Bigthan
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Introduction:
Bigthan, also referred to as Bigthana in some translations, is a minor yet significant figure in the biblical narrative found in the Book of Esther. His role, though brief, plays a crucial part in the unfolding of events that lead to the deliverance of the Jewish people during the Persian Empire.

Biblical Account:
Bigthan is mentioned in the Book of Esther, specifically in Esther 2:21-23. He is identified as one of the king's eunuchs who served in the court of King Ahasuerus (Xerxes I). The Berean Standard Bible describes the incident involving Bigthan as follows:

"In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who guarded the entrance, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Ahasuerus. When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, who informed the king in Mordecai’s name. After the report had been investigated and verified, both men were hanged on the gallows. This event was recorded in the Book of the Chronicles in the presence of the king." (Esther 2:21-23)

Role and Significance:
Bigthan's role, though limited to a few verses, is pivotal in the narrative of Esther. His conspiracy against King Ahasuerus, along with Teresh, sets the stage for Mordecai's rise in favor and the eventual salvation of the Jewish people. The exposure of the plot by Mordecai, and its subsequent recording in the royal chronicles, becomes a crucial turning point later in the account when King Ahasuerus seeks to honor Mordecai for his loyalty (Esther 6:1-3).

Historical and Cultural Context:
The presence of eunuchs like Bigthan in the Persian court was a common practice. Eunuchs often held positions of influence and responsibility, serving as guards, advisors, or attendants to the king. Their loyalty was highly valued, but as seen in the case of Bigthan and Teresh, discontent could lead to treachery.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the account of Bigthan underscores the providence of God in the affairs of His people. Despite the seemingly random and dangerous plots against the king, God orchestrates events to protect His chosen people. Mordecai's discovery of the plot and his subsequent actions demonstrate the importance of vigilance and faithfulness in the service of God and country.

Conclusion:
While Bigthan's conspiracy ultimately fails, his actions inadvertently contribute to the larger narrative of deliverance for the Jewish people. His account serves as a reminder of the hidden workings of divine providence and the importance of integrity and loyalty in the face of adversity.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Bigthan

in the press; giving meat

ATS Bible Dictionary
Bigthan

A eunuch at the court of Ahasuerus, whose conspiracy against that king was frustrated by the vigilance of Mordecai, Esther 2:21.

Easton's Bible Dictionary
One of the eunuchs who "kept the door" in the court of Ahasuerus. With Teresh he conspired against the king's life. Mordecai detected the conspiracy, and the culprits were hanged (Esther 2:21-23; 6:1-3).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BIGTHAN; BIGTHANA

big'-than big-tha'-na (bighethan, bighethana'; Septuagint omits name): One of the two chamberlains or eunuchs of Xerxes on ("Ahasuerus") who conspired against the king's life, the conspiracy being detected by Mordecai and the culprits hanged (Esther 2:21). Possibly these men had been partially superseded by the degradation of Vashti and were thus prompted to take revenge Xerxes.

Strong's Hebrew
904. Bigthan -- a eunuch of Ahasuerus
Bigthan or Bigthana. 903, 904. Bigthan or Bigthana. 905 . a eunuch
of Ahasuerus. Transliteration: Bigthan or Bigthana Phonetic ...
/hebrew/904.htm - 6k
Library

Synagogues in the City; and Schools.
... Consider well, what "The language of Tursi," means in that legend. "Bigthan and
Teresh (perhaps) were two Tarsians": or, if you will, 'two artificers': "and ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 36 synagogues in the.htm

Concerning Esther and Mordecai and Haman; and How in the Reign of ...
... 4. Some time after this [two eunuchs], Bigthan and Teresh, plotted against the king;
and Barnabazus, the servant of one of the eunuchs, being by birth a Jew ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 concerning esther and.htm

Thesaurus
Bigthan (1 Occurrence)
... 3). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BIGTHAN; BIGTHANA. big'-than ... Xerxes.
Multi-Version Concordance Bigthan (1 Occurrence). Esther 2 ...
/b/bigthan.htm - 7k

Bigthana (2 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia BIGTHAN; BIGTHANA. big'-than big-tha'-
na (bighethan, bighethana'; Septuagint omits name): One of ...
/b/bigthana.htm - 7k

Xerxes (24 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate, two of
the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers, were angry, and ...
/x/xerxes.htm - 14k

Tharra
... thar'-a (Tharra): One of the two eunuchs, "keepers of the court," who with his
companion Gabatha (Bigthan) formed a conspiracy against King Artaxerxes which ...
/t/tharra.htm - 6k

Teresh (2 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate, two of
the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers, were angry, and ...
/t/teresh.htm - 8k

Eunuchs (33 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate, two of
the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers, were angry, and ...
/e/eunuchs.htm - 17k

Mor'decai (51 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:21 in those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's
chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the door, were wroth ...
/m/mor'decai.htm - 20k

Bigtha (1 Occurrence)

/b/bigtha.htm - 7k

Threshold (28 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate, two of
the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the threshold ...
/t/threshold.htm - 18k

Chamberlains (17 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:21 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's
chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth ...
/c/chamberlains.htm - 12k

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