׂ֥יתִי לֽ⁠וֹ 1 the banquet that I have made for him If you decide to translate this as “the banquet that I have prepared for you,” then the word “you” should be singular, since here it refers just to the king. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EST 5 5 abu1 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Then the king said The king would have said this to his servants, not to Esther. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “The king said to his servants” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 5 abu2 מַהֲרוּ֙ אֶת־הָמָ֔ן לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת אֶת־דְּבַ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֑ר 1 Bring Haman quickly, in order to do the word of Esther The **word of Esther** means her invitation to the banquet. Alternate translation: “Go and get Haman and bring him quickly to the banquet that Esther has prepared”
EST 5 5 abu3 עָשְׂתָ֥ה 1 had made “had prepared for them”
EST 5 6 abu4 בְּ⁠מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה הַ⁠יַּ֔יִן 1 during the banquet of wine “while they were drinking wine”
EST 5 6 d5wr figs-parallelism מַה־שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֖⁠ךְ וְ⁠יִנָּ֣תֵֽן לָ֑⁠ךְ וּ⁠מַה־בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛⁠ךְ עַד־חֲצִ֥י הַ⁠מַּלְכ֖וּת וְ⁠תֵעָֽשׂ 1 What is your petition? And let it be given to you. And what is your request? As much as half of the kingdom, and let it be done. These two 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]])
EST 5 6 pj3p figs-explicit מַה־שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֖⁠ךְ וְ⁠יִנָּ֣תֵֽן לָ֑⁠ךְ וּ⁠מַה־בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛⁠ךְ עַד־חֲצִ֥י הַ⁠מַּלְכ֖וּת וְ⁠תֵעָֽשׂ 1 What is your petition? When Ahasuerus asked Esther in the throne room what she wanted, she said that she wanted him and Haman to come to a banquet she had prepared. But since the king asks her once again at the banquet what she wants, it is clear that he knew this was not her real request. Instead, he knew that she wanted to show him hospitality first, as a gesture of respect for him and their relationship. You can indicate this by translating, “Now please tell me what you really want.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 6 q5nt figs-abstractnouns שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֖⁠ךְ…בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛⁠ךְ 1 your petition…your request The two abstract nouns “petition” and “request” can be expressed with a single phrase using the verb “want.” Alternate translation: “what you really want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 5 6 e2v2 figs-activepassive וְ⁠יִנָּ֣תֵֽן…וְ⁠תֵעָֽשׂ 1 And let it be given to you…let it be done You can capture these parallel passive statements with one statement using an active form. Alternate translation: “I will give you anything you ask for.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 5 6 j65r  עַד־חֲצִ֥י הַ⁠מַּלְכ֖וּת 1 As much as half of the kingdom See how you translated this expression in 5:3. Review the explanation there if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “I will give you anything you ask for, no matter how great it is.”
EST 5 7 abu5 figs-hendiadys וַ⁠תַּ֥עַן…וַ⁠תֹּאמַ֑ר 1 Then…answered and said Here a single idea is being expressed by using two words connected with “and.” Together the two words mean that Esther responded to the question that the king asked her. Alternate translation: “answered” or “replied” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 5 7 r4aw figs-doublet שְׁאֵלָתִ֖⁠י וּ⁠בַקָּשָׁתִֽ⁠י 1 My petition and my request The words “petition” and “request” mean the same thing. Esther probably used these words together as a way of speaking very formally and respectfully to the king. Alternate translation: “This is what I want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 5 7 abu6 figs-abstractnouns שְׁאֵלָתִ֖⁠י וּ⁠בַקָּשָׁתִֽ⁠י 1 My petition and my request The two abstract nouns “petition” and “request” can be expressed with a single phrase using the verb “want.” Alternate translation: “This is what I want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 5 8 c2br figs-idiom אִם־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֜ן בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 if I have found favor in the eyes of the king The expression “find favor” means to gain the approval or acceptance of another person. Alternate translation: “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 5 8 abu7 figs-metonymy אִם־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֜ן בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 if I have found favor in the eyes of the king Here **eyes** figuratively represent seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. The phrase means 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]])
EST 5 8 c2jy figs-123person אִם־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֜ן בְּ⁠עֵינֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 if I have found favor in the eyes of the king Esther speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “if you evaluate me and approve” or “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 8 abu8 figs-idiom וְ⁠אִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ ט֔וֹב 1 if it is good to the king This is an idiom. See how you translated it in 1:19, 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]])
EST 5 8 j69r figs-doublet לָ⁠תֵת֙ אֶת־שְׁאֵ֣לָתִ֔⁠י וְ⁠לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת אֶת־בַּקָּשָׁתִ֑⁠י 1 to grant my petition and to perform my request The phrases “to grant my petition” and “to perform my request” mean the same thing. Alternate translation: “to give me what I want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 5 8 x8hf figs-123person יָב֧וֹא הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ וְ⁠הָמָ֗ן אֶל־הַ⁠מִּשְׁתֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֣ה לָ⁠הֶ֔ם 1 let the king come with Haman to the banquet that I will make for them Esther speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “Please come with Haman to another banquet that I will prepare for you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 8 j71r figs-youdual יָב֧וֹא הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ וְ⁠הָמָ֗ן אֶל־הַ⁠מִּשְׁתֶּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֣ה לָ⁠הֶ֔ם 1 let the king come with Haman to the banquet that I will make for them If you decide to translate this as “the banquet that I have prepared for you,” then the word “you” should be dual if your language uses that form, since it refers to the king and Haman, otherwise it should be plural. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-youdual]])
EST 5 8 abu9 וּ⁠מָחָ֥ר אֶֽעֱשֶׂ֖ה כִּ⁠דְבַ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 and tomorrow I will do according to the word of the king The **word of the king** means his request for Esther to tell him what she wants. Alternate translation: “I will answer your question then”
EST 5 8 gf9b figs-123person כִּ⁠דְבַ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 according to the word of the king Esther speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. Alternate translation: “according to your word” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 5 9 abv1 וַ⁠יֵּצֵ֤א 1 And…went out “And…left the banquet”
EST 5 9 j73r figs-doublet שָׂמֵ֖חַ וְ⁠ט֣וֹב לֵ֑ב 1 joyful and good of heart The word “joyful” and the phrase “good of heart” mean the same thing. These terms are used together to show that Haman was very happy after attending Esther’s banquet with King Ahasuerus. Alternate translation: “feeling very happy” [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]]
EST 5 9 j75r figs-metaphor  וְ⁠ט֣וֹב לֵ֑ב 1 and good of heart Here **heart** figuratively represents the action of thinking or feeling. The phrase means that Haman felt happy. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 5 9 dkg6 figs-explicit וְ⁠לֹא־קָם֙ 1 that he neither rose up Under other circumstances, officials were expected to bow low to the ground to show respect for Haman. (See 3:2.) 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/figs-symaction]])
EST 5 9 j77r translate-symaction וְ⁠לֹא־זָ֣ע מִמֶּ֔⁠נּוּ 1 nor trembled from him The phrase means that Mordecai was not afraid of Haman or of what Haman might do to him for refusing to show the respect that the king had commanded. Alternate translation: “or tremble fearfully in front of him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]])
EST 5 9 s47u figs-metaphor וַ⁠יִּמָּלֵ֥א הָמָ֛ן עַֽל־מָרְדֳּכַ֖י חֵמָֽה 1 then Haman was filled with rage on account of Mordecai Here Haman’s rage is described 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]])
EST 5 10 v5nl grammar-connect-logic-contrast וַ⁠יִּתְאַפַּ֣ק הָמָ֔ן 1 But Haman restrained himself There is a contrast between this sentence and the previous one. Haman felt very much like doing one thing, but he decided it would be better to do something else. The contrast can be indicated with a phrase such as “but even though.” Alternate translation: “But even though Haman was so angry, he kept himself from losing his temper” or “Haman refused to show how angry he was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EST 5 10 abv2 וַ⁠יָּב֖וֹא אֶל־בֵּית֑⁠וֹ 1 and went to his house “went home”
EST 5 10 abv3 וַ⁠יִּשְׁלַ֛ח וַ⁠יָּבֵ֥א 1 Then he sent and brought “he gathered togethered”
EST 5 10 bcn1 translate-names זֶ֥רֶשׁ 1 Zeresh This is a woman’s name. It occurs several times in this chapter and the next. Be sure to translate it consistently. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 5 11 abv4 וַ⁠יְסַפֵּ֨ר 1 Then…recounted “Then…boasted”
EST 5 11 mvm5 figs-abstractnouns כְּב֥וֹד עָשְׁר֖⁠וֹ 1 the glory of his wealth “Glory” and “wealth” are both abstract nouns. Alternate translation: “Haman told them about how great his wealth was” or “Haman told them about the many great things he owned” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 5 11 j79r figs-symaction וְ⁠רֹ֣ב בָּנָ֑י⁠ו 1 and the multitude of his sons Having many sons was probably seen as a mark of honor and status in Persian culture. This phrase probably means that Haman was boasting about the status he enjoyed in Persian society. Alternate translation: “how many sons he had” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-symaction]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 11 abv5 figs-gendernotations בָּנָ֑י⁠ו 1 his sons This word can sometimes be used in Hebrew to mean both male and female children. However, here it clearly refers to male children, so you should translate it that way. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EST 5 11 m7fq גִּדְּל֤⁠וֹ 1 made him great “how the king had promoted him many times” or “how the king had honored him many times by giving him more important work”
EST 5 11 b7c5 figs-metaphor נִשְּׂא֔⁠וֹ עַל 1 he had lifted him over Here **lifting** is a metaphor meaning to “advance” or “promote” a person to a higher, more important position than they had previously. Alternate translation: “given him a position more important than” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 5 11 abv6 figs-explicit הַ⁠שָּׂרִ֖ים וְ⁠עַבְדֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the officials and administrators of the king This means all of the others, as 3:1 makes clear. Alternate translation: “all of his other officials and administrators” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 12 abv7 figs-exclamations אַ֣ף 1 In addition Alternate translation: “And that is not all!” You can translate it as an exclamation because Haman believes he has saved the best for last and is now introducing what he considers to be his most recent significant honor. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-exclamations]])
EST 5 12 w1bm לֹא־הֵבִיאָה֩ אֶסְתֵּ֨ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֧ה עִם־הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ…כִּ֣י אִם־אוֹתִ֑⁠י 1 Esther the queen did not bring anyone with the king…except me This can be expressed positively. Alternate translation: “I was the only one Queen Esther invited besides the king” or “Queen Esther invited just two of us, the king and me.”
EST 5 12 abv8 עָשָׂ֖תָה 1 she had made “she had prepared”
EST 5 12 abv9 figs-activepassive וְ⁠גַם־לְ⁠מָחָ֛ר אֲנִ֥י קָֽרוּא־לָ֖⁠הּ עִם־הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 And also for tomorrow, I am called by her with the king You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “And she has also invited only me to attend another banquet with the king tomorrow.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 5 13 abw0 figs-metaphor וְ⁠כָל־זֶ֕ה אֵינֶ֥⁠נּוּ שֹׁוֶ֖ה לִ֑⁠י בְּ⁠כָל־עֵ֗ת אֲשֶׁ֨ר אֲנִ֤י רֹאֶה֙ 1 But all of this is not equal for me to every time that I see This is a figurative way of speaking. It is as if Haman is weighing his happiness on one side of a scale and his unhappiness on the other side. Haman is saying his happiness over all the honors he has received is still not greater than his unhappiness over seeing Mordecai fail to honor him, so on balance, he is unhappy. Alternate translation: “I still cannot be happy as long as I keep seeing” or “all of this does not make me happy” or “does not satisfy me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 5 13 wu84 וְ⁠כָל־זֶ֕ה 1 But all of this Haman is continuing to speak here. You can show this by beginning with, “Then Haman said”
EST 5 13 abw1 figs-informremind הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔י 1 the Jew This phrase gives clarifying information about Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 5 13 abw2 figs-explicit יוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּ⁠שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 sitting at the gate of the king Haman could be referring to the way Mordecai has been refusing to stand up to honor him. Or he could be referring generally to the way Mordecai has never honored him (by either bowing or standing up) ever since he was appointed to a position in the king’s service and stationed at the gate. Either way, being reminded of this dishonor is the reason why Haman continues to be unhappy. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “sitting at the palace gate and refusing to honor me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 13 abw3 בְּ⁠שַׁ֥עַר הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the gate of the king “the palace gate”
EST 5 14 j81r וְ⁠כָל־אֹֽהֲבָ֗י⁠ו 1 with all his friends This means the friends whom Haman had invited to his home that day. Alternate translation: “his friends who were there”
EST 5 14 abw4 וַ⁠תֹּ֣אמֶר ל⁠וֹ֩ 1 Then…said to him “suggested”
EST 5 14 abw5 figs-explicit יַֽעֲשׂוּ 1 Let them make You can say who would do the action. Alternate translation: “have your servants set up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 5 14 i2f3 figs-metonymy עֵץ֮ 1 a tree See how you translated this in 2:23. 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]])
EST 5 14 k8zd translate-bdistance גָּבֹ֣הַּ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים אַמָּה֒ 1 50 cubits high You 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]])
EST 5 14 abw6 וּ⁠בַ⁠בֹּ֣קֶר 1 And in the morning “then tomorrow morning”
EST 5 14 abw7 אֱמֹ֣ר לַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ וְ⁠יִתְל֤וּ אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַי֙ עָלָ֔י⁠ו 1 say to the king, and let them hang Mordecai on it While Haman’s servants would likely carry out the action, it would happen under Haman’s 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”
EST 5 14 abw8 grammar-connect-logic-result וּ⁠בֹֽא…אֶל הַ⁠מִּשְׁתֶּ֖ה שָׂמֵ֑חַ 1 Then go…to the banquet joyful **Then** indicates more than a time sequence here. Zeresh and the friends are saying what the result would be. Alternate translation: “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]])
EST 5 14 bbs9 figs-metonymy וַ⁠יִּיטַ֧ב הַ⁠דָּבָ֛ר לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הָמָ֖ן 1 And the word was good before the face of Haman The **word** was the suggestion that Zeresh and the friends made. Here **face** figuratively represents Haman himself by something associated with him, his face, which showed what he was thinking and feeling. Alternate translation: “Haman decided that he liked this idea” or “That idea pleased Haman very much” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonym]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 5 14 i8is וַ⁠יַּ֥עַשׂ הָ⁠עֵֽץ 1 and he made the tree Haman most likely did not do this personally. He ordered it to be done. Alternate translation: “he gave his servants orders to set up the pole” or “he told his servants to construct the gallows”
EST 5 14 j83r figs-metonymy הָ⁠עֵֽץ 1 the tree You should translate this the same way you did earlier in the verse, “the pole” or “the gallows.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 6 intro i9x7 0 # Esther 06 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>This chapter continues the story of Haman’s 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.<br>
EST 6 1 j85r writing-newevent בַּ⁠לַּ֣יְלָה הַ⁠ה֔וּא 1 That night This introduces a new event in the story. Use a natural way of introducing a new event in your language. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 6 1 abw9 figs-personification נָדְדָ֖ה שְׁנַ֣ת הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 the sleep of the king fled away Here **sleep** is spoken of as if it were a living thing that could flee away. Alternate translation: “the king was unable to sleep” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EST 6 1 abx1 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֹּ֗אמֶר לְ⁠הָבִ֞יא 1 And he said to bring **He** means the king. The implication is that he told the young men who attended him to do this. Verses 3 and 5 indicate this. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. “So he told the young men who attended him to bring in” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 1 abx2 סֵ֤פֶר הַ⁠זִּכְרֹנוֹת֙ דִּבְרֵ֣י הַ⁠יָּמִ֔ים 1 the book of records of the events of days This is equivalent to the expression “the book of the events of days” in 2:23. 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.”
EST 6 1 abx3 וַ⁠יִּהְי֥וּ נִקְרָאִ֖ים 1 they were being called out This means that the chronicles were read out loud. You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “The young men got the chronicles and began to read them out loud” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 1 j87r figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 before the face of the king Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase means that the book was being read in the king’s presence. Alternate translation: “to the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 6 2 u4gi figs-activepassive וַ⁠יִּמָּצֵ֣א כָת֗וּב 1 And it was found written Both terms **found** and **recorded** can be expressed in active form. Alternate translation: “They found that the writers had recorded there” or “They learned that the writers had written” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 2 abx4 figs-explicit הִגִּ֨יד מָרְדֳּכַ֜י עַל 1 Mordecai had told about The implication is that Mordecai had saved the king’s life by discovering the plot and telling him about it. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Mordecai had saved the king’s life by discovering a plot against the king and telling him about it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 2 abx5 figs-events הִגִּ֨יד מָרְדֳּכַ֜י עַל 1 Mordecai had told about To relate the events in chronological order, you can put this at the end of the verse. Alternate translation: “But Mordecai had saved the king’s life by discovering their plot and telling him about it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 6 2 syd9 translate-names בִּגְתָ֣נָא וָ⁠תֶ֗רֶשׁ 1 Bigthana and Teresh These are the same two men who are named in 2:21. However, there the first man’s name is said to be “Bigthan.” Decide on a consistent way of translating these names so your readers will know that they are the same men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 6 2 abx6 translate-unknown שְׁנֵי֙ סָרִיסֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 two of the eunuchs of the king See how you translated the term “eunuch” in 1:10. Alternate translation: “two of the royal guardians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknowns]])
EST 6 2 abx7 מִ⁠שֹּׁמְרֵ֖י הַ⁠סַּ֑ף 1 who were from the guardians of the doorway See how you translated this expression in 2:23. Alternate translation: “who protected the doorway to the king's private quarters”
EST 6 2 abx8 figs-metaphor בִּקְשׁוּ֙ 1 they had sought Here **seek** figuratively means actively trying to do something. Alternate translation: “they had planned” or “they had tried” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 2 j89r figs-idiom לִ⁠שְׁלֹ֣חַ יָ֔ד 1 to stretch out a hand As in 2:21, the expression **to stretch out a hand** means to cause someone physical harm with the intention of killing them. Alternate translation: “to assassinate” or “to kill” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 6 3 abx9 וַ⁠יֹּ֣אמֶר הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 The the king said “Then the king asked”
EST 6 3 lmz6 figs-doublet מַֽה־נַּעֲשָׂ֞ה יְקָ֧ר וּ⁠גְדוּלָּ֛ה לְ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֖י 1 What 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 king’s 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]])
EST 6 3 aby0 figs-activepassive נַּעֲשָׂ֞ה 1 was done You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “What did I do” or “What did we do” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 3 aby1 עַל־זֶ֑ה 1 on account of this “for saving my life”
EST 6 3 n2az figs-activepassive לֹא־נַעֲשָׂ֥ה עִמּ֖⁠וֹ דָּבָֽר 1 Not a thing has been done with him You can say this with an active form. However, it would be good to say this in a way that does not create the impression that the young men are accusing the king. Alternate translation: “No one did anything for him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 4 aby2 figs-explicit מִ֣י בֶ⁠חָצֵ֑ר 1 Who 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]])
EST 6 4 aby3 מִ֣י בֶ⁠חָצֵ֑ר 1 Who is in the court? In order to present the events in logical and chronological order, you can put the king’s question last in the verse if that would be more natural in your language. Haman had already come in the courtyard by the time the king asked this question.
