Esther 10

The Greatness of Mordecai

King Ahasuerus imposed tribute upon the land and the coastlands of the sea. And all the acts of his power and his might, and the full account of the greatness of Mordecai to which the king raised him—are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? For Mordecai the Judean was second to King Ahasuerus, great among the Judeans and pleasing to the multitude of his brothers, seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to all his offspring.

Translation guide

Two ways of attending to Scripture

TSW helps readers examine how the text is shaped. Fluent helps readers hear and absorb how the passage moves as a whole. They complement one another; neither is presented as the better or more faithful Bible.

TSW

Study & Discuss

Keeps more of the source text’s wording, patterns, structure, repetition, and interpretive questions visible. Use it to slow down, notice details, prepare to teach or preach, and explore Scripture with others.

Fluent

Read & Reflect

Expresses the passage in natural English for sustained reading, prayer, devotion, teaching, and growing biblical fluency. Use it to follow the movement of a passage and absorb Scripture as a whole.

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Notes

Translation notes for Esther 10.

v01

The book closes by returning briefly to imperial administration. Ahasuerus remains a taxing Persian king even after the Judean deliverance.

v02

Mordecai’s rise is incorporated into the empire’s official written memory, reversing the earlier neglect of his unrewarded service.

v02

Esther names “Media and Persia” here, while other passages more commonly say “Persia and Media.” TSW preserves the received order.

v03

Mordecai is second to the king yet is evaluated by what he seeks for his own people: their good and their peace.

v03

“his brothers” is kinship language for fellow Judeans, not merely biological siblings.

v03

The final phrase can mean “speaking peace to all his offspring” or, more broadly, to the whole succeeding community of his people. TSW retains the genealogical wording.

v01–03

The Hebrew book of Esther contains ten chapters and does not explicitly name God. Ancient Greek forms of Esther contain substantial additional passages, including prayers and explicit references to God. Because TSW’s primary Old Testament source is the Masoretic Text, those Greek additions are not incorporated into the main translation of Esther.

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Vocabulary

Selected source-language vocabulary for Esther 10.

v01

מַס (mas)

“Tribute” or “levy.” An imposed royal payment or service.

v02

תֹּקֶף (toqeph)

“Power” or “might.” Effective royal or political strength.

v02

גְּדֻלָּה (gedullah)

“Greatness.” Mordecai’s elevated status.

v03

מִשְׁנֶה (mishneh)

“Second.” Mordecai’s rank immediately below the king.

v03

רָצוּי (ratsui)

“Pleasing” or “well received.” Mordecai’s standing among his people.

v03

דָּרַשׁ טוֹב (darash tov)

“To seek the good.” To pursue another community’s welfare.

v03

דֹּבֵר שָׁלוֹם (dover shalom)

“Speaking peace.” Communicating and seeking well-being for the people.