Ordained here translates the same verb translated “to enjoin” in verse 21 above. It reflects the fact of the Jews’ imposing or establishing a practice upon themselves. The author then uses a new synonym to shift the perspective by saying that they took it upon themselves. The translator will need to determine whether receptor language style can express a similar shift in perspective, namely, from imposition upon oneself to acceptance onto oneself. Otherwise Today’s English Version provides a good model for combining the two actions into one.

As noted above on verse 21, an alternative understanding of the verb translated ordained is proposed by some interpreters who render the Hebrew verb “confirmed.” FOX, for example, says “the Jews confirmed and took it upon themselves” (see comments on verse 21 above).

All who joined the Jews are non-Jews who become converts to Judaism (so Today’s English Version, Nueva Biblia Española; and see 8.17).

Without fail: this adverbial phrase translates a Hebrew verb, “to pass over,” that is described by the negative “not.” Traduction œcuménique de la Bible translates “they would not fail to observe.” One can also say “they would not omit to observe.” Today’s English Version restates this in the affirmative with the adverb “regularly.”

These two days are the fourteenth and fifteenth of Adar (see verse 21 above).

According to what was written refers to Mordecai’s letter (see verses 20-22 above).

In the last part of this verse, the author’s emphasis upon time becomes very obvious, as it has many times previously in the book (compare 1.13, 4.14). He refers to two days, the time appointed, and every year. The two days are the fourteenth and fifteenth of Adar (see 9.21). Slight restructuring may be necessary; for example, “the time that was marked [or, cut]” or “the time Mordecai had set [or, fixed].” For every year the Hebrew says literally “in every year and year.”

Septuagint 9.27

The meaning of the words translated in New Revised Standard Version as observe it without fail is uncertain. Today’s English Version says “properly observed,” while Revised English Bible agrees with New Revised Standard Version. Traduction œcuménique de la Bible translates “Without any doubt, they would not proceed otherwise.” As the note in New Revised Standard Version says, the meaning of the Greek is not clear. In the context, however, the New Revised Standard Version translation is probably the best solution. That is, the Jewish people of this generation and of later generations will continue to observe this festival and will not neglect to do so.

The last sentence of verse 27 in the Greek forms the first part of verse 28 in the Hebrew. Verse 28 in the Revised English Bible translation begins with the last sentence in verse 27 (as in the Hebrew text). The Greek does not have the words of Purim, which New Revised Standard Version has added. The Greek does have the words “of Purim” in verse 28. Translators may wish to follow the example of New Revised Standard Version and make that information explicit also here in verse 27.

Memorial: the days of Purim would be a reminder, that is, they would make people think about what had happened in the time of Esther each time they were celebrated. The celebrations would be held each year from generation to generation, or from “descendant to descendant one after another.”

City, family, and country are difficult to translate. The second term, family, may refer to people of the same clan or to the people who form part of a division of a nation, that is, a province. If the latter is the correct meaning, then the three words progress from the smallest unit to the largest: “city, province, and country” (Today’s English Version). If the second term refers here to a clan, this middle term is the smallest unit. New Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible, and Traduction œcuménique de la Bible understand the middle word to mean family or clan, and this is probably the correct interpretation.

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 .