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. Joshua 1:1; Psalm 103:21; Psalm 104:4; Joel 2:17 . In the N.T. three words are used.
1. διάκονος. See DEACON.
2. λειτουργός, a public servant,' one holding an official position. It is applied to the Lord; to angels; to Paul; and to magistrates. Romans 13:6; Romans 15:16; Hebrews 1:7 . Hebrews 8:2 .
3. ὑπηρέτης, lit. 'under-rower,' and so an 'attendant' on, or 'assistant ' to a superior authority. Luke 1:2; Luke 4:20; Acts 13:5; Acts 26:16; 1 Corinthians 4:1 . It is also translated 'officer' and 'servant.'
Originally published with the title A New and Concise Bible Dictionary by George Morrish (London), the Morrish Bible Dictionary is more than a dictionary of Bible words.Wikipedia
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