Esther (Greek) 11 - New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition 2021

Addition D Esther (Greek) 15 Esther Is Received by the King

¹ On the third day, when she ended her prayer, she took off the garments in which she had worshiped and arrayed herself in the garments of her honor.

² Then, majestically adorned, after invoking the aid of the all-seeing God and Savior, she took two maids with her;

³ on one she leaned gently for support,

⁴ while the other followed, carrying her train.

⁵ She was radiant with perfect beauty, and she looked happy, as if beloved, but her heart was frozen with fear.

⁶ When she had gone through all the doors, she stood before the king. He was seated on his royal throne, clothed in the full array of his majesty, all covered with gold and precious stones. He was most terrifying.

⁷ Lifting his face, ablaze with glory, he looked at her in fierce anger. The queen faltered, turned pale and faint, and collapsed on the head of the maid who went in front of her.

⁸ Then God changed the spirit of the king to gentleness, and in alarm he sprang from his throne and took her in his arms until she came to herself. He comforted her with soothing words and said to her,

⁹ “What is it, Esther? I am your kin. Take courage.

¹⁰ You shall not die, for our law applies only to our subjects. Come near.”

¹¹ Then he raised the golden scepter and touched her neck with it;

¹² he embraced her and said, “Speak to me.”

¹³ She said to him, “I saw you, my lord, like an angel of God, and my heart was shaken with fear at your glory.

¹⁴ For you are wonderful, my lord, and your countenance is full of grace.”

¹⁵ And while she was speaking, she fainted and fell.

¹⁶ Then the king was agitated, and all his attendants tried to comfort her.