EST 6 4 guv8 בֶ⁠חָצֵ֑ר 1 in the court “courtyard”
EST 6 4 j91r writing-background וְ⁠הָמָ֣ן בָּ֗א לַ⁠חֲצַ֤ר בֵּית־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הַ⁠חִ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה לֵ⁠אמֹ֣ר לַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ לִ⁠תְלוֹת֙ אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַ֔י עַל־הָ⁠עֵ֖ץ אֲשֶׁר־הֵכִ֥ין לֽ⁠וֹ 1 Now Haman had come into the outer court of the house of the king to say to the king to hang Mordecai on the tree that he had prepared for him This sentence indicates that Haman had already entered the outer court when King Ahasuerus asked his question. You could indicate this with a phrase such as “at that moment” or “just then” or “while they were talking” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-orderHeb]])
EST 6 4 rg8t לַ⁠חֲצַ֤ר בֵּית־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הַ⁠חִ֣יצוֹנָ֔ה 1 to the outer court of the house of the king Alternate translation: “the outer courtyard of the palace.” This phrase is describing the first courtyard a person would come to after entering the palace from the outside.
EST 6 4 vu7p לֵ⁠אמֹ֣ר לַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ לִ⁠תְלוֹת֙ אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַ֔י עַל־הָ⁠עֵ֖ץ 1 to 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”
EST 6 4 at53 הָ⁠עֵ֖ץ אֲשֶׁר־הֵכִ֥ין לֽ⁠וֹ 1 the tree that he had prepared for him “on the pole that he had set up” or “on the gallows that he had set up”
EST 6 4 aby4 figs-metonymy הָ⁠עֵ֖ץ 1 the tree See 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]])
EST 6 5 aby5 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמְר֜וּ נַעֲרֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 And the young men of the king said It is implied that the young men went and looked, perhaps through a window or a doorway, to see who might be in the courtyard before they answered the king. You can say 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]])
EST 6 5 j93r הִנֵּ֥ה 1 Behold This is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation. You could also have the young men address the king directly to get his attention. Alternate translation: “O king”
EST 6 5 j95r יָבֽוֹא 1 Let him come “Bring him in”
EST 6 6 j97r וַ⁠יָּבוֹא֮ הָמָן֒ וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר ל⁠וֹ֙ הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Then Haman came, and the king said to him “When Haman came in, the king said”
EST 6 6 ky5i figs-123person מַה־לַ⁠עֲשׂ֕וֹת בָּ⁠אִ֕ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֣ץ בִּ⁠יקָר֑⁠וֹ 1 What is one to do for the man in whose honor the king is delighted? Here the king speaks of himself in the third person. If it would be clearer in your language, you can use the first person instead. Alternate translation: “What should I do for the man whom I would really like to honor?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 6 6 n3r5 figs-idiom אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֣ץ בִּ⁠יקָר֑⁠וֹ 1 in whose honor the king is delighted To delight in doing something means to be glad to do it and to really want to do it. Alternate translation: “whom I am glad to honor” or “whom I want to honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 6 6 jh4i figs-metaphor וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר הָמָן֙ בְּ⁠לִבּ֔⁠וֹ 1 Then Haman said in his heart Here **heart** could mean two different things. 1) “Heart” could figuratively represent the action of thinking or feeling. In that case, the phrase would mean, “Then Haman said in his thoughts.” 2) “Heart” could also be a metaphor meaning to “be inside” someone or something. In that case, the phrase would mean, “Then Haman said inside himself.” 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]])
EST 6 6 yft1 figs-rquestion לְ⁠מִ֞י יַחְפֹּ֥ץ הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת יְקָ֖ר יוֹתֵ֥ר מִמֶּֽ⁠נִּי 1 For whom would the king delight to do honor more than me Haman is actually making a statement to himself rather than asking a question and trying to figure out the answer. He uses a question form to emphasize how true he believes the statement to be. If it would be clearer in your language, instead of a question you could use a statement such as, “Surely there is no one whom the king would take pleasure in honoring more than me!” Alternate translation: “Whom would the king like to honor more than me?” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EST 6 7 j1d1 figs-idiom אִ֕ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֥ץ בִּ⁠יקָרֽ⁠וֹ 1 For a man in whose honor the king is delighted To delight in doing something means to be glad to do it and to really want to do it. Alternate translation: “for a man the king is glad to honor” or “for a man the king wants to honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 6 7 aby6 figs-123person אִ֕ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֥ץ בִּ⁠יקָרֽ⁠וֹ 1 For a man in whose honor the king is delighted Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. You can have him address the king in the second person. Alternate translation: “If you really want to honor someone” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 6 8 mz79 figs-explicit יָבִ֨יאוּ֙ 1 let them bring The implication is that the king’s servants would do this. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “let someone bring” or “tell your servants to bring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 8 aby7 figs-abstractnouns לְב֣וּשׁ מַלְכ֔וּת אֲשֶׁ֥ר לָֽבַשׁ־בּ֖⁠וֹ הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 a garment of royalty with which the king has clothed himself **Royalty** is an abstract noun that refers to 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]])
EST 6 8 aby8 figs-123person אֲשֶׁ֥ר לָֽבַשׁ־בּ֖⁠וֹ הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 with which the king has clothed himself Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. You can have him address the king in the second person. Alternate translation: “that you have already worn yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 6 8 aby9 figs-123person וְ⁠ס֗וּס אֲשֶׁ֨ר רָכַ֤ב עָלָי⁠ו֙ 1 and a horse on which the king has ridden Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. You can have him address the king in the second person. Alternate translation: “a horse that you have already ridden yourself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 6 8 r63j figs-activepassive  וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִתַּ֛ן כֶּ֥תֶר מַלְכ֖וּת בְּ⁠רֹאשֽׁ⁠וֹ 1 and which has been given a crown of royalty for its head This whole phrase refers to the horse. You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “and that has a royal crown on its head” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 6 8 abz0 figs-explicit  וַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֥ר נִתַּ֛ן כֶּ֥תֶר מַלְכ֖וּת בְּ⁠רֹאשֽׁ⁠וֹ 1 and which has been given a crown of royalty for its head The implication is that this would be done to show that this was one of the king’s own horses. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and that has a royal crown on its head to show that it belongs to you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 8 abz1 figs-abstractnouns כֶּ֥תֶר מַלְכ֖וּת 1 a crown of royalty **Royalty** is an abstract noun that refers to the royal authority that the king exercised. You can translate this idea with an adjective, “a royal crown.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 6 9 pp3l figs-metaphor וְ⁠נָת֨וֹן הַ⁠לְּב֜וּשׁ וְ⁠הַ⁠סּ֗וּס עַל־יַד־אִ֞ישׁ מִ⁠שָּׂרֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ 1 Then give this garment and this horse into the hand of a man from the most noble officials of the king Here **hand** is a metaphor meaning power, control, or authority. It appears that the king himself would not perform such acts of service to one of his subjects, even if he really wanted to honor that person. So Haman is saying that on behalf of the king, representing his authority and power, one of the king’s most noble officials should present the man with the robe and the horse. Alternate translation: “Then, on your behalf, have one of your most noble officials present the man with the robe and the horse.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 9 j1d3 figs-123person אִ֞ישׁ מִ⁠שָּׂרֵ֤י הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ הַֽ⁠פַּרְתְּמִ֔ים 1 a man from the most noble officials of the king Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. If it would be clearer in your language, you can use the second person. Alternate translation: “one of your most noble officials” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 9 pfz6 figs-explicit וְ⁠הִלְבִּ֨ישׁוּ֙ 1 And let them clothe Since **them** is plural, it likely refers to the king’s servants. You can say this explicitly if that would be clearer in your language. Alternate translation: “Have your servants clothe … with the robe” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 9 j1d5 figs-idiom הָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֣ץ בִּֽ⁠יקָר֑⁠וֹ 1 the man in whose honor the king is delighted To delight in doing something means to be glad to do something or to want to do something. Alternate translation: “the man whom you really want to honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 6 9 abz2 figs-123person הָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֣ץ בִּֽ⁠יקָר֑⁠וֹ 1 the man in whose honor the king is delighted Haman speaks to the king in the third person as a sign of respect. If it would clearer in your language, you can use the second person. Alternate translation: “the man whom you really want to honor” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 6 9 abz3 וְ⁠הִרְכִּיבֻ֤⁠הוּ עַל־הַ⁠סּוּס֙ 1 and parade him on the horse “Have them seat that man on the horse and then lead the horse”
EST 6 9 abz4 בִּ⁠רְח֣וֹב הָ⁠עִ֔יר 1 in the open place of the city This refers to a large, open space in the city, either the space that was in front of the palace (as in 4:6), or a space inside one of the city gates. In either case, this would have been a public area where people could gather, and so it was a place where a great number of people would have seen how the king was honoring Mordecai. Alternate translation: “through the public square of the city”
EST 6 9 qs3k וְ⁠קָרְא֣וּ 1 and proclaim “and tell the noble official and servants to proclaim” or “and have them shout out”
EST 6 9 j1d7 figs-metonymy לְ⁠פָנָ֔י⁠ו 1 before his face Here **face** figuratively represents the front of a person. The phrase means that the servants were to shout out to the people in front of 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]])
EST 6 9 j1d9 figs-idiom כָּ֚כָה יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה לָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֥ץ בִּ⁠יקָרֽ⁠וֹ 1 Thus shall it be done for the man in whose honor the king is delighted To delight in doing something means to be glad to do something or to want to do something. Alternate translation: “The king is doing this because he really wants to honor this man!” or “This is what the king does when he especially wants to honor someone!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 6 10 j2d1 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ לְ⁠הָמָ֗ן 1 So the king said to Haman The implication is that the king liked Haman’s suggestion. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The king liked this idea, so he replied” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 10 abz5 כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁ֣ר דִּבַּ֔רְתָּ וַֽ⁠עֲשֵׂה־כֵן֙ 1 according to how you have spoken, and do thus “be sure to do absolutely everything you have said” or “do just what you have suggested”
EST 6 10 abz6 figs-idiom הַ⁠יּוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּ⁠שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 the man who sits at the gate of the king As in 2:19, 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]])
EST 6 10 abz7 figs-123person הַ⁠יּוֹשֵׁ֖ב בְּ⁠שַׁ֣עַר הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 the man who sits at the gate of the king Here the king speaks of himself in the third person. If it would be clearer in your language, you can use the first person. Alternate translation: “one of my servants, who is stationed at the gate to the palace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 6 10 gln7 figs-metaphor אַל־תַּפֵּ֣ל דָּבָ֔ר 1 Do not allow a word to fail Here the action of letting **fall** is a metaphor meaning to leave out or leave unfulfilled. The phrase means that Haman must do absolutely everything that he said. Alternate translation: “Do not leave out anything that you suggested” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 10 abz8 figs-doublenegatives אַל־תַּפֵּ֣ל דָּבָ֔ר 1 Do not allow a word to fail This can be stated positively. Alternate translation: “Be sure to do absolutely everything that you have said” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublenegatives]])
EST 6 11 abz9 וַ⁠יַּרְכִּיבֵ֨⁠הוּ֙ בִּ⁠רְח֣וֹב הָ⁠עִ֔יר 1 and paraded him in the open place of the city See how you translated these expressions in verse 9. Alternate translation: “seated him on the horse and then led the horse through the public square of the city”
EST 6 11 j2d5 figs-metonymy וַ⁠יִּקְרָ֣א לְ⁠פָנָ֔י⁠ו 1 called out before his face Here **face** figuratively represents the front of a person. The phrase means that 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]])
EST 6 11 j2d7 figs-idiom אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֥ץ בִּ⁠יקָרֽ⁠וֹ 1 Thus shall it be done for the man in whose honor the king is delighted To delight in doing something means to be glad to do something or to want to do something. Alternate translation: “The king is doing this because he really wants to honor this man!” (See: Idiom)(See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 6 12 aca0 כָּ֚כָה יֵעָשֶׂ֣ה לָ⁠אִ֔ישׁ אֲשֶׁ֥ר הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ חָפֵ֥ץ בִּ⁠יקָרֽ⁠וֹ 1 the gate of the king “the gate to the king’s palace”
EST 6 12 uri5 translate-symaction אָבֵ֖ל וַ⁠חֲפ֥וּי רֹֽאשׁ 1 mourning with a covering of head People 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]])
EST 6 13 j3d1 figs-explicit וַ⁠יְסַפֵּ֨ר הָמָ֜ן 1 Then Haman recounted The implication is that just as Haman gathered his friends together in 5:10 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]])
EST 6 13 aca1 figs-explicit כָּל־אֲשֶׁ֣ר קָרָ֑⁠הוּ 1 everything that had happened to him The 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]])
EST 6 13 aca2 figs-explicit וַ⁠יֹּ֩אמְרוּ֩ ל֨⁠וֹ חֲכָמָ֜י⁠ו וְ⁠זֶ֣רֶשׁ 1 Then his wise men and Zeresh said to him The implication is that just as King Ahasuerus had royal advisors, Haman had advisors of his own. They would have been included among the “friends” he gathered for this occasion. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “Some of his friends were also his advisors, and they and his wife Zeresh told him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 6 13 aca3 חֲכָמָ֜י⁠ו 1 his wise men See how you translated this expression in 1:13. Alternate translation: “his advisors”
EST 6 13 fd5k figs-metaphor אִ֣ם…מָרְדֳּכַ֞י אֲשֶׁר֩ הַחִלּ֨וֹתָ לִ⁠נְפֹּ֤ל לְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֙ 1 If Mordecai, before whose face you have begun to fall This could mean either of two possibilities: (1) The action of falling could refer to bowing down and it could be a metaphor meaning to be dishonored and defeated. Haman wanted Mordecai to bow down in front of him. But instead, the story would be saying, 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]])
EST 6 13 j3d3 figs-metaphor לְ⁠פָנָי⁠ו֙ 1 before…face Here **face** figuratively represents the front of a person. The phrase either means (1) that Haman has already begun to fall down (bow down) in front of Mordecai figuratively, or (2) that Haman and Mordecai are facing one another figuratively in hand-to-hand combat. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 13 figs-metaphor מִ⁠זֶּ֣רַע הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֡ים 1 from the seed of the Jews Here **seed** is a metaphor meaning “offspring.” It is a comparison: Just as plants produce seeds that grow into many more plants, so people can have many offspring. Alternate translation: “one of the Jewish people” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 13 nan5 figs-metaphor לֹא־תוּכַ֣ל ל֔⁠וֹ 1 you will not prevail against him Here Haman’s wife and friends are again speaking figuratively as if Haman is in a battle with Mordecai. Alternate translation: “you will not win against him” or “you will not have greater honor than he has” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 6 13 j3d5 grammar-connect-logic-contrast כִּֽי 1 but This conjunction indicates a contrast between the actions of prevailing (in the previous clause) and falling. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-contrast]])
EST 6 13 j3d7 figs-metaphor נָפ֥וֹל תִּפּ֖וֹל 1 you will surely fall Here the action of **falling** (1) either refers once again to prostrating oneself, and is a metaphor meaning to be dishonored and defeated, or (2) Haman’s wife and friends are saying that 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]])
EST 6 13 j3d9 figs-metaphor לְ⁠פָנָֽי⁠ו 1 before his face Here **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]])
EST 6 14 j4d1 grammar-connect-time-background עוֹדָ⁠ם֙ מְדַבְּרִ֣ים עִמּ֔⁠וֹ 1 They were still speaking with him when the eunuchs of the king arrived This phrase indicates something that happened after Haman’s wife and friends started talking with Haman and while they were still talking. You should indicate this with a phrase such as “while.” Alternate translation: “While they were still talking together, the king’s eunuchs arrived.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
EST 6 14 aca4 translate-unknown וְ⁠סָרִיסֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 when the eunuchs of the king See how you decided to translate this term in 1:10. Alternate translation: “some of the royal guardians” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 6 14 aca5 וַ⁠יַּבְהִ֨לוּ֙ לְ⁠הָבִ֣יא אֶת־הָמָ֔ן 1 And they hurried to bring Haman “they wanted to bring Haman quickly”
EST 6 14 aca6 אֲשֶׁר־עָשְׂתָ֥ה אֶסְתֵּֽר 1 that Esther had made “that Esther had prepared”
EST 7 intro x4w3 0 # Esther 07 General Notes<br>## Structure and formatting<br><br>The story of Haman’s fall concludes in this chapter.<br><br>## Other possible translation difficulties in this chapter<br><br>### Covering Haman’s face<br><br>When “the servants covered Haman’s face,” they were showing that he had been condemned to be executed. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]] and [[rc://en/tw/dict/bible/kt/condemn]])<br>
EST 7 1 n8vb figs-synecdoche וַ⁠יָּבֹ֤א הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ וְ⁠הָמָ֔ן לִ⁠שְׁתּ֖וֹת עִם־אֶסְתֵּ֥ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּֽה 1 So the king came with Haman to drink with Esther the queen. Esther hosted Ahasuerus and Haman for more than just drinks. This is a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to mean the whole thing. An entire banquet is being described here by reference to one part of it, the drinks. Alternate translation: “So the king and Haman went to the second banquet that Queen Esther had prepared.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 7 2 xt9f translate-ordinal בַּ⁠יּ֤וֹם הַ⁠שֵּׁנִי֙ 1 on the second day Alternate translation: “at that second banquet” or “on that second day of feasting” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 7 2 s5ae  בְּ⁠מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה הַ⁠יַּ֔יִן 1 during the banquet of wine “while they were drinking wine” or “while the servants were pouring the wine and giving it to them”
EST 7 2 yks7 figs-parallelism מַה־שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֛⁠ךְ…וְ⁠תִנָּ֣תֵֽן לָ֑⁠ךְ וּ⁠מַה־בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛⁠ךְ עַד־חֲצִ֥י הַ⁠מַּלְכ֖וּת וְ⁠תֵעָֽשׂ 1 What is your petition…And let it be given to you. And what is your request? As much as half of the kingdom, and let it be done. These two statements mean almost the same thing. Ahasuerus says the same thing twice, in slightly different ways, to show that he is truly disposed to 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]])
EST 7 2 p1xt figs-explicit מַה־שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֛⁠ךְ 1 What is your petition Ahasuerus has now allowed Esther to show her hospitality at two banquets. But he knows that she has done this as a gesture of respect for him and their relationship, and that this signals that she has an important and urgent request to make. You can indicate this by having the king ask, “Now please tell me what you really want.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 7 2 sem7 figs-activepassive וְ⁠תִנָּ֣תֵֽן…וְ⁠תֵעָֽשׂ 1 And let it be given to you…and let it be done You can capture these parallel passive statements with one statement using an active form. Alternate translation: “I will give you what you ask for” or “I will do for you what you ask” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 7 2 j4d3 figs-abstractnouns שְּׁאֵלָתֵ֛⁠ךְ…בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֛⁠ךְ 1 your petition…your request The two abstract nouns “petition” and “request” can be expressed with a single phrase using the verb “want.” Alternate translation: “what you really want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 7 2 j4d5 figs-hyperbole עַד־חֲצִ֥י הַ⁠מַּלְכ֖וּת 1 As much as half of the kingdom See how you translated this expression in 5:3 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]])
EST 7 3 aca7 figs-hendiadys וַ⁠תַּ֨עַן…וַ⁠תֹּאמַ֔ר 1 Then…answered and said Here a single idea is being expressed by using two words connected with “and.” Together the two words mean that Esther responded to the question that the king asked her. Alternate translation: “answered” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 7 3 k27c figs-idiom אִם־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ 1 If I have found favor in your eyes **Favor** means the approval or acceptance of another person. Alternate translation: “if you evaluate me and approve” or “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 7 3 aca8 figs-metonymy אִם־מָצָ֨אתִי חֵ֤ן בְּ⁠עֵינֶ֨י⁠ךָ֙ 1 If I have found favor in your eyes Here **eyes** figuratively represent seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “if you evaluate me and approve” or “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 7 3 j4d7 הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 O king In 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.
