And let the maiden: the servants’ advice continues, literally, that “the girl who is pleasing in the eyes of the king” become queen in the place of Vashti. Revised Standard Version uses maiden for the “young woman” (Today’s English Version) who will be chosen, because of its positive connotations (see verse 7 below). Hebrew uses the same word throughout. The young woman who is chosen will assume the royal rank formerly held by Vashti.

The words This pleased the king refer to the advice that was given in verses 2-4 by the king’s servants. Moffatt says “This proposal pleased the king.” In the Hebrew there is an interesting parallel pattern, namely, that the expression “pleasing in the eyes of the king” is used first with reference to the young woman who will be chosen, and secondly with reference to the advice given by the servants. The restructuring of Today’s English Version significantly modifies the artistic form of this verse.

And he did so: it may be helpful to make explicit, as Today’s English Version has done, that the king followed the advice that was given to him.

Septuagint 2.4

Having used a term for “girl, maiden” before, the author here introduces woman as though to allude to the future role destined for the one who will be chosen. The author’s use of two different terms should be respected in translation.

This that was pleasing to the king is the suggestion or the “advice” (Today’s English Version) offered by his servants.

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 .