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 2:21 ►

New International Version
During the time Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s officers who guarded the doorway, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.

New Living Translation
One day as Mordecai was on duty at the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthana and Teresh—who were guards at the door of the king’s private quarters—became angry at King Xerxes and plotted to assassinate him.

English Standard Version
In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.

New American Standard Bible
In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s officials from those who guarded the door, became angry and sought to attack King Ahasuerus.

NASB 1995
In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s officials from those who guarded the door, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.

NASB 1977
In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s officials from those who guarded the door, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.

Legacy Standard Bible
In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs from those who were doorkeepers, became furious and sought to send forth their hand against King Ahasuerus.

Amplified Bible
In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who guarded the door, became angry and conspired to attack King Ahasuerus.

Christian Standard Bible
During those days while Mordecai was sitting at the King’s Gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs who guarded the entrance, became infuriated and planned to assassinate King Ahasuerus.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
During those days while Mordecai was sitting at the King’s Gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two eunuchs who guarded the king’s entrance, became infuriated and planned to assassinate King Ahasuerus.

American Standard Version
In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the threshold, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.

Contemporary English Version
Bigthana and Teresh were the two men who guarded King Xerxes' rooms, but they got angry with the king and decided to kill him.

English Revised Version
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 hands on the king Ahasuerus.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
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, became angry and planned to kill King Xerxes.

Good News Translation
During the time that Mordecai held office in the palace, Bigthana and Teresh, two of the palace eunuchs who guarded the entrance to the king's rooms, became hostile to King Xerxes and plotted to assassinate him.

International Standard Version
At that time when Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs among those who guarded the threshold, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Ahasuerus.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
In those days while Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs who protected the entrance, became angry and plotted to assassinate King Ahasuerus.

New Heart English Bible
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 Achshayarsh.

Webster's Bible Translation
In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those who kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

World English Bible
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.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
In those days, when Mordecai is sitting in the gate of the king, has Bigthan been angry, and Teresh (two of the eunuchs of the king, the keepers of the threshold), and they seek to put forth a hand on King Ahasuerus,

Young's Literal Translation
In those days, when Mordecai is sitting in the gate of the king, hath Bigthan been wroth, and Teresh, (two of the eunuchs of the king, the keepers of the threshold,) and they seek to put forth a hand on king Ahasuerus,

Smith's Literal Translation
In those days, and Mordecai sat in the gate of the king, Bigthan was angry, and Teresh, two eunuchs of the king watching the threshold; and they will seek to stretch forth the hand against the king Ahasuerus.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
At that time, therefore, when Mardochai abode at the king's gate, Bagathan and Thares, two of the king's eunuchs, who were porters, and presided in the first entry of the palace, were angry: and they designed to rise up against the king, and to kill him.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Therefore, at that time, when Mordecai was staying at the king’s gate, Bagatha and Thara, two of the king’s eunuchs, who were gatekeepers and who presided over the first entryway of the palace, were angry, and they decided to rise up against the king and kill him.

New American Bible
During the time that Mordecai spent at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the royal eunuchs who guarded the entrance, became angry and plotted to assassinate King Ahasuerus.

New Revised Standard Version
In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Ahasuerus.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
In those days, while Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, of those who kept the door, were wroth and sought to lay hands on King Akhshirash.

Peshitta Holy Bible Translated
And in those days, Murdacai was sitting in the gate of the King, and Begthan and Teresh, two of the Eunuchs of the King, Keepers of the gate, were enraged, and they attempted to lay hands on King Akhashiresh.

OT Translations

JPS Tanakh 1917
in those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.

Brenton Septuagint Translation
And two chamberlains of the king, the chiefs of the body-guard, were grieved, because Mardochaeus was promoted; and they sought to kill king Artaxerxes.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Mordecai Uncovers a Conspiracy
21In 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. 22When Mordecai learned of the plot, he reported it to Queen Esther, and she informed the king on Mordecai’s behalf.…

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Nehemiah 2:19
But when Sanballat the Horonite, Tobiah the Ammonite official, and Geshem the Arab heard about this, they mocked us and ridiculed us, saying, “What is this you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”

Nehemiah 4:7-8
When Sanballat and Tobiah, together with the Arabs, Ammonites, and Ashdodites, heard that the repair to the walls of Jerusalem was progressing and that the gaps were being closed, they were furious, / and all of them conspired to come and fight against Jerusalem and create a hindrance.

Daniel 2:49
And at Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to manage the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court.

Daniel 6:4-5
Thus the administrators and satraps sought a charge against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no charge or corruption, because he was trustworthy, and no negligence or corruption was found in him. / Finally these men said, “We will never find any charge against this Daniel unless we find something against him concerning the law of his God.”

