Who was Biztha in the bible?

Biztha (a name of Persian origin) is identified as one of “the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king.” In Esther’s opening narrative, he appears among the king’s attendants who carried out a command concerning Queen Vashti.

Biztha in Scripture

Biztha is mentioned once, within the account of a royal feast hosted by King Ahasuerus. The setting includes an established court custom in which the king’s instructions governed how his household functioned during the banquet:

“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)

Within the same broader occasion, Queen Vashti is also described as hosting a separate feast:

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

Biztha’s appearance comes when the narrative turns to the seventh day of the king’s feast, describing the king’s mood and the issuing of a specific order. Biztha is listed among a group of seven eunuchs who served in the king’s presence:

“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)

The command given through these eunuchs is then stated. They were to bring Vashti before the king in royal display:

“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 narrative continues by reporting Vashti’s refusal, and the king’s reaction. Although Biztha is not named again in the account, his role is part of the group through whom the king’s command was delivered:

“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)

In response to this crisis, the king turns to advisers characterized as experts in law and judgment:

“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)

Within this chapter’s flow, Biztha’s significance is situational and administrative: he is named as one of the seven eunuchs “who served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king” (Esther 1:10), present at a moment when the king issued a direct command regarding Vashti (Esther 1:11). The refusal of that command (Esther 1:12) leads to a legal-consultative response (Esther 1:13), marking Biztha’s mention as part of the mechanism of royal orders and court procedure.

Name and Meaning

Biztha is written in Hebrew script as בִּזְתָא, transliterated Biztha’ and pronounced biz-thaw’. The name is explained as being of Persian origin.

Observation

Biztha’s single appearance places him among “the seven eunuchs who served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king” at a decisive moment when a royal command was issued and refused (Esther 1:10–12).

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Biztha?

Biztha was a eunuch of Xerxes.

What does the name Biztha mean?

Biztha is a name of Persian origin.

How many times does Biztha appear in the Bible?

Biztha appears 1 time.

What moment is Biztha mentioned in?

Biztha is named among those commanded by the king on the seventh day, when the king’s heart was merry with wine (Esther 1:10).

Explore Further

If you found this page about Biztha 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).