³ When I heard this, I tore^(A) my tunic and cloak, pulled hair from my head and beard and sat down appalled.^(B)

Mordecai Persuades Esther to Help

4 When Mordecai learned of all that had been done, he tore his clothes,^(A) put on sackcloth and ashes,^(B) and went out into the city, wailing^(C) loudly and bitterly.

⁴ When Esther’s eunuchs and female attendants came and told her about Mordecai, she was in great distress. She sent clothes for him to put on instead of his sackcloth, but he would not accept them.

¹⁷ Groan quietly;^(A) do not mourn for the dead. Keep your turban^(B) fastened and your sandals^(C) on your feet; do not cover your mustache and beard^(D) or eat the customary food of mourners.^(E)”

²³ You will keep your turbans^(A) on your heads and your sandals^(B) on your feet. You will not mourn^(C) or weep but will waste away^(D) because of^[a] your sins and groan among yourselves.^(E)