KING JAMES BIBLE DICTIONARY

A confidential servant of the king (Genesis 37:36; 39:1). In Romans 16:23 mention is made of "Erastus the chamberlain." Here the word denotes the treasurer of the city, or the quaestor, as the Romans styled him. He is almost the only convert from the higher ranks of whom mention is made (comp. Acts 17:34). Blastus, Herod's "chamberlain" (Acts 12:20), was his personal attendant or valet-de-chambre. The Hebrew word saris, thus translated in Esther 1:10, 15; 2:3, 14, 21, etc., properly means an eunuch (as in the marg.), as it is rendered in Isaiah 39:7; 56:3.

An officer of a king.
2 Kings 23:11; Esther 1:10-15; Esther 2:3-21; Esther 4:4-5; Acts 12:20; Romans 16:23

an officer attached to the court of a king, who formerly had charge of the private apartments or chambers of the palace. He kept the accounts of the public revenues. The office held by Blastus, "the king's chamberlain," was entirely different from this. (Acts 12:20) It was a post of honor which involved great intimacy and influence with the king. For chamberlain as used in the Old Testament, see [EUNUCH]

CHAMBERLAIN,

CHAMBERLAIN, noun

1. An officer charged with the direction and management of a chamber, or of chambers. The Lord chamberlain of Great Britain is the sixth officer of the crown. To him belong livery and lodging in the kings court; on coronation day he brings to the king his apparel, his sword, scabbard, etc. He dresses and undresses the king on that day, and waits on him before and after dinner. To him also belongs the care of providing all things in the house of lords, in time of parliament. Under him are the gentleman usher of the black rod, and other officers. The Lord chamberlain of the household has the oversight of all officers belonging to the kings chambers, except the precinct of the bed-chamber, of the wardrobe, physicians, chaplains, barbers, etc., and administers the oath to all officers above stairs.

The chamberlains of the exchequer, of London, of Chester, of North Wales, etc., are receivers of rents and revenues.

2. A servant who has the care of the chambers in an inn or hotel.

CHAMBERLAINSHIP,

CHAMBERLAINSHIP, noun The office of a chamberlain.