The Greek word *latreia* (G2999) originally signified the labor of slaves or hired servants, highlighting the underlying concept of worship in Scripture as service to the One revered. This understanding broadens the scope of worship beyond the confines of a specific location, encompassing any activity performed in service to and because of the One worshipped. Worship, therefore, involves both an attitude of deep respect and the actions that express the position and worth of the One worshipped. The link between worship and service is evident, as Jesus Himself emphasizes in Matthew 4:10, declaring that only the Lord God should be worshipped and served, reinforcing that these concepts are closely intertwined.

The Greek word *latreuo* (G2999), often translated as "to worship," fundamentally means to render religious service. In its most basic sense, worship is our service toward God. This term is frequently used to describe specific ritual duties in worship, such as the priests ministering at the Temple in the Old Testament Septuagint, the singers organized by David for worship, or Zechariah, the father of John the Baptist, performing service at the Temple in the New Testament. While *latreuo* emphasizes religious service and worship directed toward God, it shares a conceptual similarity with other terms like *douleuo*, which also means to serve. Both words can apply to serving God, whether through subjecting one's will to Him or through rendering religious service. In this sense, service and worship are virtually synonymous, reflecting the idea of giving oneself as a living sacrifice, which is our reasonable service to God.

In Romans 12:1, Paul speaks of our reasonable service, which in the Greek is *latreia* (G2999), meaning ministration or worship to God, specifically divine service. This term, appearing five times in the New Testament, historically refers to the orderly and faithful execution of duties by priests and Levites as commanded by God. In the Septuagint, *latreia* translates Hebrew terms related to the sacrificial services of the Levites, emphasizing their work of worship before God. Paul uses this word in Romans 9 when lamenting physical Israel, to whom God granted the privileged responsibilities of service before Him, highlighting worship and service as blessings of their sanctification as His separate people. Similarly, in Hebrews 9:1-6, *latreia* describes the joint effort of Levites and priests to prepare and maintain the service of worship before the true God. Through this concept, Paul connects our spiritual service to the historical pattern of dedicated worship, urging us to present ourselves as living sacrifices in alignment with God's purpose and plan.