[Greek] λατρεία (latreia), [Latin] legislatio, [Latin] sanctum, [Latin] sacrificium: service, divine worship, ministry, divine service, work of a hired servant (slave); Jn.16:2, Rom.9:4, Rom.12:1, Heb. 9:1,6
Mosaic Law: Only the High Priest was allowed to stand in God’s presence.
Background Information:
Greek Hellenism: This term originally meant to work or to serve for a reward. Over time, this term later means to serve (render service) with no thought of reward. Serving can include servitude, slavery, serving the gods, suffering, toiling, cherishing, and public service. Public service may involve administrative, governmental, and judicial functions. Sophocles’ Trachiniae 830 states, “For how shall he who does not see the light of day ever have to toil some servitude any more in depth?”
Service: Plato’s Apology 23a-b states, “And by reason of this occupation I have no leisure to attend to any of the affairs of state, but I am in vast poverty on account of my service to the gods.” Sophocles’ Trachiniae 35 states, “Such was the manner of his life, ever sending him to and from our home in servitude to some master. Xenophon’s Agesilaus 7,2 states, “Among the greatest services he rendered to his fatherland, though the most powerful man in the state, that he was servant of the laws.” Sophocles’ Oedipus at Colunus states, “I seem too lowly, enslaved as I am, overcome to woes the sorest on the earth.”
Old Testament: This term, used in a more limited cultic sense, refers to service to God and labor (service) of a slave, servant, or captive. Interestingly, the related verb occurs much more predominately. This term occurs quite frequently in the books of Exodus and Leviticus. The non-cultic uses of this term reference the compulsory services of the Jews and the ministry of virtue. Philo uses this term in a both a cultic and secular way. Philo’s De Specialibus Legibus 201 states, “the evil which he inflicted on him has deprived him of the service and use of his tooth.”
We have the right to worship the Lord in His presence with our holocausts, sacrifices, and peace offerings (Josh.22:27). You must also observe this rite when you have entered the land which the Lord will give you (Ex.12:25). We will not obey the words of the king nor depart from our religion in the slightest degree (1Macc.2:22). They sacrificed to idols and profaned the Sabbath (1Macc.1:43). The entire race was to be registered individually (3Macc.4:14). This is the lot of the servants of the Lord (Isa.54:17). Those who serve her serve the Holy One (Sir.4:14).
New Testament: This term is used in a cultic sense, a general worship sense, and a metaphorical sense. Jesus claims that the hour will come when some will be expelled from worshiping in the temple. Paul agonizes that the Israelites, having a special covenantal relationship with God, cannot accept Jesus as the Messiah. The Old Covenant still does not allow the people to stand in God’s presence. As the New Covenant supersedes the Old Covenant, Christians are called to present their bodies as living sacrifices in their spiritual worship.
Scripture:
“I urge you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, your spiritual worship.” Rom.12:1
Christians are called to present their bodies as a sacrifice. As Christ marks the end of the Mosaic law, Christians can act through their faith.
“They are Israelites’ theirs the adoption, the glory, the covenants, the giving of the law, the worship, and the promises.” Rom.9:4
Paul anguishes that the Israelites cannot accept Jesus as the Messiah.
Conclusion:
Idolatry, Idolater, legislation, sanctuary, sacrifice
It was interesting to learn that this term originally meant working for a reward. Then this meaning later changed to just serving. I was surprised by the various meanings of this term in the Greco-Roman era. Such examples included slavery, serving the gods, and public service.
Beginning with Old Testament culture, this term takes on primarily a cultic sense, with a few exceptions. This meaning continues in the New Testament culture. Paul makes an important theological statement in that we can offer our bodies as living sacrifices.
This idea is important in that this relates to the Catholic perspective of suffering and vicarious suffering. Paul was called upon to join his suffering with Christ. This perspective allows suffering to have meaning in one’s life. Some are called to suffer through no fault of their own (because of sickness, disease, violence, and martyrdom). Some are called to join their suffering with Christ.
It seems like in our culture, many of us have become almost like “little pagans” bowing down in front of various “gods” such as technology, power, media, materialism (stuff–I am guilty of this one–), and other things. From one such as myself, I panic when my computer goes down. At least, I am not as far-gone as those who are addicted to their electronic gadgets (smart phones)!
Now, many of us are literally bowing our heads at our electronic gadgets. Many now experience “tech neck.” This condition is associated with headaches, shoulder and neck strain, pain, poor posture, and eye strain. I suppose it “serves us right” for repeatedly bowing down in service to technology and convenience.