Reference: Minister
American
One who attends or waits on another, Mt 20:28; so Elisha was the minister of Elijah, 1Ki 19:21; 2Ki 3:11. These persons did not feel themselves degraded by their stations, and in due time they succeeded to the office of their masters. In like manner, John Mark was minister to Paul and Barnabas, Ac 13:5. Angels are ministers of God and of his people, Ps 103:21; Heb 1:14. The term is applied to one who performs any function, or administers any office or agency: as to magistrates, Ro 15:16; 1Co 4:1; 5:5; and to teachers of error, 2Co 11:15. Christ came to minister, not to be ministered unto; and is called in another sense a minister "of the circumcision," Ro 15:8, and of the heavenly sanctuary, Heb 8:2.
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And he returned from following him, and took the yoke of oxen, and killed them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave to the people, and they ate. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered to
Bless LORD, all ye his hosts, ye ministers of his, who do his pleasure.
Just as the Son of man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.
And after becoming in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and they also had John for a helper.
And I say, Christ Jesus became a helper of men of circumcision, for the sake of God's truth (in order to confirm the promises of the fathers),
for me to be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, serving the good-news of God like a priest, so that the offering up of the Gentiles might become acceptable, being sanctified in Holy Spirit.
Therefore, it is no great thing if his helpers also disguise themselves as helpers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
Masters, present to the bondmen what is right and equitable, knowing that ye also have a Master in heavens.
Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth for service for the sake of those who are going to inherit salvation?
a minister of the holy things, and of the TRUE tabernacle, which the Lord erected and not man.
Easton
one who serves, as distinguished from the master. (1.) Heb meshereth, applied to an attendant on one of superior rank, as to Joshua, the servant of Moses (Ex 33:11), and to the servant of Elisha (2Ki 4:43). This name is also given to attendants at court (2Ch 22:8), and to the priests and Levites (Jer 33:21; Eze 44:11).
(2.) Heb pelah (Ezr 7:24), a "minister" of religion. Here used of that class of sanctuary servants called "Solomon's servants" in Ezr 2:55-58; Ne 7:57-60.
(3.) Greek leitourgos, a subordinate public administrator, and in this sense applied to magistrates (Ro 13:6). It is applied also to our Lord (Heb 8:2), and to Paul in relation to Christ (Ro 15:16).
(4.) Greek hyperetes (literally, "under-rower"), a personal attendant on a superior, thus of the person who waited on the officiating priest in the synagogue (Lu 4:20). It is applied also to John Mark, the attendant on Paul and Barnabas (Ac 13:5).
(5.) Greek diaconos, usually a subordinate officer or assistant employed in relation to the ministry of the gospel, as to Paul and Apollos (1Co 3:5), Tychicus (Eph 6:21), Epaphras (Col 1:7), Timothy (1Th 3:2), and also to Christ (Ro 15:8).
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And LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend, and he turned again into the camp. But his minister Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart out of the tent.
And his servant said, What, should I set this before a hundred men? But he said, Give to the people that they may eat, for thus says LORD, They shall eat, and shall leave of it.
And it came to pass, when Jehu was executing judgment upon the house of Ahab, that he found the rulers of Judah, and the sons of the brothers of Ahaziah, ministering to Ahaziah, and killed them.
The sons of Solomon's servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Hassophereth, the sons of Peruda, the sons of Jaalah, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel, read more. the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the sons of Ami. All the Nethinim and the sons of Solomon's servants were three hundred ninety-two.
Also we certify to you, that concerning any of the priests and Levites, the singers, porters, Nethinim, or servants of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose tribute, custom, or toll, upon them.
The sons of Solomon's servants: the sons of Sotai, the sons of Sophereth, the sons of Perida, the sons of Jaala, the sons of Darkon, the sons of Giddel, read more. the sons of Shephatiah, the sons of Hattil, the sons of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the sons of Amon. All the Nethinim and the sons of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety-two.
then may also my covenant be broken with David my servant, that he shall not have a son to reign upon his throne, and with the Levites the priests, my ministers.
Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having oversight at the gates of the house, and ministering in the house. They shall kill the burnt-offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to ministe
And having closed the book, having given it back to the attendant, he sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were focused on him.
