בִּגְתָן (big.tan)
big.tan
Bigthan
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Bigtan refers to a specific individual mentioned in the Book of Esther, identified as one of King Ahasuerus’s eunuchs who served at the gate of the palace. The sources note that this figure appears in two distinct contexts within the narrative: first recorded alongside another guard named Teresh in Esther 2:21, and later referenced by name again in Esther 6:2.
Etymologically, the name is interpreted as meaning "in their wine-press," though some lexica suggest an alternative derivation related to a "gift of God." This personal detail anchors a broader historical moment where court intrigue played a decisive role. In Esther 2:21, Bigtan and Teresh are described plotting against the king, a conspiracy that Mordecai uncovers and reports, leading to their execution.
The recurrence of his name in Esther 6:2 serves a crucial literary function rather than introducing new action. Here, the king cannot sleep and orders the royal chronicles read aloud, discovering the record of Mordecai’s earlier service in exposing Bigtan’s plot. This detail highlights how hidden acts of loyalty are remembered and eventually vindicated within the story’s framework.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Bigtan is not a name that calls for deep theological study, but its presence in Scripture offers a quiet comfort about God’s providence. He appears only as a minor figure in the royal court of Esther, yet his story helps show how history unfolds even when God’s name is never spoken aloud.
In Esther 2:21, Bigtan and Teresh plot against King Ahasuerus. Mordecai uncovers this danger and reports it to the king. Years later, in Esther 6:2, the king reads the royal records and remembers that Mordecai had once saved his life. This detail shows that no act of faithfulness is forgotten. Even when we feel unseen, our loyalty matters.
Bigtan’s plot failed because God protected His people through ordinary means. We can trust that God watches over us too. Our small acts of obedience are recorded in heaven, just as Mordecai’s report was written in the king’s chronicles. This gives hope that justice will prevail and that God cares about the details of our lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Bigthana1×
- Bigthan1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בִּגְתָ֨ן1×
- בִּגְתָ֣נָא1×
Key Verses
-
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.
This verse introduces Bigtan as a conspirator, establishing the danger Mordecai faced and his initial act of loyalty to the king.
-
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.
Here the royal chronicles are read, revealing that God preserved the record of Mordecai’s earlier service through Bigtan’s plot, leading to Mordecai’s eventual honor.