In most versions, including Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, the beginning of verse 10 comes after the king’s command to hang Haman (see Today’s English Version). Translators may wish to follow the verse division of an already existing translation in the receptor language or of a widely used version in some other language.

The king’s words are given in the form of direct quotation. That refers to the gallows about which Harbona has spoken. Here, as in 2.23 and elsewhere, some interpreters translate the words Hang him as “impale him” (so New Jerusalem Bible; see comments on 2.23).

Then: the Hebrew conjunction waw is usually translated here as Then, as in Revised Standard Version and Today’s English Version. While translators should avoid overtranslating, that is, avoid putting more emphasis in the translation than is in the Hebrew, the context here seems to justify the translation “Only then” (Gordis) rather than simply Then. Traduction œcuménique de la Bible says “at that moment.”

Anger … abated: see comments on 2.1.

Septuagint 7.10

The Greek version is virtually identical to the Hebrew. The Greek uses a passive verb, Haman was hanged, rather than the active verb as in Hebrew, “they hanged Haman.” Neither the Greek nor the Hebrew specifies who hanged Haman. The verse concludes “And then the king rested from anger,” or “then the passion of the king’s anger subsided,” or perhaps “then the king’s liver (or, heart) cooled.” This statement closes this episode of the story.

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 .