In biblical times, chamberlains were officials who held significant responsibilities within royal courts and households. The term "chamberlain" is often used to describe a high-ranking servant or officer who managed the private chambers of a king or noble, overseeing domestic affairs and sometimes holding influence in political matters.

Old Testament References

In the Old Testament, chamberlains are mentioned in various contexts, often associated with the service of kings. For instance, in the Book of Esther, chamberlains play a crucial role in the narrative. Esther 1:10-11 describes how King Ahasuerus, during a feast, commanded his chamberlains to bring Queen Vashti before him: "On the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven eunuchs who attended him, to bring Queen Vashti before him with her royal crown, to display her beauty to the people and officials, for she was lovely to look at."

Chamberlains were often eunuchs, as seen in the case of Hegai, the king's eunuch who was in charge of the women in Esther 2:3 : "Let the king appoint commissioners in every province of his realm to bring all the beautiful young virgins to the citadel of Susa, to the harem under the supervision of Hegai, the king’s eunuch, keeper of the women. Let them be given beauty treatments."

New Testament References

In the New Testament, the role of chamberlains is less prominent but still present. Acts 12:20 mentions Blastus, the king's chamberlain, who played a role in the political dealings of Herod Agrippa I: "Now Herod was very angry with the people of Tyre and Sidon. So they came with one accord and appealed to Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, seeking peace, because their country depended on the king’s country for food."

Role and Significance

Chamberlains were trusted officials, often privy to the intimate and confidential matters of the royal household. Their duties could include managing the king's personal affairs, overseeing the royal treasury, and even acting as intermediaries between the king and other officials or foreign dignitaries. Due to their close proximity to the king, chamberlains could wield considerable influence, as seen in the case of Haman, who was promoted by King Ahasuerus to a position of great power (Esther 3:1).

The role of chamberlains highlights the structured hierarchy and the importance of loyalty and trust within ancient royal courts. Their presence in biblical narratives underscores the complexities of court life and the intricate web of relationships that influenced the political and social dynamics of the time.

Esther, the Queen.
... the women. On the seventh day the king sent his seven chamberlains to bring
Queen Vashti before him, wearing her royal crown. He ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter xxxiv esther the queen.htm

The King's Courts
... an argument with the Pharisees, or the administration of the rite of baptism, John
found himself accosted by one of the court chamberlains, and summoned to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/meyer/john the baptist/x the kings courts.htm

The Forged Sermon
... Slaves, eunuchs, pages, chamberlains, and courtiers heard from the inmost recesses
of the purple chambers voices raised into tones of the shrillest vehemence ...
/.../chapter xlviii the forged sermon.htm

Introduction to the Two Homilies on Eutropius.
... and was often in great want until an officer of the court took pity on him, and
procured him a situation in the lower ranks of the imperial chamberlains. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/introduction to the two homilies.htm

Eusebius, Bishop of Nicomedia, and his Party, by Again Endeavoring ...
... The chamberlains in the palace discussed this doctrine with the women; and
in the family of every citizen there was a logical contest. ...
/.../chapter ii eusebius bishop of nicomedia.htm

Writings of St. Ambrose.
... The book on the Mystery of the Lord's Incarnation owed its origin to a challenge
to dispute publicly given to St. Ambrose by two Arian chamberlains of Gratian. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/vi writings of st ambrose.htm

A Last visit to Arcadius
... He received a cordial welcome from his friend Aurelian, now for the second time
Pr??torian Pr??fect, and from the chamberlains Amantius and Briso. ...
/.../chapter lxix a last visit.htm

The Earthquake
... had also been roused from his slumbers by the earthquake, and was sitting by his
bedside limp and abject, with some of his trembling chamberlains around him ...
/.../chapter xlvi the earthquake.htm

The Effects of the Divine Graces in the Soul. The Inestimable ...
... trifles of this kind! Thy kingdom is for ever. We do not require chamberlains
to introduce us into Thy presence. The very vision of ...
/.../teresa/the life of st teresa of jesus/chapter xxxvii the effects of.htm

Touching the First Subject of all the Forementioned Power of the ...
... Queens and great persons have severall offices and officers for every businesse
and service about the house, as Chamberlains, Stewards, Treasurers, Comptrollers ...
/.../chap vii touching the first.htm

Chamberlains (17 Occurrences)
...Chamberlains (17 Occurrences). ... 1 Samuel 8:15 And he will take the tenth of your seed
and of your vineyards, and give to his chamberlains and to his servants. ...
/c/chamberlains.htm - 12k

Ahasu-e'rus (30 Occurrences)
... heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Bizzetha, Harbona,
Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that ministered ...
/a/ahasu-e'rus.htm - 15k

Mor'decai (51 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:21 in those days, while Mordecai sat in the king's gate, two of the king's
chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the door, were wroth ...
/m/mor'decai.htm - 20k

Bigtha (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Garden, or gift of fortune, one of the seven eunuchs or
chamberlains who had charge of the harem of Ahasuerus (Esther 1:10). Int. ...
/b/bigtha.htm - 7k

Bigthana (2 Occurrences)
... big'-than big-tha'-na (bighethan, bighethana'; Septuagint omits name): One of the
two chamberlains or eunuchs of Xerxes on ("Ahasuerus") who conspired against ...
/b/bigthana.htm - 7k

Threshold (28 Occurrences)
... Esther 2:21 In those days, while Mordecai was sitting in the king's gate, two of
the king's chamberlains, Bigthan and Teresh, of those that kept the threshold ...
/t/threshold.htm - 18k

Wroth (65 Occurrences)
... Esther 1:12 But the queen Vashti refused to come at the king's commandment by his
chamberlains: therefore was the king very wroth, and his anger burned in him. ...
/w/wroth.htm - 26k

Chamberlain (14 Occurrences)

/c/chamberlain.htm - 14k

Harbo'na (2 Occurrences)
... heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Bizzetha, Harbona,
Bigtha, and Abagtha, Zethar, and Carcas, the seven chamberlains that ministered ...
/h/harbo'na.htm - 7k

Hatach (4 Occurrences)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Verity, one of the eunuchs or chamberlains in the palace
of Ahasuerus (Esther 4:5, 6, 9, 10). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. HATACH ...
/h/hatach.htm - 7k

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