Chamberlain
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Chamberlain in the Bible?
A chamberlain was a high-ranking official in ancient Near Eastern and Mediterranean courts responsible for managing the royal household, treasury, or private quarters. In biblical texts, this title denotes administrators of the palace, including those overseeing the harem in the Old Testament and household managers like Blastus, the chamberlain of King Herod Agrippa I mentioned in Acts 12:20.
SIGNIFICANCE
Recognizing the role of the chamberlain illuminates the administrative structure of biblical monarchies and reveals how court insiders influenced political and religious outcomes. This context clarifies the dynamics between Herod’s inner circle and early Christian figures, showing how access to the king’s household could impact the fate of religious communities.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
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Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.