EST 7 3 aca8 figs-idiom וְ⁠אִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ ט֑וֹב 1 and if it is good to the king This is an idiom that also appears in 1:19, 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]])
EST 7 3 aca9 figs-parallelism תִּנָּֽתֶן־לִ֤⁠י נַפְשִׁ⁠י֙ בִּ⁠שְׁאֵ֣לָתִ֔⁠י וְ⁠עַמִּ֖⁠י בְּ⁠בַקָּשָׁתִֽ⁠י 1 let my life be given to me at my petition, and my people at my request These 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]])
EST 7 3 j4d9 figs-activepassive תִּנָּֽתֶן־לִ֤⁠י נַפְשִׁ⁠י֙ 1 let my life be given to me You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Please spare my life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 7 3 bvi1 figs-abstractnouns בִּ⁠שְׁאֵ֣לָתִ֔⁠י 1 at my petition The abstract noun “petition” can be expressed with the verb “ask for.” Alternate translation: “That is what I am asking for” or “That is what I want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 7 3 acb0 וְ⁠עַמִּ֖⁠י 1 and my people “and save my people”
EST 7 3 j5d1 figs-abstractnouns בְּ⁠בַקָּשָׁתִֽ⁠י 1 at my request The abstract noun “request” can be expressed with the verb “ask for.” Alternate translation: “That is what I am asking for” or “That is what I want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 7 4 acb1 figs-metaphor כִּ֤י נִמְכַּ֨רְנוּ֙ 1 For we have been sold As Esther points out later in the verse, the Jews actually have not been exchanged for money. Rather, **sell** is a figurative way of saying “turn over to.” If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this meaning by saying something like, “For someone has turned us over to our enemies” Alternatively, you could use the same figure, but show that it is a comparison. Alternate translation: “It is as though I and my people are cattle that have been sold to be slaughtered.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 7 4 fhs7 figs-activepassive כִּ֤י נִמְכַּ֨רְנוּ֙ 1 For we have been sold You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “For someone has sold us” or “For someone has put us in danger of our enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 7 4 e9cx figs-doublet לְ⁠הַשְׁמִ֖יד לַ⁠הֲר֣וֹג וּ⁠לְ⁠אַבֵּ֑ד 1 for annihilation, for slaughter, and for destruction As in 3:13, 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]])
EST 7 4 acb2 וְ֠⁠אִלּוּ לַ⁠עֲבָדִ֨ים וְ⁠לִ⁠שְׁפָח֤וֹת נִמְכַּ֨רְנוּ֙ 1 if we had been sold as slaves and female servants “if the men and even the women had been sold into slavery”
EST 7 4 acb3 הֶחֱרַ֔שְׁתִּי 1 I would have kept silent “I would not have said anything about that to you”
EST 7 4 j5d3 figs-123person אֵ֥ין הַ⁠צָּ֛ר שֹׁוֶ֖ה בְּ⁠נֵ֥זֶק הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the distress would not have been equal to a burden of the king Esther is speaking very deferentially and 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]])
EST 7 4 acb4 figs-hyperbole הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the king Esther addresses King Ahasuerus in the third person as a way of showing respect. Alternate translation: “you”
EST 7 5 acb5 וַ⁠יֹּ֨אמֶר֙…וַ⁠יֹּ֖אמֶר 1 Then…spoke and said “responded”
EST 7 5 acb6 figs-parallelism מִ֣י ה֥וּא זֶה֙ וְ⁠אֵֽי־זֶ֣ה ה֔וּא 1 Who is he, this man? And where is this man These two phrases mean similar things. They both ask about the identity of the man who is trying to destroy the Jews. King Ahasuerus uses the repetition to emphasize how outraged he is. If the repetition would be confusing in your language, you could combine the two phrases. However, from another perspective, both the man’s identity and his location are important to know so that his plot can be stopped. So, for that reason, you could also decide to include both phrases in your translation. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 7 5 acb7 מִ֣י ה֥וּא זֶה֙ וְ⁠אֵֽי־זֶ֣ה ה֔וּא 1 Who is he, this man? “Who has done this?”
EST 7 5 dl4b figs-metaphor וְ⁠אֵֽי־זֶ֣ה ה֔וּא אֲשֶׁר־מְלָא֥⁠וֹ לִבּ֖⁠וֹ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֥וֹת כֵּֽן 1 And where is this man, he whose heart is full to do thus? Here the concept of a **full heart** uses two metaphors at once. “Heart” figuratively represents the action of thinking or feeling. 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/figs-metaphor]])
EST 7 6 j5d5 figs-doublet אִ֚ישׁ צַ֣ר וְ⁠אוֹיֵ֔ב 1 A man, and adversary, and an enemy These words mean the same thing. They emphasize Haman’s 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]])
EST 7 6 j5d7 הָמָ֥ן הָ⁠רָ֖ע הַ⁠זֶּ֑ה 1 this evil Haman “this evil man Haman”
EST 7 6 ar4f נִבְעַ֔ת 1 was terrified “was extremely afraid”
EST 7 6 j5d9 figs-metonymy נִבְעַ֔ת מִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֥י 1 terrified from before the face of Here **face** figuratively means the presence of a person. The phrase means that Haman was now extremely afraid to be in the presence of King Ahasuerus and Queen Esther. Alternate translation: “This made Haman 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]])
EST 7 7 bzd4 figs-idiom וְ⁠הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ קָ֤ם בַּ⁠חֲמָת⁠וֹ֙ מִ⁠מִּשְׁתֵּ֣ה הַ⁠יַּ֔יִן 1 Then the king rose up in his rage from the banquet of wine Here “in his rage” is an idiom meaning to be extremely angry. Alternate translation: “The king was extremely angry and got up” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 7 7 j6d1 figs-explicit קָ֤ם…אֶל־גִּנַּ֖ת הַ⁠בִּיתָ֑ן 1 rose up…to the garden of the palace The implication is that Ahasuerus went outside to absorb the shock that a man he had promoted to the highest position in his empire was plotting to destroy his queen and her whole people. Ahasuerus needed to sort out his conflicting loyalties and decide what to do about this. 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]])
EST 7 7 uaq6 figs-metaphor לְ⁠בַקֵּ֤שׁ עַל־נַפְשׁ⁠וֹ֙ 1 in order to seek for his life Here **seeking** figuratively means to beg or plead urgently for something. This phrase means that Haman wanted to beg Esther to persuade the king not to order his execution. Alternate translation: “to beg Queen Esther to save his life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 7 7 qz1m figs-metaphor כִּ֣י רָאָ֔ה 1 for he saw Here **seeing** is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “he realized” or “he understood” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 7 7 nin1 figs-activepassive כָלְתָ֥ה אֵלָ֛י⁠ו הָ⁠רָעָ֖ה מֵ⁠אֵ֥ת הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 evil was determined against him by the king You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “the king had decided to cause a disaster against him” or “the king was decided to destroy him” or “the king had decided to kill him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 7 7 j6d3 figs-abstractnouns כָלְתָ֥ה אֵלָ֛י⁠ו הָ⁠רָעָ֖ה מֵ⁠אֵ֥ת הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 evil was determined against him by the king Here the abstract noun “evil” means “harm,” not something that is morally wrong as in the previous verse. In this context, it can be expressed with a verb such as “execute.” Alternate translation: “the king was likely to execute him” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 7 8 j6d5 figs-explicit וְ⁠הַ⁠מֶּ֡לֶךְ שָׁב֩…וְ⁠הָמָן֙ נֹפֵ֔ל 1 Now when the king returned…Haman was fallen The implication is that when the king returned to the room, he saw what this verse describes next. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “when the king returned …, he saw that Haman had fallen …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 7 8 j6d7 בֵּ֣ית ׀ מִשְׁתֵּ֣ה הַ⁠יַּ֗יִן 1 the house of the banquet of wine “the room where they had been drinking wine”
EST 7 8 h4c7 figs-explicit וְ⁠הָמָן֙ נֹפֵ֔ל עַל־הַ⁠מִּטָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֣ר עָלֶ֔י⁠הָ 1 Now…Haman was fallen on the couch on which Esther was The implication is that Haman was doing this as he pleaded for his life. If it would be clearer in your language, you can add that information to the end of this phrase: “…as he was pleading for his life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 7 8 acb8 figs-events וְ⁠הָמָן֙ נֹפֵ֔ל עַל־הַ⁠מִּטָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֣ר עָלֶ֔י⁠הָ 1 Now…Haman was fallen on the couch on which Esther was If you prefer to present the events in chronological order, you can put this information first in the verse. See the UST. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 7 8 acb9 וְ⁠הָמָן֙ נֹפֵ֔ל עַל־הַ⁠מִּטָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֣ר עָלֶ֔י⁠הָ 1 Now…Haman was fallen on the couch on which Esther was The expression **was fallen** means that as Haman was begging for his life, he was not standing up, 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, it’s 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.”
EST 7 8 acc0 הַ⁠מִּטָּה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֣ר עָלֶ֔י⁠הָ 1 the couch on which Esther was In this culture, especially at a banquet like this one, people would recline on couches as they ate and drank. Alternate translation: “Esther’s banqueting couch”
EST 7 8 thq6 figs-rquestion הֲ֠⁠גַם לִ⁠כְבּ֧וֹשׁ אֶת־הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֛ה 1 Is it also to subdue the queen…? 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]])
EST 7 8 l4ce figs-euphemism לִ⁠כְבּ֧וֹשׁ אֶת־הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֛ה 1 to subdue the queen The story is using a mild expression to refer to something that is disturbing. In this context, “subdue” means “rape.” The king thought that Haman was trying to rape Esther, and he likely said just that. You can show this in your translation. Alternate translation: “trying to rape the queen” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-euphemism]])
EST 7 8 acc1 figs-parallelism עִמִּ֖⁠י בַּ⁠בָּ֑יִת 1 with me, in the house These two phrases mean similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize the idea that they are expressing. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine the phrases. However, each one does indicate something slightly different about what a serious offense it would be if Haman actually were trying to rape Esther. It would be a violation of the king’s personal trust, and a violation of the trust implicit in hospitality. So you can also include both phrases. Alternate translation: “in my presence and in my own house” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 7 8 adq6 figs-idiom הַ⁠דָּבָ֗ר יָצָא֙ מִ⁠פִּ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 The word was going out from the mouth of the king This expression describes the action of speaking. Alternate translation: “As soon as the king said this” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 7 8 acc2 grammar-connect-time-background הַ⁠דָּבָ֗ר…וּ⁠פְנֵ֥י הָמָ֖ן חָפֽוּ 1 The word was going out…when they covered the face of Haman The king spoke, and then the servants covered Haman’s face. One action followed upon another. However, this happened so quickly that almost no time seemed to pass in between. You can indicate this with a phrase like “as soon as.” Alternate translation: “As soon as the king said this, they covered Haman’s face” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-time-background]])
EST 7 8 ju8q figs-explicit וּ⁠פְנֵ֥י הָמָ֖ן חָפֽוּ 1 when they covered the face of Haman Apparently they did this because they understood that the king wanted Haman to be killed. Alternate translation: “the servants covered Haman’s face as a sign that he would be killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 7 8 j6d9 figs-explicit וּ⁠פְנֵ֥י הָמָ֖ן חָפֽוּ 1 when they covered the face of Haman The implication is that some the king’s servants who were present did this, and they did it because they understood that the king wanted Haman to be executed. Alternate translation: “some of his servants covered Haman’s face as a sign that he would be executed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 7 8 acc3 figs-symaction וּ⁠פְנֵ֥י הָמָ֖ן חָפֽוּ 1 when they covered the face of Haman Covering the face, in this culture as in many others, was a sign that a person had been condemned to death. Alternate translation: “some of his servants covered Haman’s face as a sign that he would be executed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-symaction]])
EST 7 9 a7ic translate-names חַ֠רְבוֹנָה 1 Harbona This is a man’s name. See how you translated it in 1:10. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 7 9 j7d1 bita-hq אֶחָ֨ד מִן־הַ⁠סָּרִיסִ֜ים לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 one from the eunuchs before the face of the king Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase means that Harbona was one of the eunuchs who served King Ahasuerus personally. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 7 9 acc4 translate-unknown הַ⁠סָּרִיסִ֜ים לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 the eunuchs before the face of the king See how you translated this term and this phrase in 1:10. Alternate translation: “the guardians who served the king personally” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 7 9 j7d3 הִנֵּה 1 behold **Behold** is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, it can be omitted from your translation. But consider using an expression that is natural in your language for someone to address the king directly to get his attention, for example, “O king!”
EST 7 9 acc5 גַּ֣ם…הָ⁠עֵ֣ץ אֲשֶׁר־עָשָׂ֪ה הָמָ֟ן לְֽ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֞י…עֹמֵד֙ בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הָמָ֔ן 1 Also…the tree that Haman made for Mordecai…is standing at the house of Haman “Haman has also set up a pole [or gallows] at his house because he wants to impale [or hang] Mordecai on it”
EST 7 9 j7d5 figs-metonymy הָ⁠עֵ֣ץ 1 the tree See 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]])
EST 7 9 j7d7 figs-idiom לְֽ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֞י אֲשֶׁ֧ר דִּבֶּר־ט֣וֹב עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 for Mordecai, who spoke good for the king This expression means that Mordecai said something that benefitted the king. Specifically, Mordecai reported an assassination plot and saved the king’s life. Alternate translation: “Mordecai, who saved your life.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 7 9 j7d9 figs-123person דִּבֶּר־ט֣וֹב עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 spoke good for the king Harbona addresses the king in the third person as a way of showing respect. Alternate translation: “saved your life” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 7 9 acc6 עֹמֵד֙ 1 is standing “is set up”
EST 7 9 sre1 translate-bdistance גָּבֹ֖הַּ חֲמִשִּׁ֣ים אַמָּ֑ה 1 50 cubits high If it would be clearer in your language, you can convert this to a modern measure. See how you translated this phrase in 5:14. 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]])
EST 7 9 acc7 figs-explicit תְּלֻ֥⁠הוּ עָלָֽי⁠ו 1 Hang him on it **Him** means Haman. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Impale [or hang] Haman on it.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 7 10 j8d3 figs-metonymy הָ⁠עֵ֖ץ 1 the tree As in the previous verse, this refers to a wooden pole or gallows. See how you translated the term there. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 7 10 acc8 הֵכִ֣ין 1 he had prepared “he had set up”
EST 7 10 umd4 figs-metaphor וַ⁠חֲמַ֥ת הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ שָׁכָֽכָה 1 and the rage of the king subsided Here the story figuratively compares the king’s anger to floodwaters, which can cause great destruction. “Subside” means for waters to drain away and for their level to go down. You could express the meaning by saying something like, “Then the king’s rage lessened,” or “Then the king was not so angry.” Or you could use a different metaphor that would be meaningful in your language, such as, “Then the king cooled off.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-phenom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 intro z6j7 0 # Esther 08 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### God’s protection<br>Yahweh is at work in this chapter preventing the Jews from possible destruction. God used Esther and Mordecai to protect their people.<br>
EST 8 1 j8d5 writing-newevent בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠ה֗וּא 1 On that day This could mean one of three things. (1) A new series of events is now being described, but the story 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 Haman’s property to Esther. Alternate translation: “As of that day.” (3) The term “day” could also be used figuratively to mean around the same time. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonym]])
EST 8 1 j8d7 figs-metonymy נָתַ֞ן הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרוֹשׁ֙ לְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֔ה אֶת־בֵּ֥ית הָמָ֖ן 1 the king Ahasuerus gave to Esther the queen the house of Haman Here **house** figuratively represents all the household and property of Haman. The story could be referring to all the property by naming one part of it, the house. Or “house” could be a metonym for “property,” meaning everything a person owns and keeps in their house, and by extension everything they own beyond the house as well. Alternate translation: “King Ahasuerus declared that everything that Haman had owned would now belong to Queen Esther” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 8 1 nm3u figs-informremind צֹרֵ֣ר הַיְּהוּדִ֑ים 1 the adversary of the Jews This phrase gives clarifying information about Haman. Alternate translation: “the enemy of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 8 1 acc9 figs-explicit וּ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֗י בָּ֚א לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Mordecai came before the face of the king The implication is that when the king learned how Mordecai was related to Esther, he summoned 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]])
EST 8 1 j8d9 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 before the face of the king Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase indicates that Mordecai was allowed to come into the king’s presence. Alternate translation: “into his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 1 acd0 הִגִּ֥ידָה אֶסְתֵּ֖ר מַ֥ה הוּא־לָֽ⁠הּ 1 Esther told what he was to her Alternate translation: “how he was related to her” You can say this before saying that the king summoned Mordecai, since it happened first.
