Servitor

A servitor (Hebrew meshareth, "one who ministers") was a personal attendant or servant in close, honorable service to a great man, a prophet, or the Lord. Joshua is called Moses' "minister" (meshareth) in this sense (Ex. 24:13; Josh. 1:1), indicating not menial slavery but a privileged attendant role. Elisha served Elijah as his servitor (1 Kgs. 19:21) before receiving his prophetic mantle. In 2 Kings 4:43 and 6:15, Elisha's own unnamed servant is called his meshareth. The temple priests and Levites are frequently described with this word in their service of God. The concept carries a dignity absent from ordinary slave terminology, suggesting devoted, intimate service.