Meaning
(1) The most frequent usage is as the equivalent of "slave" (which see), with its various shades in position (Gen 9:25, Gen 24:9, Exo 21:5, Mat 10:24, Luk 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 (Nu 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 (Gen 19:2, Gen 32:18, and often);
(b) in addressing the Supreme Being (1Sa 3:9, Psa 19:11, Psa 27:9, Luk 2:29, and often).
(4) Officials of every grade are called the "servants" of kings, princes, etc. (1Sa 29:3, 2Sa 16:1, 1Ki 11:26, Pro 14:35, and often).
(5) The position of a king in relation to his people (1Ki 12:7).
(6) One who is distinguished as obedient and faithful to God or Christ (Jos 1:2, 2Ki 8:19, Dan 6:20, Col 4:12, 2Ti 2:24). (7) One who is enslaved by sin (Joh 8:34).
William Joseph Mcglothlin