EST 8 1 j9d1 figs-explicit הִגִּ֥ידָה אֶסְתֵּ֖ר מַ֥ה הוּא־לָֽ⁠הּ 1 Esther told what he was to her Esther told this to the king. She would likely have explained not just how she and Mordecai were related, but that he had raised her after her parents died. Alternate translation: “Esther told the king that Mordecai was her cousin and that he had been like a father to her” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 2 m5hz figs-symaction וַ⁠יָּ֨סַר הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ אֶת־טַבַּעְתּ֗⁠וֹ…וַֽ⁠יִּתְּנָ֖⁠הּ לְ⁠מָרְדֳּכָ֑י 1 the king removed his signet ring…and he gave it to Mordecai Giving the ring to Mordecai showed that Mordecai could now act on the king’s own authority, and it enabled him to do that. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “The king now gave this ring to Mordecai, to show that he had the power to act on his authority.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-symaction]])
EST 8 2 acd1 translate-unknown טַבַּעְתּ֗⁠וֹ 1 signet ring See 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]])
EST 8 2 j9d3 figs-explicit אֲשֶׁ֤ר הֶֽעֱבִיר֙ מֵֽ⁠הָמָ֔ן 1 that he had caused to pass from Haman This means that the king had taken back his signet ring from Haman. He would have done this when he sentenced Haman to death. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “The king had given Haman the ring that had his official seal on it. But he had taken it back from him when he sentenced him to death, and he was wearing it again.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 2 acd2 figs-events אֲשֶׁ֤ר הֶֽעֱבִיר֙ מֵֽ⁠הָמָ֔ן 1 that he had caused to pass from Haman You can put this information first in the verse because it happened before everything else. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 8 2 acd3 figs-metaphor וַ⁠תָּ֧שֶׂם אֶסְתֵּ֛ר אֶֽת־מָרְדֳּכַ֖י עַל־בֵּ֥ית הָמָֽן 1 Esther placed Mordecai over the house of Haman To place someone over something figuratively means to put them in charge of it. Alternate translation: “Esther appointed Mordecai to be in charge of everything that had belonged to Haman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 2 z5yn וַֽ⁠יִּתְּנָ֖⁠הּ לְ⁠מָרְדֳּכָ֑י 1 and he gave it to Mordecai By giving his signet ring to Mordecai, the king gave Mordecai the authority to write important papers that people would have to obey.
EST 8 2 d2tj figs-metonymy בֵּ֥ית הָמָֽן 1 the house of Haman See the explanation of this phrase in verse 1. Alternate translation: “everything that Haman had owned” or “the household of Haman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 3 j9d5 writing-newevent וַ⁠תּ֣וֹסֶף אֶסְתֵּ֗ר וַ⁠תְּדַבֵּר֙ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Then Esther repeated her action, and she spoke before the face of the king Here the exact meaning of the progression of verbs is uncertain, but this verse probably begins a new event in the story separate from what happened in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “Then Esther again spoke in the king’s presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 8 3 j9d7 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 before the face of the king Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. Alternate translation: “while she was in his presence” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 3 j9d9 figs-metonymy וַ⁠תִּפֹּ֖ל לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י רַגְלָ֑י⁠ו 1 And she fell before the face of his feet Here **falling** is an idiom referring to the action of bowing down or prostrating oneself, and **face** figuratively represents the front of a person, place, or object. Alternate translation: “and she bowed down” or “and she prostrated herself” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 3 acd4 figs-symaction וַ⁠תִּפֹּ֖ל לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י רַגְלָ֑י⁠ו 1 And she fell before the face of his feet This may actually mean that Esther put her face right on top of the feet of King Ahasuerus. This would have been an act of humility and desperation by which she showed that her need was very great and that she believed the king had great power to help her. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-symaction]])
EST 8 3 acd5 figs-explicit וַ⁠תִּפֹּ֖ל לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י רַגְלָ֑י⁠ו 1 And she fell before the face of his feet Esther’s action was probably a recognized sign of pleading in this culture. However, it would likely still have been remarkable for a queen to fall at the feet of her husband, the king. You can show this by introducing the information with a phrase like “in fact.” Alternate translation: “In fact, to show how desperately she was pleading, Esther got down and put her face right on top of his feet.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 3 j1r1 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י רַגְלָ֑י⁠ו 1 before the face of his feet Here **face** is a metonym meaning the front of a person, place, or object. This phrase means that Esther prostrated herself in front of the feet of King Ahasuerus. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 3 uh2a וַ⁠תֵּ֣בְךְּ וַ⁠תִּתְחַנֶּן־ל֗⁠וֹ 1 and wept and implored favor from him “and cried as she begged him”
EST 8 3 jmn7 לְ⁠הַֽעֲבִיר֙ אֶת־רָעַת֙ הָמָ֣ן הָֽ⁠אֲגָגִ֔י 1 to take away the evil of Haman the Agagite and his plot that he had plotted against the Jews “to stop the evil plan of Haman the Agagite” or “to prevent the evil things from happening that Haman the Agagite had planned”
EST 8 3 acd6 figs-idiom לְ⁠הַֽעֲבִיר֙ אֶת־רָעַת֙ הָמָ֣ן הָֽ⁠אֲגָגִ֔י 1 to take away the evil of This expression means to prevent a wrong action from happening. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 3 bp22 translate-names הָֽ⁠אֲגָגִ֔י 1 the Agagite This is the name of Haman’s people group. See how you translated this in 3:1. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 8 3 c2hw  מַֽחֲשַׁבְתּ֔⁠וֹ אֲשֶׁ֥ר חָשַׁ֖ב 1 his plot that he had plotted “the plot that he had invented” or “the plot that Haman invented”
EST 8 4 xh24 figs-symaction וַ⁠יּ֤וֹשֶׁט הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ לְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֔ר אֵ֖ת שַׁרְבִ֣ט הַ⁠זָּהָ֑ב 1 And the king held out to Esther the scepter of gold As 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 king’s presence on this occasion, it seems that the gesture could also be used generally to show that the king was positively disposed towards a person and would grant their request. Alternate translation: “The king held out his golden scepter to Esther.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-symaction]]
EST 8 4 acd7 translate-unknown שַׁרְבִ֣ט הַ⁠זָּהָ֑ב 1 the scepter of gold See how you translated this in 4:11. If it would be helpful, review the explanation of what this object was. Alternate translation: “golden scepter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 8 4 acd8 וַ⁠תָּ֣קָם אֶסְתֵּ֔ר 1 so Esther rose up “Esther got up off the floor”
EST 8 4 j1r5 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 before the face of the king Here **face** figuratively represents the front of a person, place, or object. This phrase means the Esther now stood facing King Ahasuerus. Alternate translation: “and stood facing the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 5 w7yl figs-parallelism אִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ ט֜וֹב וְ⁠אִם־מָצָ֧אתִי חֵ֣ן לְ⁠פָנָ֗י⁠ו 1 If it is good to the king, and if I have found favor before his face, and the word is proper before the face of the king, and I am good in his eyes These 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]])
EST 8 5 acd9 figs-123person אִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ ט֜וֹב וְ⁠אִם־מָצָ֧אתִי חֵ֣ן לְ⁠פָנָ֗י⁠ו 1 If it is good to the king, and if I have found favor before his face, and the word is proper before the face of the king, and I am good in his eyes Here Esther addresses the king throughout in the third person as a way of showing respect. You could express the same meaning in the second person. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 8 5 ace0 figs-idiom אִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ ט֜וֹב 1 If it is good to the king This is an idiom that also appears in 1:19, 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 king’s evaluation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 5 ftc7 figs-idiom וְ⁠אִם־מָצָ֧אתִי חֵ֣ן 1 if I have found favor This expression also appears many times in the story. It means to gain the approval or acceptance of another person. Alternate translation: “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 5 j1r7 figs-metonymy לְ⁠פָנָ֗י⁠ו…לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 before his face…before the face of the king Here **face** figuratively means the presence of a person. These phrases could mean, “As I stand here before you.” But “face” could also be referring figuratively to the king himself by naming one part of him. What he thought and felt about Esther’s request would become evident in his face first, so it would be an appropriate part of him to use to represent all of him. Alternate translation: “you” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 8 5 xci7 figs-metonymy בְּ⁠עֵינָ֑י⁠ו 1 in his eyes Here **eyes** figuratively represent the action of seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. Alternate translation: “if you evaluate me and I please you” or “if you are pleased with me” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 5 j1r9 figs-idiom יִכָּתֵ֞ב לְ⁠הָשִׁ֣יב אֶת־הַ⁠סְּפָרִ֗ים 1 let it be written to take back the letters The first letters that told of the plan to destroy the Jews would not be brought back to Susa physically. Rather, “bring back” is an idiom that means “cancel” or “revoke.” Alternate translation: “make a new law to cancel what Haman decreed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 5 nbk3 figs-activepassive יִכָּתֵ֞ב לְ⁠הָשִׁ֣יב אֶת־הַ⁠סְּפָרִ֗ים 1 let it be written You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “write a new letter” or “make a new law” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 8 5 j2r1 מַחֲשֶׁ֜בֶת הָמָ֤ן בֶּֽן־הַמְּדָ֨תָא֙ הָ⁠אֲגָגִ֔י 1 the plot of Haman, the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite “that Haman, the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, sent out”
EST 8 5 s7bt לְ⁠אַבֵּד֙ אֶת־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֖ר בְּ⁠כָל־מְדִינ֥וֹת הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 to 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”
EST 8 6 j2r5 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֠י 1 For Here Esther is giving the reason why she is asking King Ahasuerus to revoke the letters. Alternate translation: “I am asking this because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 8 6 udt6 figs-rquestion אֵיכָכָ֤ה אוּכַל֙ וְֽ⁠רָאִ֔יתִי בָּ⁠רָעָ֖ה אֲשֶׁר־יִמְצָ֣א אֶת־עַמִּ֑⁠י וְ⁠אֵֽיכָכָ֤ה אוּכַל֙ וְֽ⁠רָאִ֔יתִי בְּ⁠אָבְדַ֖ן מוֹלַדְתִּֽ⁠י 1 how could I bear to see the evil that my people would find? And how could I bear seeing the destruction of my kindred? Esther is actually making a statement, but she expresses herself in question form to show how strongly she feels about what she is saying. She does not actually expect the king to tell her how she could bear seeing her people destroyed. Alternate translation: “I cannot bear to see disaster fall on the Jews. I cannot endure watching my relatives be killed.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EST 8 6 ace1 figs-parallelism אֵיכָכָ֤ה אוּכַל֙ וְֽ⁠רָאִ֔יתִי בָּ⁠רָעָ֖ה אֲשֶׁר־יִמְצָ֣א אֶת־עַמִּ֑⁠י וְ⁠אֵֽיכָכָ֤ה אוּכַל֙ וְֽ⁠רָאִ֔יתִי בְּ⁠אָבְדַ֖ן מוֹלַדְתִּֽ⁠י 1 how could I bear to see the evil that my people would find? And how could I bear seeing the destruction of my kindred? These two sentences mean basically the same thing. Esther uses the repetition to emphasize what she is saying. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine the phrases. Alternate translation: “I could not bear to see my relatives and my whole people destroyed.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 8 6 ace2 figs-abstractnouns בָּ⁠רָעָ֖ה 1 the evil Even though it was morally very wrong for Haman to want to destroy Mordecai’s whole people, here the abstract noun “evil” likely means “harm,” as in 7:7. 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]])
EST 8 6 ace3 figs-idiom יִמְצָ֣א 1 would find As 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 Haman’s letters is not undone. Alternate translation: “would be destroyed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 6 ace4 figs-abstractnouns בְּ⁠אָבְדַ֖ן 1 the destruction of This abstract noun can be expressed with a verb such as “destroyed.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 8 6 ace5 מוֹלַדְתִּֽ⁠י 1 my kindred “relatives”
EST 8 7 j2r7 הִנֵּ֨ה 1 Behold This is a term meant to focus the attention of the listener on what the speaker is about to say. If there is not a good way to translate this term in your language, this term can be omitted from the translation. Or you can use an alternate translation such as, “As you know.”
EST 8 7 ace6 בֵית־הָמָ֜ן נָתַ֣תִּי לְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֗ר 1 I have given the house of Haman to Esther See the note about this expression in 8:1. Alternate translation: “I have given Esther all the property that belonged to Haman” or “I have given Esther the household of Haman”
EST 8 7 h44h figs-metonymy בֵית־הָמָ֜ן 1 the house of Haman Here **house** is a metonym meaning the entire household of Haman. Alternate translation: “the household of Haman” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-manmade]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 7 ace7 figs-events וְ⁠אֹת⁠וֹ֙ תָּל֣וּ עַל־הָ⁠עֵ֔ץ 1 they have hanged him on the tree Alternate translation: “I had my servants impale Haman on a wooden pole” or “I had my servants hang Haman on a gallows.” You can put this information first, because it happened before the king gave Haman’s property to Esther. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 8 7 ace8 figs-metonymy הָ⁠עֵ֔ץ 1 the tree See 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]])
EST 8 7 ace9 עַ֛ל אֲשֶׁר 1 on account of that “because”
EST 8 7 j2r9 figs-idiom שָׁלַ֥ח יָד֖⁠וֹ 1 he stretched out his hand Here the expression “to stretch out a hand” means to cause someone physical harm with the intention of killing them. Alternate translation: “because he wanted to kill all the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 8 acf0 וְ֠⁠אַתֶּם 1 So you “So this is what you should do”
EST 8 8 acf1 כִּתְב֨וּ עַל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֜ים כַּ⁠טּ֤וֹב בְּ⁠עֵֽינֵי⁠כֶם֙ 1 write for the Jews as is good in your eyes “I am giving you permission to write other letters, to save your people”
EST 8 8 j3r1 figs-metonymy כַּ⁠טּ֤וֹב בְּ⁠עֵֽינֵי⁠כֶם֙ 1 as is good in your eyes Here **eyes** figuratively represent the action of seeing, and seeing is a metaphor for knowledge, notice, attention, or judgment. This phrase means that Esther and Mordecai have permission to write what they think is best. Alternate translation: “as you think is best” or “what you think is best” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 8 j3mn figs-metaphor  בְּ⁠שֵׁ֣ם הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 in the name of the king Here **name** is a metaphor meaning authority. This phrase means Esther and Mordecai have permission to write with the authority of the King Ahasuerus. (See: Metaphor) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 8 acf2 figs-123person  בְּ⁠שֵׁ֣ם הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 in the name of the king King Ahasuerus refers to himself in the third person. You can have him say this in the first person. Alternate translation: “I give you permission to write with my own authority” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 8 8 j3r3 translate-unknown בְּ⁠טַבַּ֣עַת הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 with the signet ring of the king This is a special ring that could be used to imprint the king’s official seal on a law or decree. Alternate translation: “the ring that has my official seal on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-unknown]])
EST 8 8 acf3 figs-123person בְּ⁠טַבַּ֣עַת הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 with the signet ring of the king King Ahasuerus refers to himself in the third person. You can have him say this in the first person. Alternate translation: “the ring that has my official seal on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-123person]])
EST 8 8 j3r5 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי 1 For Here King Ahasuerus is expressing the reason why he cannot 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]])
EST 8 8 acf4 כְתָ֞ב…אֵ֥ין לְ⁠הָשִֽׁיב 1 there is none to take back a writing As in verse 5, this expression means “revoke.” Alternate translation: “no one can revoke”
EST 8 8 acf5 כְתָ֞ב…אֵ֥ין לְ⁠הָשִֽׁיב 1 there is none to take back a writing You can put this first in the verse, because it explains why Ahasuerus answers Esther and Mordecai in the way he does.
EST 8 8 acf6 figs-explicit כְתָ֞ב אֲשֶׁר־נִכְתָּ֣ב בְּ⁠שֵׁם־הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ וְ⁠נַחְתּ֛וֹם בְּ⁠טַבַּ֥עַת הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ 1 a writing that has been written in the name of the king and has been sealed with the signet ring of the king The king is describing a general situation, but he has Haman’s letter specifically in mind. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “Haman wrote his letter with my authority, and he sealed it with the ring that has my official seal on it. No one can revoke a letter like that.” (The story explained in 1:19 that the king’s laws could not be changed once they had been made and proclaimed.) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 9 acf7 grammar-connect-logic-result וַ⁠יִּקָּרְא֣וּ סֹפְרֵֽי־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ 1 So…were called This indicates that what is described in this verse was done because of what the king said in the previous verse. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 8 9 s4ue figs-activepassive וַ⁠יִּקָּרְא֣וּ סֹפְרֵֽי־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ 1 So the scribes of the king were called You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “the king called his scribes” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 8 9 acf8 וַ⁠יִּקָּרְא֣וּ סֹפְרֵֽי־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ 1 So the scribes of the king were called If you use an expression such as “called,” make sure your readers will understand that the king likely sent an official to go and bring the scribes back with him. The king did not call out in a loud voice to get them to come.
EST 8 9 j4r1 translate-ordinal בַּ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁלִישִׁ֜י 1 in the third month “in month three” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 8 9 acf9 figs-explicit בַּ⁠חֹ֨דֶשׁ הַ⁠שְּׁלִישִׁ֜י 1 in the third month Alternate translation: “in the third month of the year.” It would still be the same year as in 3:7, the twelfth year that Ahasuerus reigned as king of Persia. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 9 j356 translate-hebrewmonths הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ סִיוָ֗ן 1 which is the month of Sivan “Sivan” is the name of the third month of the Hebrew calendar. Alternate translation: “the month of Sivan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 8 9 acg1 הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ סִיוָ֗ן 1 which is the month of Sivan The story is being recorded from the perspective of the Persian court. But for the benefit of its intended Jewish audience, the Hebrew name of the month is given.
