Translations
Modern
Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Would he actually assault the queen while I am in the palace?” As soon as the words had left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.
Traditional
Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine; and Haman was fallen upon the bed whereon Esther was. Then said the king, Will he force the queen also before me in the house? As the word went out of the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.
Literal
And the king returned from the garden of the palace to the house of the feast of the wine, and Haman was falling upon the couch that Esther was on. And the king said, “Is it also to subdue the queen with me in the house?” The word went forth from the mouth of the king, and they covered the face of Haman.
Latin
Qui cum reversus esset de horto nemoribus consito, et intrasset convivii locum, reperit Aman super lectulum corruisse in quo jacebat Esther, et ait: Etiam reginam vult opprimere, me præsente, in domo mea. Necdum verbum de ore regis exierat, et statim operuerunt faciem ejus.
Original
Hebrew
English
Just as the king returned from the palace garden to the banquet hall, Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining. The king exclaimed, “Would he actually assault the queen while I am in the palace?” As soon as the words had left the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face.
Notes
Haman was falling on the couch where Esther was reclining: This was a major mistake because no one should touch the queen or be on the same couch with her.
Would he actually assault the queen while I am in the palace?: This exaggerated rhetorical question suggests Haman has the worst possible motives.
Theme notes and profiles
People
Esther: Jewish queen of Persia; saved her people from genocide Haman: A Persian official who plotted to destroy the Jews