idol / idols

The Hebrew, Greek, Ge’ez, and Latin that is translated as “idol(s)” in English is translated in Central Subanen as ledawan or “images” (source: Robert Brichoux in OPTAT 1988/2, p. 80ff. ) and in Cherokee “imaginary gods” (source: Bender / Belt 2025, p. 16).

In German, typically the term Götze is used. Originally this was used as a term of endearment for Gott (“God” — see here ), later for “icon” and “image, likeness.” Luther started to use it in the 16th century in the meaning of “false god, idol.” Other terms that are used in German include Götzenbild(er) (“image[s] of idols”) or Bildnis (“image” — Protestant) / Kultbild (“cultish image” — Catholic) (used for instance in Exodus 20:4 and Deuteronomy 5:8). The latest revision of the Catholic Einheitsübersetzung (publ. 2016) also uses the neologism Nichtse (“nothings”) in 1 Chron. 16:26 and Psalm 96:5. (Source: Zetzsche)

See also worthless idols.

Translation commentary on Greek Esther 4:36

[Today’s English Version C.19; Revised Standard Version 14.8]

They are not satisfied refers to the non-Jews who are enemies of the Jews (see C.8-9). Even the bitterness of the slavery of the Jews is not enough to satisfy their enemies. The Greek says literally “and now they are not satisfied in the bitterness of our slavery.” This may be restated as La Sainte Bible: La version Etablie par les moines de Maredsous has done, “The bitterness of our slavery is not enough for them” (also Traduction œcuménique de la Bible).

Bitter slavery, literally “the bitterness of slavery,” refers to the exile of the Jews away from the Promised Land. An American Translation renders this “bitter captivity.” The noun “bitterness” indicates that the experience of the Jews is very unpleasant and undesirable. Many languages will have a similar expression; for instance, “the slavery that was like something bitter in one’s mouth.”

Covenanted is literally “they have put their hands on the hands of their idols.” This expression should probably not be translated literally, because the same gesture may have different meanings in different societies. Here it is a sign of solemn agreement. New Jerusalem Bible says “they have pledged themselves to their idols.” Other languages may say “they have given their mouths with their idols” or “they have made a covenant with their idols.” The idols are representations or statues of pagan gods. Although the Greek word for “idols” does not indicate what they were made from, it may be necessary to translate by saying “carved gods” or “gods forged [from metal].” They should not be called “fetishes.”

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 .