King James Version

What Does Esther 6:2 Mean?

Esther 6:2 in the King James Version says “And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of ... — study this verse from Esther chapter 6 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. Bigthana: or, Bigthan door: Heb. threshold

Esther 6:2 · KJV


Context

1

On that night could not the king sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles ; and they were read before the king. could: Heb. the king's sleep fled away

2

And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. Bigthana: or, Bigthan door: Heb. threshold

3

And the king said, What honour and dignity hath been done to Mordecai for this? Then said the king's servants that ministered unto him, There is nothing done for him.

4

And the king said, Who is in the court? Now Haman was come into the outward court of the king's house, to speak unto the king to hang Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus. As the chronicles were read to the sleepless king (v. 1), they came to the account of Mordecai's exposure of the assassination plot (2:21-23). The passive voice "it was found written" emphasizes providential orchestration—of all the records in the royal archives, this specific account was read this specific night. The timing is perfect: just as Haman enters the palace to request Mordecai's execution (v. 4), the king discovers Mordecai saved his life. God's providence works through record-keeping, insomnia, reading choices, and timing to position pieces for deliverance. The "coincidence" of this particular record being read this particular night when Haman seeks Mordecai's death demonstrates that God governs even apparently random events.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Persian kings maintained extensive official chronicles documenting significant events, as confirmed by biblical references (Ezra 4:15; Esther 10:2) and extra-biblical sources. These annals recorded both threats to the king and notable services by subjects. That Mordecai's deed was recorded but unrewarded (2:23) seems unusual—kings typically rewarded those who saved their lives. The oversight, however, proved providentially perfect: the delayed reward came precisely when needed to elevate Mordecai and humiliate Haman. Ancient administrative practices of detailed record-keeping, designed for historical preservation and governance, became divine instruments of redemption.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the 'chance' reading of this specific record at this specific time demonstrate God's sovereignty over details we consider random?
  2. What does Mordecai's delayed reward teach about God's perfect timing in honoring faithful service?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 19 words
וַיִּמָּצֵ֣א1 of 19

And it was found

H4672

properly, to come forth to, i.e., appear or exist; transitively, to attain, i.e., find or acquire; figuratively, to occur, meet or be present

כָת֗וּב2 of 19

written

H3789

to grave, by implication, to write (describe, inscribe, prescribe, subscribe)

אֲשֶׁר֩3 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

הִגִּ֨יד4 of 19

had told

H5046

properly, to front, i.e., stand boldly out opposite; by implication (causatively), to manifest; figuratively, to announce (always by word of mouth to

מָרְדֳּכַ֜י5 of 19

that Mordecai

H4782

mordecai, an israelite

עַל6 of 19
H5921

above, over, upon, or against (yet always in this last relation with a downward aspect) in a great variety of applications

בִּגְתָ֣נָא7 of 19

of Bigthana

H904

bigthan or bigthana, a eunuch of xerxes

וָתֶ֗רֶשׁ8 of 19

and Teresh

H8657

teresh, a eunuch of xerxes

שְׁנֵי֙9 of 19

two

H8147

two; also (as ordinal) twofold

סָֽרִיסֵ֣י10 of 19

chamberlains

H5631

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

בַּמֶּ֖לֶךְ11 of 19

of the king's

H4428

a king

מִשֹּֽׁמְרֵ֖י12 of 19

the keepers

H8104

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

הַסַּ֑ף13 of 19

of the door

H5592

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

אֲשֶׁ֤ר14 of 19
H834

who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc

בִּקְשׁוּ֙15 of 19

who 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

of the king's

H4428

a king

אֲחַשְׁוֵרֽוֹשׁ׃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 6:2 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 6:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Test Your Knowledge

Continue Your Study