θεράπων
therápōn
G2324 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
An attendant, helper, or one rendering devoted service to another, often in a position of personal loyalty, honor, or close association. In Classical and Hellenistic usage, denotes someone who serves another, with implications of personal attachment or respectful service. Used in some contexts for a trusted helper, aide, or even a courtier, not limited to menial labor but encompassing a range of service roles. In literary and religious settings, can connote a devoted servant or minister, sometimes with undertones of reverence or affectionate duty.
Semantic Range
attendant, loyal servant, helper, courtier, close aide, devoted follower, trusted steward, minister
Root / Etymology
From the Greek root θεράπ- relating to service or attendance, possibly connected to the verb θεραπεύω ('to care for, attend, serve'). The exhaustive etymology is uncertain, but it is distinct from δουλος ('slave, bondservant') and refers to service rendered in a more personal, voluntary, or honorable capacity.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In Classical Greek, θεράπων referred to one who served in a household or as a close attendant, frequently with an honorable or loyal connotation (e.g., the companions or attendants of a hero in Homeric texts). In the Hellenistic period and the Septuagint, it comes to denote a trusted follower or minister, such as Moses described as the 'θεράπων of God' (Num 12:7), distinguishing him from other terms for servants. In the New Testament (e.g., Hebrews 3:5), it emphasizes respectful, devoted service. English translation as 'servant' risks obscuring this nuance, since other Greek words like δοῦλος ('slave') or διάκονος ('minister, deacon') can suggest different types of subordination or ministry. The term retains associations of honor and loyalty, and does not inherently connote lowliness or subjugation. Not commonly used for religious functionaries outside of specialized contexts. The sense of affectionate, personal service sets it apart from purely utilitarian or servile terms.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
apparently a participle from an otherwise obsolete derivative of the base of θέρος; a menial attendant (as if cherishing):--servant.
Root Family
θεράπων (therapōn) — to attend, to serve, to care for
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2324-01 |
θεράπων | therapon | N NOM M SG |
a servant | devoted attendant | devoted attendant | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2324-01 |
Hebrews 3:5 | θεράπων | therapon | N NOM M SG |
a servant | devoted attendant | devoted attendant |