Word Studies in the Bible

By E. M. Zerr

LABOR - SERVE

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     A very important item in studying words is to avoid making distinctions where no difference exists, and vice versa. Almost every language has terms that may be used interchangeably, even though their forms may be far different from each other. Hence it is not always safe to form a conclusion on the mere fact that "a different word is used" in some passage being considered. Neither is it final proof for a position that "the same word is used" in two or more passages. As an illustration of this line of thought, one sentence might say that the program was "sound," and another could say that it was all "sound." Both sentences use the same word, yet in one case the meaning is that the program is true or genuine. In the other the thought is that the program is mostly noise and hence objectionable.

     The first word of our heading is from a number of originals, but I shall consider the one most frequently used which is KOPIAO. Strong defines it "to feel fatigue; by implication to work hard." Thayer defines it as follows: "To grow weary, tired, exhausted. To labor with wearisome effort, to toil." The term is derived from KOPOS, which is a noun, while the other is a verb. Strong's definition of the noun is as follows: "A cut, i.e. (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by implication pains." Thayer gives us the following definition: "A beating; a beating of the breast in grief, sorrow; labor; trouble. Intense labor united with trouble, toil." For the sake of completeness I examined the other original words for this part of our heading. There is not any radical difference in the meaning of them. The outstanding thought running through the entire group is that of intense exertion either of body or mind.

     But whether such exertion is to be regarded favorably or otherwise, depends upon the object for which the exertion is produced. The context must be relied upon in each passage in determining this point. Thus in Matthew 11:28 Jesus promises rest to those who labor if they come unto Him. It is evident that labor here is undesirable and the kind to be avoided. Likewise in John 6:27 Jesus says "labor not for the meat which perisheth." In this passage it is not considered favorably as to the labor. Paul says in I Corinthians that "your labor is not in vain in the Lord." Of course if it is not in vain, then it is something to be commended. In Hebrews 4:11 is the following noted passage: "Let us labor therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief." Here we see labor not only in a favorable light, but given as an order from Paul if we are to enter into the rest that remains to the people of God.

     The second word of our heading is often thought to have the same meaning as the first. Such is not the case as we shall learn by examining the originals. One of them is DIAKONEO, translated by Strong thus: "To be an attendant, i.e.,

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wait upon (menially or as a host, friend or [figuratively] teacher); technically to act as a Christian deacon." Thayer's definition follows: "To minister to one; render ministering offices to; to be served, ministered unto. To wait at table and offer food and drink to guests; to relieve one's necessities; to serve as deacons." Another is DOULEUO, meaning to be a slave (literally or figuratively, involuntarily or voluntarily)," according to Strong. Thayer defines it as follows: "To be a slave, serve, do service; to obey. In a good sense to yield obedience; to obey one's commands and render to him the services due. In a bad sense to yield to, to give one's self up to." Another original is LATREUO, which Strong defines as follows: "To minister (to God) i.e., render religious homage." The definition of Thayer is follow mg: "To serve for hire; to serve, minister to; to render religious service or homage, to worship. Absolutely to worship God; to perform sacred services, to offer gifts, to worship God in the observance of the rites instituted for His worship."

     With all these shades of meaning assigned to our second word, it is folly to settle down on one specific definition and form a conclusion from it. A man was heard to complain when he was reminded of the endless service that the saved would render to God in Heaven. He remarked that it had been his lifelong teaching that in the next world all life's labors would be over. Such a complaint was making labor and service have the same meaning. We have just seen that a prominent meaning of "serve" is to render homage. Those who are admitted into the New Jerusalem will have the honor and joy of giving to God and Christ the homage and respect due their eternal personality. Such reverence will not be in the nature of arduous toil, but instead will be a loving service filled with untold and indescribable pleasure.