λατρεύω

latreúō /lat-ryoo'-o/ Ask about this word
Rootfrom (a hired menial)
Meaningto minister (to God), i.e. render religious homage
KJV usageserve, do the service, worship(-per).
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Greek word latreúō, represented by G3000, describes the act of religious service or worship. Derived from a term for a hired menial, its base definition is to minister (to God), i.e. render religious homage. It appears 21 times across 21 unique verses in the Bible. The term specifies a focused devotion, whether rendered to the true God or directed toward false objects of worship.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, G3000 is used to define the nature of exclusive devotion. In response to Satan, Jesus declares that one must "worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve" (Matthew 4:10, Luke 4:8). Conversely, the term is used to describe idolatry, such as when people served the creature more than the Creator Romans 1:25 or when Israel was given up to worship the host of heaven Acts 7:42. This service is often depicted as a continuous act, with believers serving God "day and night" (Revelation 7:15, Acts 26:7). True service is characterized as originating from a purified conscience, made possible through the blood of Christ Hebrews 9:14.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words expand upon the concept of religious service:

  • G1401 doûlos (a slave): While latreúō stems from the idea of a hired worker, doûlos denotes a bond-servant. The two are linked in the ultimate state of believers, where His servants G1401 will serve G3000 Him Revelation 22:3.
  • G4352 proskynéō (to fawn or crouch to, i.e. prostrate oneself in homage): This word for worship is often paired with latreúō, indicating both the posture of adoration and the life of service owed to God Matthew 4:10.
  • G2378 thysía (sacrifice): The Old Testament sacrifices G2378 could not perfect the conscience of him that did the service G3000 Hebrews 9:9, contrasting the old service with the new.
  • G127 aidṓs (bashfulness, i.e. (towards men), modesty or (towards God) awe): This defines the proper attitude for service, as believers are called to serve G3000 God acceptably with reverence G127 and godly fear Hebrews 12:28.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of G3000 is significant in defining a believer's devotion.

  • Exclusive Allegiance: The word establishes a clear boundary for worship. It is a service to be rendered to God alone Luke 4:8, and to direct it elsewhere is a perversion, such as serving the creature Romans 1:25.
  • Internal Purity: True service is not merely an external ritual. Paul states he serves God with his spirit Romans 1:9 and from a pure conscience 2 Timothy 1:3. This internal state is what distinguishes it from the "dead works" of the past Hebrews 9:14.
  • Perpetual Worship: The concept of serving is portrayed as a constant activity, occurring "day and night" (Luke 2:37, Acts 26:7). This culminates in the eternal state, where the redeemed serve God in His temple Revelation 7:15.

Summary

In summary, G3000 conveys a specific form of religious homage and ministry. It is not general work but a life oriented around devotion. The term distinguishes between true service offered to God from a pure spirit and the false service of idolatry. From a foundational command for exclusive loyalty to an eternal reality of ceaseless worship, latreúō defines the core responsibility and privilege of a follower of God.

Grammatical Forms

In the Greek New Testament, this word appears as a verb across 21 occurrences, inflected in 12 grammatical forms.

  • Present Active Indicative 1st Singular 4×
  • Present Active Infinitive 3×
  • Future Active Indicative 2nd Singular 2×
  • Future Active Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Present Active Indicative 3rd Plural 2×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Plural Masculine 2×
  • Aorist Active Indicative 3rd Plural 1×
  • Present Active Participle Accusative Plural Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Participle Accusative Singular Masculine 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Feminine 1×
  • Present Active Participle Nominative Singular Neuter 1×
  • Present Active Subjunctive 1st Plural 1×
Nominative
The subject of the verb.
Accusative
The direct object of the verb.
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
Neuter
Neuter 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.
Active
The subject performs the action.
Indicative
A plain statement of fact.
Subjunctive
Possibility or purpose — "might", "should".
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 21 verses across 8 books. Most frequent in Hebrews (6 verses).

1
Matthew
3
Luke
5
Acts
2
Romans
1
Philippians
1
2 Timothy
6
Hebrews
2
Revelation

Verse Explorer

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