Original Word: בִּגְתָא
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: Bigtha'
Pronunciation: big-thah
Phonetic Spelling: (big-thaw')
KJV: Bigtha
NASB: Bigtha
Word Origin: [of Persian derivation]

1. Bigtha, a eunuch of Xerxes

Bigtha

Of Persian derivation; Bigtha, a eunuch of Xerxes -- Bigtha.

Word Origin
of foreign origin
Definition
a eunuch of Ahasuerus
NASB Translation
Bigtha (1).

בִּגְתָא proper name, masculine (Persian compare אֲבַגְתָא) a eunuch of Ahasuerus Esther 1:10.

Scriptural Context

Bigtha is named once in the canonical record, within the narrative of Esther 1:10. He is counted among “the seven eunuchs who attended” King Xerxes during the lavish, six-month celebration in Susa. The Berean Standard Bible records: “On the seventh day, when the heart of King Xerxes was merry with wine, he commanded the seven eunuchs who attended him—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carkas—”. Though his mention is brief, it situates him at a decisive moment that precipitates the removal of Queen Vashti and sets the stage for Esther’s eventual rise.

Role in the Persian Court

Eunuchs held positions of close personal service, often acting as chamberlains, messengers, and custodians over palace affairs. Bigtha’s inclusion among this select group indicates proximity to royal authority and trustworthiness in handling delicate assignments—such as summoning a queen before a multitude of nobles. The king’s reliance on eunuchs underscores the highly structured bureaucracy of the Persian Empire, where even seemingly minor functionaries could influence momentous events.

Historical Background of Xerxes’ Feast

The banquet in Susa (Esther 1:3–9) was intended to display the empire’s wealth and to solidify loyalty ahead of Xerxes’ campaigns against Greece. The seven eunuchs, including Bigtha, are listed immediately after the description of extravagant drinking, suggesting that royal orders bypassed usual decorum under the influence of wine. Vashti’s refusal to appear, conveyed through these attendants, created a political crisis answered by new legislation affecting all provinces (Esther 1:15–22).

Theological and Ministry Implications

1. Divine Sovereignty in Ordinary Agents: Bigtha’s fleeting presence illustrates how God orchestrates His purposes through individuals who seem incidental. Without the eunuchs’ mission, Vashti might not have refused, and Esther’s ascension would not have occurred as it did.
2. Accountability amid Power Structures: The eunuchs executed the king’s command, but the episode warns of the potential consequences when authority is exercised heedlessly. Scripture consistently upholds responsible leadership (Proverbs 28:16).
3. Foreshadowing of Deliverance: By facilitating the chain of events that brought Esther to the throne, Bigtha’s role indirectly contributes to the salvation of the Jewish people (Esther 9:20-22), prefiguring God’s continual preservation of His covenant community.

Lessons for Contemporary Faith

• Faithful Service in Hidden Places: Like Bigtha, many believers labor unnoticed. Yet their obedience intersects with God’s larger redemptive plan (Colossians 3:23-24).
• Discernment under Authority: Obedient action should remain tempered by Scriptural ethics. The narrative invites reflection on the balance between serving rulers and honoring God above all (Acts 5:29).
• Watching for Providential Turning Points: The smallest acts—delivering a message, opening a door, or, in Bigtha’s case, summoning a queen—can become catalysts for gospel impact. Believers are encouraged to steward each task with prayerful awareness (Ephesians 5:15-17).

Related Figures and Events

• Xerxes (Ahasuerus): The monarch whose edicts frame the story.
• Vashti: Her refusal to appear initiates Esther’s opportunity.
• Esther and Mordecai: Central instruments of deliverance whose rise was indirectly enabled by Bigtha’s mission.
• Harbona and Fellow Eunuchs: Companions of Bigtha who reappear later (Esther 7:9), reinforcing the continuity of palace personnel in the unfolding drama.

Application for Christian Leadership

Leaders today should note how a single command, delivered through minor officials, altered an empire’s trajectory. Responsible, sober decision-making is imperative (1 Timothy 3:2). Meanwhile, those serving under leadership can take courage: even the least-celebrated assignment may advance God’s kingdom purposes in ways presently unseen.

בִּגְתָ֤א בגתא biḡ·ṯā bigTa biḡṯāInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts