[Today’s English Version D.13; Revised Standard Version 15.13]

Esther’s words to the king in verses 13-14 have no parallel in the Hebrew text.

Esther addresses the king respectfully, calling him “Lord, Master.” Both Revised Standard Version and Today’s English Version add the first personal pronoun to make explicit in English the formality of Esther’s response, my lord (“Sire” in New Jerusalem Bible). Then, speaking in figurative language, she uses a simile to describe how he looked to her, like an angel of God. Using a simile she tells of her emotions at seeing him. Literally she says “and my heart was confused [or, disturbed, troubled] from fear of your glory.” To speak of the angel the translator may wish to use an expression like “messenger from God” or “heavenly messenger.” To speak of emotions Greek uses the metaphor of the heart, but other languages may refer to the liver, the chest, or the entrails. For comments on the Greek word for “confusion,” see LXX 3.15.

Your glory refers here to the king’s radiant appearance. Revised English Bible says “your glorious appearance.”

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 .