以斯帖記（Esther）
cuv≡斯≡1≡1≡亞哈隨魯作王，從印度直到古實，統管一百二十七省。
rsv≡斯≡1≡1≡In the days of Ahasu-e'rus, the Ahasu-e'rus who reigned from India to Ethiopia over one hundred and twenty-seven provinces,
cuv≡斯≡1≡2≡亞哈隨魯王在書珊城的宮登基；
rsv≡斯≡1≡2≡in those days when King Ahasu-e'rus sat on his royal throne in Susa the capital,
cuv≡斯≡1≡3≡在位第三年，為他一切首領臣僕設擺筵席，有波斯和瑪代的權貴，就是各省的貴冑與首領，在他面前。
rsv≡斯≡1≡3≡in the third year of his reign he gave a banquet for all his princes and servants, the army chiefs of Persia and Media and the nobles and governors of the provinces being before him,
cuv≡斯≡1≡4≡他把他榮耀之國的豐富和他美好威嚴的尊貴給他們看了許多日，就是一百八十日。
rsv≡斯≡1≡4≡while he showed the riches of his royal glory and the splendor and pomp of his majesty for many days, a hundred and eighty days.
cuv≡斯≡1≡5≡這日子滿了，又為所有住書珊城的大小人民在御園的院子裡設擺筵席七日。
rsv≡斯≡1≡5≡And when these days were completed, the king gave for all the people present in Susa the capital, both great and small, a banquet lasting for seven days, in the court of the garden of the king's palace.
cuv≡斯≡1≡6≡有白色、綠色、藍色的帳子，用細麻繩、紫色繩從銀環內繫在白玉石柱上；有金銀的床榻擺在紅、白、黃、黑玉石鋪的石地上。
rsv≡斯≡1≡6≡There were white cotton curtains and blue hangings caught up with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and marble pillars, and also couches of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl and precious
cuv≡斯≡1≡7≡用金器皿賜酒，器皿各有不同。御酒甚多，足顯王的厚意。
rsv≡斯≡1≡7≡Drinks were served in golden goblets, goblets of different kinds, and the royal wine was lavished according to the bounty of the king.
cuv≡斯≡1≡8≡喝酒有例，不准勉強人，因王吩咐宮裡的一切臣宰，讓人各隨己意。
rsv≡斯≡1≡8≡And drinking was according to the law, no one was compelled; for the king had given orders to all the officials of his palace to do as every man desired.
cuv≡斯≡1≡9≡王后瓦實提在亞哈隨魯王的宮內也為婦女設擺筵席。
rsv≡斯≡1≡9≡Queen Vashti also gave a banquet for the women in the palace which belonged to King Ahasu-e'rus.
cuv≡斯≡1≡10≡第七日，亞哈隨魯王飲酒，心中快樂，就吩咐在他面前侍立的七個太監米戶幔、比斯他、哈波拿、比革他、亞拔他、西達、甲迦，
rsv≡斯≡1≡10≡On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehu'man, Biztha, Harbo'na, Bigtha and Abag'tha, Zethar and Carkas, the seven eunuchs who served King Ahasu-e'rus as chamberlains,
cuv≡斯≡1≡11≡請王后瓦實提頭戴王后的冠冕到王面前，使各等臣民看他的美貌，因為他容貌甚美。
rsv≡斯≡1≡11≡to bring Queen Vashti before the king with her royal crown, in order to show the peoples and the princes her beauty; for she was fair to behold.
cuv≡斯≡1≡12≡王后瓦實提卻不肯遵太監所傳的王命而來，所以王甚發怒，心如火燒。
rsv≡斯≡1≡12≡But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king's command conveyed by the eunuchs. At this the king was enraged, and his anger burned within him.
cuv≡斯≡1≡13≡那時，在王左右常見王面、國中坐高位的，有波斯和瑪代的七個大臣，就是甲示拿、示達、押瑪他、他施斯、米力、瑪西拿、米母干，都是達時務的明哲人。按王的常規，辦事必先詢問知例明法的人。王問他們說：
rsv≡斯≡1≡13≡Then the king said to the wise men who knew the times -- for this was the king's procedure toward all who were versed in law and judgment,
cuv≡斯≡1≡14≡
rsv≡斯≡1≡14≡the men next to him being Carshe'na, Shethar, Adma'tha, Tarshish, Meres, Marse'na, and Memu'can, the seven princes of Persia and Media, who saw the king's face, and sat first in the kingdom -- :
cuv≡斯≡1≡15≡「王后瓦實提不遵太監所傳的王命，照例應當怎樣辦理呢？」
rsv≡斯≡1≡15≡'According to the law, what is to be done to Queen Vashti, because she has not performed the command of King Ahasu-e'rus conveyed by the eunuchs?'
cuv≡斯≡1≡16≡米母干在王和眾首領面前回答說：「王后瓦實提這事，不但得罪王，並且有害於王各省的臣民；
rsv≡斯≡1≡16≡Then Memu'can said in presence of the king and the princes, 'Not only to the king has Queen Vashti done wrong, but also to all the princes and all the peoples who are in all the provinces of King Ahasu-e'rus.
cuv≡斯≡1≡17≡因為王后這事必傳到眾婦人的耳中，說：『亞哈隨魯王吩咐王后瓦實提到王面前，他卻不來』，他們就藐視自己的丈夫。
rsv≡斯≡1≡17≡For this deed of the queen will be made known to all women, causing them to look with contempt upon their husbands, since they will say, King Ahasu-e'rus commanded Queen Vashti to be brought before him, and she did not come.'
cuv≡斯≡1≡18≡今日波斯和瑪代的眾夫人聽見王后這事，必向王的大臣照樣行；從此必大開藐視和忿怒之端。
rsv≡斯≡1≡18≡This very day the ladies of Persia and Media who have heard of the queen's behavior will be telling it to all the king's princes, and there will be contempt and wrath in plenty.
cuv≡斯≡1≡19≡王若以為美，就降旨寫在波斯和瑪代人的例中，永不更改，不准瓦實提再到王面前，將他王后的位分賜給比他還好的人。
rsv≡斯≡1≡19≡If it please the king, let a royal
order go forth from him, and let it be written
among the laws of the Persians and the Medes so
that it may not be altered, that Vashti is to come
no more before King Ahasu-e'rus; and let the king
give her
cuv≡斯≡1≡20≡所降的旨意傳遍通國（國度本來廣大），所有的婦人，無論丈夫貴賤都必尊敬他。」
rsv≡斯≡1≡20≡So when the decree made by the king is proclaimed throughout all his kingdom, vast as it is, all women will give honor to their husbands, high and low.'
cuv≡斯≡1≡21≡王和眾首領都以米母干的話為美，王就照這話去行，
rsv≡斯≡1≡21≡This advice pleased the king and the princes, and the king did as Memu'can proposed;
cuv≡斯≡1≡22≡發詔書，用各省的文字、各族的方言通知各省，使為丈夫的在家中作主，各說本地的方言。
rsv≡斯≡1≡22≡he sent letters to all the royal provinces, to every province in its own script and to every people in its own language, that every man belord. his own house and speak according to the language of his people.