EST 8 9 j4r3 translate-ordinal  בִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֣ה וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִים֮ בּ⁠וֹ֒ 1 on the twenty-third of it Alternation translation: “on day 23” or “on the twenty-third day of the month.” The exact date of the letter helps establish its legal authority. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 8 9 sz6j figs-activepassive וַ⁠יִּכָּתֵ֣ב כְּֽ⁠כָל־אֲשֶׁר־צִוָּ֣ה מָרְדֳּכַ֣י 1 And according to all that Mordecai commanded it was written You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “and they wrote a letter saying everything that Mordecai told them to write” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 8 9 acg2 figs-explicit אֶל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֡ים 1 to the Jews It appears from verse 11 that the letter would have been addressed specifically to the Jews in the empire, telling them that the king had authorized them to defend themselves. But copies were also sent to all the royal and provincial officials. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. “The letter addressed the Jews in the empire, but copies were also sent” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 9 acg3 וְ⁠אֶ֣ל הָ⁠אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנִֽים־וְ⁠הַ⁠פַּחוֹת֩ וְ⁠שָׂרֵ֨י הַ⁠מְּדִינ֜וֹת 1 and to the satraps, and the governors and officials of the provinces See how you translated these terms in 3:12, where they were used to describe who received Haman’s letter. Alternate translation: “to the royal officials, and to the governors and leaders in each province”
EST 8 9 acg4 אֲשֶׁ֣ר ׀ מֵ⁠הֹ֣דּוּ וְ⁠עַד־כּ֗וּשׁ שֶׁ֣בַע וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֤ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֙ מְדִינָ֔ה 1 that were from India even as far as Ethiopia: 127 provinces This is background information explaining how far this new letter had to be sent. See how you translated this phrase in 1:1. Alternate translation: “The empire of Ahasuerus had 127 provinces, stretching all the way from India in the east to Ethiopia in the west.”
EST 8 9 zp4q translate-numbers שֶׁ֣בַע וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֤ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֙ מְדִינָ֔ה 1 127 provinces “one hundred and twenty-seven provinces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 8 9 j4r5 figs-idiom  מְדִינָ֤ה וּ⁠מְדִינָה֙ 1 province by province This expression means “every province.” Alternate translation: “The scribes wrote to every province” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 9 bj5s כִּ⁠כְתָבָ֔⁠הּ 1 according to its writing “using its own alphabet” or “written in its own script”
EST 8 9 j4r7 figs-idiom וְ⁠עַ֥ם וָ⁠עָ֖ם 1 and people by people This expression means “every people group.” Alternate translation: “and to each people group” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 9 j4r9 figs-metonymy כִּ⁠לְשֹׁנ֑⁠וֹ 1 according to its tongue Here **tongue** figuratively means the language spoken by a person or a group of people. Alternate translation: “in its own language” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 9 j5r1 וְ⁠אֶ֨ל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים כִּ⁠כְתָבָ֖⁠ם וְ⁠כִ⁠לְשׁוֹנָֽ⁠ם 1 and to the Jews according to their writing and according to their tongue The Jews would have been included among all the people groups in the empire in the phrase “people by people.” So this seems to be saying, “and especially to the Jews.” Verse 11 explains that it was particularly important for the Jews to read the letter because it gave them the right to defend themselves. Alternate translation: “They wrote especially to the Jews, in their own script and in their own language.”
EST 8 10 acg5 וַ⁠יִּכְתֹּ֗ב…וַ⁠יַּחְתֹּ֖ם 1 And he wrote…and he sealed **He** means Mordecai. You can use his name here in your translation.
EST 8 10 ijp2 figs-metaphor בְּ⁠שֵׁם֙ הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵרֹ֔שׁ 1 in the name of King Ahasuerus Here **name** is a metaphor meaning authority. Alternate translation: “Mordecai wrote with the authority of King Ahasuerus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 10 jf31 figs-explicit וַ⁠יַּחְתֹּ֖ם בְּ⁠טַבַּ֣עַת הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 and he sealed with the signet ring of the king This means that Mordecai sealed the letters with this ring. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “and he sealed the letters with the ring that had the king’s official seal on it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 10 yt4j figs-metaphor בְּ⁠יַד֩ הָ⁠רָצִ֨ים בַּ⁠סּוּסִ֜ים 1 by the hand of runners on horses As in 3:13, **hand** could mean two different things. 1) It could literally mean “hand,” meaning that the runners carried the letters in their hands. 2) It could also be a metaphor for power, control, or authority, meaning that runners were the ones who delivered the letters to all the provinces throughout the empire. Alternate translation: “Couriers on horseback delivered the letters” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 10 acg6 רֹכְבֵ֤י הָ⁠רֶ֨כֶשׁ֙ הָֽ⁠אֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִ֔ים בְּנֵ֖י הָֽ⁠רַמָּכִֽים 1 riders of the royal pack horses, sons of the mares “They rose fast horses that were used in the king’s service. These horses had been bred in the king’s stables.”
EST 8 10 p9uc figs-metonymy בְּנֵ֖י הָֽ⁠רַמָּכִֽים 1 sons of the mares Here **sons** is a metonym meaning the offspring of royal livestock, probably either horses or donkeys. Alternate translation: “the offspring of the king’s horses” or “the offspring of the king’s donkeys” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonym]])
EST 8 11 ig7u נָתַ֨ן הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ לַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֣ים 1 the king gave to the Jews “The letters said that the king had given the Jews…permission”
EST 8 11 j5r5 figs-idiom בְּ⁠כָל־עִיר־וָ⁠עִ֗יר 1 in every city by city This expression means “in each and every city.” It is possibly referring to the entire empire by naming one part of it, its cities. The story says in 9:19 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]])
EST 8 11 e1mj figs-metaphor לְ⁠הִקָּהֵל֮ וְ⁠לַ⁠עֲמֹ֣ד עַל־נַפְשָׁ⁠ם֒ 1 to gather and to stand for their life Here **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]])
EST 8 11 j5r7 figs-doublet לְ⁠הַשְׁמִיד֩ וְ⁠לַ⁠הֲרֹ֨ג וּ⁠לְ⁠אַבֵּ֜ד 1 to annihilate, and to slaughter, and to destroy These words mean the same thing and are used together to emphasize the completeness of the destruction that is being described. See how you translated this in 3:13 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]])
EST 8 11 acg7 figs-metonymy כָּל־חֵ֨יל עַ֧ם וּ⁠מְדִינָ֛ה הַ⁠צָּרִ֥ים אֹתָ֖⁠ם 1 any strength of a people or province that would attack them **Strength** is a figurative way of referring to an army or to a person carrying weaponry. Alternate translation: “the army of any people or province that attacked them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 11 acg8 טַ֣ף וְ⁠נָשִׁ֑ים 1 children and women “They could also kill the wives and children of the soldiers”
EST 8 11 acg9 וּ⁠שְׁלָלָ֖⁠ם לָ⁠בֽוֹז 1 and plunder their spoil See how you translated this expression in 3:13. Alternate translation: “and take everything that belonged to them”
EST 8 12 ach0 בְּ⁠י֣וֹם אֶחָ֔ד 1 on one day “on the same day”
EST 8 12 ach1 בְּ⁠כָל־מְדִינ֖וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ 1 in all of the provinces of the king Ahasuerus “in every province throughout the empire”
EST 8 12 j6r3 translate-ordinal בִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֛ר 1 on the thirteenth Alternate translation: “on day 13” or “on the thirteenth day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 8 12 hi2y translate-ordinal לְ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר 1 of the twelfth month Alternate translation: “of month 12” or “of the twelfth month” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 8 12 ach2 figs-explicit לְ⁠חֹ֥דֶשׁ שְׁנֵים־עָשָׂ֖ר 1 of the twelfth month Implicitly this means “the twelfth month of that same year.” If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 12 j6r3 translate-hebrewmonths הוּא־חֹ֥דֶשׁ אֲדָֽר 1 which is the month of Adar This is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 8 13 ach3 הַ⁠כְּתָ֗ב 1 the writing “the letter”
EST 8 13 j6r5 figs-activepassive לְ⁠הִנָּ֤תֵֽן דָּת֙ 1 was to be given as a law You 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]])
EST 8 13 j6r7 figs-idiom בְּ⁠כָל־מְדִינָ֣ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֔ה 1 in every province by province This expression means “each and every province.” Alternate translation: “in every single province” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 13 ach4 figs-activepassive גָּל֖וּי לְ⁠כָל־הָ⁠עַמִּ֑ים 1 being uncovered for all the peoples You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “The letter told the officials in every single province to post copies where everyone could see them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 8 13 ach5 ⁠לִ⁠הְי֨וֹת הַיְּהוּדִ֤ים עֲתִידִים֙ לַ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠זֶּ֔ה 1 for 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”
EST 8 13 qk1d figs-idiom לְ⁠הִנָּקֵ֖ם מֵ⁠אֹיְבֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 to take revenge from their enemies This expression “to take revenge from” another person means to correct a wrong they have done. In this context, the phrase means to correct the wrong of the original law that gave people permission to kill the Jews. Alternate translation: “and fight back against their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 13 ach6 figs-activepassive מְבֹהָלִ֥ים וּ⁠דְחוּפִ֖ים בִּ⁠דְבַ֣ר הַ⁠מֶּ֑לֶךְ 1 hastened and hurried by the word of the king You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “The king commanded the couriers to deliver the letters as quickly as possible.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 8 14 b69j figs-doublet מְבֹהָלִ֥ים וּ⁠דְחוּפִ֖ים 1 hastened and hurried These two terms mean almost the same thing and are used together to 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]])
EST 8 14 ach7 הָ⁠רָצִ֞ים רֹכְבֵ֤י הָ⁠רֶ֨כֶשׁ֙ הָֽ⁠אֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִ֔ים 1 The runners, the riders of the royal pack horses “He sent them out on fast horses that were used in his service”
EST 8 14 ach8 figs-events הָ⁠רָצִ֞ים רֹכְבֵ֤י הָ⁠רֶ֨כֶשׁ֙ הָֽ⁠אֲחַשְׁתְּרָנִ֔ים 1 The runners, the riders of the royal pack horses To present the events in chronological order, you can put this after the king’s command. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 8 14 j6r9 figs-activepassive וְ⁠הַ⁠דָּ֥ת נִתְּנָ֖ה 1 And the law was given You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “Copies of the letter were also posted and read” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 8 14 s4qi בְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֥ן הַ⁠בִּירָֽה 1 in Susa the citadel “in the capital city of Susa”
EST 8 15 j7r3 writing-newevent וּ⁠מָרְדֳּכַ֞י יָצָ֣א 1 Then Mordecai went out This introduces a new event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-orderHeb]])
EST 8 15 j7r5 figs-metonymy מִ⁠לִּ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּ֗לֶךְ 1 from before the face of the king Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase means that Mordecai had been in the presence of King Ahasuerus and was now leaving in order to fulfill his duties as a high official in the Persian government. Alternate translation: “Mordecai left the palace.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 15 ach9 figs-explicit בִּ⁠לְב֤וּשׁ מַלְכוּת֙ תְּכֵ֣לֶת וָ⁠ח֔וּר וַ⁠עֲטֶ֤רֶת זָהָב֙ גְּדוֹלָ֔ה וְ⁠תַכְרִ֥יךְ בּ֖וּץ וְ⁠אַרְגָּמָ֑ן 1 in a garment of royalty of blue and white, with a great crown of gold and a robe of fine linen and purple The implication is that the king gave Mordecai these special things to wear to show that he was now his highest officer. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. To put these events in chronological order, you can place this information before the report that Mordecai left the king’s presence to fulfill his duties. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 15 aci0 בִּ⁠לְב֤וּשׁ מַלְכוּת֙ תְּכֵ֣לֶת וָ⁠ח֔וּר וַ⁠עֲטֶ֤רֶת זָהָב֙ גְּדוֹלָ֔ה וְ⁠תַכְרִ֥יךְ בּ֖וּץ וְ⁠אַרְגָּמָ֑ן 1 in a garment of royalty of blue and white, with a great crown of gold and a robe of fine linen and purple Mordecai’s 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.
EST 8 15 aci1 בִּ⁠לְב֤וּשׁ מַלְכוּת֙ תְּכֵ֣לֶת וָ⁠ח֔וּר וַ⁠עֲטֶ֤רֶת זָהָב֙ גְּדוֹלָ֔ה וְ⁠תַכְרִ֥יךְ בּ֖וּץ וְ⁠אַרְגָּמָ֑ן 1 a garment of royalty of blue and white “a blue and white royal garment”
EST 8 15 aci2 וָ⁠ח֔וּר וַ⁠עֲטֶ֤רֶת זָהָב֙ 1 a great crown of gold “a large golden crown”
EST 8 15 eqc4 figs-metonymy וְ⁠הָ⁠עִ֣יר שׁוּשָׁ֔ן צָהֲלָ֖ה וְ⁠שָׂמֵֽחָה 1 and the city of Susa Here the city represents the people living in it. Alternate translation: “the people of Susa” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 8 15 i1ec figs-hendiadys צָהֲלָ֖ה וְ⁠שָׂמֵֽחָה 1 cheered and rejoiced This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with “and.” The word “rejoiced” tells how they cheered. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express the meaning by saying something like “shouted joyfully.” Alternate translation: “cheered and were happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 8 15 aci3 figs-explicit צָהֲלָ֖ה וְ⁠שָׂמֵֽחָה 1 cheered and rejoiced The implication is that the people did this when they saw Mordecai. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 8 15 aci4 figs-doublet הָֽיְתָ֥ה אוֹרָ֖ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָ֑ה 1 there was light and joy The 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]])
EST 8 16 q2ru figs-metaphor הָֽיְתָ֥ה אוֹרָ֖ה 1 there was light Here **light** figuratively represents happiness. Alternate translation: “the Jews felt happy” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-phenom]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 16 j7r9 figs-doublet אוֹרָ֖ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָ֑ה 1 light and joy Here 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]])
EST 8 16 j8r1 figs-doublet וְ⁠שָׂשֹׂ֖ן וִ⁠יקָֽר 1 and rejoicing and honor These terms have similar meaning and are used together with the previous doublet to emphasize again the great happiness and joy that the Jews felt. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 8 16 n94u figs-explicit  וִ⁠יקָֽר 1 and honor Here **honor** might have two possible meanings. (1) 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]])
EST 8 17 k1eh figs-idiom וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־מְדִינָ֨ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֜ה 1 And in every province by province This expression means “each and every province.” Alternate translation: in every single province” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 17 j8r3 figs-idiom וּ⁠בְ⁠כָל־עִ֣יר וָ⁠עִ֗יר 1 and in every city by city This expression means “each and every city.” Alternate translation: “in every single city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 17 va7t figs-personification מְקוֹם֙ אֲשֶׁ֨ר דְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֤לֶךְ וְ⁠דָת⁠וֹ֙ מַגִּ֔יעַ 1 any place where the word of the king and his law had reached This expression describes the king’s message as if it were a person that could travel to a particular place. This phrase refers to all the places that received the king’s letter. Alternate translation: “wherever the king’s couriers took his decree” or “wherever the couriers read the letter announcing the king’s decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EST 8 17 j8r5 figs-doublet שִׂמְחָ֤ה וְ⁠שָׂשׂוֹן֙ לַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים 1 there was joy and rejoicing for the Jews The terms **joy** and **rejoicing** have similar meaning and are used together to emphasize the great happiness and joy that the Jews felt. Alternate translation: “the Jews rejoiced greatly” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 8 17 p89m figs-doublet מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה וְ⁠י֣וֹם ט֑וֹב 1 a feast and a good day These two terms mean something similar and are used together to emphasize the great happiness and joy that the Jews felt. Alternate translation: “and had big celebrations” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 8 17 aci5 figs-idiom וְ⁠י֣וֹם ט֑וֹב 1 a good day This expression generally means a day of happiness or celebration. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 17 aci6 figs-explicit וְ⁠רַבִּ֞ים מֵֽ⁠עַמֵּ֤י הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ מִֽתְיַהֲדִ֔ים 1 And many from the peoples of the land became Jews The implication is that they did this 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]])
EST 8 17 aci7 וְ⁠רַבִּ֞ים מֵֽ⁠עַמֵּ֤י הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ מִֽתְיַהֲדִ֔ים 1 And many from the peoples of the land “many people from other groups in the empire”
EST 8 17 aci8 figs-idiom מֵֽ⁠עַמֵּ֤י הָ⁠אָ֨רֶץ֙ 1 from the peoples of the land The **peoples of the land** were the non-Jewish people groups within the empire. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 8 17 r3qf figs-metaphor נָפַ֥ל פַּֽחַד־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֖ים עֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 dread of the Jews had fallen on them Here **falling** is a metaphor meaning to become very afraid. Alternate translation: “they had become very afraid of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 8 17 aci9 figs-events נָפַ֥ל פַּֽחַד־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֖ים עֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 dread of the Jews had fallen upon them To present the events in chronological order, you can say this before saying that the people from the other groups became Jews themselves. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 9 intro yty1 0 # Esther 09 General Notes<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.<br>
EST 9 1 j8r7 writing-newevent וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁנֵים֩ עָשָׂ֨ר חֹ֜דֶשׁ 1 Now in the twelfth month This 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]])
EST 9 1 acj0 figs-explicit וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁנֵים֩ עָשָׂ֨ר חֹ֜דֶשׁ הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֗ר בִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר יוֹם֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ 1 Now in the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of it The implication is that this happened in the twelfth month of the same year that the letters were sent out. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month of that year, the month of Adar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 1 j8r9 translate-ordinal וּ⁠בִ⁠שְׁנֵים֩ עָשָׂ֨ר חֹ֜דֶשׁ 1 Now in the twelfth month Alternate translation: “Now in month 12” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 1 t9yc translate-hebrewmonths הוּא־חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֗ר 1 which is the month of Adar “Adar” is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 1 j9r1 translate-ordinal בִּ⁠שְׁלוֹשָׁ֨ה עָשָׂ֥ר יוֹם֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ 1 on the thirteenth day of it Alternate translation: “on day 13” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 1 acj1 אֲשֶׁ֨ר…דְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ וְ⁠דָת֖⁠וֹ לְ⁠הֵעָשׂ֑וֹת 1 when the word of the king and his law “what the letter said the king had decreed”
EST 9 1 wh56 figs-personification אֲשֶׁ֨ר הִגִּ֧יעַ דְּבַר־הַ⁠מֶּ֛לֶךְ וְ⁠דָת֖⁠וֹ לְ⁠הֵעָשׂ֑וֹת 1 when the word of the king and his law had reached the time to be done This expression describes the king’s decree as if it had traveled through time (as a person travels through space) and reached this particular day. This phrase means that it was time for people to obey the decree. Alternate translation: “when the people were about to obey the king’s law and decree” or “when the people were about to obey the king’s law and decree” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EST 9 1 acj2 בַּ⁠יּ֗וֹם אֲשֶׁ֨ר שִׂבְּר֜וּ אֹיְבֵ֤י הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ לִ⁠שְׁל֣וֹט בָּ⁠הֶ֔ם 1 on the day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to dominate them “The enemies of the Jews had expected to defeat the Jews on that day”
