Lexical Summary abodah: Service, labor, work, worship Original Word: עֲבֹדָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance act, bondage, bondservant, effect, labor, ministering, office, service, tillage, Or mabowdah {ab-o-daw'}; from abad; work of any kind -- act, bondage, + bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, X wrought. see HEBREW abad NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom abad Definition labor, service NASB Translation bondage (4), construction (2), construction work (1), job (2), kind of service (2), labor (9), laborious (12), labors (1), ministry (2), office (1), rite (3), rural (1), service (79), serving (1), servitude (2), tilled (1), use (1), work (18), workers (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs עַבֹדָה, and (Chronicles) עֲבוֺדָה145 noun feminine labour, service (on formation see LagBN 179 BaNB 61); — ׳י Exodus 1:14 41t.; construct עֲבֹדַת Exodus 30:16 43t.; suffix עֲבֹדָתִי Genesis 30:26 33t. suffixes; in Chronicles עֲבוֺדָה 1 Chronicles 28:14 7t.; construct עֲבוֺדַת 1 Chronicles 6:33 13t.; suffix עֲבוֺדָתִי2Chronicles 12:8; עֲבוֺדָתָם 1 Chronicles 6:17; 2Chronicles 31:16; — 1 labour, work, Psalm 104:23; in the field Exodus 1:14; 1 Chronicles 27:26, probably Nehemiah 10:38 (׳עָרֵי ע), Psalm 104:14 (׳עֵשֶׂב לע); in fine linen 1 Chronicles 4:21; in erection of tabernacle Exodus 35:24; Exodus 36:1,3,5; Exodus 39:42 (P); in repairing temple 2 Chronicles 34:13 (twice in verse); כל מלאכת עבדה לא תעשׂוּ ye shall do no laborious work Leviticus 23:7,8,21,25,35,36; Numbers 28:18,25,26; Numbers 29:1,12,35 (P); figurative of man, הַצְּדָקָה ׳ע Isaiah 32:17 ("" ׳מַעֲשֵׂה הַצּ); of God's work of judgment Isaiah 28:21 (twice in verse). 2 labour of servant or slave: of Jacob for Laban Genesis 29:27; Genesis 30:26 (JE); עֶבֶד ׳ע of bondservant Leviticus 25:39 (P); of the Nethinim Ezra 8:20; service of things, vessels of tabernacle and temple Numbers 4:26,32 (P) 1 Chronicles 9:28; 1 Chronicles 28:14 (twice in verse); 1 Chronicles 28:15. 3 labour, service of captives or subjects: of Israel in Egypt Exodus 1:14; Exodus 2:23 (twice in verse) (P), Exodus 5:11 (E), Exodus 6:6 (P); ׳הע כבד(הׅ Exodus 5:9 (E) Nehemiah 5:18; קשׁה ׳ע Exodus 1:14; Exodus 6:9 (P) Deuteronomy 26:6; 1 Kings 12:4 2Chronicles 10:4; Isaiah 14:3; ׳מֵרֹב ע Lamentations 1:3; ממלכוֺת ׳ע2Chronicles 12:8; המלך ׳ע 1 Chronicles 26:30; אדניהם ׳ע Nehemiah 3:5; military service Ezekiel 29:18 (twice in verse). 4 service of God, in P Chronicles, Ezra: by people Joshua 22:27 (P) 2 Chronicles 12:8, feast of passover Exodus 12:25,26; 2Chronicles 35:10,16, unleavened bread Exodus 13:5; Levites and priests Numbers 4:19,49; Numbers 8:11; 1 Chronicles 24:3,19; 2Chronicles 8:14; 31:16; מתנה ׳ע Numbers 18:7; Levites Exodus 38:21; Numbers 4:24,27 (twice in verse); Numbers 4:28,33,47 (twice in verse); Numbers 7:7,8; Numbers 8:26; Numbers 18:21; 1 Chronicles 6:17; 2Chronicles 31:2; with בְּאֹהֶל מוֺעֵד 2 Chronicles 31:4; 2 Chronicles 31:23; 2 Chronicles 31:31; 2 Chronicles 31:33; 2 Chronicles 31:35; 2 Chronicles 31:39; 2 Chronicles 31:43; 2Chron 8:19; 8:22; 18:31; אֹהֶל מוֺעֵד Exodus 30:16; Numbers 4:30; Numbers 7:5; Numbers 8:24; Numbers 18:4,6,21,23, compare Exodus 35:21; Numbers 7:5; (ה)מִשְׁכָּן Exodus 39:32,40; Numbers 3:7,8; Numbers 16:9; 1 Chronicles 