δουλεύω (douleuō)
douleuō
be a slave
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 23 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb douleuō describes the state of being a slave or serving someone with total submission. Derived from the noun for "slave," it conveys more than simple labor; it implies belonging to another and acting under their authority. In the New Testament, this word appears in contexts ranging from literal servitude to profound spiritual allegiance, often translating the Hebrew concept of serving God found in the Old Testament.
Its usage is strikingly flexible because it applies to any master one serves. Jesus uses it to describe loyalty to God or wealth in Matthew 6:24, while Paul employs it to contrast slavery to sin with freedom in Christ (Romans 6:6). The term also extends to social relationships, such as serving one another in love (Galatians 5:13) or working alongside others for the gospel (Philippians 2:22).
Translators often render douleuō as "serve," but this English word can feel too neutral. The Greek carries the weight of ownership and obligation. Whether describing nations in subjection, believers yielding to God, or individuals enslaved by desires, the word consistently points to a relationship where the servant’s will is aligned with the master’s commands.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word δουλεύω (douleuō) carries a weight that modern English often softens with terms like "serve" or "help." In its original context, it describes a state of belonging entirely to another. It is not merely about performing tasks; it is about alignment of will and authority. When Jesus speaks in Matthew 6:24, He uses this term to highlight an impossible split loyalty. You cannot hold your life together if you try to obey two opposing masters. The word demands a single, focused allegiance.
For the believer, this concept offers profound freedom rather than restriction. Romans 6:6 reminds us that our old nature was in bondage to sin, but through Christ, we are released from that control. This shift does not leave us aimless. Instead, it invites us into a new relationship where we serve God with a willing heart. It is an invitation to rest in the authority of One who knows what is best for us, freeing us from the exhausting burden of self-rule.
This understanding changes how we view our daily responsibilities. Whether working alongside others or serving within the church, we do so as an act of worship to the Lord. It is a quiet, steady commitment that does not seek applause but seeks faithfulness. By yielding our will to God, we find our true purpose and peace in His care.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 23 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- to serve4×
- serving3×
- to serve;2×
- serve2×
- you were enslaved1×
- you serve.1×
- will serve1×
- to be enslaved1×
- they will be in bondage,1×
- they should serve [them],1×
- she is in slavery1×
- serving,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- δουλεύειν6×
- δουλεύων2×
- δουλεύω2×
- δουλεύοντες2×
- δουλεύειν·2×
- ἐδούλευσεν1×
- ἐδουλεύσατε1×
- δουλεύσουσιν,1×
- δουλεύσει1×
- δουλεύουσιν1×
- δουλεύοντες,1×
- δουλεύετε.1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 6:24
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You can’t serve both God and Mammon.
This verse establishes the fundamental exclusivity of spiritual allegiance, showing that divided loyalty is impossible when serving a master.
-
Romans 6:6
knowing this, that our old man was crucified with him, that the body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be in bondage to sin.
Here the word describes the past state of being controlled by sin, contrasting it with the freedom found in union with Christ.
-
Galatians 5:13
For you, brothers, were called for freedom. Only don’t use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love be servants to one another.
Paul redefines Christian freedom not as independence, but as a voluntary choice to serve one another in love.
-
Colossians 3:24
knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
This occurrence links daily service directly to an eternal inheritance, reminding believers that their labor has lasting significance.