These are the Words...

Latreuo

Definition

The Greek word latreuo is the verb form of latris ("hired laborer") and means "to do menial labor for". It appears 21 times in scripture.

The three Greek words douleuo ("to be a slave to"), latreuo ("to labor for"), and diakoneo ("to wait upon or tend to") fit together to show the three different aspects of serving in the Kingdom of God. Please read these three vocabulary essays in order.

You shall fear Adonai your God. You shall serve Him and hold fast to Him... - Deuteronomy 10:20

Meaning in Ancient Israel

The Greek word latreuo is often translated "worship" when it refers to Temple ritual, showing it corresponds most closely to the Hebrew word avodah.

The Apostolic Writings say that serving God in a latreuo way has not changed since the time of the ancient Israelites (Acts 7:7, 24:14, and 27:23; also Hebrews 9:9 and 9:14).

Meaning in the First Century

This latreuo manner of service is something we only do for God (Matthew 4:20 and Luke 4:8, also Luke 1:74). We serve God in this way with our spirit (Romans 1:9, Philippians 3:3), with an attitude of awe, reverence, and fear (Hebrews 12:28).

In the World to Come we will be "slaves" of Messiah who instead of "slaving for" him will do latreuo type of service (Revelation 22:3). That is an interesting and mysterious statement!

Meaning for Messianic Jews in Modern Times

Serving Adonai

Latreuo service is about "toiling" for Adonai in our worship. We can toil in prayer, study, dance, and other kinds of worship. It is our offering to God, often in ritualistic activity. It is done voluntarily but with effort and endurance. It is also everyone's job and not to be "assigned" only to leadership.

Serving Each Other

We normally do not serve each other directly in latreuo service. But we do serve each other indirectly since together, in our congregations, we should be creating an atmosphere where this type of worship happens. This is why our services include liturgy, for example, to provide the structure that ensures the people worshipping think about God in all the appropriate ways each Shabbat even though being thorough in this manner can at times seem like "toil". (Although liturgy usually seems like toil only when we really need to think about God more!)

Some congregations have one or more people actively praying during services and other events that God may work as he desires during that time. That kind of toiling in prayer on behalf of the group would be appropriate as latreuo service.

Serving with Standards

Unfortunately, even people who love Yeshua can fall into times of not being willing to toil for him. The intimacy with Adonai available through Yeshua has so much peace and joy we can be tricked into forgetting that our relationship with Adonai is also about service and hard work. This is especially true if our lives are comfortable! Let us remember to toil in prayer, study, and all other kinds of worship, and to take time to listen to Adonai to hear what work he has specifically for us to do.