θεράπων (therapōn)
therapōn
servant
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun therapōn refers to an attendant or servant, specifically one who serves in a close, personal capacity. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in Hebrews 3:5, where it describes Moses as a faithful servant within God’s household. The term carries the sense of a trusted minister rather than a laborer, emphasizing duty and loyalty.
Its usage aligns closely with the Greek word diēkonos (deacon), though therapōn often implies a higher status or intimacy in service. Lexical sources note that it frequently translates the Hebrew ‘eved (servant) in the Septuagint, linking it to figures like Moses who hold authoritative roles under divine commission. The root suggests a participatory role in the master’s affairs.
This single occurrence highlights the contrast between Moses’ faithful service and Christ’s superior sonship. By choosing this specific term, the author of Hebrews acknowledges Moses’ dignity while reserving ultimate authority for Jesus. The word thus serves as a bridge, honoring the old covenant leader while pointing toward the new covenant reality.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word therapōn appears just once in the New Testament, describing Moses as a faithful servant within God’s household. This term highlights a close, personal relationship with the Master, suggesting trust and loyalty rather than mere labor. It reminds us that service in God’s eyes is valued for its faithfulness and intimacy.
In Hebrews 3:5, this description of Moses serves to point toward Jesus. While Moses was a faithful servant, Jesus is the Son over the house. This distinction encourages believers to look beyond human leaders to Christ, who holds ultimate authority. Your own service, whether in small or large ways, finds its true meaning when it reflects this same faithfulness.
Understanding this word helps us appreciate the dignity of all faithful service. It invites us to serve with a heart that seeks closeness to God, knowing that our work contributes to His greater plan. We are called to be trustworthy in our roles, just as Moses was, while keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- a servant1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θεράπων1×
Key Verses
-
Hebrews 3:5
Moses indeed was faithful in all his house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were afterward to be spoken,
This verse uses the word to describe Moses’ faithful service within God's household, contrasting his role as a servant with Christ’s role as Son.