Brief overview of δουλεύω (G1398: douleúō)

• δουλεύω (douleúō) [doo-LEU-oh]
• Etymology: Derived from the Greek word δοῦλος (doulos), meaning “slave” or “servant,” indicating the action of serving or being in servitude.
• Part of Speech: Verb.
• The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Primary Meanings

• To Serve as a Slave: The primary meaning of δουλεύω (douleúō) is “to serve as a slave.” This indicates the condition of being in bondage to another person, carrying out duties and tasks as required by a master.
• To Be Subject to: The verb also conveys the idea of being subjected or subordinate to someone or something, not only in physical or social terms but also metaphorically, such as being bound to certain principles, laws, or spiritual conditions.
• To Serve: More generally, it can mean to serve or to work for another, often used in contexts where the emphasis is on obedience and duty rather than on the state of being a slave.

Further Insights:

• Morphological Composition: The word δουλεύω (douleúō) is a verb formed from the noun δοῦλος (doulos), meaning “slave.” The verb suffix “-εύω” (-euō) typically indicates an action or process, in this case, the action of serving or being in service. This formation directly ties the action of serving to the condition of being a slave or servant.
• Usage in Context: In the New Testament, δουλεύω (douleúō) is often used to describe spiritual service, such as serving God or being in bondage to sin. The verb’s application can be literal, referring to physical servitude, or metaphorical, reflecting spiritual or moral subjugation.

Lexicon Insights:

• BDAG: BDAG describes δουλεύω (douleúō) as a verb that primarily means “to be a slave” or “to serve.” It emphasizes the aspect of subordination and the obligation to obey another’s will. The term is used in both physical and spiritual contexts, often in contrast with the concept of freedom.
• Thayer’s Lexicon: Thayer’s notes that δουλεύω (douleúō) is used extensively in the New Testament to describe the believer’s relationship with Christ, implying total commitment and obedience. It also highlights the negative connotation of serving sin, where the individual is bound to sinful desires and actions.
• LSJ (Liddell-Scott-Jones): LSJ provides a broader view, noting that δουλεύω (douleúō) is used in classical Greek to describe any form of service or labor performed under compulsion. It was a common term in both legal and everyday contexts, indicating the performance of duties owed to a superior.
• Scripture References:
• Matthew 6:24: “No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”
• Romans 6:6: “We know that our old self was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin.”
• Galatians 5:13: “For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.”

Usage in Classical Greek Literature:

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• Homer, Iliad: In the Iliad, the concept of δουλεύω (douleúō) is depicted in the service of warriors to their leaders, reflecting the hierarchical nature of ancient Greek society where service to one’s superior was expected.
• Herodotus, Histories: Herodotus uses δουλεύω (douleúō) in Histories to describe the subjugation of conquered peoples, who are often described as being in servitude or bondage to the victorious rulers.
• Plato, Republic: Plato discusses δουλεύω (douleúō) in Republic in the context of the soul’s subjugation to desires, where the soul is said to be enslaved to base instincts if not properly governed by reason.

Summary of δουλεύω (G1398: douleúō)

The Greek word δουλεύω (douleúō), transliterated as douleúō and pronounced [doo-LEU-oh], is a verb that fundamentally means “to serve as a slave.” Rooted in the noun doulos (slave), it conveys the action of serving or being in subjection to another. In the New Testament, δουλεύω (douleúō) is frequently used to describe spiritual service, whether in the positive sense of serving God or in the negative sense of being enslaved to sin. The word’s usage in classical Greek literature similarly reflects themes of service, subjugation, and obedience, often within hierarchical or societal structures. The term’s breadth of application, from physical servitude to metaphorical or spiritual service, makes it a significant concept in understanding the dynamics of power, duty, and devotion in both secular and religious contexts.