Ester 2:22

2:22 When Mordecai learned of the conspiracy, ¹  he informed Queen Esther, ²  and Esther told the king in Mordecai’s behalf. ³ 

Ester 5:3

5:3 The king said to her, “What is on your mind, ⁴  Queen Esther? What is your request? Even as much as half the kingdom will be given to you!”

[2:22]  ¹ sn The text of Esther does not disclose exactly how Mordecai learned about the plot against the king’s life. Ancient Jewish traditions state that Mordecai overheard conspiratorial conversation, or that an informant brought this information to him, or that it came to him as a result of divine prompting. These conjectures are all without adequate support from the biblical text. The author simply does not tell the source of Mordecai’s insight into this momentous event.

[2:22]  ² tc The LXX simply reads “Esther” and does not include “the queen.”

[2:22]  ³ tc The LXX adds here “the things concerning the plot.”

[2:22]  tn Heb “in the name of Mordecai” (so NRSV); NIV “giving credit to Mordecai.”

[5:3]  ⁴ tn Heb “What to you?”; NAB, NIV NRSV “What is it, Queen Esther?”