[Today’s English Version C.27; Revised Standard Version 14.16]

My necessity is Esther’s obligation to wear the royal crown (so Revised Standard Version, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible, Chouraqui, La Sainte Bible: La version Etablie par les moines de Maredsous). This may be restated “You know the obligation that is mine.” Anchor Bible says “You know my ‘duty’: that I loathe that symbol of my exalted position which is upon my head.” Today’s English Version, however, relates this clause to the preceding verse, making the necessity be that of having sexual relations with the king (so also Bible en français courant). The syntax of the Greek sentence, however, favors the interpretation found in Revised Standard Version.

The sign of my proud position, which is upon my head refers to the crown (so Today’s English Version) that Queen Esther wore. Esther repeats the verb “to feel nausea, to loathe” from the previous verse.

When I appear in public refers to “official occasions” or official appearances that Esther made as queen. This may be stated “when I appear at court” (so New Jerusalem Bible) or “when I appear before the people.” This contrasts with on the days when I am at leisure, which is literally “days of my rest [or, quiet].” Compare Revised English Bible (“and in private never wear it”) and New American Bible (“and do not wear it in private”).

A third time in two verses Esther says I abhor. Though the meaning of Today’s English Version‘s translation “last month’s rag” may not be as immediately clear as Revised Standard Version‘s menstruous rag, translators in some languages may need to use a euphemistic expression, lest readers find the language offensive. For Jewish taboos on menstruation see Lev 15.19-24.

The difference in style between Revised Standard Version and Today’s English Version is very apparent. Revised Standard Version follows the complex literary style of the Greek, while Today’s English Version uses very simple language and style. Translators should try to reflect the style of the original by using appropriate style in their own language.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Noss, Philip A. A Handbook on the Book of Esther — Deuterocanon: The Greek Text. (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .