The Decree Reversed
Esther 8
The king gives Aman's estate to Esther and sets Mardochaeus in Aman's former place of authority. At Esther's plea, a new decree is issued permitting the Jews throughout the kingdom to defend themselves against their enemies, and the news brings the Jews joy and honor in every province.
About these editions
The Septuagint (LXX) in Greek, with Charles Thomson’s 1808 and Sir Lancelot Brenton’s 1851 English translations, set beside the King James Version and the Jewish Masoretic text (JPS 1917) where they align, so you can compare the Greek and the Hebrew. All public domain; choose which to show with the controls above.
Thomson 1808Septuagint
Brenton 1851Septuagint
Greek · BrentonSeptuagint
1
ThomsonAND on that same day the king made a present to Esther of all that belonged to Haman the accuser. And the king sent for Mordecai; (for Esther told him that he was her kinsman;)
BrentonAnd in that day king Artaxerxes gave to Esther all that belonged to Aman the slanderer: and Mardochæus was called by the king; for Esther had shewn that he was related to her.
GreekΚαὶ ἐν αὐτῇ τῇ ἡμέρᾳ ὁ βασιλεὺς Ἀρταξέρξης ἐδωρήσατο Ἐσθὴρ ὅσα ὑπῆρχεν Ἀμὰν τῷ διαβόλῳ· καὶ Μαρδοχαῖος προσεκλήθη ὑπὸ τοῦ βασιλέως· ὑπέδειξε γὰρ Ἐσθὴρ, ὅτι ἐνοικείωται αὐτῇ.
2
Thomsonand the king took the ring which he had taken back from Haman and gave it to Mordecai, and Esther set him over all that belonged to Haman.
BrentonAnd the king took the ring which he had taken away from Aman, and gave it to Mardochæus: and Esther appointed Mardochæus over all that had been Aman's.
GreekἜλαβε δὲ ὁ βασιλεὺς τὸν δακτύλιον ὃν ἀφείλατο Ἀμὰν, καὶ ἔδωκεν αὐτὸν Μαρδοχαίῳ· καὶ κατέστησεν Ἐσθὴρ Μαρδοχαῖον ἐπὶ πάντων τῶν Ἀμάν.
3
ThomsonThen she spoke to the king again and fell at his feet and besought him to avert the mischief of Haman, and what he had devised against the Jews.
BrentonAnd she spoke yet again to the king, and fell at his feet, and besought him to do away the mischief of Aman, and all that he had done against the Jews.
GreekΚαὶ προσθεῖσα ἐλάλησε πρὸς τὸν βασιλέα, καὶ προσέπεσε πρὸς τοὺς πόδας αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἠξίου ἀφελεῖν τὴν Ἀμὰν κακίαν, καὶ ὅσα ἐποίησε τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις.
4
ThomsonAnd when the king stretched forth the golden sceptre to Esther, she arose and stood near the king
BrentonThen the king stretched out to Esther the golden sceptre: and Esther arose to stand near the king.
GreekἘξέτεινε δὲ ὁ βασιλεὺς Ἐσθὴρ τὴν ῥάβδον τὴν χρυσῆν· ἐξηγέρθη δὲ Ἐσθὴρ παρεστηκέναι τῷ βασιλεῖ,
5
Thomsonand said, If it seemeth good to thee, and I have found favour, let despatches be sent to reverse the letters sent by Haman, which were written to destroy the Jews who are in thy kingdom.
BrentonAnd Esther said, If it seem good to thee, and I have found favour in thy sight, let an order be sent that the letters sent by Aman may be reversed, that were written for the destruction of the Jews, who are in thy kingdom.
Greekκαὶ εἶπεν Ἐσθὴρ, εἰ δοκεῖ σοι, καὶ εὗρον χάριν, πεμφθήτω ἀποστραφῆναι τὰ γράμματα τὰ ἀπεσταλμένα ὑπὸ Ἀμὰν, τὰ γραφέντα ἀπολέσθαι τοὺς Ἰουδαίους, οἵ εἰσιν ἐν τῇ βασιλείᾳ σου.
6
ThomsonFor how can I see the calamity of my people? or how can I survive the destruction of my kindred?
BrentonFor how shall I be able to look upon the affliction of my people, and how shall I be able to survive the destruction of my kindred?
GreekΠῶς γὰρ δυνήσομαι ἰδεῖν τὴν κάκωσιν τοῦ λαοῦ μου, καὶ πῶς δυνήσομαι σωθῆναι ἐν τῇ ἀπωλείᾳ τῆς πατρίδος μου;
7
ThomsonThereupon the king said to Esther, If I have given thee all the substance of Haman; and to gratify thee have caused him to be hanged on a gallows, because he laid his hands on the Jews, what more dost thou desire?
BrentonAnd the king said to Esther, If I have given and freely granted thee all that was Aman's, and hanged him on a gallows, because he laid his hands upon the Jews, what dost thou yet further seek?
GreekΚαὶ εἶπεν ὁ βασιλεὺς πρὸς Ἐσθὴρ, εἰ πάντα τὰ ὑπάρχοντα Ἀμὰν ἔδωκα καὶ ἐχαρισάμην σοι, καὶ αὐτὸν ἐκρέμασα ἐπὶ ξύλου, ὅτι τὰς χεῖρας ἐπήνεγκε τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις, τί ἔτι ἐπιζητεῖς;
8
ThomsonWrite ye yourselves what you please in my name, and seal it with my ring. For what is written by the king’s order, and sealed with my ring cannot be reversed.
BrentonWrite ye also in my name, as it seems good to you, and seal it with my ring: for whatever orders are written at the command of the king, and sealed with my ring, it is not lawful to gainsay them.
GreekΓράψατε καὶ ὑμεῖς ἐκ τοῦ ὀνόματός μου, ὡς δοκεῖ ὑμῖν, καὶ σφραγίσατε τῷ δακτυλίῳ μου· ὅσα γὰρ γράφεται τοῦ βασιλέως ἐπιτάξαντος, καὶ σφραγισθῇ τῷ δακτυλίῳ μου, οὐκ ἔστιν αὐτοῖς ἀντειπεῖν.
9
ThomsonSo the secretaries were convened in the first month which is Nisan, on the three and twentieth day thereof in the same year. And a letter was written to the Jews reciting all that had been given in charge to the lieutenants and to the chief governors of the provinces from India to Ethiopia, a hundred and twenty-seven provinces, to every province as they could read it,
BrentonSo the scribes were called in the first month, which is Nisan, on the three and twentieth day of the same year; and orders were written to the Jews, whatever the king had commanded to the local governors and chiefs of the satraps, from India even to Ethiopia, a hundred and twenty-seven satraps, according to the several provinces, according to their dialects.
GreekἘκλήθησαν δὲ οἱ γραμματεῖς ἐν τῷ πρώτῳ μηνὶ, ὅς ἐστι Νισὰν, τρίτῃ καὶ εἰκάδι τοῦ αὐτοῦ ἔτους, καὶ ἐγράφη τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις, ὅσα ἐνετείλατο τοῖς οἰκονόμοις καὶ τοῖς ἄρχουσι τῶν σατραπῶν, ἀπὸ τῆς Ἰνδικῆς ἕως τῆς Αἰθιοπίας, ἑκατὸν εἰκοσιεπτὰ σατράπαις κατὰ χώραν καὶ χώραν, κατὰ τὴν αὐτῶν λέξιν.
10
Thomsonthen it was written by the king’s command and sealed with his ring, (and these letters were sent by posts).
BrentonAnd they were written by order of the king, and sealed with his ring, and they sent the letters by the posts:
GreekἘγράφη δὲ διὰ τοῦ βασιλέως, καὶ ἐσφραγίσθη τῷ δακτυλίῳ αὐτοῦ· καὶ ἐξαπέστειλαν τὰ γράμματα διὰ βιβλιοφόρων,
11
ThomsonHe ordered them to use their own laws in every city, and to assist each other, and to deal with their adversaries and them who assaulted them, as they pleased,
Brentonwherein he charged them to use their own laws in every city, and to help each other, and to treat their adversaries, and those who attacked them, as they pleased,
Greekὡς ἐπέταξεν αὐτοῖς χρῆσθαι τοῖς νόμοις αὐτῶν ἐν πάσῃ πόλει, βοηθῆσαί τε αὑτοῖς, καὶ χρῆσθαι τοῖς ἀντιδίκοις αὐτῶν καὶ τοῖς ἀντικειμένοις αὐτῶν, ὡς βούλονται,
12
Thomsonon a certain day, the thirteenth of the twelfth month Adar,
Brentonon one day in all the kingdom of Artaxerxes, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is Adar.
Greekἐν ἡμέρᾳ μιᾷ ἐν πάσῃ τῇ βασιλείᾳ Ἀρταξέρξου, τῇ τρισκαιδεκάτῃ τοῦ δωδεκάτου μηνὸς, ὅς ἐστιν Ἀδάρ.
12a
Thomson—
BrentonAnd the following is the copy of the letter of the orders.
GreekὯν ἐστιν ἀντίγραφον τῆς ἐπιστολῆς τὰ ὑπογεγραμμένα·
12b
Thomsonthroughout the whole kingdom of Artaxerxes—that these present writings were to counterbalance the former letter; and that these counterbalancing writings should be exposed to public view throughout the whole kingdom, that the Jews might be ready against that day to combat their adversaries. And the copy of the letter of the orders follows: The great king Artaxerxes unto the governors of a hundred and twenty-seven satrapies from India unto Ethiopia, even unto those faithful to us, greeting. Many, the more they are honoured with the most generous benefactions of their princes, the more have they devised proud schemes, and endeavor to harm not only our subjects,— but, not being able to withstand success, they seek also to conspire against their benefactors. And they not only would nullify the grace of gratitude from among men, but also--puffed up by the vaunting of worthless men—they assume [they will] escape the judgment of the all-seeing God, Who hateth all evil. Oftentimes, too, the exhorting of those trusted to manage their friends’ affairs hath caused many in positions of authority to be accomplices to the shedding of guiltless blood, and hath embroiled them in irrepressible calamities, while deceiving the unsuspecting generosity of princes.
Brenton[The great king Artaxerxes sends greeting to the rulers of provinces in a hundred and twenty-seven satrapies, from India to Ethiopia, even to those who are faithful to our interests.
Greek“Βασιλεὺς μέγας Ἀρταξέρξης τοῖς ἀπὸ τῆς Ἰνδικῆς ἕως τῆς Αἰθιοπίας ἑκατὸν εἰκοσιεπτὰ σατραπείαις χωρῶν ἄρχουσι, καὶ τοῖς τὰ ἡμέτερα φρονοῦσι, χαίρειν.
12c
Thomson—
BrentonMany who have been frequently honoured by the most abundant kindness of their benefactors have conceived ambitious designs, and not only endeavour to hurt our subjects, but moreover, not being able to bear prosperity, they also endeavour to plot against their own benefactors.
GreekΠολλοὶ τῇ πλείστῃ τῶν εὐεργετούντων χρηστότητι πυκνότερον τιμώμενοι, μεῖζον ἐφρόνησαν, καὶ οὐ μόνον τοὺς ὑποτεταγμένους ἡμῖν ζητοῦσι κακοποιεῖν, τόν τε κόρον οὐ δυνάμενοι φέρειν, καὶ τοῖς ἑαυτῶν εὐεργέταις ἐπιχειροῦσι μηχανᾶσθαι·
12d
Thomson—
BrentonAnd they not only would utterly abolish gratitude from among men, but also, elated by the boastings of men who are strangers to all that is good, they suppose that they shall escape the sin-hating vengeance of the ever-seeing God.
Greekκαὶ τὴν εὐχαριστίαν οὐ μόνον ἐκ τῶν ἀνθρώπων ἀνταναιροῦντες, ἀλλὰ καὶ τοῖς τῶν ἀπειραγάθων κόμποις ἐπαρθέντες, τοῦ τὰ πάντα κατοπτεύοντος ἀεὶ Θεοῦ μισοπόνηρον ὑπολαμβάνουσιν ἐκφεύξεσθαι δίκην.
12e
Thomson—
BrentonAnd oftentimes evil exhortation has made partakers of the guilt of shedding innocent blood, and has involved in irremediable calamities, many of those who were appointed to offices of authority, who had been entrusted with the management of their friends' affairs;
GreekΠολλάκις δὲ καὶ πολλοὺς τῶν ἐπʼ ἐξουσίαις τεταγμένεν τῶν πιστευθέντων χειρίζειν φίλων τὰ πράγματα, παραμυθία μετόχους αἱμάτων ἀθώων καταστήσασα περιέβαλε συμφοραῖς ἀνηκέστοις,
12f
Thomson—
Brentonwhile men, by the false sophistry of an evil disposition, have deceived the simple candour of the ruling powers.
Greekτῷ τῆς κακοηθείας ψευδεῖ παραλογισμῷ παραλογισαμένων τὴν τῶν ἐπικρατούντων ἀκέραιον εὐγνωμοσύνην.
