λειτουργία (leitourgia)
leitourgia
ministry
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 6 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun leitourgia originally described a public service performed by wealthy citizens in ancient Greece at their own expense. In the New Testament, it retains this sense of costly dedication but shifts the focus to religious ministry and spiritual service. It appears six times, most frequently in Hebrews and Philippians, where it signifies the serious, often sacrificial nature of serving God.
Its usage ranges from literal priestly duties to metaphorical acts of faith. In Luke 1:23, it refers to the specific duty of priests offering incense in the temple. Hebrews uses it to describe Christ’s superior priesthood and the rituals of the old covenant (Hebrews 8:6; 9:21). Paul also applies it figuratively to the Philippian church’s financial support, calling their gift a "service" that accompanies their faith (Philippians 2:30; 2 Corinthians 9:12).
This word carries significant weight because it connects material generosity with spiritual worship. When Paul calls the Philippians’ aid a leitourgia, he elevates practical charity to the level of liturgical service. The term reminds readers that supporting others is not merely administrative but a form of priestly ministry, blending resource and devotion in a single act.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word leitourgia originally described a public service paid for by wealthy citizens in ancient Greece. In the New Testament, it keeps this sense of costly dedication but shifts the focus to spiritual ministry. It reminds us that serving God is not a casual hobby but a serious commitment that often requires personal sacrifice.
This term connects material generosity with worship. When Paul calls the Philippians’ financial support a leitourgia, he elevates practical charity to the level of liturgical service. Supporting others is not merely administrative; it is a form of priestly ministry that blends resource and devotion in a single act.
Whether referring to Christ’s superior priesthood or our own acts of giving, this word invites us to view our daily contributions as sacred offerings. It encourages believers to serve with the same seriousness and joy as the early churches, knowing that their labor in the Lord is never in vain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 6 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- service2×
- service.1×
- on [the] service1×
- ministry1×
- a ministry,1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- λειτουργίας3×
- λειτουργίᾳ1×
- λειτουργίας.¶1×
- λειτουργίας,1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 2:30
because for the work of Christ he came near to death, risking his life to supply that which was lacking in your service toward me.
This verse highlights Epaphroditus risking his life to supply what was lacking in the Philippians' service, showing that ministry can involve personal danger and sacrifice.
-
Hebrews 8:6
But now he has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as he is also the mediator of a better covenant, which on better promises has been given as law.
Here the term describes Christ's superior priesthood as mediator of a better covenant, establishing the theological foundation for all Christian service.
-
II Corinthians 9:12
For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through much giving of thanks to God,
Paul links this service of giving directly to thanksgiving to God, demonstrating how financial support functions as an act of worship.