[Greek] θεράπων (therapōn), [Latin] ministerium: attendant, servant, minister; Heb.3:5
The Funeral Games of Patroklos: 1778 fresco by Jacque-Louis David
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term is found essentially in religious settings (worship) and in Greek literature. The therapon is presented as a servant, slave, attendant, squire, and companion in arms. Homer’s Odyssey presents Patroklos as a faithful servant, chariot driver, squire, and companion in arms for Achilles. Patroklos eventually dies in his service for Achilles in battle. With Patrokolos’ death, Homer presents Patroklos essentially as serving (offering his life to) Ares, the god of war. Euripides’ play Hippolytus presents the wise Therapon offering advice to the respected lord Hippolytus. Hippolytus accepts this advice from a lowly servant. The playwright Euripides provide a social commentary in that one can find wisdom from unexpected places (the slave is wiser than the master).
Old Testament: This term occurs quite frequently, referring to a servant, slave, indentured servant, minister, officer, subject, and worshiper. The most significant example makes reference to Moses as a servant of God. This term also refers to a son, who can perpetuate the family name. Likewise, female servants (attendants) and concubines all served for the purposes of marriage or sexual relations.
Not so with My servant Moses (Num.12:7). The Hebrew slave whom you brought here broke in on me (Gen.39:17). Sir, please do not go on past your servant (Gen.18:3). David then carried out successfully every mission on which Saul sent him (1Sam.18:5). And the foreigners who join themselves to the Lord, ministering to Him, loving the name of the Lord (Isa.56:6). There were the sons of Noah, and from these the whole earth was populated (Gen.9:19). The girl’s father shall say to the elders, ‘I gave my daughter to this man for a wife, but he turned against her’ (Deut.22:19).
New Testament: This term occurs only once, making a specific reference to Moses. In contrast to Jesus (who is the Son of God), Moses is a servant who has a position with honor and dignity. A therapon attains this role despite one’s socio-economic status. Moses’ role as servant allowed him to have an open “mouth to mouth” (or speaking) relationship with God. A therapon attains a higher office than an ordinary servant (doulos). In contrast, an ordinary servant would typically receive a dream or murky vision from his communication with God.
Scripture:
“Moses was faithful in all his house as a servant to testify to what would be spoken.” Heb. 3:5
Conclusion:
Therapy, therapist, therapeutic, minister
I would have already associated this term with the practice of serving (attending) the gods. However, I was not really aware of how this term was presented in Greek literature. It is interesting to learn how this term is presented as a squire and fellow soldier in Homer’s works. The squire Patroklos attends to the god Ares through his death.
Although this term is extensively used to generally illustrate a servant, the important illustration refers to Moses. Even as a servant, Moses’ office contains dignity. From an Old Testament perspective, it is perhaps not surprising that both sons and daughters “served” their respective purpose in continuing the family line and influence. Daughters and servants were viewed almost as property in marriage arrangements (contracts) between important families. This gives further insight into the father “giving the bride away”.
In whichever time period, the therapon has a place of dignity and authority. In some form or another, the therapon serves (or attends to) God, man, or the gods. Ministers, therapists, and servants continue, in various current disciplines, to convey aspects of healing and service.
Our time is up. We will continue where we left off. We made a lot of progress this session.☺