21 In those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's chamberlains, Bigthan [1] and Teresh, of those which kept the door, were wroth, and sought to lay hand on the king Ahasuerus.

Other Translations of Esther 2:21

New International Version

21 During the time Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, BigthanaHebrew "Bigthan," a variant of "Bigthana" and Teresh, two of the king's officers who guarded the doorway, became angry and conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.

English Standard Version

21 In those days, as Mordecai was sitting at the king's gate, Bigthan and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs, who guarded the threshold, became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.

The Message

21 On this day, with Mordecai sitting at the King's Gate, Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king's eunuchs who guarded the entrance, had it in for the king and were making plans to kill King Xerxes.

New King James Version

21 In those days, while Mordecai sat within the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthan and Teresh, doorkeepers, became furious and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus.

New Living Translation

21 One day as Mordecai was on duty at the king's gate, two of the king's eunuchs, Bigthana and Teresh-who were guards at the door of the king's private quarters-became angry at King Xerxes and plotted to assassinate him.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Esther 2:21

Commentary on Esther 2:21-23

(Read Esther 2:21-23)

Good subjects must not conceal any bad design they know of against the prince, or the public peace. Mordecai was not rewarded at the time, but a remembrance was written. Thus, with respect to those who serve Christ, though their recompence is not till the resurrection of the just, yet an account is kept of their work of faith and labour of love, which God is not unrighteous to forget. The servant of God must be faithful to every trust, and watchful for those who employ him. If he appear to be neglected now, he will be remembered hereafter. None of our actions can be forgotten; even our most secret thoughts are written in lasting registers, Revelation 20:12.