Esther 2:2

2:2 The king’s servants who attended him said, “Let a search be conducted in the king’s behalf for attractive young women. ¹ 

Esther 2:8

2:8 It so happened that when the king’s edict and his law became known ²  many young women were taken to Susa the citadel to be placed under the authority of Hegai. Esther also was taken to the royal palace ³  to be under the authority of Hegai, who was overseeing the women.

Esther 4:4

4:4 When Esther’s female attendants and her eunuchs came and informed her about Mordecai’s behavior, ⁴  the queen was overcome with anguish. Although she sent garments for Mordecai to put on so that he could remove his sackcloth, he would not accept them.

[2:2]  ¹ tn Heb “young women, virgins, good of form.” The same phrase also occurs in v. 3.

[2:8]  ² tn Heb “were heard” (so NASB); NRSV “were (had been NIV) proclaimed.”

[2:8]  ³ tn Heb “the house of the king.” So also in vv. 9, 13. Cf. NLT “the king’s harem.”

[4:4]  ³ tn The words “about Mordecai’s behavior” are not in the Hebrew text, but are supplied in translation for the sake of clarity. Cf. NIV, NLT “about Mordecai”; TEV, CEV “what Mordecai was doing.”