δουλεύω
douleuō (G1398)
be a slave
AI Word Study
The Greek word δουλεύω (douleuō) is defined as "be a slave." This verb is used 25 times in the Bible, indicating its significance in the ancient Greek language and its importance in biblical discourse. The usage of δουλεύω suggests a range of contexts, from literal slavery to metaphorical servitude. In some instances, it may refer to a person's physical bondage, while in others, it may convey a sense of submission or obedience to a higher authority. This versatility in usage highlights the complexities of slavery and servitude in ancient Greek culture and biblical thought. The frequency and range of δουλεύω's usage in the Bible underscore its importance as a concept in biblical theology. By examining the various contexts in which this word appears, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the social, cultural, and theological dynamics at play in the biblical world.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other; or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.
But he answered his father, ‘Behold, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed a commandment of yours, but you never gave me a goat, that I might celebrate with my friends.
No servant can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to one, and despise the other. You aren’t able to serve God and Mammon.”
They answered him, “We are Abraham’s offspring, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How do you say, ‘You will be made free’?”
‘I will judge the nation to which they will be in bondage,’ said God, ‘and after that they will come out, and serve me in this place.’
serving the Lord with all humility, with many tears, and with trials which happened to me by the plots of the Jews;
knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin.
But now we have been discharged from the law, having died to that in which we were held; so that we serve in newness of the spirit, and not in oldness of the letter.
I thank God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! So then with the mind, I myself serve God’s law, but with the flesh, sin’s law.
it was said to her, “The elder will serve the younger.”
For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men.
For those who are such don’t serve our Lord, Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by their smooth and flattering speech, they deceive the hearts of the innocent.
However at that time, not knowing God, you were in bondage to those who by nature are not gods.
But now that you have come to know God, or rather to be known by God, why do you turn back again to the weak and miserable elemental principles, to which you desire to be in bondage all over again?
For this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to the Jerusalem that exists now, for she is in bondage with her children.
For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom for gain to the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.
with good will doing service as to the Lord, and not to men,
But you know the proof of him, that as a child serves a father, so he served with me in furtherance of the Good News.
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
For they themselves report concerning us what kind of a reception we had from you, and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a living and true God,
Those who have believing masters, let them not despise them because they are brothers, but rather let them serve them, because those who partake of the benefit are believing and beloved. Teach and exhort these things.
For we were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another.