Bible Encyclopedias
Bagoas

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

(Βαγώας ), the eunuch (or chamberlain) who had charge of the tent of Holofernes, and introduced Judith (Judith 12:11; Judith 12:13; Judith 12:15; Judith 13:1; Judith 13:3; Judith 14:14). The name is said (Pott, Etymol. Forsch. 1, 37) to be equivalent to eunuch in Persian (Pliny Hist. Nat. 13:4, 9), and, as such, was probably a title of office rather than a personal appellation (see Quintil. v. 12; comp. Burmann ad Ovid. Amos 2:2; Amos 2:1). Accordingly, we find the name often recurring in Eastern history (see Smith's Dict. of Class. Biog. s.v.) even so late as that of the chief eunuch of Herod's harem, who was put to death for intriguing with the Pharisees (Josephus, Ant. 17:2, 4 ad fin.).

Bibliography Information
McClintock, John. Strong, James. Entry for 'Bagoas'. Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​tce/​b/bagoas.html. Harper & Brothers. New York. 1870.