And after becoming in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and they also had John for a helper.
For because of this ye also fulfill taxes, for they are servants of God being devoted to this same thing.
And I say, Christ Jesus became a helper of men of circumcision, for the sake of God's truth (in order to confirm the promises of the fathers),
for me to be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, serving the good-news of God like a priest, so that the offering up of the Gentiles might become acceptable, being sanctified in Holy Spirit.
Who therefore is Paul and who is Apollos? But rather helpers through whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to each man.
But that ye also may know the things concerning me, what I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful helper in Lord, will make known all things to you.
Just as also ye learned from Epaphras our beloved fellow bondman, who is a faithful helper of the Christ for you,
And we sent Timothy, our brother, and a helper of God, and our fellow workman in the good-news of the Christ, in order to establish you and to encourage you about your faith,
a minister of the holy things, and of the TRUE tabernacle, which the Lord erected and not man.
Fausets
Minister mesharet. As Joshua was to Moses (Ex 24:13; Jos 1:1), and Elisha's "servitor" (2Ki 4:43). The king's subordinate attendants, as "servants" are higher officials (1Ki 10:5). The angelic attendants of the heavenly King (Ps 104:4). The priests and Levites, "ministers of our God" (Isa 61:6). In New Testament leitourgos is a "public administrator", civil as the magistrate (Ro 13:4,6), or sacerdotal as the Aaronic priests were (Heb 10:11) and as Christ was (Heb 8:2), and as Paul figuratively was, presenting as a sacrifice before God the Gentiles converted by his ministry of the gospel (Ro 15:16) and their faith (Php 2:17), and as Christians minister their alms (Ro 15:27; 2Co 9:12).
Liturgy at Athens meant public service rendered gratuitously to the state; hence the sense of public Divine service (not restricted to sacrifice, Lu 1:23): Ac 13:2. Hufretes is a greater man's "personal attendant" (literally, the rower under the steersman) or subordinate in waiting, as Mark was to Saul and Barnabas (Ac 13:5); also (Lu 1:2; Ac 26:16) interchanged with diakonos (1Co 4:1; 3:5), both applied to Paul. diakonos is also applied especially to deacons as distinguished from presbyter bishops (Php 1:1; 1Ti 3:8-13).
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And Moses rose up, and Joshua his minister, and Moses went up onto the mount of God.
Now it came to pass after the death of Moses the servant of LORD, that LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,
and the food of his table, and the seating of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up to the house of LORD, there was no more spirit in her.
And his servant said, What, should I set this before a hundred men? But he said, Give to the people that they may eat, for thus says LORD, They shall eat, and shall leave of it.
who makes his [heavenly] agents spirits, his ministers a flame of fire,
But ye shall be named the priests of LORD. Men shall call you the ministers of our God. Ye shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory ye shall boast yourselves.
just as they delivered them to us, who became from the beginning eyewitnesses and servants of the word,
And it came to pass, when the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house.
And while they were serving the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate to me now Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have called them.
And after becoming in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and they also had John for a helper.
But arise, and stand upon thy feet, for I appeared to thee for this, to appoint thee an assistant and a witness both of things that thou saw, and of the things that I will make visible to thee,
For he is a helper of God to thee for what is good. But if thou do what is evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is a helper of God, vengeful for wrath to the man who commits evil.
For because of this ye also fulfill taxes, for they are servants of God being devoted to this same thing.
for me to be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, serving the good-news of God like a priest, so that the offering up of the Gentiles might become acceptable, being sanctified in Holy Spirit.
For they were pleased. And they are debtors of them, for if the gentiles were partakers in their spiritual things, they are obligated also to serve them in the carnal things.
Who therefore is Paul and who is Apollos? But rather helpers through whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to each man.
Thus let a man regard us as of helpers of Christ, and managers of mysteries of God.
Paul and Timothy, bondmen of Jesus Christ, to all the sanctified in Jesus Christ who are at Philippi, with the guardians and helpers:
Yet even if I am poured out a libation upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
Faithful is the saying. And I want thee to strongly insist about these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to manage good works. These things are good and beneficial to men. But avoid foolish questionings, and genealogies, and contentions, and legal fightings, for they are useless and vain. read more. Shun a factious man after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a man is perverted, and sins, being self-condemned. When I will send Artemas to thee, or Tychicus. Be diligence to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to winter there. Help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way diligently, so that nothing may be lacking for them.
a minister of the holy things, and of the TRUE tabernacle, which the Lord erected and not man.
