Introduction

Understanding Greek words is essential in Biblical studies as they often carry meanings that are richer and more nuanced than their English translations. The Greek word θεράπων (therapon) is particularly significant in understanding the concept of service, devotion, and the role of a servant in the New Testament and ancient Greek culture. It differs from other Greek terms for “servant” or “slave” by implying a sense of voluntary service and care, often used in contexts of loyalty and dedication.

Key Information

• The Greek Word: θεράπων (therapon), [theh-RAH-pon]
• Etymology: Related to θεραπεύω (therapeuo), meaning “to serve” or “to heal,” indicating a sense of service or ministry.
• Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
• Grammatical Details: Noun of the third declension with genitive singular form θεράποντος.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• Servant – A general term for one who serves, particularly in a personal or household capacity.
• Attendant – Refers to someone who attends to or assists another, often in a dedicated or voluntary role.
• Minister – Used in a broader sense to describe someone who provides service or care, often with a connotation of devotion or loyalty.
• Helper – Implies one who helps or supports another, highlighting an aspect of assistance and aid.

Similar Words: θεράπων is similar to δοῦλος (doulos, [DOO-los]), which also means “servant” or “slave,” but with a crucial difference. While δοῦλος implies a bond-servant or slave under obligation, θεράπων conveys a sense of voluntary service and loyalty, often with a personal or relational aspect. Another related term is διάκονος (diakonos, [dee-AH-ko-nos]), meaning “deacon” or “minister,” but this term is more specialized for service within a community or religious context.

Further Insights: θεράπων belongs to the third declension of Greek nouns, characterized by its genitive singular ending in -οντος. Below is a table showing its full declension:

Click here for a beginners guide to reading Greek: Understanding Greek Grammar: A Beginner’s Guide.

Lexicon Insights

• BDAG: Defines θεράπων as “one who renders devoted service,” emphasizing its use in both secular and religious contexts. The term is often associated with those who serve out of loyalty or devotion, rather than obligation.
• Thayers: Notes that θεράπων refers to “an attendant” or “servant,” particularly one who serves freely and voluntarily. Thayers highlights its use in describing Moses as a “servant of God,” emphasizing the aspect of faithful service.
• Vines: Explains θεράπων as “one who serves,” emphasizing its distinction from δοῦλος in that it suggests a voluntary or chosen service, rather than servitude.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): Provides a broad range of meanings, from “servant” to “minister” to “attendant,” reflecting the term’s versatility in both classical and biblical Greek usage.
• Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance: Lists θεράπων as “attendant” or “minister,” indicating its connotation of someone who serves in a supportive or devoted capacity, whether in a religious or secular context.

Related Scripture References

• Hebrews 3:5 – “Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant [θεράπων], for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later.”
• Revelation 15:3 – “And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant [θεράπων] of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, ‘Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty.'”

Classical Usage

Summary of θεράπων (G2324)

θεράπων (therapon) is a Greek term that translates to “servant,” “attendant,” “minister,” or “helper.” Unlike other terms for “servant” in Greek, such as δοῦλος, which implies bondage, θεράπων emphasizes voluntary service and loyalty. This word is used in both classical Greek literature and Biblical texts to denote those who serve faithfully, either in a religious or secular capacity. In the New Testament, it is notably used to describe Moses as a “servant of God,” underscoring a service born out of devotion and commitment rather than compulsion. Its broader classical usage reflects the importance of service, whether to gods or men, in ancient Greek society.

Did You Know?

Did you know? The word θεράπων not only describes a servant but also conveys a deeper meaning of voluntary and devoted service. In ancient Greece, this term was used to honor those who chose to serve others out of loyalty and dedication. In the New Testament, Moses is referred to as a θεράπων of God, highlighting his faithful and willing service to the divine mission, making the term a profound descriptor of his character and role in God’s plan.