Bigtha
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Reference: Esther 1:10

Overview:
Bigtha is one of the seven eunuchs who served in the court of King Ahasuerus, also known as Xerxes, during the time of the Persian Empire. His role is mentioned in the Book of Esther, a narrative that highlights the providence of God in the deliverance of the Jewish people from a plot to annihilate them.

Biblical Context:
In the Book of Esther, Bigtha is listed among the seven eunuchs who served King Ahasuerus. The specific verse that mentions Bigtha is Esther 1:10, which states: "On the seventh day, when King Xerxes was in high spirits from wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who served him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas—" . These eunuchs were responsible for carrying out the king's orders and attending to his personal needs.

Role and Duties:
As a eunuch in the Persian court, Bigtha would have held a position of trust and responsibility. Eunuchs were often employed in royal courts due to their perceived loyalty and inability to establish a dynasty of their own, which minimized the threat of political intrigue. Bigtha, along with his fellow eunuchs, was tasked with executing the king's commands, which in this instance involved summoning Queen Vashti to appear before the king and his guests during a royal banquet.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
The mention of Bigtha and the other eunuchs provides insight into the structure and operation of the Persian royal court. Eunuchs played a crucial role in the administration and daily functioning of the palace. Their presence in the narrative of Esther underscores the opulence and complexity of the Persian Empire, as well as the intricate social hierarchy that existed within the royal household.

Theological Implications:
While Bigtha's role in the biblical narrative is brief, his inclusion in the text serves to set the stage for the events that follow, particularly the rise of Esther as queen and the subsequent deliverance of the Jewish people. The Book of Esther, though not explicitly mentioning God, is a testament to divine providence and the unseen hand of God working through human history to fulfill His purposes. The actions of individuals like Bigtha, though seemingly minor, contribute to the unfolding of God's plan for His people.

Conclusion:
Bigtha's mention in the Book of Esther, though limited to a single verse, is part of a larger narrative that highlights the sovereignty of God in the affairs of nations and individuals. His role as a eunuch in the Persian court exemplifies the intricate workings of God's providence, using even the smallest details to bring about His divine will.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Bigtha

(gift of God), one of the seven chamberlains or eunuchs of the harem of King Ahasuerus. (Esther 1:10) (B.C. 483.)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Garden, or gift of fortune, one of the seven eunuchs or chamberlains who had charge of the harem of Ahasuerus (Esther 1:10).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BIGTHA

big'-tha (bighetha'; Septuagint Barazi; Codex Vaticanus, Boraze; Codex Alexandrinus, Oareboa): One of the seven eunuchs or chamberlains having charge of the harem of King Xerxes ("Ahasuerus") and commanded to bring Vashti to the king's banquet (Esther 1:10).

Strong's Hebrew
903. Bigtha -- a eunuch of Ahasuerus
... 902, 903. Bigtha. 904 . a eunuch of Ahasuerus. Transliteration: Bigtha
Phonetic Spelling: (big-thaw') Short Definition: Bigtha. ...
/hebrew/903.htm - 5k

904. Bigthan -- a eunuch of Ahasuerus
... Or Bigthanad {big-thaw'naw}; of similar derivation to Bigtha'; Bigthan or Bigthana,
a eunuch of Xerxes -- Bigthan, Bigthana. see HEBREW Bigtha'. 903, 904. ...
/hebrew/904.htm - 6k

Thesaurus
Bigtha (1 Occurrence)
... 1:10). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BIGTHA. big'-tha (bighetha ... 1:10).
Multi-Version Concordance Bigtha (1 Occurrence). Esther 1:10 ...
/b/bigtha.htm - 7k

Xerxes (24 Occurrences)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass ...
/x/xerxes.htm - 14k

Zethar (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass ...
/z/zethar.htm - 7k

Unsexed (26 Occurrences)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was glad with wine, he
gave orders to Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and ...
/u/unsexed.htm - 15k

Eunuchs (33 Occurrences)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass ...
/e/eunuchs.htm - 17k

Mehuman (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass ...
/m/mehuman.htm - 7k

Mehu'man (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Bizzetha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas ...
/m/mehu'man.htm - 6k

Bigger (4 Occurrences)

/b/bigger.htm - 7k

Biztha (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass ...
/b/biztha.htm - 7k

Bizzetha (1 Occurrence)
... Esther 1:10 On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine,
he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas ...
/b/bizzetha.htm - 6k

Resources
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Concordance
Bigtha (1 Occurrence)

Esther 1:10
On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,
(WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT NAS RSV NIV)

Subtopics

Bigtha

Related Terms

Bigthana (2 Occurrences)

Xerxes (24 Occurrences)

Tharra

Teresh (2 Occurrences)

Eunuchs (33 Occurrences)

Mor'decai (51 Occurrences)

Bigtha (1 Occurrence)

Threshold (28 Occurrences)

Chamberlains (17 Occurrences)

Ahasu-e'rus (30 Occurrences)

Assassinate (3 Occurrences)

Ahasuerus (28 Occurrences)

Guarded (27 Occurrences)

Mordecai (52 Occurrences)

Conspired (32 Occurrences)

Doorkeepers (37 Occurrences)

Wroth (65 Occurrences)

Keepers (78 Occurrences)

Chance (78 Occurrences)

Bigotry: Paul's Argument Against
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