cuv≡斯≡2≡1≡這事以後，亞哈隨魯王的忿怒止息，就想念瓦實提和他所行的，並怎樣降旨辦他。
rsv≡斯≡2≡1≡After these things, when the anger of King Ahasu-e'rus had abated, he remembered Vashti and what she had done and what had been decreed against her.
cuv≡斯≡2≡2≡於是王的侍臣對王說：「不如為王尋找美貌的處女。
rsv≡斯≡2≡2≡Then the king's servants who attended him said, 'Let beautiful young virgins be sought out for the king.
cuv≡斯≡2≡3≡王可以派官在國中的各省招聚美貌的處女到書珊城（或作：宮）的女院，交給掌管女子的太監希該，給他們當用的香品。
rsv≡斯≡2≡3≡And let the king appoint officers
in all the provinces of his kingdom to gather all
the beautiful young virgins to the harem in Susa
the capital, under custody of Hegai the king's
eunuch who is in charge of the women; let their
ointments be
cuv≡斯≡2≡4≡王所喜愛的女子可以立為王后，代替瓦實提。」王以這事為美，就如此行。
rsv≡斯≡2≡4≡And let the maiden who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.' This pleased the king, and he did so.
cuv≡斯≡2≡5≡書珊城有一個猶大人，名叫末底改，是便雅憫人基士的曾孫，示每的孫子，睚珥的兒子。
rsv≡斯≡2≡5≡Now there was a Jew in Susa the capital whose name was Mor'decai, the son of Ja'ir, son of Shim'e-i, son of Kish, a Benjaminite,
cuv≡斯≡2≡6≡從前巴比倫王尼布甲尼撒將猶大王耶哥尼雅（又名約雅斤）和百姓從耶路撒冷擄去，末底改也在其內。
rsv≡斯≡2≡6≡who had been carried away from Jerusalem among the captives carried away with Jeconi'ah king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnez'zar king of Babylon had carried away.
cuv≡斯≡2≡7≡末底改撫養他叔叔的女兒哈大沙（後名以斯帖），因為他沒有父母。這女子又容貌俊美；他父母死了，末底改就收他為自己的女兒。
rsv≡斯≡2≡7≡He had brought up Hadas'sah, that is Esther, the daughter of his uncle, for she had neither father nor mother; the maiden was beautiful and lovely, and when her father and her mother died, Mor'decai adopted her as his own daughter.
cuv≡斯≡2≡8≡王的諭旨傳出，就招聚許多女子到書珊城，交給掌管女子的希該；以斯帖也送入王宮，交付希該。
rsv≡斯≡2≡8≡So when the king's order and his edict were proclaimed, and when many maidens were gathered in Susa the capital in custody of Hegai, Esther also was taken into the king's palace and put in custody of Hegai who had charge of the women.
cuv≡斯≡2≡9≡希該喜悅以斯帖，就恩待他，急忙給他需用的香品和他所當得的分，又派所當得的七個宮女服事他，使他和他的宮女搬入女院上好的房屋。
rsv≡斯≡2≡9≡And the maiden pleased him and won his favor; and he quickly provided her with her ointments and her portion of food, and with seven chosen maids from the king's palace, and advanced her and her maids to the best place in the harem.
cuv≡斯≡2≡10≡以斯帖未曾將籍貫宗族告訴人，因為末底改囑咐他不可叫人知道。
rsv≡斯≡2≡10≡Esther had not made known her people or kindred, for Mor'decai had charged her not to make it known.
cuv≡斯≡2≡11≡末底改天天在女院前邊行走，要知道以斯帖平安不平安，並後事如何。
rsv≡斯≡2≡11≡And every day Mor'decai walked in front of the court of the harem, to learn how Esther was and how she fared.
cuv≡斯≡2≡12≡眾女子照例先潔淨身體十二個月：六個月用沒藥油，六個月用香料和潔身之物。滿了日期，然後挨次進去見亞哈隨魯王。
rsv≡斯≡2≡12≡Now when the turn came for each
maiden to go in to King Ahasu-e'rus, after being
twelve months under the regulations for the women,
since this was the regular period of their
beautifying, six months with oil of myrrh and six
months with spices and ointments for women --
cuv≡斯≡2≡13≡女子進去見王是這樣：從女院到王宮的時候，凡他所要的都必給他。
rsv≡斯≡2≡13≡when the maiden went in to the king in this way she was given whatever she desired to take with her from the harem to the king's palace.
cuv≡斯≡2≡14≡晚上進去，次日回到女子第二院，交給掌管妃嬪的太監沙甲；除非王喜愛他，再提名召他，就不再進去見王。
rsv≡斯≡2≡14≡In the evening she went, and in
the morning she came back to the second harem in
custody of Sha-ash'gaz the king's eunuch who was
in charge of the concubines; she did not go in to
the king again, unless the king delighted in her
and she was summoned by name.
cuv≡斯≡2≡15≡末底改叔叔亞比孩的女兒，就是末底改收為自己女兒的以斯帖，按次序當進去見王的時候，除了掌管女子的太監希該所派定給他的，他別無所求。凡看見以斯帖的都喜悅他。
rsv≡斯≡2≡15≡When the turn came for Esther the daughter of Ab'ihail the uncle of Mor'decai, who had adopted her as his own daughter, to go in to the king, she asked for nothing except what Hegai the king's eunuch, who had charge of the women, advised.
cuv≡斯≡2≡16≡亞哈隨魯王第七年十月，就是提別月，以斯帖被引入宮見王。
rsv≡斯≡2≡16≡And when Esther was taken to King Ahasu-e'rus into his royal palace in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign,
cuv≡斯≡2≡17≡王愛以斯帖過於愛眾女，他在王眼前蒙寵愛比眾處女更甚。王就把王后的冠冕戴在他頭上，立他為王后，代替瓦實提。
rsv≡斯≡2≡17≡the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she found grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead of Vashti.
cuv≡斯≡2≡18≡王因以斯帖的緣故給眾首領和臣僕設擺大筵席，又豁免各省的租稅，並照王的厚意大頒賞賜。
rsv≡斯≡2≡18≡Then the king gave a great banquet to all his princes and servants; it was Esther's banquet. He also granted a remission of taxes to the provinces, and gave gifts with royal liberality.
cuv≡斯≡2≡19≡第二次招聚處女的時候，末底改坐在朝門。
rsv≡斯≡2≡19≡When the virgins were gathered together the second time, Mor'decai was sitting at the king's gate.
cuv≡斯≡2≡20≡以斯帖照著末底改所囑咐的，還沒有將籍貫宗族告訴人；因為以斯帖遵末底改的命，如撫養他的時候一樣。
rsv≡斯≡2≡20≡Now Esther had not made known her kindred or her people, as Mor'decai had charged her; for Esther obeyed Mor'decai just as when she was brought up by him.
