Esther 2:21

KJV

¶ 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.

KJV (with Strong's)

In those days {H3117}, while Mordecai {H4782} sat {H3427} in the king's {H4428} gate {H8179}, two {H8147} of the king's {H4428} chamberlains {H5631}, Bigthan {H904} and Teresh {H8657}, of those which kept {H8104} the door {H5592}, were wroth {H7107}, and sought {H1245} to lay {H7971} hand {H3027} on the king {H4428} Ahasuerus {H325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

On one of those occasions, when Mordekhai was sitting at the King's Gate, two of the king's officers, Bigtan and Teresh, from the group in charge of the private entryways, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Achashverosh.

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.

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Esther 2:21 details a pivotal, though initially understated, event in the book of Esther: the discovery of an assassination plot against King Ahasuerus by two of his trusted chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh. While Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian, was positioned at the king's gate, he overheard their conspiracy. This incident, swiftly resolved by Mordecai's report and the conspirators' subsequent execution, is profoundly significant as its meticulous recording in the royal chronicles later becomes the providential catalyst for Mordecai's elevation and the ultimate deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman's genocidal decree.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Esther 2:21 is strategically positioned within the narrative, immediately following Esther's coronation as queen (Esther 2:17-18) and preceding the introduction of Haman and his wicked scheme (Esther 3). At this juncture, Mordecai has established a consistent presence at the "king's gate" (Esther 2:19), a position that grants him unique access to court affairs and crucial information. The discovery of the assassination plot serves as a critical narrative hinge, initially appearing as an isolated act of loyalty. However, its true significance is revealed later in [Esther 6:1-3](/esther/6-1-3 "Esther 6:1-3 - The King's Sleepless Night and the Chronicles"), where the king's sleepless night leads him to consult the royal chronicles, thereby uncovering Mordecai's unrewarded deed. This event directly sets in motion the chain of events that secures Mordecai's honor and ultimately reverses Haman's decree, highlighting the subtle, interconnected nature of events in God's providential plan, where seemingly disparate occurrences are intricately woven into a grand design.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events of the book of Esther are set during the reign of Ahasuerus, widely identified as Xerxes I (486-465 BC), who ruled the vast Persian Empire from its capital, Susa. The "king's gate" was far more than a mere entrance; it functioned as a central administrative, judicial, and public square where officials conducted state business, royal decrees were announced, and justice was administered. Mordecai's regular presence there suggests a consistent, perhaps even minor official, role that afforded him a unique vantage point for observing court life. "Chamberlains" (Hebrew: *sarisim*) were high-ranking court officials, often eunuchs, who held positions of immense trust and intimate access to the king's person and private chambers. Their betrayal underscores the inherent dangers and pervasive intrigue within ancient royal courts, where power struggles, personal grievances, and political ambitions frequently led to assassination attempts, even by those closest to the monarch. This backdrop of ever-present danger makes the later, far greater threat posed by Haman's genocidal plot all the more chilling.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Esther. Most prominently, it exemplifies **Divine Providence**, showcasing God's unseen hand orchestrating events behind the scenes, even though His name is conspicuously absent from the text. Mordecai's seemingly unrewarded act of loyalty is meticulously recorded, becoming the critical link in a chain of events that ultimately leads to the salvation of the Jewish people. This demonstrates that God works through ordinary human actions and seemingly random occurrences, guiding them towards His sovereign purposes (compare [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")). The incident also highlights **Vigilance and Loyalty**, as Mordecai's attentiveness and faithfulness to the king, despite being a foreign Jew, are instrumental in averting immediate disaster. Furthermore, it underscores the constant **Court Intrigue and Danger** inherent in the Persian royal system, setting a realistic and perilous backdrop for the later, far greater threat posed by Haman.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **days (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** from an unused root meaning to be hot; a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term), (often used adverb); age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [phrase] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [phrase] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [phrase] required, season, [phrase] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [phrase] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. This term simply establishes the timeframe of the event, placing it within a general period following Esther's elevation. Its seemingly innocuous nature belies the profound significance of the events it introduces, emphasizing that God's providence operates within the ordinary flow of time.
* **chamberlains (Hebrew, _çârîyç'_):** or סָרִס; from an unused root meaning to castrate; a eunuch; by implication, valet (especially of the female apartments), and thus, a minister of state; chamberlain, eunuch, officer. Compare רַב־סָרִיס. These were not mere servants but high-ranking court officials who often had direct, intimate access to the king's person and private chambers. Their role as "keepers of the door" further highlights their trusted position and proximity, making their conspiracy a profound act of betrayal from within the king's most secure inner circle.
* **wroth (Hebrew, _qâtsaph'_):** a primitive root; to crack off, i.e. (figuratively) burst out in rage; (be) anger(-ry), displease, fret self, (provoke to) wrath (come), be wroth. This word signifies a deep-seated anger, indignation, or fury. It suggests that Bigthan and Teresh were not merely discontent but harbored a profound resentment or grievance that drove them to contemplate regicide. While the text does not specify the precise cause of their anger, it implies a personal or political motive strong enough to incite such a drastic and dangerous plot against the monarch.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate":** This opening clause sets the scene, establishing the timeframe of the event after Esther's elevation but before Haman's rise. It highlights Mordecai's consistent presence at a strategic location within the palace complex—the "king's gate" being a hub of court activity—emphasizing his attentiveness and perhaps a routine that allowed him to observe and overhear crucial court affairs.
* **"two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door":** This identifies the conspirators by name and by their significant positions. Their designation as "chamberlains" and "keepers of the door" underscores their trusted, intimate access to the king, making their treachery particularly alarming and dangerous. Their close proximity to the king would have provided them with ample opportunity to execute their murderous plot.
* **"were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus":** This reveals their motive—deep anger or indignation—and their explicit, violent intention: to assassinate the king. The phrase "to lay hand on" is a common biblical euphemism for doing violence, specifically to kill. This clear and immediate threat is what Mordecai's discovery thwarts, setting the stage for the later, larger threat to the Jewish people and the providential reversal of fortunes.

