Abstract
Containing one of the highest counts of hapax legomena for the length of text in the Hebrew Bible, the book of Esther has posed certain challenges to translators. Three of these hapax legomena (טהב, רד, תרחס) have been particularly difficult and unsatisfactorily translated as kinds of stone as adornments to the banquets in the palace in Susa. Various commentaries offer differing translations of different kinds of stone, whilst arguing such translations. This paper argues that these hapax legomena describe royal carpets that, in line with motifs from Greek literature, function as a comedic device in the Hebrew text of Esther. Translating טהב, רד, and תרחס to refer to carpets best fits the etymological evidence and literary style of the banquet scenes.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
