Tag Archives: οἰκέτης

The vocabulary of servanthood in the Greek New Testament is strikingly diverse. Rather than using a single term for “servant,” the Holy Spirit—through the inspired authors—employs a spectrum of words: θεράπων, δοῦλος, διάκονος, οἰκέτης, and ὑπηρέτης. These words are not mere synonyms; they reflect differences in rank, relationship, responsibility, and spiritual significance. This article explores each term’s lexical meaning, biblical usage, and theological role in describing both literal and spiritual servitude. These five terms—θεράπων, δοῦλος, διάκονος, οἰκέτης, and ὑπηρέτης—all denote various kinds of servants in the Greek New Testament, but each carries a distinct social, spiritual, or functional nuance. Together, they form a rich vocabulary for understanding service, authority, and discipleship in early Christian theology.… Learn Koine Greek