UBS Dictionary of the Greek New Testament

Sense 1: servant

Semantic entry: 35.20

Semantic domains: Help, Care For

Subdomains: Serve

Definition: (derivative of θεραπεύω [source selector 000001][b] ‘to serve,’ 35.19: διακονέω / 35.19: διακονία / 35.19: θεραπεύω / 35.19: ὑπηρετέω) a person who renders service

Notes: In rendering θεράπων, ὑπηρέτης, and διάκονος[a] in the sense of ‘servant,’ it is important to avoid a term which would be too specific, for example, ‘one who serves meals’ or ‘one who works around the house.’ It may, in fact, be necessary to use an expression which means essentially ‘helper.’