EST 9 1 ect2 figs-idiom לִ⁠שְׁל֣וֹט 1 to dominate This word usually means “to rule over,” but here it figuratively means “to have power over, to be able to destroy.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 1 lq9y figs-metaphor וְ⁠נַהֲפ֣וֹךְ 1 but being overturned Saying that a situation was turned over is a figurative way of saying that 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]])
EST 9 1 acj3 ה֔וּא אֲשֶׁ֨ר יִשְׁלְט֧וּ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֛ים הֵ֖מָּה בְּ⁠שֹׂנְאֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 it happened that the Jews themselves dominated those who hated them “Instead, the Jews themselves destroyed their enemies”
EST 9 1 acj4 figs-idiom הֵ֖מָּה בְּ⁠שֹׂנְאֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 those who hated them This is an idiom that describes enemies (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 2 acj5 נִקְהֲל֨וּ 1 assembled themselves “joined together”
EST 9 2 tj62 figs-idiom לִ⁠שְׁלֹ֣חַ יָ֔ד 1 to stretch out a hand Here the expression “to stretch out a hand” means to cause someone physical harm with the intention of killing him. Alternate translation: “to defend themselves against” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 2 d44x figs-abstractnouns  בִּ⁠מְבַקְשֵׁ֖י רָֽעָתָ֑⁠ם 1 against those seeking their evil Here the abstract noun “evil” likely means “harm,” as in 7:7 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]])
EST 9 2 acj6 figs-idiom וְ⁠אִישׁ֙ לֹא־עָמַ֣ד לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 But a man did not stand to their face Alternate translation: “no one stood against them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 2 x8s3 figs-metaphor וְ⁠אִישׁ֙ לֹא־עָמַ֣ד לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 But a man did not stand to their face Here **standing** is a metaphor meaning to defend oneself and to fight back instead of running away from an enemy. Alternate translation: “was able to fight back” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 2 j9r3 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 to their face Here **face** figuratively stands for the presence of a person, so here it means “when faced with them.” Alternate translation: “against them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]]) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 9 2 h7jh figs-metaphor נָפַ֥ל פַּחְדָּ֖⁠ם עַל־כָּל־הָ⁠עַמִּֽים 1 sudden fear of them had fallen on all the peoples Here **falling** is a metaphor meaning to become very afraid. Alternate translation: “all the peoples suddenly became very afraid” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 2 acj7 figs-explicit נָפַ֥ל פַּחְדָּ֖⁠ם עַל־כָּל־הָ⁠עַמִּֽים 1 sudden fear of them had fallen on all the peoples The implication is that as a result, no one helped anyone who attacked the Jews. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 3 acj8 שָׂרֵ֨י הַ⁠מְּדִינ֜וֹת וְ⁠הָ⁠אֲחַשְׁדַּרְפְּנִ֣ים וְ⁠הַ⁠פַּח֗וֹת 1 the officials of the provinces, and the satraps, and the governors See how you translated these terms in 3:12 and 8:9. Alternate translation: “the leaders in each province, the royal officials, and the governors”
EST 9 3 acj9 וְ⁠עֹשֵׂ֤י הַ⁠מְּלָאכָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר לַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 and those doing the work that was for the king “anyone the king had trusted with his affairs”
EST 9 2 ack0 figs-metaphor מְנַשְּׂאִ֖ים אֶת־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֑ים 1 were lifting up the Jews Here **lifting up** is a figurative way of saying “helping.” The picture is likely of someone helping a tired or injured person to stand or walk by holding them up. Alternate translation: “helped the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 3 q2ue figs-metaphor נָפַ֥ל פַּֽחַד־מָרְדֳּכַ֖י עֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 dread of Mordecai had fallen on them Here **falling** is a metaphor meaning to become very afraid. Alternate translation: “they became very afraid of Mordecan” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 4 j9r5 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּֽי 1 For This term introduces the reason why the officials and satraps and governors were becoming afraid of Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 9 4 xd49 figs-explicit גָ֤דוֹל מָרְדֳּכַי֙ בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Mordecai was great in the palace of the king The implication is that this is why all the other officials were afraid of Mordecai. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation, add: “They were afraid of him because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 4 ack1 figs-metonymy גָ֤דוֹל מָרְדֳּכַי֙ בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Mordecai was great in the palace of the king **The palace of the king** is a figurative way of describing the king’s administration by referring to the place where it was headquartered. Alternate translation: “was very important in the king’s palace” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 9 4 ack2 גָ֤דוֹל מָרְדֳּכַי֙ בְּ⁠בֵ֣ית הַ⁠מֶּ֔לֶךְ 1 Mordecai was great **Great** here is the same term that, as a verb, describes promotion within the king’s service in in 3:1 and 5:11. Alternate translation: “Mordecai was a very important royal official”
EST 9 4 mr66 figs-personification וְ⁠שָׁמְע֖⁠וֹ הוֹלֵ֣ךְ בְּ⁠כָל־הַ⁠מְּדִינ֑וֹת 1 and the report of him was going out into all the provinces Here the story speaks of the news of Mordecai’s greatness as if it were a living thing that could travel throughout the empire. Alternate translation: “throughout the empire, everyone was hearing about how great he was” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EST 9 4 j9r9 figs-idiom מָרְדֳּכַ֖י הוֹלֵ֥ךְ וְ⁠גָדֽוֹל 1 Mordecai was progressing and becoming great This expression means that Mordecai continued to become more powerful and influential. Alternate translation: “Mordecai was becoming more famous because the king was giving him more and more power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 5 ack3 וַ⁠יַּכּ֤וּ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ בְּ⁠כָל־אֹ֣יְבֵי⁠הֶ֔ם מַכַּת־חֶ֥רֶב 1 the Jews struck to all their enemies a strike of sword After the information about Mordecai, the story now returns to tell what happened on the appointed day. You could add a phrase to show this. Alternate translation, add: “On the day when they were allowed to defend themselves”
EST 9 5 ack4 figs-idiom וַ⁠יַּכּ֤וּ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ בְּ⁠כָל־אֹ֣יְבֵי⁠הֶ֔ם מַכַּת־חֶ֥רֶב 1 the Jews struck to all their enemies a strike of sword This expression means that the Jews defended themselves against their enemies, even to the point of killing people who attacked them. Alternate translation: “The Jews attacked all of their enemies and killed them with their swords.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 5 j11d figs-synecdoche מַכַּת־חֶ֥רֶב 1 a strike of sword Swords were not necessarily the only weapons the Jews had and used. The sword is used to represent all of their weaponry. If it would be clearer in your language, you could express this more general meaning. Alternate translation: “The Jews took their weapons and fought against their enemies.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 9 5 j13d figs-doublet וְ⁠הֶ֖רֶג וְ⁠אַבְדָ֑ן 1 and slaughter, and destruction These two words have the same meaning and are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “They destroyed them completely.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 9 5 j15d figs-idiom  וַ⁠יַּֽעֲשׂ֥וּ בְ⁠שֹׂנְאֵי⁠הֶ֖ם כִּ⁠רְצוֹנָֽ⁠ם 1 and they did to those who hated them according to their pleasure This expression does not mean that the Jews felt pleasure when they killed their enemies. Rather, it means that the Jews were able to defend themselves against their enemies and were not hindered in any way. Alternate translation: “They were able to do everything they wanted to do against their enemies.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 5 ack5 figs-idiom בְ⁠שֹׂנְאֵי⁠הֶ֖ם 1 those who hated them This is an idiom that describes enemies. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 6 b5ft וּ⁠בְ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֣ן הַ⁠בִּירָ֗ה 1 And in Susa the citadel “Just in Susa, the capital city”
EST 9 6 j17d figs-doublet הָרְג֤וּ…וְ⁠אַבֵּ֔ד 1 slaughtered and destroyed These two words have the same meaning and are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 9 6 ha18 translate-numbers חֲמֵ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת אִֽישׁ 1 500 men Alternate translation: “five hundred men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 7 ack6 figs-explicit פַּרְשַׁנְדָּ֛תָא…דַּֽלְפ֖וֹן…אַסְפָּֽתָא 1 Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha The story lists the names of Haman’s sons before explaining that they were his sons and that the Jews killed them. 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]])
EST 9 7 s6x2 translate-names פַּרְשַׁנְדָּ֛תָא…דַּֽלְפ֖וֹן…אַסְפָּֽתָא 1 Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 8 g6zx translate-names פּוֹרָ֛תָא…אֲדַלְיָ֖א…אֲרִידָֽתָא 1 Poratha, Adalia, Aridatha These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 9 gj4p translate-names פַּרְמַ֨שְׁתָּא֙…אֲרִיסַ֔י…אֲרִדַ֖י…וַיְזָֽתָא 1 Parmashta, Arisai, Aridai, Vaizatha These are the names of men. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 10 fsa2 translate-numbers עֲ֠שֶׂרֶת בְּנֵ֨י 1 ten sons Alternate translation: “10 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 10 xt5b figs-informremind צֹרֵ֥ר הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֖ים 1 the adversary of the Jews This phrase tells gives clarifying information about Haman. Alternate translation: “the enemy of the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 9 10 j19d figs-idiom לֹ֥א שָׁלְח֖וּ אֶת־יָדָֽ⁠ם 1 they did not stretch out their hand Here the expression “to stretch out a hand” means to take something from another person. Alternate translation: “they did not take” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 10 ack7 וּ⁠בַ֨⁠בִּזָּ֔ה 1 But…to the plunder “But…the things that belonged to them”
EST 9 11 ack8 בַּ⁠יּ֣וֹם הַ⁠ה֗וּא 1 On that day “At the end of the day”
EST 9 11 j21d figs-personification בָּ֣א מִסְפַּ֧ר…לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 the report of the number…came to the face of the king Here the story speaks about the report as if it were a living thing that could come into the the king’s presence. Alternate translation: “one of the king’s servants reported the number of those who were killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-personification]])
EST 9 11 acl0 figs-metonymy לִ⁠פְנֵ֥י הַ⁠מֶּֽלֶךְ 1 to the face of the king Here **face** figuratively represents the presence of a person. This phrase likely means that someone came into the king’s presence in order to deliver this report. Alternate translation: “someone came in and reported to the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 9 11 j22d figs-activepassive מִסְפַּ֧ר הַֽ⁠הֲרוּגִ֛ים 1 the number of those who were killed You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “how many people the Jews had killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 11 j23d בְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֥ן הַ⁠בִּירָ֖ה 1 in Susa the citadel “the capital city of Susa”
EST 9 12 j29d בְּ⁠שׁוּשַׁ֣ן הַ⁠בִּירָ֡ה 1 in Susa the citadel “the capital city of Susa”
EST 9 12 j33d figs-doublet הָרְגוּ֩… וְ⁠אַבֵּ֜ד 1 have slaughtered and destroyed These terms mean the same thing and are used together for emphasis. Alternate translation: “killed” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 9 12 cz3e translate-numbers חֲמֵ֧שׁ מֵא֣וֹת אִ֗ישׁ 1 500 men “five hundred men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 12 acl1 וְ⁠אֵת֙ 1 with “including”
EST 9 12 j5p9 translate-numbers עֲשֶׂ֣רֶת בְּנֵֽי 1 ten sons Alternate translation: “10 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 12 vh5l figs-rquestion בִּ⁠שְׁאָ֛ר מְדִינ֥וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֖לֶךְ מֶ֣ה עָשׂ֑וּ 1 In the rest of the provinces of the king, what have they done? The king is making a statement, but he uses a question form to show that he is very convinced that the Jews must have also killed many people in the other provinces. Alternate translation: “What they must have done in the rest of the king’s provinces!” or “They must have killed many more in the rest of the king’s provinces!” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-rquestion]])
EST 9 12 s3sr figs-personification וּ⁠מַה־שְּׁאֵֽלָתֵ⁠ךְ֙ וְ⁠יִנָּ֣תֵֽן לָ֔⁠ךְ וּ⁠מַה־בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֥⁠ךְ ע֖וֹד וְ⁠תֵעָֽשׂ 1 Now what is your petition? And it will be given to you. And what is your request? Again, and it will be done. These two statements mean basically the same thing. Ahasuerus says the same thing twice to show that he is truly disposed to give Esther what she wants. You do not need to repeat both phrases in your translation. Alternate translation: “Is there anything more that you want? Tell me, and I will do it for you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 9 12 n3ua figs-activepassive וְ⁠יִנָּ֣תֵֽן לָ֔⁠ךְ…וְ⁠תֵעָֽשׂ 1 And it will be given to you…and it will be done You can capture these parallel passive statements with one statement using an active form. You can also say who will doe the action. Alternate translation: “I will do it for you.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 12 ly4g figs-abstractnouns שְּׁאֵֽלָתֵ⁠ךְ֙…בַּקָּשָׁתֵ֥⁠ךְ 1 your petition…your request The two abstract nouns “petition” and “request” can be expressed with a single phrase using the verb “want.” Alternate translation: “anything more that you want” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 9 13 acl2 figs-idiom אִם־עַל־הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ ט֔וֹב 1 If it is good to the king This is an idiom that has been used many times in the story. Alternate translation: “If it seems like a good idea to you, O king.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 13 acl3 figs-activepassive יִנָּתֵ֣ן 1 let it be given You can say this with an active form, and you can indicate that Esther is asking the king to do it. Alternate translation: “please allow” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 13 nz41 גַּם־מָחָ֗ר לַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֔ן לַ⁠עֲשׂ֖וֹת כְּ⁠דָ֣ת הַ⁠יּ֑וֹם 1 also tomorrow to the Jews who are in Susa to do according to the law of today “all the Jews who live in Susa to obey today’s decree tomorrow also” or “to do tomorrow also what was decreed that they should do today”
EST 9 13 j43d בְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֔ן 1 in Susa “in the capital city of Susa”
EST 9 13 acl4 עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת בְּנֵֽי־הָמָ֖ן יִתְל֥וּ 1 let the ten sons of Haman hang The request is not for the king to allow the bodies to be impaled (or hanged), but for the king to order this. Alternate translation: “and have the bodies of Haman’s ten sons impaled [or hanged]”
EST 9 13 acl5 figs-symaction עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת בְּנֵֽי־הָמָ֖ן יִתְל֥וּ 1 let the ten sons of Haman hang The purpose of this would not be to kill the sons, since they are already dead, but to demonstrate publicly that the enemies of the Jews had been completely defeated. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-symaction]])
EST 9 13 acl6 figs-explicit עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת בְּנֵֽי־הָמָ֖ן יִתְל֥וּ 1 the ten sons of Haman It is implicit that since Haman’s sons are already dead, what Esther is actually asking for is for their bodies to be impaled or hanged. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation: “the bodies of Haman’s ten sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 13 nr1p translate-numbers עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת בְּנֵֽי 1 ten sons Alternate translation: “10 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 13 qyu8 figs-metonymy הָ⁠עֵֽץ 1 the tree See 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]])
EST 9 14 acl7 figs-activepassive וַ⁠יֹּ֤אמֶר הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ֙ לְ⁠הֵֽעָשׂ֣וֹת כֵּ֔ן 1 the king said for this to be done You can say this with an active form. Alternate translation: “The king granted both of Esther’s requests.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 14 acl8 figs-explicit וַ⁠תִּנָּתֵ֥ן דָּ֖ת בְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֑ן 1 And a law was given in Susa This phrase “in Susa” seems to indicate that this refers to Esther’s first request. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “He issued a decree allowing the Jews in Susa to fight against their enemies again the next day” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 14 j47d figs-activepassive וַ⁠תִּנָּתֵ֥ן דָּ֖ת בְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֑ן 1 And a law was given in Susa This can be stated in active form. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 14 j49d בְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֑ן 1 in Susa “the capital city of Susa”
EST 9 14 acl9 תָּלֽוּ 1 they hanged This was Esther’s 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”
EST 9 14 j51d translate-numbers עֲשֶׂ֥רֶת בְּנֵֽי 1 ten sons Alternate translation: “10 sons” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 15 j55d בְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֗ן 1 who were in Susa “who lived in the capital city of Susa”
EST 9 15 acm0 וַ⁠יִּֽקָּהֲל֞וּ 1 So…assembled themselves “joined together”
EST 9 15 p9gc translate-ordinal בְּ⁠י֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ 1 on the fourteenth day Alternate translation: “on day 14” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 15 j57d translate-hebrewmonths לְ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֔ר 1 of the month of Adar “Adar” is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 15 j59d בְ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֔ן 1 in Susa “in the capital city of Susa”
EST 9 15 j61d translate-numbers שְׁלֹ֥שׁ מֵא֖וֹת אִ֑ישׁ 1 300 men Alternate translation: “three hundred men” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 15 lp12 figs-idiom וּ⁠בַ֨⁠בִּזָּ֔ה לֹ֥א שָׁלְח֖וּ אֶת־יָדָֽ⁠ם 1 they did not stretch out their hand to the plunder Here the expression “to stretch out a hand” means to take something from another person. Alternate translation: “they did not take the things that belonged to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 16 acm1 וּ⁠שְׁאָ֣ר הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֡ים אֲשֶׁר֩ בִּ⁠מְדִינ֨וֹת הַ⁠מֶּ֜לֶךְ 1 And the rest of the Jews who were in the provinces of the king “the Jews who lived in the other parts of the empire”
EST 9 16 j65d figs-metaphor נִקְהֲל֣וּ ׀ וְ⁠עָמֹ֣ד עַל־נַפְשָׁ֗⁠ם 1 assembled themselves and stood for their lives Here **standing** is a metaphor meaning to defend oneself and to fight back instead of running away from an enemy. See how you translated this in 8:11. 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]])
EST 9 16 acm2 figs-explicit נִקְהֲל֣וּ ׀ וְ⁠עָמֹ֣ד עַל־נַפְשָׁ֗⁠ם 1 assembled themselves It’s implicit here, and stated explicitly in the next verse, that these other Jews fought their enemies only on the thirteenth day. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation, add: “on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 16 acm3 figs-metaphor וְ⁠נ֨וֹחַ֙ מֵ⁠אֹ֣יְבֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 and they rested from their enemies Here **resting** is a figurative way of saying that they no longer needed to fight against their enemies because they had won the battle. Alternate translation: “They defeated their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 16 kms1 וְ⁠הָרֹג֙ בְּ⁠שֹׂ֣נְאֵי⁠הֶ֔ם חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה וְ⁠שִׁבְעִ֖ים אָ֑לֶף 1 they slaughtered 75,000 of those who hated them “and killed 75,000 of them”
