Esther 2:21
What does Esther 2:21 mean?
A plain-English look at Esther 2:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What Esther 2:21 means
While stationed at the king’s gate, Mordecai learns of a conspiracy by Bigthan and Teresh, officials who guard the threshold. They are angry and intend violence against Ahasuerus. The verse highlights both Mordecai’s proximity to power and the ever-present dangers of court life. It also shows how God places the right person in the right place: Mordecai’s watchfulness becomes the means of preserving the king. No motive is given; the focus is on the threat and the faithful response. A Jew formerly carried into exile now safeguards the pagan monarch under whom his people live—an unexpected instrument of common grace.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the threshold, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.
KJV
King James Version · 1611In 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king’s gate, two of the king’s chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the threshold, were wroth, and sought to lay hands on the king Ahasuerus.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949In those days, while Mordecai was seated at the king's doorway, two of the king's servants, Bigthan and Teresh, keepers of the door, being angry, were looking for a chance to make an attack on King Ahasuerus.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862In those days, when Mordecai is sitting in the gate of the king, hath Bigthan been wroth, and Teresh, (two of the eunuchs of the king, the keepers of the threshold,) and they seek to put forth a hand on king Ahasuerus,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752At that time, therefore, when Mardochai abode at the king's gate, Bagathan and Thares, two of the king's eunuchs, who were porters, and presided in the first entry of the palace, were angry: and they designed to rise up against the king, and to kill him.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those which kept the threshold, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.
Context
After establishing Mordecai’s post at the gate, the narrative reveals why it matters. Verses 21–23 form a tight unit: conspiracy, report, investigation, and record. This moment not only saves the king but also plants a seed that will sprout later. The next verse will show Mordecai communicating through Esther, and the final verse will record the outcome and the crucial entry in the royal chronicles.
v.20Esther had not yet made known her kindred nor her people; as Mordecai had charged her: for Esther did the commandment of Mordecai, like as when she was brought up with him.
v.21This passage
v.22And the thing became known to Mordecai, who showed it unto Esther the queen; and Esther told the king thereof in Mordecai’s name.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Psalms 144:10
Thou art he that giveth salvation unto kings; Who rescueth David his servant from the hurtful sword.
- 2 Kings 21:23
And the servants of Amon conspired against him, and put the king to death in his own house.
- 2 Samuel 4:5
And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went, and came about the heat of the day to the house of Ish-bosheth, as he took his rest at noon.
- 2 Kings 12:20
And his servants arose, and made a conspiracy, and smote Joash at the house of Millo, on the way that goeth down to Silla.
- 2 Samuel 16:11
And David said to Abishai, and to all his servants, Behold, my son, who came forth from my bowels, seeketh my life: how much more may this Benjamite now do it? let him alone, and let him curse; for Jehovah hath bidden him.
- 2 Kings 9:22
And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of thy mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many?