Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJames Hastings Dictionary of the Bible: Chamberlain
Subjects in this Topic:
CHAMBERLAIN.—In OT the word occurs in 2Ki_23:11 and repeatedly in Est., where the original is ‘eunuch’ (sârîs); but it is generally believed that this name is not to be taken always in a literal sense, and hence it is often rendered by the word ‘officer.’ In Esther, however, the chamberlain evidently belongs to that class of persons who are entrusted with the watchful care of the harems of Oriental monarchs. In NT at Act_12:20 it is said that the people of Tyre and Sidon sought the favour of Herod Agrippa through the mediation of Blastus ‘the king’s chamberlain,’ showing that the office was one of considerable influence. The word occurs again in AV [Note: Authorized Version.] in Rom_16:23, but is rendered in RV [Note: Revised Version.] more accurately ‘treasurer of the city.’