δουλεύω

douleúō /dool-yoo'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom δοῦλος
Meaningto be a slave to (literal or figurative, involuntary or voluntary)
KJV usagebe in bondage, (do) serve(-ice).
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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.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 25 occurrences, inflected in 14 grammatical forms.

  • Present Active Infinitive 8×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 3×
  • Present Active Indicative 1st Singular 2×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Masculine 2×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Singular 1×
  • Perfect Active Indicative 1st Plural 1×
  • Present Active Imperative 2nd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Imperative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Indicative 2nd Plural 1×

+ 2 rarer forms

Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
1st
First person — the speaker ("I"/"we").
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Present
Action in progress or repeated — happening now or continually.
Future
Action yet to take place.
Aorist
Action viewed as a single whole — usually a simple past event.
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 23 verses across 12 books. Most frequent in Romans (7 verses).

1
Matthew
2
Luke
1
John
2
Acts
7
Romans
4
Galatians
1
Ephesians
1
Philippians
1
Colossians
1
1 Thessalonians
1
1 Timothy
1
Titus

Verse Explorer

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