### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **koitṓn**, represented by `{{G2846}}`, is defined as a **bedroom**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible. In its single scriptural use, it is not used to describe a room but to form part of a title for an official, a **chamberlain**, who had charge over the king's private quarters.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G2846}}` is in [[Acts 12:20]], in a political context involving King Herod. The people of Tyre and Sidon, seeking to make peace with a displeased Herod, first secured the friendship of "Blastus the king's **chamberlain**." The term signifies a position of great trust and influence, as this individual would have controlled access to the king's most private and secure space, the **bedroom**. By winning over this key official, the delegation gained a strategic advantage in approaching the king.
### Related Words & Concepts
The role of "chamberlain" in [[Acts 12:20]] is constructed using `{{G2846}}` in combination with other words that clarify its meaning:
* `{{G1909}}` **epí**: This preposition, meaning **over** or **upon**, is used to indicate authority and supervision. When combined with `{{G2846}}`, it literally means "the one over the bedroom," defining the chamberlain's specific jurisdiction and high-ranking responsibility within the royal court.
* `{{G935}}` **basileús**: This word for **king** identifies the sovereign whom the chamberlain serves. The importance of the chamberlain's role is derived entirely from his proximity and service to the **king**, highlighting the power structure of the court.
### Theological Significance
While the direct use of `{{G2846}}` is administrative, its context points to broader themes of access and authority seen elsewhere in scripture.
* **Proximity to the King:** The chamberlain's power came from his closeness to the earthly **king** `{{G935}}`. This mirrors the spiritual principle of our relationship to the ultimate sovereign, Jesus Christ, who is described as the **King** [[Matthew 25:34]] and "the prince of the kings of the earth" [[Revelation 1:5]].
* **Position of Trust:** Blastus held a trusted position. This idea of being in a specific, appointed position is echoed by the use of the related word **epí** `{{G1909}}`, which describes the Holy Spirit coming **upon** believers [[Acts 1:8]] and the power of Christ resting **upon** Paul [[2 Corinthians 12:9]].
* **Access to Authority:** The chamberlain controlled access to Herod. This points to the concept of access to the ultimate authority, God, who is called the "King of saints" [[Revelation 15:3]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2846}}` **koitṓn** is a word whose literal meaning of **bedroom** is used to build the definition of a significant political office. Its single appearance in the Bible as "chamberlain" is not explicitly theological, but it powerfully illustrates the concepts of influence, trust, and the importance of access to a sovereign. It demonstrates how a position of authority (**epí**) relative to a **king** (**basileús**) grants significant power, a principle that resonates in both earthly and spiritual realms.
TRV