Servant

SERVANT sur'-vant ('ebhedh; doulos):

A very common word with a variety of meanings, all implying a greater or less degree of inferiority and want of freedom:

(1) The most frequent usage is as the equivalent of "slave" (which see), with its various shades in position (Genesis 9:25; 24:9; Exodus 21:5; Matthew 10:24; Luke 17:7, and often); but also a hired workman where "hired servant" translates Hebrew and Greek expressions which differ from the above.

(2) An attendant in the service of someone, as Joshua was the "servant" the Revised Version (British and American) "minister" of Moses (Numbers 11:28).

(3) As a 'term of respectful self-depreciation referring to one's self, "thy servant." or "your servant" is used in place of the personal pronoun of the first person:

(a) in the presence of superiors (Genesis 19:2; 32:18, and often);

(b) in addressing the Supreme Being (1 Samuel 3:9; Psalms 19:11; 27:9; Luke 2:29, and often).

(4) Officials of every grade are called the "servants" of kings, princes, etc. (1 Samuel 29:3; 2 Samuel 16:1; 1 Kings 11:26; Proverbs 14:35, and often).

(5) The position of a king in relation to his people (1 Kings 12:7).

(6) One who is distinguished as obedient and faithful to God or Christ (Joshua 1:2; 2 Kings 8:19; Daniel 6:20; Colossians 4:12; 2 Timothy 2:24). (7) One who is enslaved by sin (John 8:34).

William Joseph Mcglothlin

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Bibliography Information

Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. "Entry for 'SERVANT'".  "International Standard Bible Encyclopedia".  1915.