The Conspirator Unmasked
Bigthan was another one of the trusted court officials serving under King Ahasuerus in the Persian capital of Shushan, just like the previous chamberlain, Bigtha. However, Bigthan’s significance in Scripture is tied to an act of treachery—a conspiracy to assassinate the King—and the providential intervention of Mordecai the Jew.
The Office of Trust
Bigthan is introduced in the second chapter of the Book of Esther, along with his fellow chamberlain, Teresh. Like other eunuchs, they held close proximity to the King, making their treachery all the more dangerous.
The text specifies their position:
“In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king’s gate, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which were of the doorkeepers, kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.” (Esther 2:21, KJV)
As “doorkeepers,” Bigthan and Teresh likely guarded the King’s private apartments or inner court, giving them access that few others possessed.
The Conspiracy Exposed
For reasons not stated in the text, Bigthan and Teresh became “wroth” (angry) with King Ahasuerus and planned to assassinate him—a severe and treasonous act.
However, the pious Jew Mordecai, who was sitting at the King’s gate (a place where judicial and administrative business was conducted), overheard the details of the plot. Recognizing the immediate danger to the King, Mordecai reported the matter to his cousin, Queen Esther.
Esther, in turn, informed the King of the danger, giving credit to Mordecai:
“And Esther certified the king thereof in Mordecai’s name.” (Esther 2:22, KJV)
Justice and Remembrance
The conspiracy was quickly investigated and confirmed. As a result of their treason:
“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.” (Esther 2:23, KJV)
Bigthan and Teresh were executed, and their attempted assassination plot, along with Mordecai’s loyalty, was permanently recorded in the official royal chronicles.
This seemingly minor event is profoundly important to the overarching narrative of the Book of Esther. The record of Mordecai’s good deed, which Bigthan and Teresh’s wickedness triggered, would later be read to the sleepless King Ahasuerus (Esther 6:1-3). This remembrance ultimately led to Mordecai’s promotion and was the first step in the dismantling of Haman’s plot against the Jews, proving God’s providential care in preserving His people.