12g
ThomsonNow this is possible to see, not so much from more ancient histories as by what is more immediately in your scope: by reviewing what hath lately been perpetrated by the unholy wickedness of those unworthily possessing power. And it is meet that we take care for time to come that the kingdom be maintained in unmolested peace for all men, discerning fairly things coming to our notice, and changing our mind as befits them.
BrentonAnd it is possible to see this, not so much from more ancient traditionary accounts, as it is immediately in your power to see it by examining what things have been wickedly perpetrated by the baseness of men unworthily holding power.
GreekΣκοπεῖν δὲ ἔξεστιν, οὐ τοσοῦτον ἐκ τῶν παλαιοτέρων ὡς παρεδώκαμεν ἱστοριῶν, ὅσα ἐστὶ παρὰ πόδας ὑμᾶς ἐκζητοῦντας ἀνοσίως συντετελεσμένα τῇ τῶν ἀναξίᾳ δυναστευόντων λοιμότητι·
12h
Thomson—
BrentonAnd it is right to take heed with regard to the future, that we may maintain the government in undisturbed peace for all men,
Greekκαὶ προσέχειν εἰς τὰ μετὰ ταῦτα, εἰς τὸ τὴν βασιλείαν ἀτάραχον τοῖς πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις μετʼ εἰρήνης παρεξόμεθα
12i
Thomson—
Brentonadopting needful changes, and ever judging those cases which come under our notice, with truly equitable decision.
Greekχρώμενοι ταῖς μεταβολαῖς, τὰ δὲ ὑπὸ τὴν ὄψιν ἐρχόμενα διακρίνοντες ἀεὶ μετʼ ἐπιεικεστέρας ἀπαντήσεως.
12k
Thomson—
BrentonFor whereas Aman, a Macedonian, the son of Amadathes, in reality an alien from the blood of the Persians, and differing widely from our mild course of government, having been hospitably entertained by us,
Greek“Ὡς γὰρ Ἀμὰν Ἀμαδαθοῦ Μακεδὼν ταῖς ἀληθείαις ἀλλότριος τοῦ τῶν Περσῶν αἵματος, καὶ πολὺ διεστηκὼς τῆς ἡμετέρας χρηστότητος ἐπιξενωθεὶς ἡμῖν,
12l
ThomsonFor Haman, a Macedonian, the son of Adamathes, actually alien to the Persian blood and far removed from our practice of beneficence, hospitably received of us, had obtained so large a share of the generous favour we extend toward all peoples as to be called our father, and received continual reverence from all as the person next to the royal throne. [But he,] not having borne [properly] the dignity of his great station, tried to deprive us of our kingdom and our life; having by varied and guileful devices sought the destruction, both of Mordecai, our rescuer and benefactor throughout, and of blameless Esther, sharer of our kingdom, together with all their nation. For by these tactics he planned, having us in a helpless state, to transfer the dominion of Persia to the Macedonians.
Brentonobtained so large a share of our universal kindness, as to be called our father, and to continue the person next to the royal throne, reverenced of all;
Greekἔτυχεν ἧς ἔχομεν πρὸς πᾶν ἔθνος φιλανθρωπίας ἐπὶ τοσοῦτον, ὥστε ἀναγορεύεσθαι ἡμῶν πατερα, καὶ προσκυνούμενον ὑπὸ πάντων τὸ δεύτερον τοῦ βασιλικοῦ θρόνου πρόσωπον διατελεῖν.
12m
Thomson—
Brentonhe, however, overcome by the pride of his station, endeavoured to deprive us of our dominion, and our life;
GreekΟὐκ ἐνέγκας δὲ τὴν ὑπερηφανίαν, ἐπετήδευσε τῆς ἀρχῆς στερῆσαι ἡμᾶς, καὶ τοῦ πνεύματος,
12n
Thomson—
Brentonhaving by various and subtle artifices demanded for destruction both Mardochæus our deliverer and perpetual benefactor, and Esther the blameless consort of our kingdom, with their whole nation.
Greekτόν τε ἡμέτερον σωτῆρα καὶ διαπαντὸς εὐεργέτην Μαρδοχαῖον, καὶ τὴν ἄμεμπτον τῆς βασιλείας κοινωνὸν Ἐσθὴρ σὺν παντὶ τῷ τούτων ἔθνει, πολυπλόκοις μεθόδων παραλογισμοῖς αἰτησάμενος εἰς ἀπώλειαν.
12o
Thomson—
BrentonFor by these methods he thought, having surprised us in a defenceless state, to transfer the dominion of the Persians to the Macedonians.
