SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 2000 – Page 4

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 2:16

2:16

Tebeth: When the story took place, the Hebrew year began in the middle of March. So Tebeth, the tenth month, was from mid-December to mid-January. You could put this information in a footnote if you decide it is important for your readers.

© 2000 by SIL International®
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SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 4:16

-17

4:16a

Go: The Hebrew word leḵ literally means “go.” However, when this word precedes another command, it usually makes the second command more emphatic and so should not be translated literally. In English, “go” can be used

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 7:7

7:7a

The king went out of the room because he was very angry with Haman. He needed time to decide what to do about him and how to help Esther.

Paragraph 7:8–10

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 9:15

9:15a

Adar: See note on 3:7d.

9:15c

but they did not lay a hand on the plunder: See notes on 9:10b. The same phrase is repeated here.

Paragraph 9:16–19

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 1:16

1:16a

princes: See note on 1:3b.

1:16b

wronged not only the king: Memucan did not refer to the king as “you” although he was speaking directly to him. You need to decide whether you can do this or whether you need to say “you.” If you have a special way of addressing a chief, you need to consider if you should use it here. For example, the Contemporary English Version has:

Your Majesty, Queen Vashti has not only embarrassed you

princes: See note on 1:3b.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 3:6

3:6a

the identity of Mordecai’s people: That is, that they were Jews. You may need to state this information explicitly here.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 5:11

5:11a

his many sons: It was considered a blessing to have many sons, and Haman had ten (see 9:10).

5:11b

the king had honored and promoted him: Literally “the king had made him great.”

5:11c

promoted: See note on 3:1b.

officials and servants: See note on 1:3a.

SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 8:8

8:8a

write in the king’s name: See note on 3:12d.

8:8b

seal it with the royal signet ring: See note on 3:12e.

8:8c

For a decree that is written in the name of the king and sealed with the royal signet ring cannot be revoked: The commentators and English versions do not agree on which document the king is referring to here. There are two possibilities:

(1) It is a general statement, referring to any order made in the king’s name. In this verse it therefore refers to the order Esther and Mordecai were about to make. Because the king authorized it to be issued, no one would be able to cancel it. This is the best interpretation of this sentence based on its position in the Hebrew text, and it is the one followed by nearly every English version.

(2) It refers specifically to the order Haman had issued. The king was saying that he could not cancel it, but he permitted Esther and Mordecai to write something of their own. This interpretation is followed by Good News Translation, which reverses the order of the verse to express this:

But a proclamation issued in the king’s name and stamped with the royal seal cannot be revoked. You may, however, write to the Jews whatever you like; and you may write it in my name and stamp it with the royal seal. (Good News Translation)

It is recommended that you follow the first option like the majority of the translations.

a decree: See note on 1:19a.

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Source: SIL Translator’s Notes on Esther 2000