EST 9 16 i1d1 translate-numbers חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה וְ⁠שִׁבְעִ֖ים אָ֑לֶף 1 75,000 Alternate translation: “seventy-five thousand” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 16 m2cx לֹ֥א שָֽׁלְח֖וּ אֶת־יָדָֽ⁠ם 1 they did not stretch out their hand to the plunder “they did not take the things that belonged to them” or “they did not take the valuable things” or “the did not take their possessions”
EST 9 17 acm4 בְּ⁠יוֹם־שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר לְ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֑ר וְ⁠נ֗וֹחַ 1 On the thirteenth day of the month of Adar: then they rested “They fought their enemies on that day and defeated them”
EST 9 17 ll4f translate-ordinal  בְּ⁠יוֹם־שְׁלֹשָׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר 1 the thirteenth day Alternate translation: “day 13” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 17 j67d translate-hebrewmonths לְ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֑ר 1 of the month of Adar “Adar” is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 17 acm5 בְּ⁠אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠עָשֹׂ֣ה אֹת֔⁠וֹ י֖וֹם מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָֽה 1 on the fourteenth day of it, then they made it a day of feasting and rejoicing “They devoted the next day, the fourteenth day of the month of Adar, to joyful celebration” or “They feasted joyfully the next day, the fourteenth day of the month of Adar”
EST 9 17 kjj1 translate-ordinal בְּ⁠אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ 1 on the fourteenth of it Alternate translation: “on day 14” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 17 j69d figs-hendiadys מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָֽה 1 feasting and rejoicing This phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with “and.” The word “rejoicing” tells how they celebrated. Alternate translation: “joyful celebration” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 9 17 acm6 figs-synecdoche מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָֽה 1 feasting This is a figure of speech in which a part of something is used to mean the whole thing. The celebrations must have included more than just eating special meals together, but the story uses those meals to refer to the entire celebrations. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-synecdoche]])
EST 9 18 w531  וְהַיְּהוּדִ֣ים אֲשֶׁר־בְּ⁠שׁוּשָׁ֗ן נִקְהֲלוּ֙ 1 But the Jews who were in Susa assembled themselves “But the Jews who lived in the capital city of Susa”
EST 9 18 acm7 figs-explicit נִקְהֲלוּ֙ 1 assembled themselves The implication is that they did this to fight against their enemies. This can be stated explicitly. Alternate translation: “the Jews who lived in Susa joined together to fight against their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 18 acm8 בִּ⁠שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ וּ⁠בְ⁠אַרְבָּעָ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר בּ֑⁠וֹ 1 on the thirteenth of it and on the fourteenth of it “on the thirteenth and fourteenth days of the month of Adar”
EST 9 18 j73d translate-ordinal בִּ⁠שְׁלֹשָׁ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ 1 on the thirteenth of it Alternate translation: “on day 13” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 18 j75d translate-ordinal וּ⁠בְ⁠אַרְבָּעָ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר בּ֑⁠וֹ 1 and on the fourteenth of it Alternate translation: “and on day 14” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 18 acm9 figs-metaphor וְ⁠נ֗וֹחַ בַּ⁠חֲמִשָּׁ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠עָשֹׂ֣ה אֹת֔⁠וֹ י֖וֹם מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָֽה 1 And they rested on the fifteenth of it, and they made it a day of feasting and rejoicing **Resting** is a figurative way of saying that they no longer needed to fight against their enemies because they had won the battle. Alternate translation: “They defeated them, and there was no fighting on the fifteenth day. They devoted that day to joyful celebration.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 18 j77d translate-ordinal בַּ⁠חֲמִשָּׁ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ בּ֔⁠וֹ 1 on the fifteenth of it Alternate translation: “on day 15” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 18 j79d figs-hendiadys מִשְׁתֶּ֥ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָֽה 1 feasting and rejoicing This phrase means the same thing as in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “feasted joyfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 9 19 j81d grammar-connect-logic-result עַל־כֵּ֞ן 1 Therefore This term introduces the result of the events that were described in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “For that reason” or “That is why” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 9 19 acn0 figs-parallelism הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֣ים הַפְּרָזִ֗ים הַ⁠יֹּשְׁבִים֮ בְּ⁠עָרֵ֣י הַ⁠פְּרָזוֹת֒ 1 the Jews, the ones of the open country, the ones who dwell in the cities of the open areas These two phrases mean similar things. They are used together to make the identification of this group clear. The first phrase means that they lived in rural areas. The second phrase means they lived in settlements that did not have walls around them, that is, in villages. You can combine these phrases. Alternate translation: “the Jews who live in villages in the countryside” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 9 19 acn1 figs-explicit עֹשִׂ֗ים אֵ֠ת י֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙…וְ⁠י֣וֹם ט֑וֹב 1 make the fourteenth day…and a good day The implication is that this explanation is being offered for the benefit of city-dwelling Jews who might wonder why rural Jews celebrate this holiday on a different day. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say this explicitly. Alternate translation, add: “rather than on the fifteen day.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 19 acn2 עֹשִׂ֗ים אֵ֠ת י֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙…וְ⁠י֣וֹם ט֑וֹב 1 make the fourteenth day…and a good day “observe this holiday on the fourteenth day”
EST 9 19 j83d translate-ordinal י֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ 1 the fourteenth day Alternate translation: “day 14” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 19 j85d translate-hebrewmonths לְ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֔ר 1 of the month of Adar “Adar” is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 19 j87d figs-hendiadys שִׂמְחָ֥ה וּ⁠מִשְׁתֶּ֖ה 1 for rejoicing and for feasting As in verses 17 and 18, this means “by celebrating joyfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 9 19 j89d figs-idiom וְ⁠י֣וֹם ט֑וֹב 1 and a good day This expression generally means a day of happiness or celebration. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 19 acn3 figs-symaction וּ⁠מִשְׁל֥וֹחַ מָנ֖וֹת אִ֥ישׁ לְ⁠רֵעֵֽ⁠הוּ 1 and for the sending of gifts, a man to his friend Giving gifts, in this culture as in many cultures, was a way of acknowledging a special occasion. Alternate translation: “and by giving gifts to one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-symaction]])
EST 9 19 j91d figs-idiom אִ֥ישׁ לְ⁠רֵעֵֽ⁠הוּ 1 a man to his friend Here “a man” means “a person.” The term “friend” would include family members and neighbors as well as social friends. Alternate translation: “to one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 20 acn4 וַ⁠יִּכְתֹּ֣ב…הַ⁠דְּבָרִ֖ים הָ⁠אֵ֑לֶּה 1 And…wrote these things “wrote down everything that had happened”
EST 9 20 acn5 כָּל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֗ים אֲשֶׁר֙ בְּ⁠כָל־מְדִינוֹת֙ הַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ 1 all the Jews who were in all the provinces of the king Ahasuerus “all the Jews throughout the empire”
EST 9 20 j95d figs-merism הַ⁠קְּרוֹבִ֖ים וְ⁠הָ⁠רְחוֹקִֽים 1 the near ones and the far ones This is a figurative way of referring to something by speaking of two extreme parts of it, in order to include everything in between. This expression means the Jews who lived in or near Susa, those who lived far away, and all Jews in between. Alternate translation: “everywhere they lived” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-merism]])
EST 9 21 acn6 figs-idiom לְ⁠קַיֵּם֮ עֲלֵי⁠הֶם֒ לִ⁠הְי֣וֹת עֹשִׂ֗ים 1 to set up for them to be making Here **to set up** means to establish, and to “make” a day means to observe it as a holiday. Alternate translation: “to establish … as a holiday” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 21 j97d translate-ordinal  י֣וֹם אַרְבָּעָ֤ה עָשָׂר֙ 1 the fourteenth day Alternate translation: “day 14” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 21 j99d translate-hebrewmonths לְ⁠חֹ֣דֶשׁ אֲדָ֔ר 1 of the month of Adar “Adar” is the name of the twelfth and last month of the Hebrew calendar. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-hebrewmonths]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 21 j111 translate-ordinal יוֹם־חֲמִשָּׁ֥ה עָשָׂ֖ר בּ֑⁠וֹ 1 the fifteenth day of it Alternate translation: “day 15” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-ordinal]])
EST 9 21 n4v9 figs-idiom בְּ⁠כָל־שָׁנָ֖ה וְ⁠שָׁנָֽה 1 every year by year This expression means “every year.” Alternation translation: “every single year” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 22 acn7 grammar-connect-logic-result כַּ⁠יָּמִ֗ים אֲשֶׁר 1 as the days when This verse gives the reason for what Mordecai told the Jews to do in the previous verse. Alternate translation: “because those were the days when” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 9 22 acn8 figs-metaphor נָ֨חוּ בָ⁠הֶ֤ם הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֙ מֵ⁠א֣וֹיְבֵי⁠הֶ֔ם 1 the Jews rested on them from their enemies As in verses 16, 17, and 18, **resting** here is a figurative way of saying that they no longer needed to fight against their enemies because they had won the battle. Alternate translation: “the Jews stopped fighting, because they had defeated their enemies” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 22 acn9 וְ⁠הַ⁠חֹ֗דֶשׁ אֲשֶׁר֩ 1 and as the month when “And that was the month when”
EST 9 22 aco1 figs-parallelism נֶהְפַּ֨ךְ לָ⁠הֶ֤ם מִ⁠יָּגוֹן֙ לְ⁠שִׂמְחָ֔ה וּ⁠מֵ⁠אֵ֖בֶל לְ⁠י֣וֹם ט֑וֹב 1 it had turned for them from sorrow into joy and from mourning into a good day These two phrases mean similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize how dramatic and wonderful the change was. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases and say something like “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]])
EST 9 22 aco3 figs-explicit נֶהְפַּ֨ךְ לָ⁠הֶ֤ם מִ⁠יָּגוֹן֙ לְ⁠שִׂמְחָ֔ה וּ⁠מֵ⁠אֵ֖בֶל לְ⁠י֣וֹם ט֑וֹב 1 it had turned for them from sorrow into joy and from mourning into a good day It’s 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]])
EST 9 22 nch1 figs-metaphor נֶהְפַּ֨ךְ לָ⁠הֶ֤ם מִ⁠יָּגוֹן֙ לְ⁠שִׂמְחָ֔ה 1 it had turned for them from sorrow into joy **Turning** figuratively represents changing. Alternate translation: “they changed from being very sad to being joyful” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-humanbehavior]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 22 aco4 figs-abstractnouns מִ⁠יָּגוֹן֙ לְ⁠שִׂמְחָ֔ה 1 from sorrow into joy The abstract nouns **sorrow** and **joy** can be expressed with adjectives such as “distressed” and “happy.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 9 22 j113 לַ⁠עֲשׂ֣וֹת אוֹתָ֗⁠ם יְמֵי֙ 1 in order to make them days of “So Mordecai told them to observe those days with”
EST 9 22 j115 figs-hendiadys מִשְׁתֶּ֣ה וְ⁠שִׂמְחָ֔ה 1 feasting and rejoicing As in verses 17, 18, and 19, this phrase expresses a single idea by using two words connected with “and.” The word “rejoicing” tells how the celebrating was to be done. Alternate translation: “joyful celebration” or “feasting joyfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 9 22 aco5 וּ⁠מִשְׁל֤וֹחַ מָנוֹת֙ אִ֣ישׁ לְ⁠רֵעֵ֔⁠הוּ 1 and sending of gifts, a man to his friend See how you translated this in verse 19. Review the notes there if that would be helpful. Alternate translation: “and by giving gifts to one another”
EST 9 22 j117 figs-idiom אִ֣ישׁ לְ⁠רֵעֵ֔⁠הוּ 1 a man to his friend Here “a man” means “a person.” The term “friend” would include family members and neighbors as well as social friends. Alternate translation: “to one another” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/gendernotations]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 22 aco6 figs-symaction וּ⁠מַתָּנ֖וֹת לָֽ⁠אֶבְיוֹנִֽים 1 and gifts to the needy In this culture as in many others, helping the poor was also a way of acknowledging a special occasion. The idea was that no one should 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/figs-symaction]])
EST 9 23 aco7 figs-explicit וְ⁠קִבֵּל֙…אֲשֶׁר־כָּתַ֥ב מָרְדֳּכַ֖י אֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 And…accepted…what Mordecai had written to them The implication seems to be that the Jews were glad to do what Mordecai had instructed, because they had already been doing it. You can add a word such as “readily” to indicate this. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 23 aco8 וְ⁠קִבֵּל֙ 1 And…accepted “agreed”
EST 9 23 ib25 figs-events אֲשֶׁר־הֵחֵ֖לּוּ לַ⁠עֲשׂ֑וֹת 1 what they had begun to do Alternate translation: “The Jews were already celebrating those days that way.” You can put this information first, to present the events in logical and chronological order. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 9 24 j119 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּי֩ 1 For This introduces the reason for the events previously described. The story will now summarize everything that happened previously. The Jews were to celebrate because they were able to fight back when Haman plotted to destroy all of them. Alternate translation: “They would celebrate these days to remember” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-grammar-connect-logoc-result]])
EST 9 24 j125 figs-informremind צֹרֵר֙ כָּל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים 1 the adversary of all the Jews This phrase gives clarifying information about Haman. Alternate translation: “the enemy of all the Jews” (See: Phrases that Inform or Remind) (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 9 24 aco9 חָשַׁ֥ב עַל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֖ים לְ⁠אַבְּדָ֑⁠ם 1 had plotted concerning the Jews to annihilate them “had tried to destroy them”
EST 9 24 xz7s figs-explicit וְ⁠הִפִּ֥יל פּוּר֙ ה֣וּא הַ⁠גּוֹרָ֔ל 1 and he had cast a Pur (which is "the lot") You can say explicitly why Haman did this. Alternate translation: “he threw Pur (that is, he threw lots) to find out what would be the best day to attack the Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 24 bcy2 translate-names פּוּר֙ ה֣וּא הַ⁠גּוֹרָ֔ל 1 a Pur (which is "the lot") As in 3:7, the storyteller is giving both the Persian and the Hebrew name because this is the story behind the Festival of Purim, which takes its name from “Pur.” So this is not repetition for emphasis. You can put in the Persian name and the name for “lot” in your own language to show that the storyteller is doing this. Alternate translation: “a Pur (that is, a lot)” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 24 j127 figs-hendiadys לְ⁠הֻמָּ֖⁠ם וּֽ⁠לְ⁠אַבְּדָֽ⁠ם 1 to vex them and to destroy them The terms **vex** and **destroy** mean basically the same thing. They are used together to emphasize the degree to which Haman’s deadly plans were distressing to the Jews. You can combine the terms. Alternate translation: “and destroy them completely” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-hendiadys]])
EST 9 25 m8x3 figs-explicit וּ⁠בְ⁠בֹאָ⁠הּ֮ לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּלֶךְ֒ 1 But when she came before the face of the king **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 king’s presence without being summoned, and she won his favor.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 25 j129 bita-hq לִ⁠פְנֵ֣י הַ⁠מֶּלֶךְ֒ 1 before the face of the king Here **face** is a metonym meaning the presence of a person. This phrase means that Esther came into the king’s presence. Alternate translation: “into the king’s presence” or “before the king” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-hq]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 9 25 acp1 figs-explicit אָמַ֣ר עִם־הַ⁠סֵּ֔פֶר 1 he said with the letter Once 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]])
EST 9 25 y57b figs-idiom יָשׁ֞וּב מַחֲשַׁבְתּ֧⁠וֹ הָ⁠רָעָ֛ה אֲשֶׁר־חָשַׁ֥ב עַל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֖ים עַל־רֹאשׁ֑⁠וֹ 1 Let his evil plot that he plotted concerning the Jews return on his head **His** 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]])
EST 9 25 acp2 figs-personification וְ⁠תָל֥וּ אֹת֛⁠וֹ וְ⁠אֶת־בָּנָ֖י⁠ו עַל־הָ⁠עֵֽץ 1 and let them hang him and his sons on the tree The letter 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]])
EST 9 25 j129 bita-plants הָ⁠עֵֽץ 1 the tree See 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]])
EST 9 26 j131 grammar-connect-logic-result עַל־כֵּ֡ן 1 Therefore This introduces the reason why the Jews gave the name “Purim” to this celebration. Alternate translation: “For that reason” or “That is why” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 9 26 acp3 קָֽרְאוּ֩ לַ⁠יָּמִ֨ים הָ⁠אֵ֤לֶּה פוּרִים֙ 1 they called these days, “Purim” “They” means the Jews. Alternate translation: “The Jews called these days Purim, like the word Pur”
EST 9 26 c1gi translate-names פוּרִים֙ 1 Purim This is the name of the festival that commemorates the salvation of the Jewish people in ancient Persia from Haman’s plot to destroy and kill all the Jews in a single day. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 26 buf1 writing-background עַל־שֵׁ֣ם הַ⁠פּ֔וּר 1 on account of the name of Pur Alternate translation: “The Persian word for ‘lot’ is ‘Pur.’” This is information that the original audience needed to understand how this celebration got its name. You can put this first in the verse because it explains what comes next. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-background]])
EST 9 26 yq8m figs-explicit שֵׁ֣ם הַ⁠פּ֔וּר 1 the name of Pur. It can be stated clearly what “Pur” means. Alternate translation: “the word Pur, which means ‘lot.’” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 26 j133 grammar-connect-logic-result עַל־כֵּ֕ן 1 Therefore The story has just given the reason why the holiday is called Purim. Now it is going to give another reason. It will be explaining why the Jews added this holiday to their calendar, in addition to the festivals that were commanded in the Law of Moses. The next verse describes them adding the holiday. This verse gives the reasons why they did that. Alternate translation: “Because” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 9 26 acp4 עַל־כָּל־דִּבְרֵ֖י הָ⁠אִגֶּ֣רֶת הַ⁠זֹּ֑את 1 on account of all the words of this letter This is a reference to the letter that Mordecai wrote, as described in verses 20–22. Alternate translation: “Mordecai wrote to them to tell them to observe this holiday”
EST 9 26 acp5 figs-parallelism וּ⁠מָֽה־רָא֣וּ עַל־כָּ֔כָה וּ⁠מָ֥ה הִגִּ֖יעַ אֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 and what they had seen concerning this and what had come upon them These two phrases mean similar things. The repetition is used to emphasize what a vivid experience it was to live through the events that this story describes. You can combine the phrases. Alternate translation: “what had happened to them” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 9 26 acp6 figs-explicit וּ⁠מָֽה־רָא֣וּ עַל־כָּ֔כָה וּ⁠מָ֥ה הִגִּ֖יעַ אֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 and what they had seen concerning this and what had come upon them These phrases say generally “this” and “what,” but they are referring to the specific events the story has related. You can describe these things specifically. Alternate translation: “Because the Jews had been able to destroy the enemies who had wanted to destroy them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 9 26 acp7 וּ⁠מָֽה־רָא֣וּ עַל־כָּ֔כָה וּ⁠מָ֥ה הִגִּ֖יעַ אֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 and what they had seen concerning this and what had come upon them You can put this first, before the information about Mordecai’s letter, because it happened first. You can say “then” when you tell about the letter.