cuv≡斯≡2≡21≡當那時候，末底改坐在朝門，王的太監中有兩個守門的，辟探和提列，惱恨亞哈隨魯王，想要下手害他。
rsv≡斯≡2≡21≡And in those days, as Mor'decai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasu-e'rus.
cuv≡斯≡2≡22≡末底改知道了，就告訴王后以斯帖。以斯帖奉末底改的名，報告於王；
rsv≡斯≡2≡22≡And this came to the knowledge of Mor'decai, and he told it to Queen Esther, and Esther told the king in the name of Mor'decai.
cuv≡斯≡2≡23≡究察這事，果然是實，就把二人掛在木頭上，將這事在王面前寫於歷史上。
rsv≡斯≡2≡23≡When the affair was investigated and found to be so, the men were both hanged on the gallows. And it was recorded in the Book of the Chronicles in the presence of the king.
cuv≡斯≡3≡1≡這事以後，亞哈隨魯王抬舉亞甲族哈米大他的兒子哈曼，使他高升，叫他的爵位超過與他同事的一切臣宰。
rsv≡斯≡3≡1≡After these things King Ahasu-e'rus promoted Haman the Ag'agite, the son of Hammeda'tha, and advanced him and set his seat above all the princes who were with him.
cuv≡斯≡3≡2≡在朝門的一切臣僕都跪拜哈曼，因為王如此吩咐；惟獨末底改不跪不拜。
rsv≡斯≡3≡2≡And all the king's servants who were at the king's gate bowed down and did obeisance to Haman; for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mor'decai did not bow down or do obeisance.
cuv≡斯≡3≡3≡在朝門的臣僕問末底改說：「你為何違背王的命令呢？」
rsv≡斯≡3≡3≡Then the king's servants who were at the king's gate said to Mor'decai, 'Why do you transgress the king's command?'
cuv≡斯≡3≡4≡他們天天勸他，他還是不聽，他們就告訴哈曼，要看末底改的事站得住站不住，因他已經告訴他們自己是猶大人。
rsv≡斯≡3≡4≡And when they spoke to him day after day and he would not listen to them, they told Haman, in order to see whether Mor'decai's words would avail; for he had told them that he was a Jew.
cuv≡斯≡3≡5≡哈曼見末底改不跪不拜，他就怒氣填胸。
rsv≡斯≡3≡5≡And when Haman saw that Mor'decai did not bow down or do obeisance to him, Haman was filled with fury.
cuv≡斯≡3≡6≡他們已將末底改的本族告訴哈曼；他以為下手害末底改一人是小事，就要滅絕亞哈隨魯王通國所有的猶大人，就是末底改的本族。
rsv≡斯≡3≡6≡But he disdained to lay hands on Mor'decai alone. So, as they had made known to him the people of Mor'decai, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mor'decai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasu-e'rus.
cuv≡斯≡3≡7≡亞哈隨魯王十二年正月，就是尼散月，人在哈曼面前，按日日月月掣普珥，就是掣籤，要定何月何日為吉，擇定了十二月，就是亞達月。
rsv≡斯≡3≡7≡In the first month, which is the month of Nisan, in the twelfth year of King Ahasu-e'rus, they cast Pur, that is the lot, before Haman day after day; and they cast it month after month till the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.
cuv≡斯≡3≡8≡哈曼對亞哈隨魯王說：「有一種民散居在王國各省的民中；他們的律例與萬民的律例不同，也不守王的律例，所以容留他們與王無益。
rsv≡斯≡3≡8≡Then Haman said to King
Ahasu-e'rus, 'There is a certain people scattered
abroad and dispersed among the peoples in all the
provinces of your kingdom; their laws are
different from those of every other people, and
they do not keep the king's laws, so that it is
not for the king's profit to tolerate them.
cuv≡斯≡3≡9≡王若以為美，請下旨意滅絕他們；我就捐一萬他連得銀子交給掌管國帑的人，納入王的府庫。」
rsv≡斯≡3≡9≡If it please the king, let it be decreed that they be destroyed, and I will pay ten thousand talents of silver into the hands of those who have charge of the king's business, that they may put it into the king's treasuries.'
cuv≡斯≡3≡10≡於是王從自己手上摘下戒指給猶大人的仇敵亞甲族哈米大他的兒子哈曼。
rsv≡斯≡3≡10≡So the king took his signet ring from his hand and gave it to Haman the Ag'agite, the son of Hammeda'tha, the enemy of the Jews.
cuv≡斯≡3≡11≡王對哈曼說：「這銀子仍賜給你，這民也交給你，你可以隨意待他們。」
rsv≡斯≡3≡11≡And the king said to Haman, 'The money is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you.'
cuv≡斯≡3≡12≡正月十三日，就召了王的書記來，照著哈曼一切所吩咐的，用各省的文字、各族的方言，奉亞哈隨魯王的名寫旨意，傳與總督和各省的省長，並各族的首領；又用王的戒指蓋印，
rsv≡斯≡3≡12≡Then the king's secretaries were
summoned on the thirteenth day of the first month,
and an edict, according to all that Haman
commanded, was written to the king's satraps and
to the governors over all the provinces and to the
princes of all the peoples, to every province in
its own script and every people in its own
language; it was written in the name of King
Ahasu-e'rus and sealed with the king's ring.
cuv≡斯≡3≡13≡交給驛卒傳到王的各省，吩咐將猶大人，無論老少婦女孩子，在一日之間，十二月，就是亞達月十三日，全然剪除，殺戮滅絕，並奪他們的財為掠物。
rsv≡斯≡3≡13≡Letters were sent by couriers to all the king's provinces, to destroy, to slay, and to annihilate all Jews, young and old, women and children, in one day, the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar, and to plunder
cuv≡斯≡3≡14≡抄錄這旨意，頒行各省，宣告各族，使他們預備等候那日。
rsv≡斯≡3≡14≡A copy of the document was to be issued as a decree in every province by proclamation to all the peoples to be ready for that day.
cuv≡斯≡3≡15≡驛卒奉王命急忙起行，旨意也傳遍書珊城。王同哈曼坐下飲酒，書珊城的民卻都慌亂。
rsv≡斯≡3≡15≡The couriers went in haste by order of the king, and the decree was issued in Susa the capital. And the king and Haman sat down to drink; but the city of Susa was perplexed.
cuv≡斯≡4≡1≡末底改知道所作的這一切事，就撕裂衣服，穿麻衣，蒙灰塵，在城中行走，痛哭哀號。
rsv≡斯≡4≡1≡When Mor'decai learned all that had been done, Mor'decai rent his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, wailing with a loud and bitter cry;
cuv≡斯≡4≡2≡到了朝門前停住腳步，因為穿麻衣的不可進朝門。
rsv≡斯≡4≡2≡he went up to the entrance of the king's gate, for no one might enter the king's gate clothed with sackcloth.
cuv≡斯≡4≡3≡王的諭旨所到的各省各處，猶大人大大悲哀，禁食哭泣哀號，穿麻衣躺在灰中的甚多。
rsv≡斯≡4≡3≡And in every province, wherever the king's command and his decree came, there was great mourning among the Jews, with fasting and weeping and lamenting, and most of them lay in sackcloth and ashes.
cuv≡斯≡4≡4≡王后以斯帖的宮女和太監來把這事告訴以斯帖，他甚是憂愁，就送衣服給末底改穿，要他脫下麻衣，他卻不受。
rsv≡斯≡4≡4≡When Esther's maids and her eunuchs came and told her, the queen was deeply distressed; she sent garments to clothe Mor'decai, so that he might take off his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.
cuv≡斯≡4≡5≡以斯帖就把王所派伺候他的一個太監，名叫哈他革召來，吩咐他去見末底改，要知道這是甚麼事，是甚麼緣故。
rsv≡斯≡4≡5≡Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king's eunuchs, who had been appointed to attend her, and ordered him to go to Mor'decai to learn what this was and why it was.
cuv≡斯≡4≡6≡於是哈他革出到朝門前的寬闊處見末底改。
rsv≡斯≡4≡6≡Hathach went out to Mor'decai in the open square of the city in front of the king's gate,
cuv≡斯≡4≡7≡末底改將自己所遇的事，並哈曼為滅絕猶大人應許捐入王庫的銀數都告訴了他；
rsv≡斯≡4≡7≡and Mor'decai told him all that had happened to him, and the exact sum of money that Haman had promised to pay into the king's treasuries for the destruction of the Jews.
cuv≡斯≡4≡8≡又將所抄寫傳遍書珊城要滅絕猶大人的旨意交給哈他革，要給以斯帖看，又要給他說明，並囑咐他進去見王，為本族的人在王面前懇切祈求。
rsv≡斯≡4≡8≡Mor'decai also gave him a copy of the written decree issued in Susa for their destruction, that he might show it to Esther and explain it to her and charge her to go to the king to make supplication to him and entreat him for her people.
cuv≡斯≡4≡9≡哈他革回來，將末底改的話告訴以斯帖；
rsv≡斯≡4≡9≡And Hathach went and told Esther what Mor'decai had said.
cuv≡斯≡4≡10≡以斯帖就吩咐哈他革去見末底改，說：
rsv≡斯≡4≡10≡Then Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him a message for Mor'decai, saying,
cuv≡斯≡4≡11≡「王的一切臣僕和各省的人民都知道有一個定例：若不蒙召，擅入內院見王的，無論男女必被治死；除非王向他伸出金杖，不得存活。現在我沒有蒙召進去見王已經三十日了。」
rsv≡斯≡4≡11≡'All the king's servants and the
people of the king's provinces know that if any
man or woman goes to the king inside the inner
court without being called, there is but one law;
all alike are to be put to death, except the one
to whom the king holds out the golden scepter that
he may live. And I have not been called to come in
to the king these thirty days.'
cuv≡斯≡4≡12≡人就把以斯帖這話告訴末底改。
rsv≡斯≡4≡12≡And they told Mor'decai what Esther had said.
cuv≡斯≡4≡13≡末底改託人回覆以斯帖說：「你莫想在王宮裡強過一切猶大人，得免這禍。
rsv≡斯≡4≡13≡Then Mor'decai told them to return answer to Esther, 'Think not that in the king's palace you will escape any more than all the other Jews.
cuv≡斯≡4≡14≡此時你若閉口不言，猶大人必從別處得解脫，蒙拯救；你和你父家必致滅亡。焉知你得了王后的位分不是為現今的機會麼？」
rsv≡斯≡4≡14≡For if you keep silence at such a
time as this, relief and deliverance will rise for
the Jews from another quarter, but you and your
father's house will perish. And who knows whether
you have not come to the kingdom for such a time
as this?'
cuv≡斯≡4≡15≡以斯帖就吩咐人回報末底改說：
rsv≡斯≡4≡15≡Then Esther told them to reply to Mor'decai,
cuv≡斯≡4≡16≡「你當去招聚書珊城所有的猶大人，為我禁食三晝三夜，不喫不喝；我和我的宮女也要這樣禁食。然後我違例進去見王，我若死就死吧！」
rsv≡斯≡4≡16≡'Go, gather all the Jews to be
found in Susa, and hold a fast on my behalf, and
neither eat nor drink for three days, night or
day. I and my maids will also fast as you do. Then
I will go to the king, though it is against the
law; and if I
cuv≡斯≡4≡17≡於是末底改照以斯帖一切所吩咐的去行。
rsv≡斯≡4≡17≡Mor'decai then went away and did everything as Esther had ordered him.
cuv≡斯≡5≡1≡第三日，以斯帖穿上朝服，進王宮的內院，對殿站立。王在殿裡坐在寶座上，對著殿門。
rsv≡斯≡5≡1≡On the third day Esther put on her royal robes and stood in the inner court of the king's palace, opposite the king's hall. The king was sitting on his royal throne inside the palace opposite the entrance to the palace;
cuv≡斯≡5≡2≡王見王后以斯帖站在院內，就施恩於他，向他伸出手中的金杖；以斯帖便向前摸杖頭。
rsv≡斯≡5≡2≡and when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she found favor in his sight and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. Then Esther approached and touched the top of the scepter.
cuv≡斯≡5≡3≡王對他說：「王后以斯帖啊，你要甚麼？你求甚麼，就是國的一半也必賜給你。」
rsv≡斯≡5≡3≡And the king said to her, 'What is it, Queen Esther? What is your request? It shall be given you, even to the half of my kingdom.'
cuv≡斯≡5≡4≡以斯帖說：「王若以為美，就請王帶著哈曼今日赴我所預備的筵席。」
rsv≡斯≡5≡4≡And Esther said, 'If it please the king, let the king and Haman come this day to a dinner that I have prepared for the king.'
cuv≡斯≡5≡5≡王說：「叫哈曼速速照以斯帖的話去行。」於是王帶著哈曼赴以斯帖所預備的筵席。
rsv≡斯≡5≡5≡Then said the king, 'Bring Haman quickly, that we may do as Esther desires.' So the king and Haman came to the dinner that Esther had prepared.
cuv≡斯≡5≡6≡在酒席筵前，王又問以斯帖說：「你要甚麼，我必賜給你；你求甚麼，就是國的一半也必為你成就。」
rsv≡斯≡5≡6≡And as they were drinking wine, the king said to Esther, 'What is your petition? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.'
cuv≡斯≡5≡7≡以斯帖回答說：「我有所要，我有所求。
rsv≡斯≡5≡7≡But Esther said, 'My petition and my request is:
cuv≡斯≡5≡8≡我若在王眼前蒙恩，王若願意賜我所要的，准我所求的，就請王帶著哈曼再赴我所要預備的筵席。明日我必照王所問的說明。」
rsv≡斯≡5≡8≡If I have found favor in the sight
of the king, and if it please the king to grant my
petition and fulfil my request, let the king and
Haman come tomorrow to the dinner which I will
prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the
king has said.'
