Mordecai returned to the king’s gate probably means that he “returned to court” (Revised English Bible) to carry out his duty. See comments on “sitting in the king’s gate” in 2.19. The honor that had been done to him had been a gesture, not a reward in the form of a promotion (however, note the promotion in 8.1-2). Mordecai returned to his post, while Haman hurried to his home (literally house).

Mourning is a literal translation of the Hebrew, and it is retained by most versions. Traduction œcuménique de la Bible gives this meaning in a note but says “despondent” in the text. Bible en français courant extends the meaning to say “shame,” which is stronger than Today’s English Version‘s “embarrassment.” Covering one’s head with a veil (Revised English Bible “with his head veiled”) was a customary way of expressing grief or shame (see 2 Sam 15.30; Jer 14.3-4). New English Bible says he returned home with his head “uncovered,” but linguistic support for such a translation is very weak. Translators should choose how to translate this verse on the basis of the principles they have adopted for their translation. An alternative translation can be given in a footnote.

Septuagint 6.12

Unlike the Hebrew version, which says that Mordecai returned to the king’s gate, the Greek says that he returned to the courtyard, that is, back to his post (see Septuagint verse 10 above). In some manuscripts the two verbs for both men’s returning are the same, “to turn back, to return” (see Bible en français courant). This emphasizes similar action but different destinations for the two men.

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 .