[Today’s English Version E.12; Revised Standard Version 16.12]

Unable to restrain his arrogance may be restated “his arrogance was not a limited thing” or “his arrogance surpassed him.” Today’s English Version also restates the second part of the verse in clear and direct language. The king’s words are measured and severe: “Haman made it his business to deprive us of the sovereignty and of breath.” Earlier, when speaking about life, the author has used psychē (see Septuagint 7.3); here he uses pneuma, which is usually translated “spirit” (see D.8). In this context taking the “spirit” away clearly implies murder.

As in the preceding verses, Today’s English Version understands the plural (our life) to be a plural of majesty, referring to the king only.

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 .