GreekΔιὰ γὰρ τῶν τρόπων τούτων ᾠήθη λαβὼν ἡμᾶς ἐρήμους, τὴν τῶν Περσῶν ἐπικράτησιν εἰς τοὺς Μακεδόνας μετάξαι.
12p
Thomson—
BrentonBut we find that the Jews, who have been consigned to destruction by the most abominable of men, are not malefactors, but living according to the justest laws,
GreekἩμεῖς δὲ τοὺς ὑπὸ τοῦ τρισαλιτηρίου παραδεδομένους εἰς ἀφανισμὸν Ἰουδαίους, εὑρίσκομεν οὐ κακούργους ὄντας δικαιοτάτοις δὲ πολιτευομένους νόμοις,
12q
ThomsonWejind, however, that the Jews, condemned to annihilation by this most guilty man, are no malefactors, but live according to most just laws and are sons of the greatest and most high Living God, who has maintained the kingdom in most excellent order, both unto us and our ancestors. Ye shall therefore do well not to execute the letters sent out by Haman fhe son of Adamathes; for he that has done these deeds has been hanged at the gates of Susa together with all his family,—Almighty God having swiftly disposed his just penalty.
Brentonand being the sons of the living God, the most high and mighty, who maintains the kingdom, to us as well as to our forefathers, in the most excellent order.
Greekὄντας δὲ υἱοὺς τοῦ ὑψίστου μεγίστου ζῶντος Θεοῦ, τοῦ κατευθύνοντος ἡμῖν τε καὶ τοῖς προγόνοις ἡμῶν τὴν βασιλείαν ἐν τῇ καλλίστῃ διαθέσει.
12r
Thomson—
BrentonYe will therefore do well in refusing to obey the letters sent by Aman the son of Amadathes, because he that has done these things, has been hanged with his whole family at the gates of Susa, Almighty God having swiftly returned to him a worthy recompence.
Greek“Καλῶς οὖν ποιήσετε μὴ προσχρησάμενοι τοῖς ὑπὸ Ἀμὰν Ἀμαδαθοῦ ἀποσταλεῖσι γράμμασι, διὰ τὸ αὐτὸν τὸν ταῦτα ἐξεργασάμενον πρὸς ταῖς Σούσων πύλαις ἐσταυρῶσθαι σὺν τῇ πανοικίᾳ, τὴν καταξίαν τοῦ τὰ πάντα ἐπικρατοῦντος Θεοῦ διατάχους ἀποδόντος αὐτῷ κρίσιν.
12s
Thomson—
BrentonWe enjoin you then, having openly published a copy of this letter in every place, to give the Jews permission to use their own lawful customs, and to strengthen them, that on the thirteenth of the twelfth month Adar, on the self-same day, they may defend themselves against those who attacked them in a time of affliction.
GreekΤὸ δὲ ἀντίγραφον τῆς ἐπιστολῆς ταύτης ἐκθέντες ἐν παντὶ τόπῳ μετὰ παῤῥησίας, ἐᾷν τοὺς Ἰουδαίους χρῆσθαι τοῖς ἑαυτῶν νομίμοις, καὶ συνεπισχύειν αὐτοῖς, ὅπως τοὺς ἐν καιρῷ θλίψεως ἐπιθεμένους αὐτοῖς, ἀμύνωνται τῇ τρισκαιδεκάτῃ τοῦ δωδεκάτου μηνὸς Ἀδὰρ τῇ αὐτῇ ἡμέρᾳ·
12t
ThomsonTherefore, ye shall conspicuously post a copy of this letter in all places, granting to the Jews the practice of their own customs; and to assist them, on that same day, even the thirteenth of the twelfth month Adar, they may avenge themselves upon those who attacked them in a time of oppression. For thus has Almighty God, instead of the destruction of the chosen race, granted them this happiness:
BrentonFor in the place of the destruction of the chosen race, Almighty God has granted them this time of gladness.
GreekΤαύτην γὰρ ὁ τὰ πάντα δυναστεύων Θεὸς ἀντʼ ὀλεθρίας τοῦ ἐκλεκτοῦ γένους, ἐποίησεν αὐτοῖς εὐφροσύνην.
12u
ThomsonHence also, among your feasts ye shall celebrate it as a high day with all festivity, that both now and henceforth it may be a day of deliverance to us and to those well inclined toward the Persians; but to those who scheme against us, a memorial of destruction.
BrentonDo ye therefore also, among your notable feasts, keep a distinct day with all festivity, that both now and hereafter it may be a day of deliverance to us and those who are well disposed toward the Persians, but to those that plotted against us a memorial of destruction.
