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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
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