#### Literary Devices
Esther 2:21 employs several literary devices that enhance its narrative impact and thematic depth. **Foreshadowing** is prominently featured, as this seemingly isolated incident directly sets up the crucial events of [Esther 6](/esther/6 "Esther 6 - Mordecai's Honor and Haman's Humiliation"), where Mordecai's loyalty is remembered and rewarded, leading to Haman's downfall. The narrative also utilizes **Irony**, as the king's most trusted "chamberlains," those closest to him and responsible for his security, are the very ones who plot against his life, highlighting the inherent precariousness of power in ancient courts. There is also an element of **Dramatic Tension**, as a direct and immediate threat to the king's life is introduced, only to be swiftly averted by Mordecai's unexpected intervention. While not explicitly stated, the underlying theme of **Divine Providence** serves as a significant narrative force, as the author implicitly communicates that this event is part of a larger, unseen divine plan, subtly guiding human affairs towards a specific, redemptive outcome.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Esther 2:21 serves as a profound illustration of God's unseen, yet active, providence in human affairs. While the book of Esther famously omits any direct mention of God, this verse, and the subsequent recording of Mordecai's deed, powerfully demonstrate how God orchestrates seemingly random or insignificant events to achieve His sovereign purposes. Mordecai's vigilance and loyalty, though unrewarded at the time, become the foundational stone upon which the deliverance of the Jewish people is built. This incident reminds us that God often works through ordinary people and mundane circumstances, weaving together disparate threads to form a tapestry of His divine will, often without human awareness of His guiding hand until much later. It encourages a faith that trusts in God's ultimate control, even when His presence is not overtly manifest, knowing that He is meticulously working all things together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Genesis 50:20](/genesis/50-20 "Genesis 50:20 - God's Purpose in Evil")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - All Things Work for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Esther 2:21 offers valuable lessons for contemporary believers, challenging us to consider the profound significance of faithfulness, vigilance, and integrity in our daily lives, even in seemingly ordinary or unacknowledged circumstances. Mordecai's attentiveness at the king's gate, his commitment to justice, and his loyalty to the king, though not immediately rewarded, were precisely what God used to set the stage for a miraculous deliverance. This narrative compels us to cultivate a posture of attentiveness to our surroundings and to act righteously and responsibly in all our spheres of influence, trusting that God can use our seemingly small acts for His grand purposes, even in ways we cannot foresee. It encourages us to be faithful in the "little things," knowing that God often works through the cumulative effect of such faithfulness to bring about significant and redemptive outcomes, often revealing His hand only in retrospect. Our ordinary faithfulness can become part of God's extraordinary plan.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Mordecai's vigilance at the king's gate challenge me to be more attentive to my surroundings and the potential needs or dangers in my own sphere of influence?**
* **In what "small" or unacknowledged ways might God be using my faithfulness and integrity today for a larger, unseen purpose?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper trust in God's unseen hand, even when circumstances seem chaotic or random, believing that He is working all things for good?**

