2 Kings 23:11 - "... by the chamber of Nathan-melech, the chamberlain, which was in the precincts;"

Esther 1:10 - "... the seven eunuchs who served King Ahasuerus as chamberlains,"

A chamberlain was an officer appointed to look after the personal affairs of a sovereign, in much the same way as a valet or bulter might do, although his duties were somewhat more extensive than those of the modern butler. These duties seem to have been to superintend the palace and attend to royal etiquette, rather in the way of a person today who is trained in the nuances of social and ryal protocol. Later, this post became one of special increasing influence, including the right of introduction to the king. The chamberlain thus became the chief minister.

We find references to this official in the biblical record as far back as the time of Joseph - there is an oblique reference here to Potiphar. The chamberlain as an official of the throne was introduced into Israel by Solomon, and was sometimes referred to as "steward" or "governor." As we will see with the cup-bearer, the chamberlain held a position of great trust and had to be a man of unswerving loyalty to his king. Since these officials had access to the women’s quarters of the palace, they were frequently eunuchs.

Erastus, the "chamberlain" of the city of Corinth, was one of those whose salutations to the Roman Christians are found in Romans 16:23. His office was apparently that of public treasurer, so that we can see how the position changed in concept after the time of the monarchy.