"pr. a public service discharged by a citizen at his own expense; in NT a sacred ministration, Lk. 1:23; Phil. 2:17; Heb. 8:6; 9:21; a kind office, aid, relief, 2 Cor. 9:12; Phil. 2:30*"
Definition and meaning
pr. a public service discharged by a citizen at his own expense; in NT a sacred ministration, Lk. 1:23; Phil. 2:17; Heb. 8:6; 9:21; a kind office, aid, relief, 2 Cor. 9:12; Phil. 2:30*
In the original Greek the word is written: λειτουργία
Historical context
Luke wrote as a historian addressing a Greek audience. He carefully interviewed eyewitnesses and arranged events in order. The social and economic realities he describes — Roman taxation, Jewish religious hierarchy, the marginalization of women and the poor — are consistent with first-century Judea under Roman administration.
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 leitourgia (G3009) across the King James Bible.
And it came to pass, that, as soon as the days of his ministration were accomplished, he departed to his own house.
For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;
Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.
Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.
But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises.
Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle, and all the vessels of the ministry.
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Common questions
Strong's G3009 (leitourgia) is a Greek word that means: pr. a public service discharged by a citizen at his own expense; in NT a sacred ministration, Lk. 1:23; Phil. 2:17; Heb. 8:6; 9:21; a kind office, aid, relief, 2 Cor. 9:12; Phil. 2:30* It appears 6 times in the King James Bible.
The word leitourgia (G3009) appears 6 times in the original Greek text.
Strong's G3009 is leitourgia, a Greek word defined as: pr. a public service discharged by a citizen at his own expense; in NT a sacred ministration, Lk. 1:23; Phil. 2:17; Heb. 8:6; 9:21; a kind office, aid. James Strong catalogued this in his 1890 concordance to help English readers study the original languages of the Bible.
leitourgia is a Greek word found in the New Testament.