עֲבֻדָּה (a.vud.dah)
a.vud.dah
service
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun avuddah simply means service or work. It appears only twice in the Bible, both times in Genesis to describe the labor performed by Jacob’s family. In these passages, the word refers specifically to the work done by household servants or staff members under authority.
Its meaning is grounded in the root for serving or working, pointing to the practical act of carrying out duties. The sources highlight that this term often denotes the collective body of servants themselves, as seen when Jacob reports on the condition of his household in Egypt (Genesis 47:29). It captures the tangible reality of labor and the people who perform it.
Though rare, the word provides a clear picture of ancient household structures. It reminds readers that service was a defined role within the family unit, essential for the survival and order of the clan. The term remains neutral, focusing on the function rather than the status of those serving.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word avuddah appears only twice in Scripture, anchoring our understanding of service in the tangible realities of daily life. It describes the collective labor and household staff that sustained ancient families. This term reminds us that faithful work is not merely abstract duty but a concrete contribution to the well-being of those around us.
When we consider our own roles, whether in family or community, this word invites us to view our tasks with dignity. Service is portrayed here as essential for order and survival, a quiet strength that holds households together. It encourages us to honor the practical efforts we make each day, knowing they matter deeply to God.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ service2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/עֲבֻדָּ֖ה2×