Lexical Summary bahat: Marble Original Word: בּהט Strong's Exhaustive Concordance red marble From an unused root (probably meaning to glisten); white marble or perhaps alabaster -- red (marble). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition perhaps porphyry NASB Translation porphyry (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs בַּ֫הַט noun [masculine] a costly stone, perhaps porphyry (compare Egyptian behiti, behet, behat BrugschDict. v. 438 DümichenGeschichte 167 f. WendelAltäg. Bau- u. Edelsteine (1888) 77 f.; ᵐ5 has σμαραγδίτης), Esther 1:6 עַל וָֿשֵׁשׁ וְדַר וְסֹחָ֑רֶת׳ִרצֲפַת ב upon a pavement of porphyry and marble, etc. Topical Lexicon Etymology and Definition בּהט (behat) designates a precious stone used architecturally or ornamentally, probably a variety of marble distinguished by its brilliant, speckled appearance. Biblical Occurrence The word appears once in Scripture: “There were hangings of fine white and violet linen, fastened with cords of fine linen and purple linen to silver rings and marble columns; the couches were of gold and silver on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, mother-of-pearl, and other costly stones” (Esther 1:6). In this single mention the term forms part of the description of the lavish flooring in the palace complex of King Ahasuerus in Susa. Historical Background Archaeology has confirmed the Persian fondness for mixed-stone pavements. Excavations at Susa have uncovered fragments of red, green, and white marbles arranged in geometric patterns—a clear parallel to the biblical scene. Greek historians (e.g., Herodotus) record similar opulence in Persian royal halls, reinforcing the reliability of Esther’s account. The inclusion of בּהט alongside porphyry and mother-of-pearl underscores both the wealth of the empire and the authenticity of the inspired narrative. Symbolic and Theological Significance 1. Royal Splendor Versus Divine Majesty. The resplendent materials of Ahasuerus’s court portray earthly glory at its height, yet the book eventually shows that God’s providence overrules human grandeur (Esther 6:1–14; Esther 9:1). The polished stone floor becomes an ironic stage upon which the limits of human power are exposed. Practical Ministry Applications • Stewardship: Extravagant materials like בּהט caution believers against misplacing trust in material abundance (1 Timothy 6:17). Related Biblical Themes Precious stones in sacred or royal contexts (Exodus 28:17–20; 1 Kings 7:9–10; Revelation 21:19-20); God’s sovereignty over empires (Daniel 2:21; Romans 13:1); the contrast between temporal kingdoms and the eternal kingdom (Hebrews 12:28). Conclusion Though בּהט appears only once, its strategic placement in Esther enriches our understanding of Persian luxury, highlights the historical credibility of the biblical record, and provides enduring lessons on the superiority of God’s kingdom over human splendor. Forms and Transliterations בַּהַט־ בהט־ ba·haṭ- bahat bahaṭ-Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Esther 1:6 HEB: עַ֛ל רִֽצְפַ֥ת בַּהַט־ וָשֵׁ֖שׁ וְדַ֥ר NAS: on a mosaic pavement of porphyry, marble, KJV: upon a pavement of red, and blue, INT: on A mosaic of porphyry marble mother-of-pearl |
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