[Today’s English Version D.1; Revised Standard Version 15.1]

Similarly to the Hebrew version, this section begins with the Greek kai egenēthē, “and it happened,” marking a major new development in the story line (see comment on wayyehi in the Hebrew of 5.1).

On the third day: see 4.16. By specifying the time that elapsed, the author maintains the thematic importance of time in his story. The Greek says literally “in the day the third,” which is taken by Revised Standard Version to mean after two nights had passed (so also New Jerusalem Bible). Today’s English Version‘s expression “for three days” implies that Esther prayed during three days. Traduction œcuménique de la Bible and Bible en français courant, however, say “at the end of [after] three days.” For those languages that count time by nights, it is best to say something like “after two nights, on the third one Esther….” For those languages that count by days, it is preferable to say “the third day” (La Sainte Bible: La version Etablie par les moines de Maredsous).

The garments in which she had worshiped: see 14.2 (C.13). If readers have forgotten that Esther had put on garments of distress and mourning (C.13), they may think that the garments in which she had worshiped were her “Sunday-best” clothes. The Greek may be rendered “the humble clothes” or “the clothes of service.” Compare New American Bible (“her penitential garments”), New Jerusalem Bible (“her suppliant’s mourning attire”), and La Sainte Bible: La version Etablie par les moines de Maredsous (“her clothes of distress”).

Esther arrayed herself in splendid attire is literally “she put on her glory.” Revised English Bible says that she put on “her robes of state” (Revised English Bible). The English verb arrayed (Revised Standard Version, Revised English Bible) means more than simply “put on” (Today’s English Version). “To array” means to dress in splendid or impressive clothing, which captures the idea of “glory.” Some languages will emphasize the verb, perhaps using a verb that has a plural form to indicate that she “dressed up” or “decked herself out in clothing,” whereas others will emphasize the magnificence of the clothing.

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 .