Second Targum (Targum sheni)

The author of this Aramaic translation (Targum) of the book of Esther makes significant interpolations in the text, incorporating midrashic stories and other episodes not found in the biblical book. It is a second version of the Targum of Esther; the first contained fewer additions. The dating of Targum sheni is uncertain, but it shows similarities to texts produced around the eighth century, including the Chapters of R. Eliezer (Pirke de-Rabbi Eliezer). By the end of the tenth century, Targums of Esther were so popular that Hayya Ga’on commented that only some versions were accurate.