[Greek] θεραπεία (therapeia), [Latin] sanare, [French] remedier: attention, medical service, healing, working servants, household, care caregivers, healing; Mt.24:45, Lk.9:11, Lk.12:42, Rev.22:2
The Household Gods: painting by John William Waterhouse (1880). These were figurines (icons) of gods and ancestors.
Background information:
Greek Hellenism: This term, used in various ways, can mean service, attendance, worship of gods, service paid to gods, caring, nurturing, service paying court, medical treatment (cure), animal care, repairs (maintenance), and attendants (retinue). Plato’s Euthypro 14b states, “I say simply that when one knows how to say and do what is gratifying to the gods, that is holiness and such things bring salvation to the individual families and to the state.” Lysias’ Against Agoratus 13.45 states, “Some left elderly parents behind them, who were expected to be supported in their old age, others, left sisters unwedded, other little children who still require much attendence.” Xenophon’s Hellenica 2.3.14 states, “They paid court to Callibius in every way, in order that he might approve of everything they did.”
Old Testament: This term, also having various meanings, can refer to servants, preparation of harems, slaves, assemblies (groups), idolatry, images, and worship. The most numerous examples refer to servants and slaves. Servants in larger groups consist of assemblies or harems. Young women were rubbed with perfumes and oils in preparation for service to the king. Interestingly, household gods (teraphim) were perhaps permitted or tolerated in Hebrew society. Laban, Michal, and Micah had these household graven images in their possession.
Household gods: These idols were figurines, statues, and graven images of ancestors. These idols served as objects for prophecy, divination, and protection. Rachel stole her father Laban’s idols to prevent him from discovering Jacob’s travel plans. It is also curious as to why such idols were in David’s house. As a means to deceive Saul’s messengers, an idol was put in David’s bed. Micah made an idol overlaid with silver in his house. Micah installed one his sons as priest. This cultic practices calls attention to the disorder and lawlessness that occurred prior to the establishment of a kingship in Israel. Now Rachel had taken the household idols and put them in camel’s saddle, and she sat on them (Gen.31:34). The man Micah had a shrine and he made an ephod and household idols and consecrated on of his sons, that he might become his priest (Jdg.17:5). For the days of their beautification were completed as follows: 6 months with oil of myrrh and 6 months of spices (Est. 2:12). So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant” (Gen.24:34). On the eighth day you shall have a solemn assembly (Num.29:35).
New Testament: This term means servant (steward) and healing. Jesus seeks the faithful servant to whom the master has put in charge of distributing food (resources) at the proper time. Jesus was addressing the leaders (leading servants) of His Church. The gospel writers were stressing the importance of being faithful to the instructions of Jesus. Jesus healed those who needed to be healed. It is interesting to note that Luke was a physician. Revelations 22:2 states that the tree of life provides medicine (healing) for the nations. This tree of life will be made available to those Christians who hold fast to the faith and do God’s will in the face of persecution.
Scripture:
“Who, then is the faithful and prudent servant, whom the master has put in charge of his household to distribute to them their food at the proper time?” Mt.24:45
Jesus asks who is the faithful servant whom will be faithful to His instructions.
“The crowds, meanwhile, learned of this and followed Him. He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and He healed those who need to be cured.” Lk.9:1
Jesus is the physician who heals the sick in need of moral, physical, and spiritual healing.
Conclusion:
Therapy, therapeutic, sane, sanity, remedy
I was surprised about the wide range of meanings of this term. This includes paying service to the gods and paying service (seeking favor) from leaders. I suppose that there is not much difference between someone providing service, maintenance, and healing for someone. I can only imagine that those paying lip service had often done this (oblivious to this expression).
I was surprised that this term also referred to household gods. These icons were figurines of gods or ancestors in varying sizes. I was really surprised that these household gods were permitted or allowed in this Old Testament culture. Perhaps, these gods were used to offer devotion for protection and safety and divining locations. It is very curious that such a god was allowed in the house of David.
This term is more narrowly defined in the New Testament culture. Jesus is more concerned about a prudent and faithful servant. This leader must be a servant leader. Jesus leads by His example.
It is interesting to note that the expression “paying lip service” comes from Mt.15:8 (these people honors me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me). This expression began in 1644.
Current household gods: In a sense, many of us have become like “little pagans” devoting much of our time to various electronic “gods”. Such examples include smartphones and other electronic devices. Many of us have spent much time literally bowing our heads (and necks), leading to aggravated shoulders, neck strain, and poor posture. Doctors have called this condition “text neck.”
Fortunately, I still have some willpower to walk away from these electronic gods!) But to be honest, the god Outlook frequently exerts its influence on me)! However, However, there are many of us (like my nieces) who are more foregone, constantly “captivated” and “seduced” by these gods.
Isn’t it ironic that we now focus our attention on icons of an another electronic sort (Facebook and Twitter [for fellowship], Outlook [for communication], Google and Siri [for knowledge], Mapquest [for travel directions], Amazon [for buying stuff], etc) in our rooms and offices!