Bigthan בִּגְתָן
Persian official who plotted against King Ahasuerus
Who is Bigthan in the Bible?
Bigthan was a doorkeeper in the court of King Ahasuerus of Persia who, along with another official named Teresh, conspired to assassinate the king (Esther 2:21). Their plot was discovered by Mordecai, a Jewish official who served in the royal court, and he reported the conspiracy to the king through Queen Esther (Esther 2:22). After investigation, both Bigthan and Teresh were found guilty and executed by hanging (Esther 2:23). The significance of Bigthan's failed assassination attempt lies in how its discovery set in motion events that would later lead to Mordecai's promotion and ultimately to the salvation of the Jewish people from Haman's genocidal plot.
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
- 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."
Study Esther → - 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."
Study Esther →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script |
|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | בִּגְתָן |
| (same form as previous) | Hebrew | בִּגְתָן |