### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **oikétēs**, represented by `{{G3610}}`, defines a **(household) servant** or a fellow resident within a domestic setting. It appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, referring to a menial domestic.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G3610}}` is used to illustrate key principles of loyalty, submission, and judgment. In [[Luke 16:13]], the inability of a **servant** to **serve** `{{G1398}}` **two** `{{G1417}}` **masters** `{{G2962}}` is presented as a core truth. The relationship is also used to teach about accountability, as one should not **judge** `{{G2919}}` another man's **servant**, who answers only to his own **master** [[Romans 14:4]]. The term is used with direct instruction for **servants** to **be subject** `{{G5293}}` to their **masters** `{{G1203}}`, not only the **good** `{{G18}}` but also the **froward** `{{G4646}}` [[1 Peter 2:18]]. Its literal use is seen when **Cornelius** `{{G2883}}` calls for his **household servants** [[Acts 10:7]] and when **Onesimus** `{{G3682}}` is described as a **servant** [[Philemon 1:25]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concepts of servitude and authority:
* `{{G1203}}` **despótēs** (master): This word describes an absolute ruler and is used for the **masters** to whom **servants** `{{G3610}}` are to **be subject** `{{G5293}}` [[1 Peter 2:18]].
* `{{G2962}}` **kýrios** (master): As a noun, this word means controller or one supreme in authority. It is used for the **master** to whom a **servant** `{{G3610}}` **standeth** `{{G4739}}` or **falleth** `{{G4098}}` [[Romans 14:4]].
* `{{G1398}}` **douleúō** (to serve): This verb, meaning to be a slave to, describes the action a **servant** `{{G3610}}` cannot perform for **two** `{{G1417}}` **masters** [[Luke 16:13]].
* `{{G5293}}` **hypotássō** (be subject): This term means to subordinate or obey and is the direct instruction given for how **servants** `{{G3610}}` should relate to their **masters** `{{G1203}}` [[1 Peter 2:18]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3610}}` is significant, providing a framework for understanding a believer's relationship with God and the world.
* **Undivided Loyalty:** The role of the **servant** `{{G3610}}` is used to teach that one **can** `{{G1410}}` not **serve** `{{G1398}}` **two** `{{G1417}}` **masters** `{{G2962}}`. This illustrates the impossibility of divided devotion between **God** `{{G2316}}` and **mammon** `{{G3126}}` [[Luke 16:13]].
* **Divine Accountability:** A believer's relationship to **God** `{{G2316}}` is compared to that of a **servant** `{{G3610}}` to his **master** `{{G2962}}`. This analogy forbids judging another's **servant**, as God is **able** `{{G1415}}` to make him **stand** `{{G2476}}` [[Romans 14:4]].
* **Godly Submission:** The term is central to instructions on Christian conduct. **Servants** `{{G3610}}` are commanded to **be subject** `{{G5293}}` to their **masters** `{{G1203}}` with **all** `{{G3956}}` **fear** `{{G5401}}`, extending this conduct even to those who are **froward** `{{G4646}}` [[1 Peter 2:18]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3610}}` is more than a simple descriptor for a domestic worker. It serves as a foundational illustration for crucial theological principles of loyalty, submission, and divine authority. The word is used to frame the singular devotion required to **serve** `{{G1398}}` **God** `{{G2316}}` [[Luke 16:13]], to establish a believer's ultimate accountability to their heavenly **master** `{{G2962}}` [[Romans 14:4]], and to model a life of faithful conduct [[1 Peter 2:18]]. It shows how a real-world role, from a **household servant** in the house of **Cornelius** [[Acts 10:7]] to the specific individual **Onesimus** [[Philemon 1:25]], can carry profound spiritual meaning.
TRV