### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **latreía**, represented by `{{G2999}}`, is defined as the ministration of God, or worship, often translated as "(divine) service." It is derived from the word λατρεύω. According to usage statistics, it appears **5 times** across **5 unique verses** in the Bible, indicating a specific and focused application of the term.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G2999}}` describes different forms of worship or ministration owed to God. In the context of the Old Covenant, it refers to the formal, priestly duties, where priests accomplished "the **service**" in the tabernacle [[Hebrews 9:6]] according to the "ordinances of divine **service**" [[Hebrews 9:1]]. This **service** of God was considered a key privilege belonging to the Israelites [[Romans 9:4]]. The concept is redefined in the New Covenant, where believers are beseeched to offer their bodies as a living sacrifice, which is their "reasonable **service**" [[Romans 12:1]]. The term is also used to describe a tragically misguided form of worship, where a time will come when people will think they are doing God **service** by killing believers [[John 16:2]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related Greek words help clarify the meaning and context of `{{G2999}}` **latreía**:
* `{{G1345}}` **dikaíōma** (ordinance): This word describes the statutes or decisions that defined the "divine **service**" under the first covenant, connecting worship to a set of established rules [[Hebrews 9:1]].
* `{{G3936}}` **parístēmi** (present): This term is used to describe the action of the believer's **service**, which is to **present** their bodies as a living sacrifice to God [[Romans 12:1]].
* `{{G2378}}` **thysía** (sacrifice): This is what the believer's **service** consists of in the New Covenant—a living **sacrifice** that is holy and acceptable to God [[Romans 12:1]].
* `{{G2005}}` **epiteléō** (accomplishing): This word highlights the active performance of the priests' duties, who were constantly **accomplishing** the **service** required in the tabernacle [[Hebrews 9:6]].
* `{{G4374}}` **prosphérō** (doeth/offer): This term is used in the context of a mistaken form of **service**, where individuals think they **offer** acceptable worship to God through persecution [[John 16:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2999}}` is significant, illustrating a transition in the nature of worship.
* **Ceremonial Worship:** Initially, **latreía** is tied to the covenant with Israel and the specific ordinances of the worldly sanctuary, a formal and priestly function ([[Hebrews 9:1]], [[Romans 9:4]]).
* **Personal Worship:** The concept is transformed into a personal and continuous act of devotion. The "reasonable **service**" for a believer is no longer a ritual but the presentation of one's entire self to God [[Romans 12:1]].
* **The Object of Service:** The word consistently points to ministration directed "of God." This underscores that true **service** is defined by God's terms, not human understanding, which can be dangerously flawed [[John 16:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2999}}` **latreía** is a crucial term that defines the nature of divine worship. It bridges the ceremonial duties of the Old Testament priesthood with the all-encompassing, personal sacrifice of a believer's life in the New Covenant. It serves as a reminder that true **service** is a holy ministration defined by God, whether through the formal ordinances of the tabernacle or the living sacrifice of a believer.
TRV