And indeed every priest stands daily serving and offering the same sacrifices often, which can never take away sins.
Hastings
The word 'minister' comes from the Lat. minister = 'servant,' and generally it may be said that wherever it is found in the Bible, whether in OT or in NT, its original meaning is its primary one, service being the idea it is specially meant to convey.
1. In OT it is used (corresponding to the same Heb. word in each case) of Joshua as the personal attendant of Moses (Ex 24:13; Jos 1:1), of the servants in the court of Solomon (1Ki 10:5), of angels and the elemental forces of nature as the messengers and agents of the Divine will (Ps 103:21; 104:4; cf. Heb 1:7,14), but, above all, of the priests and Levites as the servants of Jehovah in Tabernacle and Temple (Ex 28:35; 1Ki 8:11; Ezr 8:17, and constantly). The secular uses of the Heb. word, standing side by side with the sacred, show that it was not in itself a priestly term. Ministry was not necessarily a priestly thing, though priesthood was one form of ministry.
2. In NT several Gr. words are tr 'minister,' three of which call for notice. (1) hyp
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And Moses rose up, and Joshua his minister, and Moses went up onto the mount of God.
And it shall be upon Aaron to minister. And the sound of it shall be heard when he goes in to the holy place before LORD, and when he comes out, that he does not die.
Now it came to pass after the death of Moses the servant of LORD, that LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,
and the food of his table, and the seating of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up to the house of LORD, there was no more spirit in her.
And I sent them forth to Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say to Iddo, [and] his brothers the Nethinim, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring to us ministers for the house of our God.
Bless LORD, all ye his hosts, ye ministers of his, who do his pleasure.
who makes his [heavenly] agents spirits, his ministers a flame of fire,
But it shall not be so among you. Rather whoever wants to become great among you, he shall be your helper,
And many women were there watching from afar, who followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him,
just as they delivered them to us, who became from the beginning eyewitnesses and servants of the word,
And it came to pass, when the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house.
And having closed the book, having given it back to the attendant, he sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were focused on him.
And having closed the book, having given it back to the attendant, he sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were focused on him.
But Martha was encumbered about much serving. And having stood near, she said, Lord, do thou not care that my sister left me behind to serve alone? Speak to her therefore that she may help me.
So they made a supper for him there, and Martha served, and Lazarus was one of those who sat dining with him.
If any man serves me, let him follow me, and where I am, there my helper will also be. And if any man serves me, the Father will value him.
Now in those days, the disciples being multiplied, there developed a murmuring of the Hellenists against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily assistance.
But we will continue steadfastly in prayer, and in the service of the word.
And while they were serving the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, Separate to me now Barnabas and Saul for the work that I have called them.
And after becoming in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and they also had John for a helper.
And after becoming in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and they also had John for a helper.
And having sent into Macedonia two of those who help him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
And I said, Who are thou, Lord? And he said, I am Jesus whom thou persecute.
for me to be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, serving the good-news of God like a priest, so that the offering up of the Gentiles might become acceptable, being sanctified in Holy Spirit.
And there are varieties of services, and the same Lord.
And there are varieties of services, and the same Lord.
Because the service of this ministry is not only supplying the needs of the sanctified, but also abounding through many thanksgivings to God
For Gentiles to be fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and fellow partakers of his promise in the Christ through the good-news. Of which I became a helper according to the gift of that grace of God, which was given to me according to the working of his power.
Paul and Timothy, bondmen of Jesus Christ, to all the sanctified in Jesus Christ who are at Philippi, with the guardians and helpers:
Yet even if I am poured out a libation upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
But I considered it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and co-workman and fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need,
Because for sake of the work of the Christ he came near the point of death, handing over his life so that he might fill up the deficiency of your service toward me.
Because of which the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience,
Masters, present to the bondmen what is right and equitable, knowing that ye also have a Master in heavens.
