King James Version

What Does Esther 2:21 Mean?

Esther 2:21 in the King James Version says “In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which... — study this verse from Esther chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

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, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. Bigthan: or, Bigthana the door: Heb. the threshold

Esther 2:21 · KJV


Context

19

And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat in the king's gate.

20

Esther had not yet shewed her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.

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, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. Bigthan: or, Bigthana the door: Heb. the threshold

22

And the thing was known to Mordecai, who told it unto Esther the queen; and Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai's name.

23

And when inquisition was made of the matter, it was found out; therefore they were both hanged on a tree: and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. The phrase "in those days" connects this event to the timeline of Esther's elevation, suggesting it occurred soon after her coronation. Two royal chamberlains, "Bigthan and Teresh," planned to assassinate Ahasuerus. The cause of their wrath (qatsaph, קָצַף) isn't specified—perhaps perceived slight, political disagreement, or other grievance. That they "kept the door" (shomrei hasaph, שֹׁמְרֵי הַסַּף) indicates trusted positions guarding the king's private chambers, giving them access necessary for assassination. Mordecai's providential discovery of this plot and his loyalty in reporting it (v. 22) established crucial precedent for later events. This seemingly minor incident becomes pivotal in chapter 6.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Court eunuchs sometimes plotted against kings throughout ancient Near Eastern history. Their positions combined unusual access with potential grievances (castration, dependent status, blocked advancement). Herodotus and other ancient historians describe Persian court intrigues, including assassination plots. The "door keepers" held crucial security positions, making their conspiracy particularly dangerous. Mordecai's position in the king's gate apparently gave him access to overhear or learn of the plot—perhaps through palace gossip, direct observation, or informants. That he reported it rather than ignoring it or using it for personal advantage demonstrated loyalty to the Persian government despite being a Jew in exile. This loyalty would later contrast with Haman's treachery.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Mordecai's loyalty to the Persian king despite being a Jewish exile model faithful service even to imperfect earthly authorities?
  2. What does God's providence in positioning Mordecai to overhear this plot teach about how He orchestrates seemingly minor events for crucial future purposes?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
בַּיָּמִ֣ים1 of 19

In those days

H3117

a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso

הָהֵ֔ם2 of 19
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

וּמָרְדֳּכַ֖י3 of 19

while Mordecai

H4782

mordecai, an israelite

יֹשֵׁ֣ב4 of 19

sat

H3427

properly, to sit down (specifically as judge. in ambush, in quiet); by implication, to dwell, to remain; causatively, to settle, to marry

בְּשַֽׁעַר5 of 19

gate

H8179

an opening, i.e., door or gate

בַּמֶּ֖לֶךְ6 of 19

in the king's

H4428

a king

קָצַף֩7 of 19

were wroth

H7107

to crack off, i.e., (figuratively) burst out in rage

בִּגְתָ֨ן8 of 19

Bigthan

H904

bigthan or bigthana, a eunuch of xerxes

וָתֶ֜רֶשׁ9 of 19

and Teresh

H8657

teresh, a eunuch of xerxes

שְׁנֵֽי10 of 19

two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

סָרִיסֵ֤י11 of 19

chamberlains

H5631

a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state

בַּמֶּ֖לֶךְ12 of 19

in the king's

H4428

a king

מִשֹּֽׁמְרֵ֣י13 of 19

of those which kept

H8104

properly, to hedge about (as with thorns), i.e., guard; generally, to protect, attend to, etc

הַסַּ֔ף14 of 19

the door

H5592

a vestibule (as a limit); also a dish (for holding blood or wine)

וַיְבַקְשׁוּ֙15 of 19

and sought

H1245

to search out (by any method, specifically in worship or prayer); by implication, to strive after

לִשְׁלֹ֣חַ16 of 19

to lay

H7971

to send away, for, or out (in a great variety of applications)

יָ֔ד17 of 19

hand

H3027

a hand (the open one [indicating power, means, direction, etc.], in distinction from h3709, the closed one); used (as noun, adverb, etc.) in a great v

בַּמֶּ֖לֶךְ18 of 19

in the king's

H4428

a king

אֲחַשְׁוֵֽרֹשׁ׃19 of 19

Ahasuerus

H325

achashverosh (i.e., ahasuerus or artaxerxes, but in this case xerxes), the title (rather than name) of a persian king


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Esther. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Esther 2:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Esther 2:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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