### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **bahaṭ**, represented by `{{H923}}`, refers to a type of glistening stone, defined as **red marble** or possibly white marble or alabaster. This is an exceedingly rare word in scripture, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**. Its singular purpose is to contribute to a vivid description of royal luxury and architectural beauty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H923}}` is in the book of Esther. It is used to describe the magnificent flooring in the court of the garden at the king's palace. The verse details an opulent **pavement** `{{H7531}}` constructed of **red** `{{H923}}`, blue, white, and black marble. Upon this ornate floor, beds of gold and silver were placed for guests, establishing the immense wealth and grandeur of the Persian king Ahasuerus [[Esther 1:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several other words for precious materials appear alongside `{{H923}}` in its only context, painting a fuller picture of the scene:
* `{{H1858}}` **dar**: This term, meaning pearl-stone or alabaster, is translated as **white** and describes another of the colored stones used in the patterned pavement [[Esther 1:6]].
* `{{H5508}}` **çôchêreth**: Defined as **black marble**, this word denotes a third type of stone in the floor, highlighting the detailed and multi-hued craftsmanship of the royal court [[Esther 1:6]].
* `{{H7531}}` **ritspâh**: This is the word for the **pavement** itself, a tessellated floor into which `{{H923}}` and the other stones were set, indicating a mosaic-like design [[Esther 1:6]].
* `{{H8336}}` **shêsh**: Used here for **marble**, this word describes the general material of the pillars in the court and is used by analogy for the costly stones in the pavement [[Esther 1:6]].
### Theological Significance
Though it appears in a historical description, the context for `{{H923}}` carries significant weight by illustrating the setting's character.
* **Symbol of Worldly Splendor:** The word is exclusively used to build a scene of overwhelming human wealth and power. The pavement made of **red** marble `{{H923}}` and other precious stones establishes the material grandeur of the Persian court where the events of Esther unfold [[Esther 1:6]].
* **Foundation of Royal Luxury:** Positioned under **beds** `{{H4296}}` made of **gold** `{{H2091}}` and **silver** `{{H3701}}`, the costly pavement featuring `{{H923}}` serves as the literal foundation for the royal feast, emphasizing that extravagance was built into the very structure of the palace.
* **Element in a Rich Palette:** The mention of `{{H923}}` is part of a larger inventory of valuable materials, including **white** `{{H2353}}`, **green** `{{H3768}}`, and **blue** `{{H8504}}` hangings fastened with cords of **purple** `{{H713}}`, which together paint a picture of immense beauty and sophisticated artistry [[Esther 1:6]].
### Summary
In summary, **bahaṭ** `{{H923}}` is a highly specific term for a precious stone, likely red marble. Its single biblical appearance is not in a doctrinal teaching but in a rich, descriptive narrative that establishes a scene of unparalleled royal opulence. It functions as a key detail that underscores the immense wealth and power of the human kingdom that forms the backdrop for the dramatic events in the book of Esther.
TRV