Laying these things down to the brothers, thou will be a good helper of Jesus Christ, reared up in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine that thou have followed.
Remind them to be submissive to principle offices and positions of authority, to be obedient, to be prepared for every good work, to slander no man, to be noncontentious, meek, showing all mildness to all men. read more. For we also were formerly foolish, disobedient, being led astray, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in evil and envy, hateful, hating each other. But when the kindness and philanthropy of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not of works in righteousness that we did, but according to his mercy through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us abundantly, through Jesus Christ our Savior. So that, having been made righteous by the grace of that man, we may become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Faithful is the saying. And I want thee to strongly insist about these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to manage good works. These things are good and beneficial to men. But avoid foolish questionings, and genealogies, and contentions, and legal fightings, for they are useless and vain. Shun a factious man after a first and second admonition, knowing that such a man is perverted, and sins, being self-condemned. When I will send Artemas to thee, or Tychicus. Be diligence to come to me in Nicopolis, for I have decided to winter there. Help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way diligently, so that nothing may be lacking for them.
Whom I wanted to keep back for myself, so that in thy behalf he might serve me in the bonds of the good-news.
And indeed toward the heavenly agents he says, He who makes his agents spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
Are they not all ministering spirits sent forth for service for the sake of those who are going to inherit salvation?
And likewise he sprinkled with the blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the service.
And indeed every priest stands daily serving and offering the same sacrifices often, which can never take away sins.
Morish
The word commonly occurring in the O.T. is sharath, 'to minister, serve.' Joshua was Moses' minister. All God's hosts are called 'ministers of his, that do his pleasure,' and He maketh 'his ministers a flaming fire.' The priests were the ministers of Jehovah. Jos 1:1; Ps 103:21; 104:4; Joe 2:17. In the N.T. three words are used.
1. ????????. See DEACON.
2. ??????????, a public servant,' one holding an official position. It is applied to the Lord; to angels; to Paul; and to magistrates. Ro 13:6; 15:16; Heb 1:7. Heb 8:2.
3. ????????, lit. 'under-rower,' and so an 'attendant' on, or 'assistant ' to a superior authority. Lu 1:2; 4:20; Ac 13:5; 26:16; 1Co 4:1. It is also translated 'officer' and 'servant.'
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Now it came to pass after the death of Moses the servant of LORD, that LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,
Bless LORD, all ye his hosts, ye ministers of his, who do his pleasure.
who makes his [heavenly] agents spirits, his ministers a flame of fire,
Let the priests, the ministers of LORD, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, Spare thy people, O LORD, and do not give thy heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among t
just as they delivered them to us, who became from the beginning eyewitnesses and servants of the word,
And having closed the book, having given it back to the attendant, he sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were focused on him.
And after becoming in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and they also had John for a helper.
But arise, and stand upon thy feet, for I appeared to thee for this, to appoint thee an assistant and a witness both of things that thou saw, and of the things that I will make visible to thee,
For because of this ye also fulfill taxes, for they are servants of God being devoted to this same thing.
for me to be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, serving the good-news of God like a priest, so that the offering up of the Gentiles might become acceptable, being sanctified in Holy Spirit.
Masters, present to the bondmen what is right and equitable, knowing that ye also have a Master in heavens.
And indeed toward the heavenly agents he says, He who makes his agents spirits, and his ministers a flame of fire.
a minister of the holy things, and of the TRUE tabernacle, which the Lord erected and not man.
Smith
Minister.
This term is used in the Authorized Version to describe various officials of a religious and civil character. Its meaning, as distinguished from servant, is a voluntary attendant on another. In the Old Testament it is applied (1) to an attendance upon a person of high rank,
(2) to the attaches of a royal court,
comp. Psal 104:4 (3) to the priests and Levites.
Ezr 8:17; Ne 10:36; Isa 61:6; Eze 44:11; Joe 1:9,13
One term in the New Testament betokens a subordinate public administrator,
one who performs certain gratuitous public services. A second term contains the idea of actual and personal attendance upon a superior, as in
Lu 4:20
The minister's duty was to open and close the building, to produce and replace the books employed in the service, and generally to wait on the officiating priest or teacher. A third term, diakonos (from which comes our word deacon), is the one usually employed in relation to the ministry of the gospel: its application is twofold, --in a general sense to indicate ministers of any order, whether superior or inferior, and in a special sense to indicate an order of inferiors ministers. [DEACON]
See Deacon
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And Moses rose up, and Joshua his minister, and Moses went up onto the mount of God.
