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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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 served him.
Praise Yahweh, all you armies of his, you servants of his, who do his pleasure.
even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many."
When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They had also John as their attendant.
Now I say that Christ has been made a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, that he might confirm the promises given to the fathers,
that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest the Good News of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
It is no great thing therefore if his servants also masquerade as servants of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works.
Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
Aren't they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?
a servant of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, 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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Yahweh spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. He turned again into the camp, but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, didn't depart out of the Tent.
His servant said, "What, should I set this before a hundred men?" But he said, "Give the people, that they may eat; for thus says Yahweh, 'They will eat, and will have some left over.'"
It happened, when Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab, that he found the princes of Judah, and the sons of the brothers of Ahaziah, ministering to Ahaziah, and killed them.
The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Hassophereth, the children of Peruda, the children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, read more. the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Ami. All the Nethinim, and the children of Solomon's servants, were three hundred ninety-two.
Also we inform you, that touching 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, on them.
The children of Solomon's servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida, the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, read more. the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth Hazzebaim, the children of Amon. All the Nethinim, and the children 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 on 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 minister to them.
He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him.
When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They had also John as their attendant.
For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God's service, attending continually on this very thing.
Now I say that Christ has been made a servant of the circumcision for the truth of God, that he might confirm the promises given to the fathers,
that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest the Good News of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Who then is Apollos, and who is Paul, but servants through whom you believed; and each as the Lord gave to him?
But that you also may know my affairs, how I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful servant in the Lord, will make known to you all things;
even as you learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful servant of Christ on our behalf,
and sent Timothy, our brother and God's servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;
a servant of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, 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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Moses rose up with Joshua, his servant, and Moses went up onto God's Mountain.
Now it happened after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying,
and the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their clothing, and his cup bearers, and his ascent by which he went up to the house of Yahweh; there was no more spirit in her.
His servant said, "What, should I set this before a hundred men?" But he said, "Give the people, that they may eat; for thus says Yahweh, 'They will eat, and will have some left over.'"
He makes his messengers winds; his servants flames of fire.
But you shall be named the priests of Yahweh; men will call you the ministers of our God: you will eat the wealth of the nations, and you will boast in their glory.
even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,
It happened, when the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house.
As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them."
When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They had also John as their attendant.
But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you a servant and a witness both of the things which you have seen, and of the things which I will reveal to you;
for he is a servant of God to you for good. But if you do that which is evil, be afraid, for he doesn't bear the sword in vain; for he is a servant of God, an avenger for wrath to him who does evil.
For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God's service, attending continually on this very thing.
that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest the Good News of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Yes, it has been their good pleasure, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, they owe it to them also to serve them in fleshly things.
Who then is Apollos, and who is Paul, but servants through whom you believed; and each as the Lord gave to him?
So let a man think of us as Christ's servants, and stewards of God's mysteries.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:
Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all.
This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. read more. Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning; knowing that such a one is perverted, and sins, being self-condemned. When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. Send Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them.
a servant of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.
Every priest indeed stands day by day serving and often offering the same sacrifices, 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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Moses rose up with Joshua, his servant, and Moses went up onto God's Mountain.
It shall be on Aaron to minister: and its sound shall be heard when he goes in to the holy place before Yahweh, and when he comes out, that he not die.
Now it happened after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying,
and the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their clothing, and his cup bearers, and his ascent by which he went up to the house of Yahweh; there was no more spirit in her.
I sent them forth to Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia; and I told them what they should tell Iddo, [and] his brothers the Nethinim, at the place Casiphia, that they should bring to us ministers for the house of our God.
Praise Yahweh, all you armies of his, you servants of his, who do his pleasure.
He makes his messengers winds; his servants flames of fire.
It shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.
Many women were there watching from afar, who had followed Jesus from Galilee, serving him.
even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,
It happened, when the days of his service were fulfilled, he departed to his house.
He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him.
He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him.
But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, "Lord, don't you care that my sister left me to serve alone? Ask her therefore to help me."
So they made him a supper there. Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with him.
If anyone serves me, let him follow me. Where I am, there will my servant also be. If anyone serves me, the Father will honor him.
Now in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a complaint arose from the Hellenists against the Hebrews, because their widows were neglected in the daily service.
