Ester 2:21

2:21 In those days while Mordecai was sitting at the king’s gate, Bigthan ¹  and Teresh, ²  two of the king’s eunuchs who protected the entrance, ³  became angry and plotted to assassinate ⁴  King Ahasuerus.

Ester 3:1

Haman Conspires to Destroy the Jews

3:1 Some time later ⁵  King Ahasuerus promoted ⁶  Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, exalting him and setting his position ⁷  above that of all the officials who were with him.

[2:21]  ¹ tn This individual is referred to as “Bigthana,” a variant spelling of the name, in Esth 6:2.

[2:21]  ² tc The LXX does not include the names “Bigthan and Teresh” here.

[2:21]  ³ tn Heb “guarders of the threshold”; NIV “who guarded the doorway.”

[2:21]  ⁴ tn Heb “sought to send a hand against”; CEV “decided to kill.”

[3:1]  ⁵ tn Heb “after these things” (so KJV, ASV); NAB, NASB, NIV “After these events.”

[3:1]  ⁶ tn Heb “made great”; NAB “raised…to high rank”; NIV “honored.”

[3:1]  sn The promotion of Haman in 3:1 for reasons unexplained contrasts noticeably with 2:19-23, where Mordecai’s contribution to saving the king’s life goes unnoticed. The irony is striking.

[3:1]  ⁷ tn Heb “chair”; KJV, NRSV “seat”; NASB “established his authority.”