3. Josephus. In Josephus the usage is governed by the idea of helping someone. Moses, Levites, etc. are God’s assistants, and we also read of royal officials, of agents, and of members of a bodyguard. Jacob helps his mother when she prepares the meal that will win him the birthright. A doulos can act as hyperetes, but intrinsically thehyperetes can accept or refuse the commission. The functional character of the activity distinguishes the hyperetes from the diakonos or therapon.