Lexical Summary hupéreteó: To serve, to minister, to assist Original Word: ὑπηρετέω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance minister unto, serve. From huperetes; to be a subordinate, i.e. (by implication) subserve -- minister (unto), serve. see GREEK huperetes HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 5256 hypēretéō – properly, to serve under direct authority (literally, as a rower on a ship). In classical Greek, 5256 /hypēretéō ("serving, supporting") is always metaphorical for "ministering to, to serve" (A-S). See 5257 (hypēretēs). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom hupéretés Definition to serve as a rower, to minister to, serve NASB Translation ministered (1), ministering (1), served (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 5256: ὑπηρετέωὑπηρετέω, ὑπηρέτω; 1 aorist ὑπηρέτησα; from Herodotus down; to be ὑπηρέτης (which see), properly, a. to act as rower, to row, (Diodorus, Aelian). b. to minister, render service: τίνι, Acts 13:36; Acts 20:34; Acts 24:23. The verb ὑπηρετέω pictures the quiet, steady labor of the “under-rower,” the oarsman seated below deck who follows the cadence of the captain’s drum. The stress falls on willing submission to a higher authority, teamwork with fellow servants, and endurance in unseen toil. In later Greek the word widened to describe any attendant who executes another’s directives, but the maritime image still colors the New Testament sense: believers act under Christ’s command, pulling together so that His vessel advances. Historical Background Greco-Roman galleys relied on rows of oarsmen who had no view of the horizon; they trusted the pilot and kept perfect timing. The term therefore carried nuances of dependence, discipline, and unity. By the first century it could refer to court officials, physician’s assistants, or scribal helpers—anyone whose task was indispensable yet subordinate. When Luke employs the verb in Acts, his readers would have pictured a faithful aide whose value lay not in prominence but in perseverance. Distinctive Nuances among Service Words • δοῦλος highlights ownership and absolute obedience. Together these terms enrich the biblical theology of ministry, but ὑπηρετέω reminds the Church that every assignment, whether public or hidden, moves at Christ’s cadence. New Testament Usage Acts supplies the only three occurrences: 1. Acts 13:36 — “For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep…”. David’s life is summarized not by exploits but by an under-rower’s faithfulness to God’s purpose for his era. These passages span monarchy, missionary outreach, and civil custody, showing that ὑπηρετέω operates in every sphere where God’s people live. Theological Significance 1. Christ-centered Alignment: Under-rowers move only at the Captain’s signal. Likewise, the Church advances as believers heed the Lord’s Word and Spirit. Implications for Church Ministry • Team Orientation: Ministries thrive when members row in rhythm rather than compete for the helm. Elders, deacons, teachers, and helpers each supply coordinated strength. Personal Application Believers today are invited to take their seat at the oar, eyes fixed not on acclaim but on the One who directs the voyage. Whether supporting a missionary fund, teaching children, or visiting prisoners, the call is identical: “serve the purpose of God in your generation” (Acts 13:36). When the voyage ends, the Captain will acknowledge every stroke pulled in obedience, and the quiet under-rower will hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Englishman's Concordance Acts 13:36 V-APA-NMSGRK: ἰδίᾳ γενεᾷ ὑπηρετήσας τῇ τοῦ NAS: For David, after he had served the purpose KJV: David, after he had served his own INT: to his own generation having ministered by the Acts 20:34 V-AIA-3P Acts 24:23 V-PNA Strong's Greek 5256 |
    |