And it was found written, that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's chamberlains, the keepers of the door, who sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

ESTHER 6:2KJV
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What does Esther 6:2 mean?

Esther 6:2 records that a written record was found showing Mordecai had previously reported a plot by Bigthana and Teresh, two of King Ahasuerus’s chamberlains, who had planned to harm the king. This discovery is significant because it brings Mordecai’s loyal act to the king’s attention at a crucial moment.

In the story, King Ahasuerus is having the royal records read to him because he cannot sleep. The verse highlights that Mordecai’s earlier good deed—exposing a plot against the king—had been documented but not yet rewarded. This sets the stage for a turning point in the narrative, as the king realizes Mordecai’s loyalty and decides to honor him.

The Hebrew behind Esther 6:2

  • "found" (נִמְצָא, nimtsa): This word means something was discovered or uncovered, often unexpectedly. Here, it emphasizes that the record about Mordecai came to light at just the right moment.
  • "written" (כָּתוּב, kathuv): This word refers to something officially recorded. The fact that Mordecai’s actions were written down shows the importance of keeping records in the Persian court and how past deeds could be recognized later.
  • "chamberlains" (סָרִיס, saris): This term refers to high-ranking officials or eunuchs serving the king. Knowing their role helps clarify the seriousness of the plot, since these men had close access to the king.

Why Esther 6:2 matters

  • Esther 6:2 shows that even unnoticed good deeds can eventually be recognized, especially when they are recorded and remembered at the right time.
  • The verse marks a turning point in the story, as Mordecai’s loyalty becomes the focus just when Haman is plotting against him, highlighting the theme of reversal in Esther.
  • Understanding the official roles of the chamberlains and the importance of written records helps explain why this discovery had such an immediate impact on the king’s actions.

Where else these words appear

“Bigthana” Hebrew H904 · used in 2 verses

  • Esther 2:21 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

“Teresh” Hebrew H8657 · used in 2 verses

  • Esther 2:21 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

“door” Hebrew H5592 · used in 28 verses

  • Exodus 12:22 And ye shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the bason, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the bason; and none of you shall go out at the door of his house until the morning.
  • 2 Kings 25:18 And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and the three keepers of the door:
  • Jeremiah 52:19 And the basons, and the firepans, and the bowls, and the caldrons, and the candlesticks, and the spoons, and the cups; that which was of gold in gold, and that which was of silver in silver, took the captain of the guard away.

“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 2:1 After these things, when the wrath of king Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her.
  • 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.