Additions to Esther facts for kids

The "Additions to Esther" are extra parts of the Book of Esther that you can find in some Bibles. These extra chapters tell more of the story of Esther, a brave Jewish queen, and her cousin Mordechai. They are included in Catholic and Orthodox Bibles, but usually not in Protestant Bibles. These additions include things like a dream Mordechai had, how he later understood that dream, and more details about a special order made against the Jewish people.

What Are the Additions to Esther?

The Book of Esther is a story found in the Bible. It tells about a time when Jewish people living in ancient Persia were saved from a plan to harm them. The "Additions to Esther" are like bonus chapters or scenes that give more information to this exciting story.

Where Can You Find Them?

These extra parts are found in the Septuagint. The Septuagint is a very old Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible. It was made many centuries ago. Because of this, the Additions to Esther are included in Bibles used by Catholics and Orthodox Christians. However, most Protestant Bibles do not include these extra sections.

Why Are There Different Versions?

Different Christian traditions have slightly different collections of books in their Bibles. The Additions to Esther are part of what some call the "deuterocanonical" books. This means they are considered part of the Bible by some groups but not by others. It's like having different editions of a favorite book, where some editions have extra stories or notes.

What Do the Additions Include?

The Additions to Esther fill in some gaps and add more drama to the original story. Here are a few examples of what they contain:

• Mordechai's Dream: One important addition describes a dream that Mordechai had. In this dream, he saw a big fight between two dragons and a small spring that grew into a mighty river.
• The King's Decree: The additions also give more details about the king's official order (or "decree") that was made against the Jewish people. They explain how serious and dangerous this order was.
• Prayers and Petitions: You'll find special prayers from Esther and Mordechai asking for help from God. These prayers show their deep faith and courage during a very difficult time.
• Esther's Appearance Before the King: The additions describe Esther's brave visit to the king in more detail. It shows her fear and her trust in God as she risked her life for her people.
• Mordechai's Interpretation: Later in the story, Mordechai understands that his dream was a prophecy. He realizes that the two dragons represented Haman and Mordechai himself, and the spring becoming a river represented the Jewish people being saved.

How Do They Change the Story?

These additions make the story of Esther even more religious. They show more clearly that God was guiding events and helping the Jewish people. They also highlight the faith and bravery of Esther and Mordechai. For example, Esther's prayer before she goes to the king emphasizes her reliance on God, which isn't as detailed in the original Hebrew version.

Images for kids

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  A 13th/14th-century scroll of the Book of Esther from Fez, Morocco, held at the Musée du quai Branly in Paris. Traditionally, a scroll of Esther is given only one roller, fixed to its lefthand side, rather than the customary two.

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  Esther is crowned in this 1860 woodcut by Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld

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  Mordecai is honored in this 1860 woodcut by Julius Schnorr von Karolsfeld.

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  Scroll of Esther (Megillah)

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  The opening chapter of a hand-written scroll of the Book of Esther, with reader's pointer

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  The Feast of Esther (Feest van Esther, 1625) by Jan Lievens, North Carolina Museum of Art.