### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The name **Bizthâʼ**, represented by `{{H968}}`, is of Persian origin. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. The word refers to a specific individual, **Biztha**, identified as a eunuch who served the Persian king Xerxes, also known as Ahasuerus.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of **Bizthâʼ** is in the book of Esther. In the narrative, King Ahasuerus is holding a feast, and on the seventh day, his heart was "merry with wine" [[Esther 1:10]]. In this state, he commanded a group of seven chamberlains, including **Biztha**, to act. These men are described as those who "served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king," highlighting their status as trusted officials within the royal court [[Esther 1:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The context of Biztha's appearance in [[Esther 1:10]] connects him to several key Hebrew words that define his environment and role:
* `{{H5631}}` **çârîyç** (chamberlain): This word defines Biztha's official position. It translates to "eunuch" or "chamberlain," signifying a high-ranking court officer or valet.
* `{{H8334}}` **shârath** (served): This verb describes the function of Biztha and the other chamberlains. It means to "attend as a menial or worshipper" or to "minister (unto)," underscoring their duty to the king.
* `{{H4428}}` **melek** (king): Biztha served this figure, King Ahasuerus. The word simply means "a king" and establishes the ultimate authority in the scene.
* `{{H559}}` **ʼâmar** (commanded): This is the action taken by the king toward Biztha and his companions. The root means "to say" but is used here with the force of a royal command.
* `{{H2896}}` **ṭôwb** (merry): This describes the king's state of mind, defined as "good" or "merry," which was influenced by wine and prompted his command.
* `{{H3196}}` **yayin** (wine): This is the substance that made the king merry. It is defined as "wine (as fermented); by implication, intoxication."
### Theological Significance
While a minor figure, the mention of **Bizthâʼ** carries narrative significance by establishing the setting and initiating the plot.
* **Royal Servant:** As a **çârîyç** `{{H5631}}`, or chamberlain, Biztha's identity is tied to his role in the Persian royal court. He is one of the men who **served** `{{H8334}}` directly in the king's presence [[Esther 1:10]].
* **Instrument of Royal Will:** Biztha is named as part of the specific group that receives a direct **command** `{{H559}}` from King Ahasuerus. This act of being commanded is his only recorded action, positioning him as an agent of the king's decree.
* **Context of the Decree:** His story is set against the backdrop of a royal banquet where the king's judgment is influenced by being **merry** `{{H2896}}` with **wine** `{{H3196}}`, a detail crucial for understanding the impulsive nature of the command that follows.
### Summary
In summary, **Bizthâʼ** `{{H968}}` is the name of a Persian eunuch mentioned once in scripture. He is exclusively found in [[Esther 1:10]] as one of seven chamberlains to King Ahasuerus. Though he plays no further role, his mention is significant for establishing the scene, identifying the key figures of the Persian court, and being a direct recipient of the pivotal royal command that sets the events of the book of Esther into motion.
TRV