### FAQ

**Who were Bigthan and Teresh, and what was their motive for plotting against King Ahasuerus?**

Answer: Bigthan and Teresh were two of King Ahasuerus's "chamberlains" (Hebrew: *sarisim*), specifically identified as "those which kept the door." This indicates they held positions of significant trust and intimate access to the king's person and private chambers, often serving as personal attendants or guardians of the royal household. Their motive is simply stated as being "wroth," meaning deeply angry or indignant. The text does not specify the exact cause of their wrath, leaving it open to interpretation. It could have stemmed from a personal grievance, a perceived slight, political ambition, or dissatisfaction with the king's rule. Their trusted position made their betrayal particularly dangerous, highlighting the pervasive court intrigue and the constant threat of assassination faced by ancient monarchs, even from within their closest circles. This incident underscores the precariousness of power and the ever-present danger in the Persian court, a backdrop that makes Haman's later plot against the Jews even more chilling.

**Why is Mordecai's discovery of the plot so important, even though he isn't immediately rewarded?**

Answer: Mordecai's discovery of the assassination plot is of paramount importance because it serves as a critical narrative hinge in the book of Esther, powerfully demonstrating God's meticulous providence. Although Mordecai is not immediately rewarded for his loyalty—a detail that might seem odd to a reader and initially appears to be an oversight—his deed is meticulously recorded in the royal chronicles. This seemingly minor detail becomes the entire catalyst for the dramatic reversal of fortunes in [Esther 6](/esther/6 "Esther 6 - Mordecai's Honor and Haman's Humiliation"), where King Ahasuerus, suffering from insomnia, has the chronicles read to him and discovers Mordecai's unrewarded loyalty. This prompts the king to honor Mordecai, which directly leads to Haman's humiliation and sets in motion the events that culminate in Haman's downfall and the salvation of the Jewish people. Without Mordecai's vigilance and the subsequent recording of the event in [Esther 2:23](/esther/2-23 "Esther 2:23 - The Plot's Discovery and Execution"), the entire chain of divine intervention and deliverance would not have unfolded as it did. It beautifully illustrates how God works behind the scenes, using seemingly small, unacknowledged acts to accomplish His grand and redemptive purposes.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Esther 2:21, though set in a seemingly secular narrative without explicit mention of God, powerfully foreshadows the overarching theme of divine providence culminating in Christ. Mordecai's vigilant act of uncovering a plot against the king, though initially unrewarded, is meticulously recorded and later becomes the very instrument of salvation for his people. This mirrors God's eternal plan, where His unseen hand has been at work throughout history, orchestrating events to bring about the ultimate deliverance through His Son. Just as Mordecai, an unexpected figure at the gate, became an instrument of salvation, so too did God choose a seemingly humble and unexpected path for the world's salvation through Jesus Christ. Christ, the ultimate "gatekeeper" and the true King of Kings, was "wroth" not with human kings, but with the sin that held humanity captive. He did not seek to "lay hand on" an earthly monarch in rebellion, but rather allowed hands to be laid upon Him, enduring the cross to secure eternal life for all who believe (as prophesied in [Isaiah 53:5](/isaiah/53-5 "Isaiah 53:5 - Christ's Suffering for Our Sins")). His sacrifice, initially perceived as a defeat by the world, was in fact the ultimate act of loyalty to His Father's will and the pivotal event recorded in the "chronicles" of heaven, leading to the deliverance of all who are "in Christ" from the ultimate enemies: sin, death, and the powers of darkness ([Colossians 2:13-15](/colossians/2-13-15 "Colossians 2:13-15 - Triumph Over Principalities")). Thus, the subtle workings of providence in Esther point to the grand, visible intervention of God in the person and work of Jesus, the true Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.

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.

2 Kings 9:22

And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, [Is it] peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts [are so] many?

2 Kings 9:24

And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength, and smote Jehoram between his arms, and the arrow went out at his heart, and he sunk down in his chariot.

2 Kings 12:20

And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goeth down to Silla.

1 Kings 16:9

And his servant Zimri, captain of half [his] chariots, conspired against him, as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself drunk in the house of Arza steward of [his] house in Tirzah.

2 Samuel 4:5

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.