cuv≡斯≡5≡9≡那日哈曼心中快樂，歡歡喜喜的出來；但見末底改在朝門不站起來，連身也不動，就滿心惱怒末底改。
rsv≡斯≡5≡9≡And Haman went out that day joyful and glad of heart. But when Haman saw Mor'decai in the king's gate, that he neither rose nor trembled before him, he was filled with wrath against Mor'decai.
cuv≡斯≡5≡10≡哈曼暫且忍耐回家，叫人請他朋友和他妻子細利斯來。
rsv≡斯≡5≡10≡Nevertheless Haman restrained himself, and went home; and he sent and fetched his friends and his wife Zeresh.
cuv≡斯≡5≡11≡哈曼將他富厚的榮耀、眾多的兒女，和王抬舉他使他超乎首領臣僕之上，都述說給他們聽。
rsv≡斯≡5≡11≡And Haman recounted to them the splendor of his riches, the number of his sons, all the promotions with which the king had honored him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and the servants of the king.
cuv≡斯≡5≡12≡哈曼又說：「王后以斯帖預備筵席，除了我之外不許別人隨王赴席。明日王后又請我隨王赴席；
rsv≡斯≡5≡12≡And Haman added, 'Even Queen Esther let no one come with the king to the banquet she prepared but myself. And tomorrow also I am invited by her together with the king.
cuv≡斯≡5≡13≡只是我見猶大人末底改坐在朝門，雖有這一切榮耀，也與我無益。」
rsv≡斯≡5≡13≡Yet all this does me no good, so long as I see Mor'decai the Jew sitting at the king's gate.'
cuv≡斯≡5≡14≡他的妻細利斯和他一切的朋友對他說：「不如立一個五丈高的木架，明早求王將末底改掛在其上，然後你可以歡歡喜喜的隨王赴席。」哈曼以這話為美，就叫人作了木架。
rsv≡斯≡5≡14≡Then his wife Zeresh and all his
friends said to him, 'Let a gallows fifty cubits
high be made, and in the morning tell the king to
have Mor'decai hanged upon it; then go merrily
with the king to the dinner.' This counsel pleased
Haman, and he had the gallows made.
cuv≡斯≡6≡1≡那夜王睡不著覺，就吩咐人取歷史來，念給他聽。
rsv≡斯≡6≡1≡On that night the king could not sleep; and he gave orders to bring the book of memorable deeds, the chronicles, and they were read before the king.
cuv≡斯≡6≡2≡正遇見書上寫著說：王的太監中有兩個守門的，辟探和提列，想要下手害亞哈隨魯王，末底改將這事告訴王后。
rsv≡斯≡6≡2≡And it was found written how Mor'decai had told about Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, and who had sought to lay hands upon King Ahasu-e'rus.
cuv≡斯≡6≡3≡王說：「末底改行了這事，賜他甚麼尊榮爵位沒有？」伺候王的臣僕回答說：「沒有賜他甚麼。」
rsv≡斯≡6≡3≡And the king said, 'What honor or dignity has been bestowed on Mor'decai for this?' The king's servants who attended him said, 'Nothing has been done for him.'
cuv≡斯≡6≡4≡王說：「誰在院子裡？」（那時哈曼正進王宮的外院，要求王將末底改掛在他所預備的木架上。）
rsv≡斯≡6≡4≡And the king said, 'Who is in the court?' Now Haman had just entered the outer court of the king's palace to speak to the king about having Mor'decai hanged on the gallows that he had prepared for him.
cuv≡斯≡6≡5≡臣僕說：「哈曼站在院內。」王說：「叫他進來。」
rsv≡斯≡6≡5≡So the king's servants told him, 'Haman is there, standing in the court.' And the king said, 'Let him come in.'
cuv≡斯≡6≡6≡哈曼就進去。王問他說：「王所喜悅尊榮的人，當如何待他呢？」哈曼心裡說：「王所喜悅尊榮的，不是我是誰呢？」
rsv≡斯≡6≡6≡So Haman came in, and the king said to him, 'What shall be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?' And Haman said to himself, 'Whom would the king delight to honor more than me?'
cuv≡斯≡6≡7≡哈曼就回答說：「王所喜悅尊榮的，
rsv≡斯≡6≡7≡and Haman said to the king, 'For the man whom the king delights to honor,
cuv≡斯≡6≡8≡當將王常穿的朝服和戴冠的御馬，
rsv≡斯≡6≡8≡let royal robes be brought, which the king has worn, and the horse which the king has ridden, and on whose head a royal crown is set;
cuv≡斯≡6≡9≡都交給王極尊貴的一個大臣，命他將衣服給王所喜悅尊榮的人穿上，使他騎上馬，走遍城裡的街市，在他面前宣告說：王所喜悅尊榮的人，就如此待他。」
rsv≡斯≡6≡9≡and let the robes and the horse be
handed over to one of the king's most noble
princes; let him array the man whom the king
delights to honor, and let him conduct the man on
horseback through the open square of the city,
proclaiming before him: Thus shall it be done to
the man whom the king delights to honor.''
cuv≡斯≡6≡10≡王對哈曼說：「你速速將這衣服和馬，照你所說的，向坐在朝門的猶大人末底改去行。凡你所說的，一樣不可缺。」
rsv≡斯≡6≡10≡Then the king said to Haman, 'Make haste, take the robes and the horse, as you have said, and do so to Mor'decai the Jew who sits at the king's gate. Leave out nothing that you have mentioned.'
cuv≡斯≡6≡11≡於是哈曼將朝服給末底改穿上，使他騎上馬，走遍城裡的街市，在他面前宣告說：「王所喜悅尊榮的人，就如此待他。」
rsv≡斯≡6≡11≡So Haman took the robes and the horse, and he arrayed Mor'decai and made him ride through the open square of the city, proclaiming, 'Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.'
cuv≡斯≡6≡12≡末底改仍回到朝門，哈曼卻憂憂悶悶的蒙著頭，急忙回家去了，
rsv≡斯≡6≡12≡Then Mor'decai returned to the king's gate. But Haman hurried to his house, mourning and with his head covered.
cuv≡斯≡6≡13≡將所遇的一切事詳細說給他的妻細利斯和他的眾朋友聽。他的智慧人和他的妻細利斯對他說：「你在末底改面前始而敗落，他如果是猶大人，你必不能勝他，終必在他面前敗落。」
rsv≡斯≡6≡13≡And Haman told his wife Zeresh and
all his friends everything that had befallen him.
