"pr. to perform some public service at one’s own expense; in NT to officiate as a priest, Heb. 10:11; to minister in the Christian Church, Acts 13:2; to minister to, assist, succor, Rom. 15:27*"
Definition and meaning
pr. to perform some public service at one’s own expense; in NT to officiate as a priest, Heb. 10:11; to minister in the Christian Church, Acts 13:2; to minister to, assist, succor, Rom. 15:27*
In the original Greek the word is written: λειτουργέω
Historical context
The Roman Empire provided infrastructure no previous civilization had built — roads, sea routes, a common language in Greek, and relative peace across the Mediterranean. Jewish synagogues existed in every major city, giving Paul a starting point everywhere he traveled. The early church had no buildings, no political power, no social standing — and spread faster than any movement in ancient history.
The people who first heard this word were not reading a book — they were living through empires, oppression, exile, and covenant. Every word carried the weight of that reality. Understanding it changes how you read Scripture.
Scripture references
These are the most notable occurrences of leitourgeo (G3008) across the King James Bible.
As they ministered to the Lord, and fasted, the Holy Ghost said, Separate me Barnabas and Saul for the work whereunto I have called them.
It hath pleased them verily; and their debtors they are. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister unto them in carnal things.
And every priest standeth daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
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Common questions
Strong's G3008 (leitourgeo) is a Greek word that means: pr. to perform some public service at one’s own expense; in NT to officiate as a priest, Heb. 10:11; to minister in the Christian Church, Acts 13:2; to minister to, assist, succor, Rom. 15:27* It appears 3 times in the King James Bible.
The word leitourgeo (G3008) appears 3 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3008 is leitourgeo, a Greek word defined as: pr. to perform some public service at one’s own expense; in NT to officiate as a priest, Heb. 10:11; to minister in the Christian Church, Acts 13:2; t. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
leitourgeo is a Greek word found in the New Testament.