λατρεία
latreía
G2999 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Ritual worship or service; the act or practice of serving a deity, particularly through prescribed religious practices, ritual acts, or cultic service. In Greek literature, denotes service rendered directly to a divine being, often in a formal or liturgical context. The term encompasses acts within sacred or temple settings, including sacrifices, offerings, and other ritual observances, as well as more general religious devotion. In some contexts, it can refer to both the overall system of religious worship and its specific acts.
Semantic Range
cultic service, ritual worship, religious service, formal ceremonies in temple or sanctuary, acts of service devoted to a deity, divine worship; by extension, entire system of worship or cultus
Root / Etymology
From the root λατρεύω (latreuō, 'to serve, to render religious or cultic service'), which is ultimately related to λάτρις ('a hired servant'). The semantic development moved from general service to specifically religious service or worship.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In classical Greek, λατρεία referred broadly to the service rendered to a master or deity, not always restricted to religious cult. Within the Septuagint, λατρεία is used primarily to translate Hebrew terms for ceremonial service or ritual worship within the temple, distinguishing it from more informal forms of devotion or prayer (cf. λειτουργία as a related but distinct term referring to public religious duties). In Second Temple and New Testament usage, λατρεία refers specifically to cultic worship carried out by the Israelite or Judean priesthood in the temple, or metaphorically, the worship of God in accordance with covenantal requirements. English translations often render it as 'service', 'worship', or 'divine service,' but these sometimes obscure the specifically ritual or cultic dimension inherent in the term. In post-biblical Greek and later in Patristic writings, the term comes to denote worship reserved for the divine alone, in contrast to other forms of veneration.
Translation Consistency
λατρεία primarily denotes ritual or cultic worship and religious service. “Worship” is the natural, common English word that covers both formal ritual service and general devotional acts, matches the SILEX range, and works consistently as a base form for all occurrences.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from λατρεύω; ministration of God, i.e. worship:--(divine) service.
Root Family
λατρει- (latreía) — to serve (especially ritually), to perform religious service, to worship
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2999-02 |
λατρείαν | latreian | N ACC F SG |
service | ritual service | ritual service | 2 |
G2999-03 |
λατρείας | latreias | N GEN F SG |
of worship | of ritual service | of worship | 2 |
G2999-01 |
λατρεία | latreia | N NOM F SG |
service | ritual worship | ritual worship | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
5 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G2999-02 |
John 16:2 | λατρείαν | latreian | N ACC F SG |
service | ritual service | ritual service |
G2999-01 |
Romans 9:4 | λατρεία | latreia | N NOM F SG |
service | ritual worship | ritual worship |
G2999-02 |
Romans 12:1 | λατρείαν | latreian | N ACC F SG |
service | ritual service | ritual service |
G2999-03 |
Hebrews 9:1 | λατρείας | latreias | N GEN F SG |
of worship | of ritual service | of worship |
G2999-03 |
Hebrews 9:6 | λατρείας | latreias | N ACC F PL |
services | of ritual service | of worship |