Then his wise men and his wife Zeresh said to him,
'If Mor'decai, before whom you have begun to fall,
is of the Jewish people, you will not prevail
against him but will surely fall before him.'
cuv≡斯≡6≡14≡他們還與哈曼說話的時候，王的太監來催哈曼快去赴以斯帖所預備的筵席。
rsv≡斯≡6≡14≡While they were yet talking with him, the king's eunuchs arrived and brought Haman in haste to the banquet that Esther had prepared.
cuv≡斯≡7≡1≡王帶著哈曼來赴王后以斯帖的筵席。
rsv≡斯≡7≡1≡So the king and Haman went in to feast with Queen Esther.
cuv≡斯≡7≡2≡這第二次在酒席筵前，王又問以斯帖說：「王后以斯帖啊，你要甚麼，我必賜給你；你求甚麼，就是國的一半也必為你成就。」
rsv≡斯≡7≡2≡And on the second day, as they were drinking wine, the king again said to Esther, 'What is your petition, Queen Esther? It shall be granted you. And what is your request? Even to the half of my kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.'
cuv≡斯≡7≡3≡王后以斯帖回答說：「我若在王眼前蒙恩，王若以為美，我所願的，是願王將我的性命賜給我；我所求的，是求王將我的本族賜給我。
rsv≡斯≡7≡3≡Then Queen Esther answered, 'If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be given me at my petition, and my people at my request.
cuv≡斯≡7≡4≡因我和我的本族被賣了，要剪除殺戮滅絕我們。我們若被賣為奴為婢，我也閉口不言；但王的損失，敵人萬不能補足。」
rsv≡斯≡7≡4≡For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to be annihilated. If we had been sold merely as slaves, men and women, I would have held my peace; for our affliction is not to be compared with the loss to the king.'
cuv≡斯≡7≡5≡亞哈隨魯王問王后以斯帖說：「擅敢起意如此行的是誰？這人在那裡呢？」
rsv≡斯≡7≡5≡Then King Ahasu-e'rus said to Queen Esther, 'Who is he, and where is he, that would presume to do this?'
cuv≡斯≡7≡6≡以斯帖說：「仇人敵人就是這惡人哈曼！」哈曼在王和王后面前就甚驚惶。
rsv≡斯≡7≡6≡And Esther said, 'A foe and enemy! This wicked Haman!' Then Haman was in terror before the king and the queen.
cuv≡斯≡7≡7≡王便大怒，起來離開酒席往御園去了。哈曼見王定意要加罪與他，就起來，求王后以斯帖救命。
rsv≡斯≡7≡7≡And the king rose from the feast in wrath and went into the palace garden; but Haman stayed to beg his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that evil was determined against him by the king.
cuv≡斯≡7≡8≡王從御園回到酒席之處，見哈曼伏在以斯帖所靠的榻上；王說：「他竟敢在宮內、在我面前凌辱王后麼？」這話一出王口，人就蒙了哈曼的臉。
rsv≡斯≡7≡8≡And the king returned from the
palace garden to the place where they were
drinking wine, as Haman was falling on the couch
where Esther was; and the king said, 'Will he even
assault the queen in my presence, in my own
house?' As the words left the mouth of the king,
they covered Haman's face.
cuv≡斯≡7≡9≡伺候王的一個太監名叫哈波拿，說：「哈曼為那救王有功的末底改作了五丈高的木架，現今立在哈曼家裡。」王說：「把哈曼掛在其上。」
rsv≡斯≡7≡9≡Then said Harbo'na, one of the eunuchs in attendance on the king, 'Moreover, the gallows which Haman has prepared for Mor'decai, whose word saved the king, is standing in Haman's house, fifty cubits high.'
cuv≡斯≡7≡10≡於是人將哈曼掛在他為末底改所預備的木架上。」王的忿怒這纔止息。
rsv≡斯≡7≡10≡And the king said, 'Hang him on that.' So they hanged Haman on the gallows which he had prepared for Mor'decai. Then the anger of the king abated.
cuv≡斯≡8≡1≡當日，亞哈隨魯王把猶大人仇敵哈曼的家產賜給王后以斯帖。末底改也來到王面前，因為以斯帖已經告訴王，末底改是他的親屬。
rsv≡斯≡8≡1≡On that day King Ahasu-e'rus gave to Queen Esther the house of Haman, the enemy of the Jews. And Mor'decai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her;
cuv≡斯≡8≡2≡王摘下自己的戒指，就是從哈曼追回的，給了末底改。以斯帖派末底改管理哈曼的家產。
rsv≡斯≡8≡2≡and the king took off his signet ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mor'decai. And Esther set Mor'decai over the house of Haman.
cuv≡斯≡8≡3≡以斯帖又俯伏在王腳前，流淚哀告，求他除掉亞甲族哈曼害猶大人的惡謀。
rsv≡斯≡8≡3≡Then Esther spoke again to the king; she fell at his feet and besought him with tears to avert the evil design of Haman the Ag'agite and the plot which he had devised against the Jews.
cuv≡斯≡8≡4≡王向以斯帖伸出金杖；以斯帖就起來，站在王前，
rsv≡斯≡8≡4≡And the king held out the golden scepter to Esther,
cuv≡斯≡8≡5≡說：「亞甲族哈米大他的兒子哈曼設謀傳旨，要殺滅在王各省的猶大人。現今王若願意，我若在王眼前蒙恩，王若以為美，若喜悅我，請王另下旨意，廢除哈曼所傳的那旨意。
rsv≡斯≡8≡5≡and Esther rose and stood before
the king. And she said, 'If it please the king,
and if I have found favor in his sight, and if the
thing seem right before the king, and I be
pleasing in his eyes, let an order be written to
revoke the letters devised by Haman the Ag'agite,
the son of Hammeda'tha, which he wrote to destroy
the Jews who are in all the provinces of the king.
cuv≡斯≡8≡6≡我何忍見我本族的人受害？何忍見我同宗的人被滅呢？」
rsv≡斯≡8≡6≡For how can I endure to see the calamity that is coming to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my kindred?'
cuv≡斯≡8≡7≡亞哈隨魯王對王后以斯帖和猶大人末底改說：「因哈曼要下手害猶大人，我已將他的家產賜給以斯帖，人也將哈曼掛在木架上。
rsv≡斯≡8≡7≡Then King Ahasu-e'rus said to Queen Esther and to Mor'decai the Jew, 'Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows, because he would lay hands on the Jews.
cuv≡斯≡8≡8≡現在你們可以隨意奉王的名寫諭旨給猶大人，用王的戒指蓋印；因為奉王名所寫、用王戒指蓋印的諭旨，人都不能廢除。」
rsv≡斯≡8≡8≡And you may write as you please with regard to the Jews, in the name of the king, and seal it with the king's ring; for an edict written in the name of the king and sealed with the king's ring cannot be revoked.'
cuv≡斯≡8≡9≡三月，就是西彎月二十三日，將王的書記召來，按著末底改所吩咐的，用各省的文字、各族的方言，並猶大人的文字方言寫諭旨，傳給那從印度直到古實一百二十七省的猶大人和總督省長首領。
rsv≡斯≡8≡9≡The king's secretaries were
summoned at that time, in the third month, which
is the month of Sivan, on the twenty-third day;
and an edict was written according to all that
Mor'decai commanded concerning the Jews to the
satraps and the governors and the princes of the
provinces from India to Ethiopia, a hundred and
twenty-seven provinces, to every province in its
own script and to every people in its own
language, and also to the Jews in their script and
their language.