Genesis 40:2-3
Pharaoh was angry with his two officers, the chief cupbearer and the chief baker, / and imprisoned them in the house of the captain of the guard, the same prison where Joseph was confined.

Genesis 41:10
Pharaoh was once angry with his servants, and he put me and the chief baker in the custody of the captain of the guard.

2 Samuel 15:12
While Absalom was offering the sacrifices, he sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s counselor, to come from his hometown of Giloh. So the conspiracy gained strength, and Absalom’s following kept increasing.

2 Samuel 17:1-4
Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David. / I will attack him while he is weak and weary; I will throw him into a panic, and all the people with him will flee; I will strike down only the king / and bring all the people back to you as a bride returning to her husband. You seek the life of only one man; then all the people will be at peace.” ...

2 Kings 11:1-2
When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs. / But Jehosheba daughter of King Joram, the sister of Ahaziah, took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered. She put him and his nurse in a bedroom to hide him from Athaliah, and he was not killed.

2 Chronicles 22:10-12
When Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she proceeded to annihilate all the royal heirs of the house of Judah. / But Jehoshabeath daughter of King Jehoram took Joash son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the sons of the king who were being murdered, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Because Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram and the wife of Jehoiada the priest, was Ahaziah’s sister, she hid Joash from Athaliah so that she could not kill him. / And Joash remained hidden with them in the house of God for six years while Athaliah ruled the land.

Psalm 2:1-2
Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? / The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers gather together, against the LORD and against His Anointed One:

Psalm 41:9
Even my close friend whom I trusted, the one who shared my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.

Psalm 55:12-14
For it is not an enemy who insults me; that I could endure. It is not a foe who rises against me; from him I could hide. / But it is you, a man like myself, my companion and close friend. / We shared sweet fellowship together; we walked with the crowd into the house of God.

Matthew 26:3-4
At that time the chief priests and elders of the people assembled in the courtyard of the high priest, whose name was Caiaphas, / and they conspired to arrest Jesus covertly and kill Him.

Matthew 26:14-16
Then one of the Twelve, the one called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests / and asked, “What are you willing to give me if I hand Him over to you?” And they set out for him thirty pieces of silver. / So from then on Judas looked for an opportunity to betray Jesus.

Treasury of Scripture

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 hands on the king Ahasuerus.

Bigthan.

Esther 6:2
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.

2 Samuel 4:5,6
And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ishbosheth, who lay on a bed at noon…

2 Samuel 16:11
And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, which came forth of my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more now may this Benjamite do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for the LORD hath bidden him.

1 Kings 15:25-27
And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years…

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Ahasuerus Angry Chamberlains Door Doorkeepers Eunuchs Gate Guarded Hands Kept King's Lay Mordecai Mor'decai Officials Sat Sitting Sought Teresh Wroth

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Ahasuerus Angry Chamberlains Door Doorkeepers Eunuchs Gate Guarded Hands Kept King's Lay Mordecai Mor'decai Officials Sat Sitting Sought Teresh Wroth

Esther 2

1. Out of the choice of virgins a queen is to be chosen.
5. Mordecai the nursing father of Esther.
8. Esther preferred before the rest.
12. The manner of purification, and going in to the king.
15. Esther, best pleasing the king, is made queen.
21. Mordecai, discovering a treason, is recorded in the chronicles.

Berean Study Bible

In those days
This phrase sets the historical context for the events that are about to unfold. "In those days" refers to the time when Esther had become queen and Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate. This was during the reign of King Xerxes (Ahasuerus) of Persia, a period marked by political intrigue and the consolidation of power. The phrase reminds us that God's providence is at work in specific historical contexts, orchestrating events according to His divine plan.

while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate
The "king's gate" was not merely a physical location but a place of significant administrative and judicial activity. Mordecai's presence there indicates his role in the Persian court, possibly as an official or a judge. This position allowed him to be privy to important information and events, demonstrating how God places His people in strategic positions to fulfill His purposes. Mordecai's vigilance and loyalty to the king also reflect his integrity and faithfulness, qualities that God honors and uses for His glory.

Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king’s eunuchs
The mention of "Bigthan and Teresh" provides specific details about the individuals involved in the plot against the king. Eunuchs often held positions of trust and influence in ancient royal courts, yet these two conspired against the king. Their names being recorded in Scripture highlights the personal nature of the threat and the reality of human sinfulness and betrayal. It serves as a reminder that God is aware of all human actions and intentions, and He can use even the schemes of the wicked to accomplish His purposes.

who guarded the entrance
This phrase indicates the responsibility and authority entrusted to Bigthan and Teresh. As guardians of the entrance, they had access to the king and were responsible for his safety. Their betrayal underscores the theme of misplaced trust and the potential for corruption within positions of power. It also illustrates the vulnerability of earthly rulers and the need for divine protection and wisdom.

became angry
The anger of Bigthan and Teresh suggests a personal grievance or dissatisfaction that led to their conspiracy. This emotion, unchecked, resulted in a plot to harm the king. The Bible often warns against the dangers of anger and bitterness, which can lead to destructive actions. This serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of guarding one's heart and seeking reconciliation and peace.

and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes
The conspiracy to "assassinate King Xerxes" reveals the gravity of the threat and the potential for upheaval in the Persian Empire. Assassination plots were not uncommon in ancient courts, where power struggles were frequent. This plot, however, was thwarted by God's providence through Mordecai's intervention. It highlights the sovereignty of God over the affairs of nations and His ability to protect His chosen instruments for His purposes. The thwarting of this plot also sets the stage for the elevation of Mordecai and the deliverance of the Jewish people, demonstrating God's faithfulness to His covenant promises.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(21) In those days.--Here the thread of Esther 2:19 is taken up, "then I say, in those days--"

Bigthan.--Called Bigtha in Esther 1:10; Bigthana in Esther 6:2.

Sought to lay hand on the king.--It is noticeable that Xerxes was ultimately murdered by Artabanus, captain of the guard, and Mithridates, a chamberlain.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 21. - In those days. Or, "at that time" - i.e. at the time when the second gathering of the virgins took place (see ver. 19). Two of the king's chamberlains. Rather, "eunuchs." Bigthan, or Bigthana (Esther 6:2), is probably the same name as the Bigtha of Esther 1:10, and possibly the same personage. Teresh is not mentioned elsewhere. Of those which kept the door. Two of the eunuchs who guarded the entrance to the king's sleeping apartment. This was a position of the highest possible trust, and gave conspirators a terrible advantage. Xerxes actually lost his life through a conspiracy formed by Artabanus, the captain of his guard, with Aspamitras, a eunuch and chamberlain (Ctes., 'Exc. Pers.,' § 29).

Parallel Commentaries ...

Hebrew

In those
הָהֵ֔ם (hā·hêm)
Article | Pronoun - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1992: They

days,
בַּיָּמִ֣ים (bay·yā·mîm)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine plural
Strong's 3117: A day

while Mordecai
וּמָרְדֳּכַ֖י (ū·mā·rə·do·ḵay)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 4782: Mordecai -- a companion of Zerubbabel, also a cousin of Esther

was sitting
יֹשֵׁ֣ב (yō·šêḇ)
Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3427: To sit down, to dwell, to remain, to settle, to marry

at the King’s
הַמֶּ֑לֶךְ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Gate,
בְּשַֽׁעַר־ (bə·ša·‘ar-)
Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8179: An opening, door, gate

Bigthan
בִּגְתָ֨ן (biḡ·ṯān)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 904: Bigthan -- a eunuch of Ahasuerus

and Teresh,
וָתֶ֜רֶשׁ (wā·ṯe·reš)
Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 8657: Teresh -- a eunuch of Ahasuerus

two
שְׁנֵֽי־ (šə·nê-)
Number - mdc
Strong's 8147: Two (a cardinal number)

eunuchs
סָרִיסֵ֤י (sā·rî·sê)
Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5631: A eunuch, valet, a minister of state

who guarded
מִשֹּׁמְרֵ֣י (miš·šō·mə·rê)
Preposition-m | Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine plural construct
Strong's 8104: To hedge about, guard, to protect, attend to

the king’s
הַמֶּ֙לֶךְ֙ (ham·me·leḵ)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

entrance,
הַסַּ֔ף (has·sap̄)
Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 5592: A vestibule, a dish

grew angry
קָצַף֩ (qā·ṣap̄)
Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7107: To crack off, burst out in rage

and conspired
וַיְבַקְשׁוּ֙ (way·ḇaq·šū)
Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 1245: To search out, to strive after

to assassinate
לִשְׁלֹ֣חַ (liš·lō·aḥ)
Preposition-l | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct
Strong's 7971: To send away, for, out

King
בַּמֶּ֖לֶךְ (bam·me·leḵ)
Preposition-b, Article | Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4428: A king

Xerxes.
אֲחַשְׁוֵֽרֹשׁ׃ (’ă·ḥaš·wê·rōš)
Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 325: Ahasuerus -- king of Persia

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OT History: Esther 2:21 In those days while Mordecai was sitting (Est Esth. Es)