Dual PanelSynonym for: Servant, Slave.
See Definition for \doulov\ 1401 See Definition for \yerapwn\ 2324 See Definition for \diakonov\ 1249 See Definition for \oikethv\ 3610 See Definition for \uphrethv\ 5257
\doulov\ is the usual word for slave, one who is permanently in servitude, in subjection to a master.
\yerapwn\ is simply one who renders service at a particular time, sometimes as a slave, more often as a freeman, who renders voluntary service prompted by duty or love. It denotes one who serves, in his relation to a person.
\diakonov\ also may designate either a slave or a freeman, it denotes a servant viewed in relation to his work.
\oikethv\ designates a slave, sometimes being practically equivalent to \doulov\. Usually, however, as the etymology of the term indicates, it means a slave as a member of the household, not emphasizing the servile idea, but rather the relation which would tend to mitigate the severity of his condition.
\uphrethv\ means literally an under-rower, and was used to describe an ordinary rower on a war-galley. It is then used, as in the N.T., to indicate any man, not a slave, who served in a subordinate position under a superior.