cuv≡斯≡8≡10≡末底改奉亞哈隨魯王的名寫諭旨，用王的戒指蓋印，交給騎御馬圈快馬的驛卒，傳到各處。
rsv≡斯≡8≡10≡The writing was in the name of King Ahasu-e'rus and sealed with the king's ring, and letters were sent by mounted couriers riding on swift horses that were used in the king's service, bred from the royal stud.
cuv≡斯≡8≡11≡諭旨中，王准各省各城的猶大人在一日之間，十二月，就是亞達月十三日，聚集保護性命，剪除殺戮滅絕那要攻擊猶大人的一切仇敵和他們的妻子兒女，奪取他們的財為掠物。
rsv≡斯≡8≡11≡By these the king allowed the Jews
who were in every city to gather and defend their
lives, to destroy, to slay, and to annihilate any
armed force of any people or province that might
attack them, with their children and women, and to
plunder their goods,
cuv≡斯≡8≡12≡
rsv≡斯≡8≡12≡upon one day throughout all the provinces of King Ahasu-e'rus, on the  thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar.
cuv≡斯≡8≡13≡抄錄這諭旨，頒行各省，宣告各族，使猶大人預備等候那日，在仇敵身上報仇。
rsv≡斯≡8≡13≡A copy of what was written was to be issued as a decree in every province, and by proclamation to all peoples, and the Jews were to be ready on that day to avenge themselves upon their enemies.
cuv≡斯≡8≡14≡於是騎快馬的驛卒被王命催促，急忙起行；諭旨也傳遍書珊城。
rsv≡斯≡8≡14≡So the couriers, mounted on their swift horses that were used in the king's service, rode out in haste, urged by the king's command; and the decree was issued in Susa the capital.
cuv≡斯≡8≡15≡末底改穿著藍色白色的朝服，頭戴大金冠冕，又穿紫色細麻布的外袍，從王面前出來；書珊城的人民都歡呼快樂。
rsv≡斯≡8≡15≡Then Mor'decai went out from the presence of the king in royal robes of blue and white, with a great golden crown and a mantle of fine linen and purple, while the city of Susa shouted and rejoiced.
cuv≡斯≡8≡16≡猶大人有光榮，歡喜快樂而得尊貴。
rsv≡斯≡8≡16≡The Jews had light and gladness and joy and honor.
cuv≡斯≡8≡17≡王的諭旨所到的各省各城，猶大人都歡喜快樂，設擺筵宴，以那日為吉日。那國的人民，有許多因懼怕猶大人，就入了猶大籍。
rsv≡斯≡8≡17≡And in every province and in every
city, wherever the king's command and his edict
came, there was gladness and joy among the Jews, a
feast and a holiday. And many from the peoples of
the country declared themselves Jews, for the fear
of the Jews had fallen upon them.
cuv≡斯≡9≡1≡十二月，乃亞達月十三日，王的諭旨將要舉行，就是猶大人的仇敵盼望轄制他們的日子，猶大人反倒轄制恨他們的人。
rsv≡斯≡9≡1≡Now in the twelfth month, which is
the month of Adar, on the thirteenth day of the
same, when the king's command and edict were about
to be executed, on the very day when the enemies
of the Jews hoped to get the mastery over them,
but which had been changed to a day when the Jews
should get the mastery over their foes,
cuv≡斯≡9≡2≡猶大人在亞哈隨魯王各省的城裡聚集，下手擊殺那要害他們的人。無人能敵擋他們，因為各族都懼怕他們。
rsv≡斯≡9≡2≡the Jews gathered in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasu-e'rus to lay hands on such as sought their hurt. And no one could make a stand against them, for the fear of them had fallen upon all peoples.
cuv≡斯≡9≡3≡各省的首領、總督、省長，和辦理王事的人，因懼怕末底改，就都幫助猶大人。
rsv≡斯≡9≡3≡All the princes of the provinces and the satraps and the governors and the royal officials also helped the Jews, for the fear of Mor'decai had fallen upon them.
cuv≡斯≡9≡4≡末底改在朝中為大，名聲傳遍各省，日漸昌盛。
rsv≡斯≡9≡4≡For Mor'decai was great in the king's house, and his fame spread throughout all the provinces; for the man Mor'decai grew more and more powerful.
cuv≡斯≡9≡5≡猶大人用刀擊殺一切仇敵，任意殺滅恨他們的人。
rsv≡斯≡9≡5≡So the Jews smote all their enemies with the sword, slaughtering, and destroying them, and did as they pleased to those who hated them.
cuv≡斯≡9≡6≡在書珊城，猶大人殺滅了五百人；
rsv≡斯≡9≡6≡In Susa the capital itself the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men,
cuv≡斯≡9≡7≡又殺巴珊大他、達分、亞斯帕他、
rsv≡斯≡9≡7≡and also slew Par-shan-da'tha and Dalphon and Aspa'tha
cuv≡斯≡9≡8≡破拉他、亞大利雅、亞利大他、
rsv≡斯≡9≡8≡and Pora'tha and Ada'lia and Arida'tha
cuv≡斯≡9≡9≡帕瑪斯他、亞利賽、亞利代、瓦耶撒他；
rsv≡斯≡9≡9≡and Parmash'ta and Ar'isai and Ar'idai and Vaiza'tha,
cuv≡斯≡9≡10≡這十人都是哈米大他的孫子、猶大人仇敵哈曼的兒子。猶大人卻沒有下手奪取財物。
rsv≡斯≡9≡10≡the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammeda'tha, the enemy of the Jews; but they laid no hand on the plunder.
cuv≡斯≡9≡11≡當日，將書珊城被殺的人數呈在王前。
rsv≡斯≡9≡11≡That very day the number of those slain in Susa the capital was reported to the king.
cuv≡斯≡9≡12≡王對王后以斯帖說：「猶大人在書珊城殺滅了五百人，又殺了哈曼的十個兒子，在王的各省不知如何呢？現在你要甚麼，我必賜給你；你還求甚麼，也必為你成就。」
rsv≡斯≡9≡12≡And the king said to Queen Esther, 'In Susa the capital the Jews have slain five hundred men and also the ten sons of Haman. What then have they done in the rest of the king's provinces! Now what is your petition? It shall be granted you.
cuv≡斯≡9≡13≡以斯帖說：「王若以為美，求你准書珊的猶大人，明日也照今日的旨意行，並將哈曼十個兒子的屍首掛在木架上。」
rsv≡斯≡9≡13≡And Esther said, 'If it please the king, let the Jews who are in Susa be allowed tomorrow also to do according to this day's edict. And let the ten sons of Haman be hanged on the gallows.'
