What does 'divine service' mean in Hebrews 9:1 and how does it relate to the Greek in Romans?
In Hebrews 9:1, 'divine service' refers to the ordinances of the first covenant, with 'service' translating the Greek word latria, the same word Paul uses in Romans for 'service.' The word 'divine' comes from another Greek term implying the established or prescribed ritual according to the Law.
Les explains that Hebrews is comparing Scripture with Scripture and rehearsing the Old Testament rituals of Judaism, including the Day of Atonement. In Hebrews 9:1, the first covenant had ordinances of divine service. The word 'service' is the same Greek word latria that appears back in Romans, where Paul's phrase 'reasonable service' uses the two Greek words logike and latria, with latria meaning rituals or service. However, the word 'divine' in Hebrews comes from a different Greek word implying the established or prescribed ritual according to the Law. That service was prescribed: when people came to the Temple, they knew exactly what they were to do, and how, and when.
Then verily the first covenant had also ordinances of divine service, and a worldly sanctuary.
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
More Questions
Is the word 'service' in Hebrews 9:1 the same Greek word as in Romans?
The word 'service' in Hebrews 9:1 is the same Greek word latria that is used back in Romans.
What Greek word does Romans 12 use for service instead of divine or ritualistic?
In Romans 12, the same service word latria is used, but instead of divine, ritualistic, or religious, the Greek word is logike, which translators mostly render 'intelligent.'
What does 'reasonable service' mean in the Greek in Romans 12:1?
The phrase 'reasonable service' as Paul uses it in Romans consists of the two Greek words 'logike' and 'latria,' and latria means rituals or service.