EST 9 26 j135 figs-idiom וּ⁠מָ֥ה הִגִּ֖יעַ אֲלֵי⁠הֶֽם 1 and what had come upon them This expression means “what had happened to them.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 27 acp8 קִיְּמ֣וּ וְקִבְּל֣וּ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֩ ׀ עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֨ם ׀ וְ⁠עַל־זַרְעָ֜⁠ם וְ⁠עַ֨ל כָּל־הַ⁠נִּלְוִ֤ים עֲלֵי⁠הֶם֙…לִ⁠הְי֣וֹת עֹשִׂ֗ים אֵ֣ת שְׁנֵ֤י הַ⁠יָּמִים֙ הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה 1 The Jews set up and accepted for themselves, and for their seed, and for all those who unite themselves to them…to be making these two days “The Jews said that they would tell their descendants and those people who became Jews to be certain to celebrate this festival”
EST 9 27 acp9 figs-doublet קִיְּמ֣וּ וְקִבְּל֣וּ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִים֩ ׀ עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֨ם ׀ וְ⁠עַל־זַרְעָ֜⁠ם וְ⁠עַ֨ל כָּל־הַ⁠נִּלְוִ֤ים עֲלֵי⁠הֶם֙…לִ⁠הְי֣וֹת עֹשִׂ֗ים אֵ֣ת שְׁנֵ֤י הַ⁠יָּמִים֙ הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה 1 The Jews set up and accepted “Set up” and “accepted” mean basically the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize that the Jews definitely agreed to do this. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these words. Alternate translation: “agreed to establish” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])
EST 9 27 j137 figs-metaphor וְ⁠עַל־זַרְעָ֜⁠ם 1 and for their seed As in 6:13, “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]])
EST 9 27 j139 כָּל־הַ⁠נִּלְוִ֤ים עֲלֵי⁠הֶם֙ 1 all those who unite themselves to them “everyone who became part of the Jewish people”
EST 9 27 j141 figs-idiom  וְ⁠לֹ֣א יַעֲב֔וֹר 1 and it will not pass away This expression means that the Jews would never stop celebrating the feast of Purim every year. You can put this last, since it refers to something after everything else. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 27 acq0 figs-events לִ⁠הְי֣וֹת עֹשִׂ֗ים אֵ֣ת שְׁנֵ֤י הַ⁠יָּמִים֙ הָ⁠אֵ֔לֶּה 1 to be making these two days Alternate translation: “to establish those two days as holidays and to observe them.” To present things in chronological order, you can put this before the reference to Jewish descendants and converts to Judaism. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-events]])
EST 9 27 acq1 כִּ⁠כְתָבָ֖⁠ם 1 according to their writing “in the way that Mordecai had told them to do”
EST 9 27 acq2 וְ⁠כִ⁠זְמַנָּ֑⁠ם 1 and according to their appointed time This means the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar, as specified in 9:21. Alternate translation: “on those specific days”
EST 9 27 j143 figs-idiom בְּ⁠כָל־שָׁנָ֖ה וְ⁠שָׁנָֽה 1 every year by year This expression means “each and every year.” Alternate translation: “every single year” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 27 acq3 grammar-connect-logic-result  וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ֠⁠אֵלֶּה נִזְכָּרִ֨ים וְ⁠נַעֲשִׂ֜ים 1 So these days are remembered and are made This gives the result of the reasons described in verses 26 and 27. Alternate translation: “And that is why” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 9 27 acq4 figs-doublet  וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ֠⁠אֵלֶּה נִזְכָּרִ֨ים וְ⁠נַעֲשִׂ֜ים 1 So 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]])
EST 9 28 hc8s figs-activepassive  וְ⁠הַ⁠יָּמִ֣ים הָ֠⁠אֵלֶּה נִזְכָּרִ֨ים וְ⁠נַעֲשִׂ֜ים 1 So these days are remembered and are made This expression uses two passive forms, but you could say the same thing using active forms. Alternate translation: “The Jews were to celebrate and observe these days” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 9 28 j145 figs-idiom בְּ⁠כָל־דּ֣וֹר וָ⁠ד֗וֹר 1 in every generation by generation This expression means “each and every generation.” Alternate translation: “in every single generation” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 28 j147 figs-idiom מִשְׁפָּחָה֙ וּ⁠מִשְׁפָּחָ֔ה 1 family by family This expression means “every family.” Alternate translation: “every Jewish family” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 28 acq5 figs-merism מְדִינָ֥ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֖ה וְ⁠עִ֣יר וָ⁠עִ֑יר 1 province by province, and city by city This could be a figure of speech that refers to something by speaking of two extreme parts of it in order to include everything in between those parts. Generally speaking, a province would be the largest division of the empire that would identify a person’s location, and a city would be the smallest. Particularly since the Jews 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]])
EST 9 28 j149 figs-idiom מְדִינָ֥ה וּ⁠מְדִינָ֖ה 1 province by province This expression means “every province.” Alternate translation: “in every single province” (See: Idiom)
EST 9 28 j151 figs-idiom וְ⁠עִ֣יר וָ⁠עִ֑יר 1 and city by city This expression means “every city.” Alternate translation: “in every single city” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 28 j153 figs-idiom וִ⁠ימֵ֞י הַ⁠פּוּרִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֗לֶּה לֹ֤א יַֽעַבְרוּ֙ מִ⁠תּ֣וֹךְ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים וְ⁠זִכְרָ֖⁠ם לֹא־יָס֥וּף מִ⁠זַּרְעָֽ⁠ם 1 these days of Purim will not pass away from the midst of the Jews and their remembrance will not come to an end from their seed This expression means that the Jews will never stop celebrating the feast of Purim every year. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 28 acq6 figs-idiom וִ⁠ימֵ֞י הַ⁠פּוּרִ֣ים הָ⁠אֵ֗לֶּה לֹ֤א יַֽעַבְרוּ֙ מִ⁠תּ֣וֹךְ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים וְ⁠זִכְרָ֖⁠ם לֹא־יָס֥וּף מִ⁠זַּרְעָֽ⁠ם 1 these days of Purim will not pass away As in verse 27, this expression means that the Jews will never stop celebrating the feast of Purim. You can say this positively. Alternate translation: “will always observe the Festival of Purim faithfully” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 9 28 acq7 מִ⁠תּ֣וֹךְ הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים 1 from the midst of the Jews “within the Jewish community”
EST 9 28 i2qk וְ⁠זִכְרָ֖⁠ם לֹא־יָס֥וּף 1 and their remembrance will not come to an end “will always observe”
EST 9 28 j155 figs-metaphor מִ⁠זַּרְעָֽ⁠ם 1 from their seed As in verse 27, **seed** is a metaphor meaning “offspring.” Alternate translation: “and for their descendants” or “and for their offspring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 29 je8e figs-informremind בַת־אֲבִיחַ֛יִל 1 the daughter of Abihail This information reminds the reader who Esther was. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 9 29 cm8c translate-names אֲבִיחַ֛יִל 1 Abihail This man was Esther’s father and Mordecai’s uncle. See how you translated his name in 2:15. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-names]])
EST 9 29 acq8 הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֖י 1 the Jew This phrase gives clarifying information about Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 9 29 acq9 ⁠תִּכְתֹּב…אֶת־כָּל־תֹּ֑קֶף 1 wrote with all power “Esther used her royal authority” or “Esther used the authority that she had as queen”
EST 9 29 ku7d translate-numbers לְ⁠קַיֵּ֗ם אֵ֣ת אִגֶּ֧רֶת הַ⁠פּוּרִ֛ים הַ⁠זֹּ֖את הַ⁠שֵּׁנִֽית 1 to set up this second letter of Purim Alternate 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]])
EST 9 30 acr1 figs-gendernotations וַ⁠יִּשְׁלַ֨ח סְפָרִ֜ים 1 he sent letters While this says “he,” in context it refers to the letter that Esther and Mordecai wrote together. Alternate translation: “They sent copes of this second letter” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]])
EST 9 30 acr2 figs-parallelism אֶל־כָּל־הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֗ים אֶל־שֶׁ֨בַע וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֤ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֙ מְדִינָ֔ה מַלְכ֖וּת אֲחַשְׁוֵר֑וֹשׁ 1 to all the Jews, to 127 provinces, the kingdom of Ahasuerus These three phrases all mean the same thing. The repetition emphasizes that Esther and Mordecai sent this second letter out comprehensively throughout the empire. Alternate translation: “to all the Jews throughout the entire empire of Ahasuerus” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 9 30 acr3 figs-metonymy שֶׁ֨בַע וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֤ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֙ מְדִינָ֔ה 1 127 provinces The letter was not sent to the provinces as geographical territories, but to the Jews who lived in them. The Jews are being described by something associated with them, the places where they lived. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 9 30 u389 translate-numbers שֶׁ֨בַע וְ⁠עֶשְׂרִ֤ים וּ⁠מֵאָה֙ מְדִינָ֔ה 1 127 provinces Alternate translation: “one hundred and twenty-seven provinces” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/translate-numbers]])
EST 9 30 iaf7 figs-abstractnouns דִּבְרֵ֥י שָׁל֖וֹם וֶ⁠אֱמֶֽת 1 words of peace and truth The abstract nouns “peace” and “truth” can be expressed 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]])
EST 9 31 acr4 לְ⁠קַיֵּ֡ם אֵת־יְמֵי֩ הַ⁠פֻּרִ֨ים הָ⁠אֵ֜לֶּה בִּ⁠זְמַנֵּי⁠הֶ֗ם כַּ⁠אֲשֶׁר֩ קִיַּ֨ם עֲלֵי⁠הֶ֜ם מָרְדֳּכַ֤י הַ⁠יְּהוּדִי֙ וְ⁠אֶסְתֵּ֣ר הַ⁠מַּלְכָּ֔ה 1 to set up these days of Purim at their appointed times according to what Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had set up for them Alternate translation: “In this second letter, Mordecai the Jew and Queen Esther confirmed that Purim should be celebrated on the fourteenth and fifteenth days of the month of Adar.”
EST 9 31 rgr9 figs-informremind הַ⁠יְּהוּדִי֙ 1 the Jew This phrase gives clarifying information about Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 9 31 acr5 figs-explicit וְ⁠כַ⁠אֲשֶׁ֛ר קִיְּמ֥וּ עַל־נַפְשָׁ֖⁠ם וְ⁠עַל־זַרְעָ֑⁠ם דִּבְרֵ֥י הַ⁠צֹּמ֖וֹת וְ⁠זַעֲקָתָֽ⁠ם 1 according to what they had set up concerning their lives and concerning their seed, to matters of the fasts and their outcry This is referring to background information that the original audience would have known. 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]])
EST 9 31 rl2s figs-metaphor וְ⁠עַל־זַרְעָ֑⁠ם 1 and concerning their seed Here **seed** is a metaphor meaning the offspring or descendants of the Jews. Alternate translation: “and for their descendants” or “and for their offspring” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/bita-plants]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 9 32 acr6 וּ⁠מַאֲמַ֣ר אֶסְתֵּ֔ר קִיַּ֕ם דִּבְרֵ֥י הַ⁠פֻּרִ֖ים הָ⁠אֵ֑לֶּה 1 And the decree of Esther set up these matters of Purim “Esther also issued a decree establishing Purim as a holiday for the Jews”
EST 9 32 acr7 figs-activepassive וְ⁠נִכְתָּ֖ב בַּ⁠סֵּֽפֶר 1 and it was written in the book You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “and the royal scribes made an official record of it” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 10 intro h4m4 0 # Esther 10 General Notes<br>## Special concepts in this chapter<br><br>### Mordecai’s 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.<br>
EST 10 1 j157 writing-newevent וַ⁠יָּשֶׂם֩ הַ⁠מֶּ֨לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֧וֹשׁ 1 Then the king Ahasuerus set This introduces a new event in the story. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/writing-newevent]])
EST 10 1 b5ht וַ⁠יָּשֶׂם֩…מַ֛ס 1 Then…set a tribute “Then…imposed a tax”
EST 10 1 acr8 figs-explicit עַל־הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ וְ⁠אִיֵּ֥י הַ⁠יָּֽם 1 on the land and the islands of the sea The purpose of this chapter is to describe the greatness of Mordecai. It does that by showing that he was second in command to a very powerful emperor. The phrase “the islands of the sea” likely refers to the fact that the Persian kings had conquered territories reaching all the way to the Mediterranean Sea. If it would be clearer in your language, you can say that explicitly. Alternate translation: “which reached all the way to the Mediterranean Sea.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-explicit]])
EST 10 1 acr9 figs-metonymy עַל־הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ וְ⁠אִיֵּ֥י הַ⁠יָּֽם 1 on the land and the islands of the sea These geographic features were not expected to pay the tax. The land and coastlands represent the people living there. The story is describing those people figuratively by reference to something associated with them, the places where they live. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metonymy]])
EST 10 1 acs0 figs-merism עַל־הָ⁠אָ֖רֶץ וְ⁠אִיֵּ֥י הַ⁠יָּֽם 1 on the land and the islands of the sea This 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]])
EST 10 2 acs1 figs-doublet וְ⁠כָל־מַעֲשֵׂ֤ה תָקְפּ⁠וֹ֙ וּ⁠גְב֣וּרָת֔⁠וֹ 1 And all the deeds of his power and his might **Power** and **might** mean essentially the same thing. 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]])
EST 10 2 p98n figs-abstractnouns תָקְפּ⁠וֹ֙ וּ⁠גְב֣וּרָת֔⁠וֹ 1 his power and his might The abstract nouns “power” and “might” can be translated with an adjective. Alternate translation: “his great power” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 10 2 k7tc figs-metaphor  וּ⁠פָרָשַׁת֙ 1 with the full account of “They also wrote a full account”
EST 10 2 acs2  גְּדֻלַּ֣ת מָרְדֳּכַ֔י 1 the greatness of Mordecai to which the king had made him great Alternate translation: “of how 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”
EST 10 2 acs3 גִּדְּל֖⁠וֹ 1 made him great See how you translated this phrase in 3:1 and 5:11. Alternate translation: “promoted him”
EST 10 2 acs4 figs-rquestion הֲ⁠לוֹא־הֵ֣ם כְּתוּבִ֗ים 1 are they not written…? 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]])
EST 10 2 acs5 figs-activepassive הֲ⁠לוֹא־הֵ֣ם כְּתוּבִ֗ים 1 are they not written…? You can say this with an active form, and you can say who did the action. Alternate translation: “The king’s scribes made a record in …” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-activepassive]])
EST 10 2 acs6 הֲ⁠לוֹא־הֵ֣ם כְּתוּבִ֗ים 1 are they not written…? You can put this first in the verse because it comes first logically.
EST 10 3 acs7 figs-idiom סֵ֨פֶר֙ דִּבְרֵ֣י הַ⁠יָּמִ֔ים לְ⁠מַלְכֵ֖י מָדַ֥י וּ⁠פָרָֽס 1 the book of the events of days for the kings of Media and Persia See how you translated this in 2:23. Alternate translation: “the royal chronicles of Media and Persia” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-idiom]])
EST 10 3 j159 grammar-connect-logic-result כִּ֣י 1 For This word indicates that this verse will give the reason why the scribes made a record about Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/grammar-connect-logic-result]])
EST 10 3 acs8 figs-informremind הַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֗י 1 the Jew This phrase gives clarifying information about Mordecai. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-informremind]])
EST 10 3 acs9 מִשְׁנֶה֙ לַ⁠מֶּ֣לֶךְ אֲחַשְׁוֵר֔וֹשׁ 1 was second to the King Ahasuerus “was the most important person after King Ahasuerus”
EST 10 3 act0 וְ⁠גָדוֹל֙ לַ⁠יְּהוּדִ֔ים 1 and great among the Jews “and a leader among his own people”
EST 10 3 act1 וְ⁠רָצ֖וּי לְ⁠רֹ֣ב אֶחָ֑י⁠ו 1 favored by the multitude of his brothers “All of his fellow Jews respected him”
EST 10 3 iui7 figs-gendernotations אֶחָ֑י⁠ו 1 his brothers Here **brothers** is a figurative way of describing fellow members of the same people group. Alternate translation: “fellow Jews” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-gendernotations]] and [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 10 3 act2 figs-parallelism דֹּרֵ֥שׁ טוֹב֙ לְ⁠עַמּ֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠דֹבֵ֥ר שָׁל֖וֹם לְ⁠כָל־זַרְעֽ⁠וֹ 1 seeking good for his people and speaking peace to all its seed These two phrases basically mean the same thing. The repetition is used to emphasize how hard Mordecai worked for the good of his people. If it would be clearer in your language, you could combine these phrases and say something like, “He worked hard so his people and their descendants would prosper.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-parallelism]])
EST 10 3 act3 figs-abstractnouns דֹּרֵ֥שׁ טוֹב֙ לְ⁠עַמּ֔⁠וֹ וְ⁠דֹבֵ֥ר שָׁל֖וֹם לְ⁠כָל־זַרְעֽ⁠וֹ 1 seeking good for his people and speaking peace to all its seed The abstract nouns **good** and **peace** refer in this context to prosperity and security. You could translate these ideas with verbs, for example, “He worked hard to make sure that his people would prosper and their descendants would be secure.” (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-abstractnouns]])
EST 10 3 wte9 figs-metaphor  דֹּרֵ֥שׁ טוֹב֙ לְ⁠עַמּ֔⁠וֹ 1 seeking good for his people **Seeking** is a figurative way to describe working hard for something. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 10 3 s8f8 figs-metaphor וְ⁠דֹבֵ֥ר שָׁל֖וֹם לְ⁠כָל־זַרְעֽ⁠וֹ 1 and speaking peace to all its seed **Speaking** is a figurative way to describe wanting to bring something about. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])
EST 10 3 j161 figs-metaphor לְ⁠כָל־זַרְעֽ⁠וֹ 1 to all its seed Here **seed** figuratively means “descendants.” Even if you combine the two parallel phrases, you can still convey the idea of “down through the generations” with a 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]])

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