from a compound of ἱερόν and the base of ἔργον; to be a temple-worker, i.e. officiate as a priest (figuratively):--minister.
Transliteration:hierourgéō
Pronunciation:hee-er-oorg-eh'-o
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb ἱερουργέω (hierourgéō), Strong's `{{G2418}}`, is a compound word derived from ἱερόν (hieron), meaning "temple" or "sacred place" (`{{G2411}}`), and ἔργον (ergon), meaning "work" or "deed" (`{{G2041}}`). Etymologically, it signifies "to perform sacred work" or "to officiate in a sacred capacity." In its literal sense, it would refer to the duties of a priest or temple worker, performing religious rites and sacrifices. However, the New Testament usage, as indicated in its base definition, is distinctly figurative. It denotes a spiritual "ministering" or "officiating" that carries the gravitas and sacredness of priestly service, but reinterpreted through the lens of the New Covenant. The semantic range thus encompasses the idea of engaging in a divinely appointed, sacred service, particularly in the proclamation and advancement of the gospel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ἱερουργέω appears only once in the New Testament, in the Apostle Paul's letter to the Romans:
* [[Romans 15:16]]: "to be a minister (λειτουργὸν - leitourgon) of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering (ἱερουργοῦντα) the gospel of God, so that the offering of the Gentiles may be acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit."
In this profound passage, Paul describes his apostolic ministry to the Gentiles using sacerdotal language. He presents himself not merely as a preacher or evangelist, but as one performing a sacred, priestly function (ἱερουργοῦντα τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ θεοῦ). The "gospel of God" is his sacred task, and the "offering" (προσφορὰ - prosphora `{{G4376}}`) is the Gentiles themselves, brought to faith in Christ. This "offering" is not a literal animal sacrifice but a spiritual one, made acceptable to God because it is "sanctified by the Holy Spirit." Paul is effectively portraying his work as a new covenant priesthood, where the spiritual conversion of people, rather than animal blood, constitutes the acceptable sacrifice. This unique usage elevates the work of evangelism and discipleship to the highest level of sacred service, directly comparable to the most solemn duties of an Old Testament priest, yet transformed by the reality of Christ's finished work and the indwelling Spirit.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ἱερουργέω is enriched by examining its relationship to several other key terms and theological concepts:
* **ἱερεύς (hiereus - priest):** `{{G2409}}` The one who performs ἱερουργέω. Paul's use of ἱερουργέω implies a priestly role for his ministry, though not in the Levitical sense.
* **λειτουργέω (leitourgeō - to serve, minister, perform public service):** `{{G3008}}` Paul also uses a form of this word (λειτουργὸν) in [[Romans 15:16]] to describe himself. While λειτουργέω can refer to any public or even secular service, ἱερουργέω specifically imbues the service with a sacred, priestly character. The combination highlights both the public, official nature of Paul's ministry and its profoundly sacred essence.
* **προσφορά (prosphora - offering, sacrifice):** `{{G4376}}` Directly linked in [[Romans 15:16]], this term underscores the sacrificial nature of the "offering of the Gentiles."
* **Spiritual Sacrifice:** The concept of the "offering of the Gentiles" resonates with the broader New Testament theme of spiritual sacrifices offered by believers. This includes the offering of their bodies as a "living sacrifice" ([[Romans 12:1]]), the "sacrifice of praise" ([[Hebrews 13:15]]), and good deeds ([[Hebrews 13:16]]). Believers are also described as a "holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" ([[1 Peter 2:5]]).
* **Priesthood of All Believers:** While Paul's apostolic role is unique, his portrayal of his ministry as a sacred, priestly service points to the broader New Covenant understanding that all believers participate in a spiritual priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices through Christ.
### Theological Significance
The singular use of ἱερουργέω in [[Romans 15:16]] carries immense theological weight:
1. **Redefinition of Priesthood:** In the New Covenant, the Levitical priesthood and its temple rituals have been fulfilled and superseded by the high priesthood of Jesus Christ ([[Hebrews 7:27]]). However, the concept of "priestly service" is not abolished but transformed. Paul's use of ἱερουργέω demonstrates that there is still a sacred, priestly dimension to ministry under the New Covenant, focused on the spiritual transformation of people rather than animal sacrifices.
2. **The Sacredness of Apostolic Ministry:** Paul views his commission to preach the gospel to the Gentiles as a holy, consecrated task, akin to the most solemn duties of an Old Testament priest. This elevates the work of evangelism and missions to a divine service, a spiritual act of bringing humanity into a right relationship with God.
3. **The Gentiles as an Acceptable Offering:** The "offering of the Gentiles" being "sanctified by the Holy Spirit" highlights the divine initiative and power in salvation. It underscores that the conversion of individuals, particularly those once considered outside the covenant, is a spiritual sacrifice profoundly pleasing to God, made holy and acceptable through the work of the Holy Spirit.
4. **Implications for All Christian Service:** While Paul's role was unique, the principle embedded in ἱερουργέω suggests that all genuine Christian service, particularly that which brings others to God through the gospel, possesses a sacred character. It encourages believers to view their ministries and acts of obedience as spiritual offerings, consecrated by God and performed with reverence and dedication.
### Summary
The Greek word ἱερουργέω (`{{G2418}}`), meaning "to perform sacred work" or "to minister as a priest," appears uniquely in [[Romans 15:16]]. Here, the Apostle Paul describes his apostolic ministry to the Gentiles as a sacred, priestly service: "ministering the gospel of God." The "offering" he presents to God is the Gentiles themselves, brought to faith and sanctified by the Holy Spirit. This singular usage profoundly redefines priesthood in the New Covenant, shifting it from ritualistic temple service to the spiritual work of bringing people into a relationship with God through the gospel. It underscores the divine and holy nature of Christian ministry, particularly evangelism and discipleship, and highlights that the spiritual transformation of individuals is a pleasing and acceptable offering to God, made possible and consecrated by the Holy Spirit.
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