Translations
Modern
For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.”
Traditional
For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold for bondmen and bondwomen, I had held my tongue, although the enemy could not countervail the king’s damage.
Literal
…for we have been sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be killed, and to be exterminated. And if for menservants and for maidservants we had been sold, I would have kept silent, for the adversary is not equal in the damage of the king.”
Latin
Traditi enim sumus ego et populus meus, ut conteramur, jugulemur, et pereamus. Atque utinam in servos et famulas venderemur: esset tolerabile malum, et gemens tacerem: nunc autem hostis noster est, cujus crudelitas redundat in regem.
Original
Hebrew
English
For my people and I have been sold out to destruction, death, and annihilation. If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent, because no such distress would justify burdening the king.”
Notes
my life...and the lives of my people: The statement that someone wanted to kill the queen and her family likely surprised and shocked the king.
my people and I have been sold: Esther carefully mentioned the large sum Haman paid the king to approve the decree (Esther 3:8–11). She also used the exact words from Haman’s decree, stating its purpose was to destroy, kill, and annihilate (see Esther 3:13).
If we had merely been sold as menservants and maidservants, I would have remained silent: Esther humbly explained her request was due to the severe threat against her and her people.
Theme notes and profiles
Glossary
Topics
Select Readings: Esther's Triumph Servant: Bond: Bought and Sold