[Esther 8:16]

The author describes the result of the proclamation with four words, all of which have very positive connotations. Revised Standard Version follows a literal approach to their translation, while Today’s English Version is more interpretive. The translator will need to determine the meaning of each word and how the receptor will understand them.

Light is symbolic of prosperity and life (see Job 22.28; 30.26; Psa 27.1; 36.9). In many receptor language contexts, light will be understood in opposition to darkness. The fear of impending doom is gone, and the Jews find themselves in “lightness.” The words gladness and joy, which often occur together in the Old Testament, describe the emotions of the Jews (see verse 17). For gladness and joy many languages have words or idioms to express happiness that is revealed outwardly, and inner joy that is a deeper emotion. Though honor may also be an emotion experienced by the Jews as in Today’s English Version, it possibly refers to the attitude of the non-Jewish population toward the Jews. Die Bibel im heutigen Deutsch reads “and they [the Jews in the city] enjoyed respect that people showed to them.” Today’s English Version and Bible en français courant translate the Hebrew term rather freely as “a sense of victory” and “triumph,” assuming that the honor is the respect earned through victory. For honor the translator may have to choose between “praise” or “respect.” The latter is preferable.

Septuagint 8.16

The four characteristics attributed to the Jews by the Hebrew version are reduced to two in the Greek: “For the Jews there was light and celebration.” Today’s English Version changes the imagery to simple prose, while Bible en français courant interprets this in modern idiom, “For the Jews, it was an explosion of joy.”

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 .