What are the Greek words behind "reasonable service" in Romans 12:1?
The two Greek words behind "reasonable service" are logike and latria. Latria is defined in the context as meaning rituals or service. The same Greek term latria appears in Hebrews 9:1 in connection with ordinances of divine service under the first covenant.
Les explains that in Romans 12:1 the phrase "reasonable service," as Paul uses it, is made up of two Greek words: logike and latria. He says latria means rituals or service. To illustrate, he directs attention to Hebrews 9:1, where the first covenant had ordinances of divine service. The same Greek word latria is used there, but the word "divine" comes from a different Greek word implying the established or prescribed ritual according to the Law. That prescribed ritual meant that when people came to the Temple, they knew exactly what they were to do, and how, and when.
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
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.
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.'