θεραπεία (therapeia)
therapeia
service
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun therapeia primarily denotes service or attendance, a meaning rooted in its connection to household duties. In the New Testament, it appears only three times, often referring to the care provided by servants or attendants within a home. This usage highlights the humble, practical nature of the work involved, focusing on the act of serving others rather than abstract concepts.
However, the word carries a distinct medical nuance when applied to physical health. In Luke 9:11 and Revelation 22:2, therapeia translates to healing or treatment. This shift from domestic service to bodily restoration suggests that care for the sick was viewed as a form of devoted service. The term bridges the gap between everyday labor and the profound act of curing illness.
Its rarity in Scripture makes each occurrence significant. By using a word typically associated with household staff to describe healing, the text emphasizes the attentiveness required in both spheres. Whether serving in a home or tending to wounds, therapeia points to a dedicated, hands-on commitment to the well-being of others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word therapeia connects the humble duties of a household servant with the profound act of healing. In ancient contexts, this term described the attentive care provided by those who served in the home, ensuring that daily needs were met with diligence. When applied to physical health, it suggests that curing illness is not merely a technical procedure but a form of devoted service. This perspective invites us to view our own acts of care—whether tending to a family member or supporting a neighbor—as sacred work.
Scripture uses this rare word to highlight the hands-on commitment required in both domestic life and medical restoration. It reminds us that true service involves presence and attentiveness, not just action. By bridging everyday labor with bodily healing, therapeia encourages a faith that is practical and grounded. We are called to serve others with the same dedication found in the most trusted roles of a household, finding dignity in the quiet work of caring for those around us.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- of healing1×
- care [of servants]1×
- [the] healing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- θεραπείας2×
- θεραπείαν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 9:11
But the multitudes, perceiving it, followed him. He welcomed them, spoke to them of God’s Kingdom, and he cured those who needed healing.
This occurrence links Jesus' proclamation of the Kingdom with his active healing, showing that spiritual teaching and physical care are part of the same ministry of service.
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Revelation of John 22:2
in the middle of its street. On this side of the river and on that was the tree of life, bearing twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.
Here the word describes the ongoing restorative power of the tree of life, indicating that healing in the new creation is a continuous provision for all nations.
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Luke 12:42
The Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the right times?
Although this verse focuses on stewardship, it grounds the concept of therapeia in the faithful distribution of food, illustrating how service meets basic human needs.