cuv≡斯≡9≡14≡王便允准如此行。旨意傳在書珊，人就把哈曼十個兒子的屍首掛起來了。
rsv≡斯≡9≡14≡So the king commanded this to be done; a decree was issued in Susa, and the ten sons of Haman were hanged.
cuv≡斯≡9≡15≡亞達月十四日書珊的猶大人又聚集在書珊，殺了三百人，卻沒有下手奪取財物。
rsv≡斯≡9≡15≡The Jews who were in Susa gathered also on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and they slew three hundred men in Susa; but they laid no hands on the plunder.
cuv≡斯≡9≡16≡在王各省其餘的猶大人也都聚集保護性命，殺了恨他們的人七萬五千，卻沒有下手奪取財物。這樣，就脫離仇敵，得享平安。
rsv≡斯≡9≡16≡Now the other Jews who were in the king's provinces also gathered to defend their lives, and got relief from their enemies, and slew seventy-five thousand of those who hated them; but they laid no hands on the plunder.
cuv≡斯≡9≡17≡亞達月十三日，行了這事；十四日安息，以這日為設筵歡樂的日子。
rsv≡斯≡9≡17≡This was on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar, and on the fourteenth day they rested and made that a day of feasting and gladness.
cuv≡斯≡9≡18≡但書珊的猶大人，這十三日、十四日聚集殺戮仇敵；十五日安息，以這日為設筵歡樂的日子。
rsv≡斯≡9≡18≡But the Jews who were in Susa gathered on the thirteenth day and on the fourteenth, and rested on the fifteenth day, making that a day of feasting and gladness.
cuv≡斯≡9≡19≡所以住無城牆鄉村的猶大人，如今都以亞達月十四日為設筵歡樂的吉日，彼此餽送禮物。
rsv≡斯≡9≡19≡Therefore the Jews of the villages, who live in the open towns, hold the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as a day for gladness and feasting and holiday-making, and a day on which they send choice portions to one another.
cuv≡斯≡9≡20≡末底改記錄這事，寫信與亞哈隨魯王各省遠近所有的猶大人，
rsv≡斯≡9≡20≡And Mor'decai recorded these things, and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasu-e'rus, both near and far,
cuv≡斯≡9≡21≡囑咐他們每年守亞達月十四、十五兩日，
rsv≡斯≡9≡21≡enjoining them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month Adar and also the fifteenth day of the same, year by year,
cuv≡斯≡9≡22≡以這月的兩日為猶大人脫離仇敵得平安、轉憂為喜、轉悲為樂的吉日。在這兩日設筵歡樂，彼此餽送禮物，賙濟窮人。
rsv≡斯≡9≡22≡as the days on which the Jews got
relief from their enemies, and as the month that
had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness
and from mourning into a holiday; that they should
make them days of feasting and gladness, days for
sending choice portions to one another and gifts
to the poor.
cuv≡斯≡9≡23≡於是，猶大人按著末底改所寫與他們的信，應承照初次所守的守為永例；
rsv≡斯≡9≡23≡So the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mor'decai had written to them.
cuv≡斯≡9≡24≡是因猶大人的仇敵亞甲族哈米大他的兒子哈曼設謀殺害猶大人，掣普珥，就是掣籤，為要殺盡滅絕他們；
rsv≡斯≡9≡24≡For Haman the Ag'agite, the son of Hammeda'tha, the enemy of all the Jews, had plotted against the Jews to destroy them, and had cast Pur, that is the lot, to crush and destroy them;
cuv≡斯≡9≡25≡這事報告於王，王便降旨使哈曼謀害猶大人的惡事歸到他自己的頭上，並吩咐把他和他的眾子都掛在木架上。
rsv≡斯≡9≡25≡but when Esther came before the king, he gave orders in writing that his wicked plot which he had devised against the Jews should come upon his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows.
cuv≡斯≡9≡26≡照著普珥的名字，猶大人就稱這兩日為「普珥日」。他們因這信上的話，又因所看見所遇見的事，
rsv≡斯≡9≡26≡Therefore they called these days Purim, after the term Pur. And therefore, because of all that was written in this letter, and of what they had faced in this matter, and of what had befallen them,
cuv≡斯≡9≡27≡就應承自己與後裔，並歸附他們的人，每年按時必守這兩日，永遠不廢。
rsv≡斯≡9≡27≡the Jews ordained and took it upon themselves and their descendants and all who joined them, that without fail they would keep these two days according to what was written and at the time appointed every year,
cuv≡斯≡9≡28≡各省各城、家家戶戶、世世代代紀念遵守這兩日，使這「普珥日」在猶大人中不可廢掉，在他們後裔中也不可忘記。
rsv≡斯≡9≡28≡that these days should be
remembered and kept throughout every generation,
in every family, province, and city, and that
these days of Purim should never fall into disuse
among the Jews, nor should the commemoration of
these days cease among their descendants.
cuv≡斯≡9≡29≡亞比孩的女兒王后以斯帖和猶大人末底改以全權寫第二封信，堅囑猶大人守這「普珥日」，
rsv≡斯≡9≡29≡Then Queen Esther, the daughter of Ab'ihail, and Mor'decai the Jew gave full written authority, confirming this second letter about Purim.
cuv≡斯≡9≡30≡用和平誠實話寫信給亞哈隨魯王國中一百二十七省所有的猶大人，
rsv≡斯≡9≡30≡Letters were sent to all the Jews, to the hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasu-e'rus, in words of peace and truth,
cuv≡斯≡9≡31≡勸他們按時守這「普珥日」，禁食呼求，是照猶大人末底改和王后以斯帖所囑咐的，也照猶大人為自己與後裔所應承的。
rsv≡斯≡9≡31≡that these days of Purim should be observed at their appointed seasons, as Mor'decai the Jew and Queen Esther enjoined upon the Jews, and as they had laid down for themselves and for their descendants, with regard to their fasts and their
cuv≡斯≡9≡32≡以斯帖命定守「普珥日」，這事也記錄在書上。
rsv≡斯≡9≡32≡The command of Queen Esther fixed these practices of Purim, and it was recorded in writing.
cuv≡斯≡10≡1≡亞哈隨魯王使旱地和海島的人民都進貢。
rsv≡斯≡10≡1≡King Ahasu-e'rus laid tribute on the land and on the coastlands of the sea.
cuv≡斯≡10≡2≡他以權柄能力所行的，並他抬舉末底改使他高升的事，豈不都寫在瑪代和波斯王的歷史上麼？
rsv≡斯≡10≡2≡And all the acts of his power and might, and the full account of the high honor of Mor'decai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?
cuv≡斯≡10≡3≡猶大人末底改作亞哈隨魯王的宰相，在猶大人中為大，得他眾弟兄的喜悅，為本族的人求好處，向他們說和平的話。
rsv≡斯≡10≡3≡For Mor'decai the Jew was next in rank to King Ahasu-e'rus, and he was great among the Jews and popular with the multitude of his brethren, for he sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.