Greek“Καὶ ὑμεῖς οὖν ἐν ταῖς ἐπωνύμοις ὑμῶν ἑορταῖς, ἐπίσημον ἡμέραν μετὰ πάσης εὐωχίας ἄγετε, ὅπως καὶ νῦν καὶ μετὰ ταῦτα σωτήρια ᾖ ἡμῖν, καὶ τοῖς εὐνοοῦσι Πέρσαις, τοῖς δὲ ἡμῖν ἐπιβουλεύουσι, μνημόσυνον τῆς ἀπωλείας.
12x
ThomsonEvery city and district whatsoever, that shall not act accordingly, shall be consumed in vehemence by spear and fire, and shall be rendered not only impassible to men, but also most hateful [even] to birds and wild beasts, for ever.
BrentonAnd every city and province collectively, which shall not do accordingly, shall be consumed with vengeance by spear and fire: it shall be made not only inaccessible to men, but also most hateful to wild beasts and birds for ever.]
GreekΠᾶσα δὲ πόλις ἢ χώρα τὸ σύνολον, ἥτις κατὰ ταῦτα μὴ ποιήσῃ, δόρατι καὶ πυρὶ καταναλωθήσεται μετʼ ὀργῆς· οὐ μόνον ἀνθρώποις ἄβατος, ἀλλὰ καὶ θηρίοις καὶ πετεινοῖς εἰς τὸν ἅπαντα χρόνον ἔχθιστος κατασταθήσεται.”
13
Thomson—
BrentonAnd let the copies be posted in conspicuous places throughout the kingdom, and let all the Jews be ready against this day, to fight against their enemies.
GreekΤὰ δὲ ἀντίγραφα ἐκτιθέσθωσαν ὀφθαλμοφανῶς ἐν πάσῃ τῇ βασιλείᾳ, ἑτοίμους τε εἶναι πάντας τοὺς Ἰουδαίους εἰς ταύτην τὴν ἡμέραν, πολεμῆσαι αὐτῶν τοὺς ὑπεναντίους.
14
ThomsonSo the horsemen set out in all haste to execute the king’s orders. And when the decree was published at Susa,
BrentonSo the horsemen went forth with haste to perform the king's commands; and the ordinance was also published in Susa.
GreekΟἱ μὲν οὖν ἱππεῖς ἐξῆλθον σπεύδοντες τὰ ὑπὸ τοῦ βασιλέως λεγόμενα ἐπιτελεῖν· ἐξετέθη δὲ τὸ πρόσταγμα καὶ ἐν Σούσοις.
15
ThomsonMordecai went forth, arrayed in a royal robe, wearing a crown of gold and a turban of purple cotton. And upon seeing him the inhabitants of Susa rejoiced.
BrentonAnd Mardochæus went forth robed in the royal apparel, and wearing a golden crown, and a diadem of fine purple linen: and the people in Susa saw it and rejoiced.
GreekὉ δὲ Μαρδοχαῖος ἐξῆλθεγ ἐστολισμένος τὴν βασιλικὴν στολὴν, καὶ στέφανον ἔχων χρυσοῦν, καὶ διάδημα βύσσινον πορφυροῦν· ἰδόντες δὲ οἱ ἐν Σούσοις ἐχάρησαν.
16
ThomsonAnd among the Jews, there was light and joy in every city and province where the decree was published.
BrentonAnd the Jews had light and gladness,
GreekΤοῖς δὲ Ἰουδαίοις ἐγένετο φῶς καὶ εὐφροσύνη
17
ThomsonWherever proclamation was made, there was joy and gladness among the Jews, feasting and mirth; so that many of the nations were circumcised and became Jews, for fear of the Jews.
Brentonin every city and province wherever the ordinance was published: wherever the proclamation took place, the Jews had joy and gladness, feasting and mirth: and many of the Gentiles were circumcised, and became Jews, for fear of the Jews.
Greekκατὰ πόλιν καὶ χώραν, οὗ ἂν ἐξετέθη τὸ πρόσταγμα· οὗ ἂν ἐξετέθη τὸ ἔκθεμα, χαρὰ καὶ εὐφροσύνη τοῖς Ἰουδαίοις, κώθων καὶ εὐφροσύνη· καὶ πολλοὶ τῶν ἐθνῶν περιετέμοντο, καὶ Ἰουδάϊζον διὰ τὸν φόβον τῶν Ἰουδαίων.