Who was Bigtha in the bible?

Bigtha is named once in the book of Esther as one of the “seven eunuchs who served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king.” The name is presented as Persian in origin, and the lexicon identifies him as a eunuch connected with Xerxes.

Bigtha in Scripture

Bigtha appears in the setting of a royal feast hosted by King Ahasuerus. The narrative context describes the king’s household arrangements for drinking, a parallel feast held by Queen Vashti, and then a command issued through a group of seven eunuchs.

“In accordance with the law, the drinking was not compulsory; for so the king had instructed all the officials of his house, that they should do according to every man’s pleasure.” (Esther 1:8, WEB)

This scene frames the king’s governance during the banquet: officials are instructed so that each person may drink according to his own desire.

“Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house which belonged to King Ahasuerus.” (Esther 1:9, WEB)

At the same time, Queen Vashti holds a feast for women within the royal house associated with the king.

“On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass, the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,” (Esther 1:10, WEB)

Bigtha is included in a named list of seven eunuchs—Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass—identified collectively as those who “served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king.” The immediate narrative notes the king’s mood (“merry with wine”) and places this command on “the seventh day.”

“to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the royal crown, to show the people and the princes her beauty; for she was beautiful.” (Esther 1:11, WEB)

The purpose of the command, delivered through these eunuchs, is stated explicitly: Vashti is to be brought before the king “with the royal crown,” and the reason given is public display—“to show the people and the princes her beauty.” Bigtha’s role is not individualized beyond being among the seven who are commanded in this moment.

“But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by the eunuchs. Therefore the king was very angry, and his anger burned in him.” (Esther 1:12, WEB)

Vashti refuses “to come at the king’s commandment by the eunuchs,” and the text directly describes the king’s response: “the king was very angry, and his anger burned in him.” In this way, the narrative indicates that the command mediated by the eunuchs (including Bigtha) meets resistance and triggers the king’s anger.

“Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times (for it was the king’s custom to consult those who knew law and judgment;” (Esther 1:13, WEB)

The immediate aftermath leads to royal consultation. The king turns to “the wise men, who knew the times,” and the passage explains this as customary: “it was the king’s custom to consult those who knew law and judgment.” Bigtha is not mentioned beyond the earlier list, but his appearance is part of the chain of events in which the king issues a command through his attendants and then reacts strongly when it is refused.

Name and Meaning

The Hebrew form of the name is בִּגְתָא, transliterated Bigtha’ and pronounced big-thaw’. The name is of Persian derivation, and the lexicon gloss describes Bigtha as a eunuch of Xerxes.

Observation

Within Esther’s opening banquet scene, Bigtha is presented only in an official capacity among “the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king” (Esther 1:10), functioning as part of the king’s commanded messengers to Queen Vashti (Esther 1:11–12).

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Bigtha mean?

Bigtha is a Persian-derived name.

How many times does Bigtha appear in the Bible?

Bigtha appears 1 time in the Bible.

Who was Bigtha?

Bigtha was a eunuch of Xerxes.

What happens in Esther 1:10 involving Bigtha?

In Esther 1:10, on the seventh day when the king’s heart was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcass.

Explore Further

If you found this page about Bigtha interesting and would like to discover more about other biblical characters, explore our comprehensive Encyclopedia of Biblical Characters. For those looking to delve deeper into the Greek origins of these names and terms, our Greek Lexicon is an invaluable resource.

Sources: Name and occurrence data from Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance and STEPBible reference data (CC BY). Scripture quotations from the World English Bible (public domain).