The author here shifts to direct quotation to emphasize what Haman is saying. This verse begins with the words “And said Haman also.” Revised Standard Version renders the adverb “also” as added. Good News Translation says that Haman “went on,” that is, he continued listing things to boast about. The Hebrew form of this verse expresses emphasis, which Revised Standard Version expresses with the word Even, and Good News Translation with the phrase “What is more.” The emphasis and focus of the remainder of the verse is, however, more faithfully expressed by Revised Standard Version. Haman points specifically to himself in the context of both banquets. This may perhaps be restated in an affirmation something like “It is I alone….”

In some languages a dual pronoun may be used, if Haman’s reference to himself and the king is expressed by a pronoun.

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