Esther 2:21 - In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers, were angry, and sought to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Esther 2:21" mean?
This verse from Esther 2:21 is a crucial plot point in the Book of Esther. Let's break it down:
"In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate...": This establishes the setting. Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian, held a position of some authority, as sitting at the "king's gate" was a privilege and often denoted being a royal official or having access to the royal court.
"...two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers...": Introduces the two antagonists: Bigthan and Teresh. As eunuchs, they would have been castrated and often held positions of trust and power in ancient courts, like that of Persia. Their role as "doorkeepers" meant they guarded the king's chambers or other important areas.
"...were angry, and sought to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus.": This is the core of the verse. Bigthan and Teresh were plotting to assassinate King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I). The phrase "lay hands on" is a euphemism for violence, in this case, a plot to kill the king. Their anger is not specified here, but likely stemmed from some grievance or resentment towards the king.
In summary, the verse describes a conspiracy:
Mordecai, in his position at the king's gate, is in a position to observe or learn information. The verse reveals a plot by two royal eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, to assassinate King Ahasuerus. This plot will be discovered by Mordecai, and the information shared to Esther to ultimately change the course of the story and lead to the salvation of the Jewish people.
Significance:
Foreshadowing and Plot Development: This seemingly small event sets in motion a chain of events that become central to the story. Mordecai overhearing the plot and reporting it establishes him as a loyal servant to the king.
Divine Providence: Some interpret this as evidence of God's intervention, as Mordecai's act of loyalty will later be remembered and rewarded, leading to his and Esther's rise in power and ultimately the salvation of the Jewish people.
Character Introduction: It introduces the characters and their roles in the unfolding drama.
Esther 2:21 - In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate, two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers, were angry, and sought to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus.
What does "Esther 2:21" mean?
This verse from Esther 2:21 is a crucial plot point in the Book of Esther. Let's break it down:
"In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate...": This establishes the setting. Mordecai, Esther's cousin and guardian, held a position of some authority, as sitting at the "king's gate" was a privilege and often denoted being a royal official or having access to the royal court.
"...two of the king’s eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, who were doorkeepers...": Introduces the two antagonists: Bigthan and Teresh. As eunuchs, they would have been castrated and often held positions of trust and power in ancient courts, like that of Persia. Their role as "doorkeepers" meant they guarded the king's chambers or other important areas.
"...were angry, and sought to lay hands on the King Ahasuerus.": This is the core of the verse. Bigthan and Teresh were plotting to assassinate King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes I). The phrase "lay hands on" is a euphemism for violence, in this case, a plot to kill the king. Their anger is not specified here, but likely stemmed from some grievance or resentment towards the king.
In summary, the verse describes a conspiracy:
Mordecai, in his position at the king's gate, is in a position to observe or learn information. The verse reveals a plot by two royal eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, to assassinate King Ahasuerus. This plot will be discovered by Mordecai, and the information shared to Esther to ultimately change the course of the story and lead to the salvation of the Jewish people.
Significance:
Foreshadowing and Plot Development: This seemingly small event sets in motion a chain of events that become central to the story. Mordecai overhearing the plot and reporting it establishes him as a loyal servant to the king.
Divine Providence: Some interpret this as evidence of God's intervention, as Mordecai's act of loyalty will later be remembered and rewarded, leading to his and Esther's rise in power and ultimately the salvation of the Jewish people.
Character Introduction: It introduces the characters and their roles in the unfolding drama.