Esther

The Hebrew and Greek 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 4:12

Some interpreters consider that the plural Hebrew verb they told must be a scribal mistake, since verse 10 says only that Esther gave a message to Hathach and does not mention other eunuchs (so Anchor Bible “When Hatak had conveyed to Mordecai”), but most translations consider the plural here to be indefinite (so Today’s English Version, also New American Bible, “When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai”). Like verse 9 above, this is merely a linking verse, and referring to the message-bearer with an indefinite pronoun is consistent with the author’s focus on Mordecai and Esther in this section of the story.

Septuagint 4.12

Whereas the Hebrew says “they told Mordecai,” the Greek says “Hachratheus told Mardochaeus.”

Her entire message is literally “all of Esther’s words.” Today’s English Version does not specifically state that Hachratheus delivered the entire message.

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 .