Persian official who plotted against King Ahasuerus
Bigthan
Named in 2 verses of Esther, first in Esther 2:21.
בִּגְתָןBigthan
בִּגְתָנָאBigthana
Also called Bigthana.
The name means “in the press; giving meat.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869
About Bigthan Written by AI
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.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
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).
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
Where the Bible names him
- Esther 2:21
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, grew angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.
- Esther 6:2
And there it was found recorded that Mordecai had exposed Bigthana and Teresh, two of the eunuchs who guarded the king’s entrance, when they had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.