harem

The Hebrew and Greek that is translated as “harem” in English is translated in North Alaskan Inupiatun as relating to a group of women rather than a place (source: Robert Bascom), whereas in Kwere it is translated as “the house of the women/wives of the king.” (Pioneer Bible Translators, project-specific translation notes in Paratext)

Mordecai

The name that is transliterated as “Mordecai” in English means “little man,” “bitter bruising,” “bitterly reduced,” “bitterness of my oppression.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

It is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign depicting the tearing of clothes, referring to Esther 4:1. (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Mordecai” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

More information on Mordecai .

Esther

The name that is transliterated as “Esther” in English is translated in Spanish Sign Language with a sign depicting a star on a crown, referring to her being a queen and her name likely meaning “star” (see here ). (Source: Steve Parkhurst)


“Esther” in Spanish Sign Language, source: Sociedad Bíblica de España

Learn more on Bible Odyssey: Esther .

For more information on translations of proper names with sign language see Sign Language Bible Translations Have Something to Say to Hearing Christians .

Translation commentary on Greek Esther 2:11

Mordecai walked in front of the court of the harem: perhaps Mordecai was some kind of minor official in the royal government.

Walked: Revised Standard Version may seem to suggest that Mordecai walked past the court once each day, but that is not what is meant. The form of the Hebrew verb indicates that Mordecai walked “back and forth” or “walked around.” New Jerusalem Bible says “Every single day Mordecai would walk about in front of the court,” and New Jerusalem Bible says “Mordecai walked up and down in front of the courtyard.” In many languages the form of the verb will indicate the fact that Mordecai did this repeatedly or habitually.

To learn how Esther was and how she fared: the Hebrew says literally “to learn the peace of Esther” or, as Chouraqui translates it, “to know if Esther is in peace.” “Peace” (shalom) here refers to her well-being (see comments on 9.30 and 10.3). And how she fared is more literally, “and what was done [or, made] to her.” Traduction œcuménique de la Bible translates “to know how Esther was faring and how they were treating her.” This may need to be restated; for example, “to learn if Esther was fine and if they were treating her well” or “to hear if Esther was sitting well and what was falling upon her.” Although Today’s English Version refers to “what was going to happen to her” in the future, most versions interpret this to refer to Esther’s situation at that time.

Septuagint 2.11

The Greek preposition translated in in New Revised Standard Version may be translated various ways. Today’s English Version and Bible en français courant both say “in front of,” perhaps interpreting according to the Hebrew. Translators must simply choose between saying that Mordecai walked “throughout the courtyard” or that he walked “in front” of it.

The second half of this verse differs from the Hebrew. Instead of referring to Esther’s current situation, it anticipates future events by saying “to see what would happen to Esther” (New Revised Standard Version, Traduction œcuménique de la Bible) or “what would befall Esther.”

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 .