Hathach

The name that is transliterated as “Hathach” in English means “terror,” “casting down,” “bruised.” (Source: Cornwall / Smith 1997 )

In Libras (Brazilian Sign Language) it is translated with a sign that combines “true” (he was a eunuch officer responsible for serving Esther) with the movement and joint points of an officer. (Source: Missão Kophós )


“Hathach” in Libras (source )

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

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 .

complete verse (Esther 4:10)

Following are a number of back-translations as well as a sample translation for translators of Esther 4:10:

  • Kupsabiny: “When Esther heard about those things, she again sent Hathach to go back and tell Mordecai that,” (Source: Kupsabiny Back Translation)
  • Newari: “Then Esther sent this message again by [way of] Hathach.” (Source: Newari Back Translation)
  • Hiligaynon: “Then Ester caused- Hatak -to-go-back to Mordecai and caused-to-say this:” (Source: Hiligaynon Back Translation)
  • Eastern Bru: “Then queen Esther told him to go and tell Mordecai:” (Source: Bru Back Translation)
  • English: “Then Esther told Hathach to return to Mordecai and tell this to him:” (Source: Translation for Translators)

Translation commentary on 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.

Quoted with permission from Omanson, Roger L. and Noss, Philip A. A Handbook on Esther (The Hebrew Text). (UBS Helps for Translators). New York: UBS, 1997. For this and other handbooks for translators see here .