Lexical Summary Abagtha: Abagtha Original Word: אֲבִַגְתָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Abagtha Of foreign origin; Abagtha, a eunuch of Xerxes -- Abagtha. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof foreign origin Definition a eunuch of Ahasuerus NASB Translation Abagtha (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲבַגְתָא proper name, masculine (Persian compare בִּגְתָא) eunuch of Ahasuerus Esther 1:10. Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning Abagtha is a Persian court name that appears only once in Scripture. Although the exact etymology is uncertain, its foreign character highlights the setting of the Book of Esther within the vast multicultural empire of Persia. Biblical Occurrence Esther 1:10 records Abagtha among “Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven eunuchs who attended King Xerxes”. Together these officials were dispatched to summon Queen Vashti during the king’s lavish seven-day banquet. Historical Background The Book of Esther opens in the third year of Xerxes I (also called Ahasuerus, circa 483 BC). Persian monarchs surrounded themselves with trusted eunuchs who managed palace affairs and safeguarded the royal harem. Their high-ranking status is confirmed by classical historians such as Herodotus, who notes their political influence. Abagtha’s inclusion among the seven principal eunuchs indicates proximity to the throne and daily access to the sovereign. Role in the Persian Court As one of “the seven eunuchs who attended King Xerxes,” Abagtha functioned as a courier of the king’s personal commands. This small cadre served as intermediaries between monarch and court, bearing messages that often carried life-changing consequences—as seen when Queen Vashti’s refusal precipitated her removal (Esther 1:12–19). By naming each eunuch, the author underlines the authenticity of the narrative and the formality of Persian court protocol. Theological and Ministry Insights 1. Providence through Ordinary Agents: Abagtha’s brief appearance illustrates how God orchestrates events through seemingly minor figures. His assignment to summon Vashti set in motion the chain of events that would elevate Esther and secure Israel’s preservation (Esther 4:14). Connections within the Canon • Like Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon, Abagtha represents the often-overlooked servants through whom God advances His covenant promises. Applications for Believers • Faithfulness in Small Things: Abagtha’s fleeting cameo reminds believers that no assignment is insignificant within God’s sovereign design. Though mentioned only once, Abagtha stands as a testament to the intricate tapestry of providence in Scripture, demonstrating that every name recorded in the Word carries enduring significance for faith and life. Forms and Transliterations וַאֲבַגְתָא֙ ואבגתא vaavagTa wa’ăḇaḡṯā wa·’ă·ḇaḡ·ṯāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 1:10 HEB: חַרְבוֹנָ֜א בִּגְתָ֤א וַאֲבַגְתָא֙ זֵתַ֣ר וְכַרְכַּ֔ס NAS: Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar KJV: Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, INT: Harbona Bigtha Abagtha Zethar and Carkas 1 Occurrence |
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