On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king,

ESTHER 1:10KJV
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Esther 1:10 (KJV)

What does Esther 1:10 mean?

Esther 1:10 describes how, on the seventh day of a royal feast, King Ahasuerus, feeling cheerful from drinking wine, gave orders to seven of his personal attendants to carry out his wishes. The verse lists these seven chamberlains by name, showing their role as trusted servants in the king’s presence.

This moment takes place during a lavish banquet in the Persian court, where King Ahasuerus (also known as Xerxes) is hosting a celebration for nobles and officials. The king’s mood is influenced by wine, and he commands these seven chamberlains—who serve directly before him—to act on his behalf, setting the stage for the events that follow in the story.

The Hebrew behind Esther 1:10

  • The word for "merry" is טוֹב (ṭov), often meaning "good" or "pleased." Here, it suggests the king’s heart was gladdened or in high spirits because of the wine, not just mildly happy.
  • The term for "chamberlains" is סָרִיס (saris), which refers to high-ranking male servants or eunuchs who held significant responsibility in the royal court. Their presence signals the importance and formality of the king’s command.
  • The phrase "served in the presence" uses the word פָּנִים (panim), meaning "face" or "presence." This highlights that these seven men were not just ordinary servants but ones who regularly stood before the king, indicating their trusted status.

Why Esther 1:10 matters

  • Esther 1:10 clarifies that the king’s actions were influenced by his mood and the festive atmosphere, which is important for understanding his later decisions in the story.
  • The verse emphasizes the structure and hierarchy of the Persian court, showing that the king relied on a select group of trusted attendants for important matters.
  • By naming the seven chamberlains, the text adds historical and narrative detail, grounding the story in a specific royal setting and preparing the reader for the significant events that follow.

Where else these words appear

“Harbona” Hebrew H2726 · used in 2 verses

  • Esther 7:9 And Harbonah, one of the chamberlains, said before the king, Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, standeth in the house of Haman. Then the king said, Hang him thereon.

“Ahasuerus” Hebrew H325 · used in 30 verses

  • Ezra 4:6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.
  • Esther 2:12 Now when every maid's turn was come to go in to king Ahasuerus, after that she had been twelve months, according to the manner of the women,(for so were the days of their purifications accomplished, to wit, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with sweet odours, and with other things for the purifying of the women;)
  • Esther 8:1 On that day did the king Ahasuerus give the house of Haman the Jews' enemy unto Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king; for Esther had told what he was unto her.

“chamberlains” Hebrew H5631 · used in 42 verses

  • Genesis 37:36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt unto Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh's, and captain of the guard.
  • 1 Chronicles 28:1 And David assembled all the princes of Israel, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies that ministered to the king by course, and the captains over the thousands, and captains over the hundreds, and the stewards over all the substance and possession of the king, and of his sons, with the officers, and with the mighty men, and with all the valiant men, unto Jerusalem.
  • Isaiah 56:3 Neither let the son of the stranger, that hath joined himself to the LORD, speak, saying, The LORD hath utterly separated me from his people: neither let the eunuch say, Behold, I am a dry tree.

“served” Hebrew H8334 · used in 92 verses

  • Genesis 39:4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him: and he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand.
  • 1 Samuel 3:1 And the child Samuel ministered unto the LORD before Eli. And the word of the LORD was precious in those days; there was no open vision.
  • Nehemiah 10:39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the corn, of the new wine, and the oil, unto the chambers, where are the vessels of the sanctuary, and the priests that minister, and the porters, and the singers: and we will not forsake the house of our God.