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 4:10

This verse provides an introduction for the direct quotation that is given in verse 11. The apparent redundancy in Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message is a reflection of the Hebrew use of two verbs “said” and “charged [or, instructed].” In translation an acceptable equivalent needs to be used that is not wooden or unnatural.

Septuagint 4.10

And she said to him: literally “And Esther said to Hachratheus.” The Greek states explicitly that Hachratheus is to Go to Mordecai, while the Hebrew leaves this action implicit. As New Revised Standard Version indicates, Esther’s command to the messenger is given in direct quotation. This means that the quotation that follows in Greek verse 11 will be a quotation within a quotation.

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 .