Translations
Modern
Then King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?”
Traditional
Then the king Ahasuerus answered and said unto Esther the queen, Who is he, and where is he, that durst presume in his heart to do so?
Literal
And King Ahasuerus spoke and he said to Esther the queen, “Who is he, this one? And where is this one—he who has filled his heart to do thus?”
Latin
Respondensque rex Assuerus, ait: Quis est iste, et cujus potentiæ, ut hæc audeat facere?
Original
Hebrew
English
Then King Xerxes spoke up and asked Queen Esther, “Who is this, and where is the one who would devise such a scheme?”
Notes
where is the one who would devise such a scheme?: The king could hardly believe what he heard and could not imagine someone attempting this terrible act. He did not ask for details about Esther’s accusations, assuming they were all true (compare Esther 3:10).
Theme notes and profiles
People
Ahasuerus: Persian Emperor (probably Xerxes I); husband of Esther Esther: Jewish queen of Persia; saved her people from genocide