Now it came to pass after the death of Moses the servant of LORD, that LORD spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' minister, saying,
and the food of his table, and the seating of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up to the house of LORD, there was no more spirit in her.
And I sent them forth to Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say to Iddo, [and] his brothers the Nethinim, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring to us ministers for the house of our God.
also the first-born of our sons, and of our cattle, as it is written in the law, and the firstlings of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God,
But ye shall be named the priests of LORD. Men shall call you the ministers of our God. Ye shall eat the wealth of the nations, and in their glory ye shall boast yourselves.
Yet they shall be ministers in my sanctuary, having oversight at the gates of the house, and ministering in the house. They shall kill the burnt-offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to ministe
The meal-offering and the drink-offering are cut off from the house of LORD. The priests, LORD's ministers, mourn.
Gird yourselves [with sackcloth], and lament, ye priests. Wail, ye ministers of the altar. Come, lay all night in sackcloth, ye ministers of my God. For the meal-offering and the drink-offering are withheld from the house of your G
And having closed the book, having given it back to the attendant, he sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were focused on him.
For because of this ye also fulfill taxes, for they are servants of God being devoted to this same thing.
for me to be a minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, serving the good-news of God like a priest, so that the offering up of the Gentiles might become acceptable, being sanctified in Holy Spirit.
a minister of the holy things, and of the TRUE tabernacle, which the Lord erected and not man.
Watsons
MINISTER, one who attends or waits on another; so we find Elisha was the minister of Elijah, and did him services of various kinds, 2Ki 3:11. So Joshua was the servant of Moses, Ex 24:13; 33:11. And these persons did not by any means feel themselves degraded by their stations, but in due time they succeeded to the offices of their masters. In like manner John Mark was minister to Paul and Barnabas, Ac 13:5. Christ is called a minister of the true, that is, the heavenly, sanctuary. The minister of the synagogue was appointed to keep the book of the law, to observe that those who read it, read it correctly, &c, Lu 4:20. The rabbins say he was the same as the angel of the church or overseer. Lightfoot says, Baal Aruch expounds the chazan, or minister of the congregation, by sheliach hatzibbor, or angel of the congregation; and from this common platform and constitution of the synagogue, we may observe the Apostle's expression of some elders ruling and labouring in word and doctrine, others in the general affairs of the synagogue. Ministers were servants, yet servants not menial, but honourable; those who explain the word, and conduct the service of God; those who dispense the laws and promote the welfare of the community; the holy angels who in obedience to the divine commands protect, preserve, succour, and benefit the godly, are all ministers, beneficial ministers, to those who are under their charge, Heb 8:2; Ex 30:10; Le 16:15; 1Co 4:1; Ro 13:6; Ps 104:4.
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And Moses rose up, and Joshua his minister, and Moses went up onto the mount of God.
And Aaron shall make atonement upon the horns of it once in the year, with the blood of the sin-offering of atonement. Once in the year he shall make atonement for it throughout your generations. It is most holy to LORD.
And LORD spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend, and he turned again into the camp. But his minister Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart out of the tent.
Then he shall kill the goat of the sin-offering, that is for the people, and bring his blood within the veil, and do with his blood as he did with the blood of the bullock, and sprinkle it upon the mercy-seat, and before the mercy-
But Jehoshaphat said, Is there not here a prophet of LORD, that we may inquire of LORD by him? And one of the king of Israel's servants answered and said, Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.
who makes his [heavenly] agents spirits, his ministers a flame of fire,
And having closed the book, having given it back to the attendant, he sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were focused on him.
And after becoming in Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews, and they also had John for a helper.
For because of this ye also fulfill taxes, for they are servants of God being devoted to this same thing.
Masters, present to the bondmen what is right and equitable, knowing that ye also have a Master in heavens.
a minister of the holy things, and of the TRUE tabernacle, which the Lord erected and not man.