[Today’s English Version E.23; Revised Standard Version 16.23]

Though both Revised Standard Version and Today’s English Version have the first person plural pronoun us in this verse, some Greek manuscripts have the second person plural “you.” If the latter reading is followed as in Nueva Biblia Española and Anchor Bible, the word “you” refers to the Jewish people.

Since the Jews were to be destroyed, it may seem that the best reading would be “for those who plot against you [the Jews].” But verse 14 clearly indicates that the Persian empire itself was in danger of being destroyed, and the king himself had been the subject of plots, both by the eunuchs (12.1-3 [A.12-14]; 2.21-23) and as alluded to in this letter (verses 3, 12).

It may mean salvation for us: as people celebrate this day in future years, this day will “be a symbol” (Revised English Bible) or “represent” (New Revised Standard Version) for them that God delivers his people from those who oppose them or who try to destroy them. On the other hand this same day, the thirteen of Adar, will symbolize for the opponents of the king and the Persian Empire that God will destroy them just as he destroyed those who opposed the Jewish people.

The loyal Persians: these words may be interpreted two different ways. The word loyal translates a participle meaning “to be favorable.” (1) The participle may modify the word Persians as in Revised Standard Version and mean “the Persians who are favorable [toward the king and the Persian Empire]” (so New Jerusalem Bible, Revised English Bible, Bible en français courant, Biblia Dios Habla Hoy). Revised English Bible says “for us and our loyal Persians.” (2) The participle may be used as a noun meaning “the ones favorable to [someone]”; and the word Persians will be the object of the participle. In other words, the king is referring to non-Persians who have goodwill toward the Persians. This interpretation seems to be the basis for the Today’s English Version translation “and all our allies.” Other translations based on this second interpretation are “those who are favorable to the Persians” (La Bible Pléiade), “the friends of the Persians” (Parola Del Signore: La Bibbia in Lingua Corrente), and “the supporters of the Persians” (Traduction œcuménique de la Bible). Either interpretation is grammatically possible and makes sense in the context.

Plot against us means to “make evil plans against us” or “to prepare ways to kill [destroy] us.”

Reminder of destruction: the theme of making a record for posterity and remembering is repeated many times in the book of Esther (for example, 12.4 [A.15]; 2.23; 13.8 [C.1]; 6.1; 9.32; 10.2; 10.5 [F.2]). Each time this day will be observed over and over again, it will be a reminder of how God saved his people and how he destroyed their enemies. The reminder is on the one hand something that brings joy; on the other hand it is a warning.

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 .