The title "Additions to Esther" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /əˈdɪʃənz tu ˈɛstər/. The first part, "additions," is spelled with a double "d" and two "t's" to represent the consonant sounds, while the "i" is pronounced as a short "i" sound. "To" is spelled with a "t" and "o," and "Esther" with a silent "h" and the short "e" sound. This title refers to the religious text "Book of Esther," with additional chapters added to some versions.
"Additions to Esther" refers to a collection of additional material that was appended to the Book of Esther in certain versions of the Bible, particularly in the Septuagint and Apocrypha. The Book of Esther itself is a biblical text included in the Old Testament and recounts the story of Esther, a Jewish queen in Persia who courageously saves her people from an evil plot.
The "Additions to Esther" consists of six sections that are not found in the Hebrew Masoretic text of the biblical book. These additions serve to enhance and expand upon the narrative, providing additional details, prayers, insights, and a more comprehensive depiction of various events and characters. The sections include "The Rest of the Chapters of Esther," "The Dream of Mordecai," "The Epistle of Artaxerxes," "The Prayer of Esther," "The Prayer of Mordecai," and "The Prayer of Mordecai's Dream."
These additions are considered "deuterocanonical" or "apocryphal" by certain religious traditions and are not included in the official Canon of the Hebrew Bible or the Protestant biblical canon. However, they are deemed significant in other religious traditions such as the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox churches. "Additions to Esther" offer a broader perspective on the events and characters within the Book of Esther and provide additional spiritual and historical context for readers and scholars.