### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **douleúō**, represented by `{{G1398}}`, means **to be a slave to** in a literal or figurative sense, whether the service is voluntary or involuntary. It appears 27 times across 23 unique verses in the Bible, establishing a core concept of bondage or servitude to a master.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{G1398}}` is used to illustrate the principle of exclusive allegiance. A person cannot **serve** two masters, as they will inevitably love one and despise the other ([[Matthew 6:24]], [[Luke 16:13]]). This concept is applied to the choice between serving God or **mammon** `{{G3126}}`. The term also describes the state of humanity apart from God, as being in bondage and **serving** sin [[Romans 6:6]] or "divers lusts and pleasures" [[Titus 3:3]]. In contrast, believers are called out of this bondage to a new, willing service. They are to **serve** the Lord [[Romans 12:11]] and, through love, to **serve** one another [[Galatians 5:13]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of service and mastery:
* `{{G2962}}` **kýrios** (master): This word for a controller or one "supreme in authority" is frequently the one being served. Believers are called to be "serving the **Lord**" [[Romans 12:11]].
* `{{G3126}}` **mammōnâs** (mammon): Personifying avarice, this is presented as the alternative master to God. Scripture states one cannot **serve** both God and **mammon** [[Matthew 6:24]].
* `{{G1658}}` **eleútheros** (free): As the direct opposite of a slave, this word describes the state of being unrestrained. Believers are called to liberty, but are warned not to use that freedom as an occasion for the flesh [[Galatians 5:13]].
* `{{G3000}}` **latreúō** (serve/worship): This term is more specific, referring to religious homage or ministry to God. After being freed from bondage, Israel was to **serve** God in a new capacity [[Acts 7:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1398}}` is significant, framing the human condition and the nature of salvation.
* **Exclusive Allegiance:** The word establishes that all people are in service to something. The fundamental choice is between serving God or a competing master like **mammon** [[Matthew 6:24]], with no possibility of dual loyalty.
* **Bondage to Sin:** Before salvation, individuals are described as being in bondage, **serving** sin [[Romans 6:6]], idols [[1 Thessalonians 1:9]], and destructive lusts [[Titus 3:3]]. This service is presented as a deceptive and disobedient state.
* **Liberated Service:** Freedom in Christ is not an absence of service, but a change in master. Believers are delivered from the law to **serve** in "newness of spirit" [[Romans 7:6]]. This new service is directed toward God and Christ [[Colossians 3:24]] and is expressed by using liberty to **serve** one another through love `{{G26}}` [[Galatians 5:13]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1398}}` is a pivotal word that defines one’s ultimate loyalty. It powerfully contrasts the involuntary and destructive bondage to sin, idols, and wealth with the voluntary and life-giving service to the Lord and to others. The use of **douleúō** illustrates that true freedom is not the absence of a master, but the joy of willingly serving the right one.
TRV