(2.) In Judges 9:6, 20 it is the name of a rampart in Shechem, probably the
“tower of Shechem” (9:46, 49).
- MINCING (Hebrews taphoph, Isaiah 3:16), taking affectedly short and
quick steps. Luther renders the word by “wag” or “waggle,” thus
representing “the affected gait of coquettish females.” - MINE The process of mining is described in Job 28:1-11. Moses speaks
of the mineral wealth of Palestine (Deuteronomy 8:9). Job 28:4 is rightly
thus rendered in the Revised Version, “He breaketh open a shaft away
from where men sojourn; they are forgotten of the foot [that passeth by];
they hang afar from men, they swing to and fro.” These words illustrate
ancient mining operations. - MINISTER one who serves, as distinguished from the master. (1.)
Hebrews meshereth, applied to an attendant on one of superior rank, as to
Joshua, the servant of Moses (Exodus 33:11), and to the servant of Elisha
(2 Kings 4:43). This name is also given to attendants at court (2 Chronicles
22:8), and to the priests and Levites (Jeremiah 33:21; Ezekiel 44:11).
(2.) Hebrews pelah (Ezra 7:24), a “minister” of religion. Here used of that
class of sanctuary servants called “Solomon’s servants” in Ezra 2:55-58
and Nehemiah 7:57-60.
(3.) Greek leitourgos, a subordinate public administrator, and in this sense
applied to magistrates (Romans 13:6). It is applied also to our Lord
(Hebrews 8:2), and to Paul in relation to Christ (Romans 15:16).
(4.) Greek hyperetes (literally, “under-rower”), a personal attendant on a
superior, thus of the person who waited on the officiating priest in the
synagogue (Luke 4:20). It is applied also to John Mark, the attendant on
Paul and Barnabas (Acts 13:5).
(5.) Greek diaconos, usually a subordinate officer or assistant employed in
relation to the ministry of the gospel, as to Paul and Apollos (1
Corinthians 3:5), Tychicus (Ephesians 6:21), Epaphras (Colossians 1:7),
Timothy (1 Thessalonians 3:2), and also to Christ (Romans 15:8).