What is the difference between "divine service" in Hebrews 9:1 and "reasonable service" in Romans 12:1?
Both terms contain the same Greek word latria, meaning rituals or service. In Hebrews 9:1, “divine” comes from a different Greek word implying the established or prescribed ritual according to the Law, which Temple worshippers knew exactly how and when to perform. Romans 12:1 instead joins latria with logike, “reasonable,” describing practical service.
Les explains that Scripture must be compared with Scripture. Hebrews 9 rehearses the Old Testament rituals of Judaism, including the Day of Atonement. Hebrews 9:1 says the first covenant, the Law, had ordinances of divine service. The Greek word latria is the same as in Romans, but the word divine comes from another Greek word implying the established or prescribed ritual according to the Law. That ritual was prescribed: when people came to the Temple, they knew exactly what they were to do, how, and when. By contrast, Romans uses reasonable service with the Greek words logike and latria, meaning rituals or service. The surrounding chapters are ordinary and practical, and if people lived them out, it would be the closest place to heaven on earth.
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 does the word 'divine' mean in 'divine service' in Hebrews 9:1?
The word 'divine' in 'divine service' in Hebrews 9:1 comes from a different Greek word that implied the established or prescribed ritual according to the Law.
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.