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.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give His soul a ransom for many."
And, having arrived in Salamis, they declared the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they had John also as an attendant.
For I say that Christ hath become a minister of the circumcision, in behalf of God's truth, that He might confirm the promises made to the fathers;
that I should be a minister of Jesus Christ to the gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God, that the offering up of the gentiles may become acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
It is no great thing, therefore, if his ministers also transform themselves as ministers of righteousness; whose end will be according to their works.
Masters, render justice and equity to your servants, knowing that ye also have a Master in Heaven.
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth for service, for the sake of those about to inherit salvation?
a Minister of the holy things, 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).
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And, having closed the book. He gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Him.
And, having arrived in Salamis, they declared the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they had John also as an attendant.
For, on this account, ye pay tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually to this very thing.
For I say that Christ hath become a minister of the circumcision, in behalf of God's truth, that He might confirm the promises made to the fathers;
that I should be a minister of Jesus Christ to the gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God, that the offering up of the gentiles may become acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
What, then, is Apollos? and what is Paul? Ministers through whom ye believed; and as the Lord gave to each.
But, that ye also may know my affairs, what I am doing, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you;
even as ye learned from Epaphras, our beloved fellow-servant, who is for us a faithful minister of Christ,
and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God in the Gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to exhort you concerning your faith;
a Minister of the holy things, 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).
See Verses Found in Dictionary
even as those who from the beginning were eye-witnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us;
And it came to pass, when the days of his ministration were fulfilled, he departed to his house;
And, while they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate now to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
And, having arrived in Salamis, they declared the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they had John also as an attendant.
But arise, and stand upon your feet; for I appeared to you for this end, to appoint you a minister and a witness both of the things in which you saw Me, and of the things in which I will appear to you;
for he is God's minister to you for good. But, if you do that which is evil, be afraid; for he bears not the sword in vain; for he is God's minister, an avenger for wrath to him that does evil.
For, on this account, ye pay tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually to this very thing.
that I should be a minister of Jesus Christ to the gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God, that the offering up of the gentiles may become acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Indeed, they were well pleased, and their debtors they are; for, if the gentiles were partakers of their spiritual things, they ought also to minister to them in carnal things.
What, then, is Apollos? and what is Paul? Ministers through whom ye believed; and as the Lord gave to each.
Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
But even if I am offered as a libation upon the sacrifice and ministry of your faith, I rejoice, and I rejoice with you all;
Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I will that you affirm confidently, 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, and genealogies, and strife, and contentions about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. read more. A factious man, after a first and a second admonition, avoid; knowing that such a one has been turned aside, and is sinning, being self-condemned. When I shall send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, give diligence to come to me to Nicopolis; for there I have decided to winter. Diligently send forward Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, that nothing may be lacking to them.
a Minister of the holy things, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.
And every priest, indeed, stands daily ministering, and ofttimes 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
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Not so shall it be among you;
And many women were there, beholding from afar, who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him;
even as those who from the beginning were eye-witnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us;
And it came to pass, when the days of his ministration were fulfilled, he departed to his house;
And, having closed the book. He gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Him.
And, having closed the book. He gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Him.
But Martha was being distracted about much serving; and, coming up suddenly, she said, "Lord, carest Thou not that my sister left me to serve alone? Speak to her, therefore, that she assist me!"
They, therefore, made Him a supper there; and Martha was serving; but Lazarus was one of those reclining at table with Him.
If any one serve Me, let him follow Me; and where I am there will also My servant be. If anyone serve Me, him will My Father honor.
Now in these days, when the disciples were being multiplied, there arose a murmuring of the Grecian Jews against the Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily ministration.
but we will devote ourselves steadfastly to prayer and to the ministry of the word."
And, while they were ministering to the Lord, and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, "Separate now to Me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them."
And, having arrived in Salamis, they declared the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they had John also as an attendant.
And, having arrived in Salamis, they declared the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they had John also as an attendant.
And, having sent into Macedonia two of those ministering to him, Timothy and Erastus, he himself remained for a time in Asia.
And I said, 'Who art Thou, Lord?' And the Lord said, 'I am Jesus, Whom you are persecuting.
that I should be a minister of Jesus Christ to the gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God, that the offering up of the gentiles may become acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
And there are diversities of ministries, and the same Lord.
And there are diversities of ministries, and the same Lord.
Because the ministry of this service not only fully supplies the deficiencies of the saints, but abounds also through many thanksgivings to God;
that the gentiles are fellow-heirs, and of the same body, and partners with us of the promise in Christ Jesus through the Gospel; of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God which was given to me according to the working of His power.
Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:
But even if I am offered as a libation upon the sacrifice and ministry of your faith, I rejoice, and I rejoice with you all;
Yet I deemed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and fellow-worker, and fellow-soldier, but your messenger and minister to my need;
because, for the work of Christ, he came near to death; imperiling his soul, that he might fill up your lack of ministry toward me.
on account of which things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience;
Masters, render justice and equity to your servants, knowing that ye also have a Master in Heaven.
Suggesting these things to the brethren, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished in the words of the faith and of the good teaching which you have strictly followed;
Remind them to submit to rulers, to authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work; to speak evil of no one, to be averse to strife, to be mild, showing all meekness to all men. read more. For we also were once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving manifold desires and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. But, when the kindness and the benevolence of God our Savior appeared, not by works of righteousness which we did, but according to His mercy, He saved us through a washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit; Whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior; that having been justified by His grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life. Faithful is the saying, and concerning these things I will that you affirm confidently, 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, and genealogies, and strife, and contentions about the law; for they are unprofitable and vain. A factious man, after a first and a second admonition, avoid; knowing that such a one has been turned aside, and is sinning, being self-condemned. When I shall send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, give diligence to come to me to Nicopolis; for there I have decided to winter. Diligently send forward Zenas the lawyer and Apollos, that nothing may be lacking to them.
whom I was disposed to keep with me, that in your stead he might minister to me in the bonds of the Gospel;
And respecting the angels He saith, "Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire";
Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth for service, for the sake of those about to inherit salvation?
Moreover, both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the service, he sprinkled in like manner with the blood.
And every priest, indeed, stands daily ministering, and ofttimes 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.'
See Verses Found in Dictionary
even as those who from the beginning were eye-witnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us;
And, having closed the book. He gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Him.
And, having arrived in Salamis, they declared the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they had John also as an attendant.
But arise, and stand upon your feet; for I appeared to you for this end, to appoint you a minister and a witness both of the things in which you saw Me, and of the things in which I will appear to you;
For, on this account, ye pay tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually to this very thing.
that I should be a minister of Jesus Christ to the gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God, that the offering up of the gentiles may become acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
Masters, render justice and equity to your servants, knowing that ye also have a Master in Heaven.
And respecting the angels He saith, "Who maketh His angels spirits, and His ministers a flame of fire";
a Minister of the holy things, 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
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And, having closed the book. He gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Him.
For, on this account, ye pay tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually to this very thing.
that I should be a minister of Jesus Christ to the gentiles, ministering the Gospel of God, that the offering up of the gentiles may become acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
a Minister of the holy things, 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.
See Verses Found in Dictionary
And, having closed the book. He gave it back to the attendant, and sat down; and the eyes of all in the synagogue were fastened on Him.
And, having arrived in Salamis, they declared the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews; and they had John also as an attendant.
For, on this account, ye pay tribute also; for they are God's ministers, attending continually to this very thing.
Masters, render justice and equity to your servants, knowing that ye also have a Master in Heaven.
a Minister of the holy things, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, not man.