But we will continue steadfastly in prayer and in the ministry of the word."
As they served the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate Barnabas and Saul for me, for the work to which I have called them."
When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They had also John as their attendant.
When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They had also John as their attendant.
Having sent into Macedonia two of those who served him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
"I said, 'Who are you, Lord?' "He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.
that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest the Good News of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord.
There are various kinds of service, and the same Lord.
For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through many givings of thanks to God;
that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News, of which I was made a servant, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Jesus Christ; To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the overseers and servants:
Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all.
But I counted it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, fellow soldier, and your apostle and servant of my need;
because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.
for which things' sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.
Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
If you instruct the brothers of these things, you will be a good servant of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith, and of the good doctrine which you have followed.
Remind them to be in subjection to rulers and to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, not to be contentious, to be gentle, showing all humility toward all men. read more. For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But when the kindness of God our Savior and his love toward mankind appeared, not by works of righteousness, which we did ourselves, but according to his mercy, he saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly, through Jesus Christ our Savior; that, being justified by his grace, we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. This saying is faithful, and concerning these things I desire that you affirm confidently, so that those who have believed God may be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men; but shun foolish questionings, genealogies, strife, and disputes about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. Avoid a factious man after a first and second warning; knowing that such a one is perverted, and sins, being self-condemned. When I send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. Send Zenas, the lawyer, and Apollos on their journey speedily, that nothing may be lacking for them.
whom I desired to keep with me, that on your behalf he might serve me in my chains for the Good News.
Of the angels he says, "Who makes his angels winds, and his servants a flame of fire."
Aren't they all serving spirits, sent out to do service for the sake of those who will inherit salvation?
Moreover he sprinkled the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry in the same way with the blood.
Every priest indeed stands day by day serving and often offering the same sacrifices, 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 happened after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying,
Praise Yahweh, all you armies of his, you servants of his, who do his pleasure.
He makes his messengers winds; his servants flames of fire.
Let the priests, the ministers of Yahweh, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, "Spare your people, Yahweh, and don't give your heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?'"
even as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and servants of the word delivered them to us,
He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him.
When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They had also John as their attendant.
But arise, and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose: to appoint you a servant and a witness both of the things which you have seen, and of the things which I will reveal to you;
For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God's service, attending continually on this very thing.
that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest the Good News of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
Of the angels he says, "Who makes his angels winds, and his servants a flame of fire."
a servant of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, 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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Moses rose up with Joshua, his servant, and Moses went up onto God's Mountain.
Now it happened after the death of Moses the servant of Yahweh, that Yahweh spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' servant, saying,
and the food of his table, and the sitting of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers, and their clothing, and his cup bearers, and his ascent by which he went up to the house of Yahweh; there was no more spirit in her.
I sent them forth to Iddo the chief at the place Casiphia; and I told them what they should tell 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 firstborn of our sons, and of our livestock, as it is written in the law, and the firstborn 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 you shall be named the priests of Yahweh; men will call you the ministers of our God: you will eat the wealth of the nations, and you will boast in their glory.
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 minister to them.
The meal offering and the drink offering are cut off from Yahweh's house. The priests, Yahweh's ministers, mourn.
Put on sackcloth and mourn, you priests! Wail, you ministers of the altar. Come, lie all night in sackcloth, you ministers of my God, for the meal offering and the drink offering are withheld from your God's house.
He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him.
For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God's service, attending continually on this very thing.
that I should be a servant of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, serving as a priest the Good News of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be made acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
a servant of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, 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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Moses rose up with Joshua, his servant, and Moses went up onto God's Mountain.
Aaron shall make atonement on its horns 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 Yahweh."
Yahweh spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. He turned again into the camp, but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, didn't 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 bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat, and before the mercy seat:
But Jehoshaphat said, "Isn't there here a prophet of Yahweh, that we may inquire of Yahweh by him?" One of the king of Israel's servants answered, "Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah."
He makes his messengers winds; his servants flames of fire.
He closed the book, gave it back to the attendant, and sat down. The eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on him.
When they were at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the Jewish synagogues. They had also John as their attendant.
For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are servants of God's service, attending continually on this very thing.
Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.
a servant of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.