Bigthan בִּגְתָן
Persian official who plotted against King Ahasuerus
Biography
Bigthan, along with Teresh, was one of the doorkeepers in the court of King Ahasuerus (Est. 2:21). They became angry with the king and conspired to assassinate him. However, their plot was discovered by Mordecai, the cousin and guardian of Esther, who had been recently crowned as queen. Mordecai informed Esther about the plot, and she reported it to the king in Mordecai's name (Est. 2:22). After an investigation, Bigthan and Teresh were found guilty and hanged on the gallows (Est. 2:23). The incident was recorded in the king's presence in the book of the chronicles. Later, when the king was unable to sleep, he ordered the book of chronicles to be read to him, and Mordecai's good deed in exposing the plot was brought to his attention (Est. 6:1-2). This event led to Mordecai's elevation and honor, as well as the king's protection of the Jewish people from Haman's evil scheme. The story of Bigthan's plot and its consequences demonstrates the importance of loyalty, vigilance, and divine providence in the narrative of Esther.
In Scripture
1 biblical book ; 1 with study contentEsther 2 verses Study available
- 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 sought to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus."
Study Esther → - Esther 6:2
"It was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who were doorkeepers, who had tried to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus."
Study Esther →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | בִּגְתָן | H0904 |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | בִּגְתָן | H0904 |