6:33, compare Exodus 27:19; Numbers 3:36; 1 Chronicles 23:26; הַקֹּדֶשׁ ׳ע Numbers 7:9, compare Numbers 3:31; of its court Numbers 3:26; more specifically משׂא ׳ע Numbers 4:47; ׳צבא הע Numbers 8:25; (ה)אלהים ׳בית י ׳ע 1 Chronicles 23:24,28,32; 1 Chronicles 25:6; 1 Chronicles 28:13 (twice in verse); 1 Chronicles 28:21 (twice in verse); 1 Chronicles 29:7; 2Chronicles 29:35; 31:21; 35:2; Nehemiah 10:33; בית האלהים ׳מלאכת ע 1 Chronicles 9:13; 1 Chronicles 28:20; 2Chronicles 24:12; ׳מעשׂה ע 1 Chronicles 23:28; its service Ezekiel 44:14; 1 Chronicles 9:19; specific service of Levitical singers 1 Chronicles 25:1 (twice in verse), and doorkeepers 1 Chronicles 26:8; 2Chronicles 35:15. [עֲבִידָה] noun feminine work, service (Biblical Hebrew עֲבֹדָה); — emphatic עֲבִידְתָּא Ezra 5:8; Daniel 2:49, construct עֲבִידַת Ezra 4:24 +; — 1 work, of building temple, Ezra 4:24; Ezra 5:8; Ezra 6:7; = administration Daniel 2:49; Daniel 3:12. 2 ritual, service, of God Ezra 6:18. Topical Lexicon Scope of Meaning עֲבֹדָה embraces the full range of human activity rendered for another—manual labor, compulsory service, skilled craftsmanship, liturgical duty, and the worshipful ministries of priests and Levites. Its occurrences trace a consistent contrast between servitude to human masters and privileged service to the LORD. Service under Bondage The noun first dominates the narrative of Israel’s oppression in Egypt: “They made their lives bitter with hard labor in brick and mortar and in all kinds of fieldwork” (Exodus 1:14). Pharaoh’s “cruel service” (Exodus 6:6) became the negative foil for divine redemption. Deliverance is repeatedly framed as emancipation from עֲבֹדָה to Pharaoh (Exodus 13:14; Deuteronomy 7:8), underscoring that God’s people were not rescued into idleness but into consecrated service to Him. Covenant Identity as a Servant People At Sinai the liberated nation received the Decalogue prefaced by, “I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the house of slavery” (Exodus 20:2). Throughout Deuteronomy, Israel is reminded that obedience, love, and worship constitute their new עֲבֹדָה (Deuteronomy 10:12-13; 11:13). Covenant fidelity is thus vocational. Cultic and Priestly Service Over one-third of the occurrences appear in Pentateuchal descriptions of tabernacle ministry. Aaron and his sons are “to perform the service of the sanctuary” (Numbers 3:7-8; 8:11). The Levites, taken in lieu of every firstborn (Numbers 3:12), are “given wholly to the LORD to do the work of the Tent of Meeting” (Numbers 8:19). עֲבֹדָה specifies: • Guarding and transporting holy furnishings (Numbers 4:24-31). The term thus unites practical tasks and sacred worship; every activity undertaken in God’s presence is ministry. Sabbath and Festivals: Work Redeemed by Rest Weekly and annual holy days delineate times when ordinary עֲבֹדָה must cease (Leviticus 23:7-8, 21, 25, 35-36). Rest is not mere leisure but an acted confession that provision comes from God, not unbroken toil. The sabbatical rhythm sanctifies labor itself. Royal and Civil Service Beyond cultic duties, עֲבֹדָה describes temple construction (Exodus 27:19; 1 Chronicles 28:14), forced labor under Solomon (1 Kings 9:21), and oppressive policies that split the kingdom (1 Kings 12:4). The noun can connote dignified craftsmanship (2 Chronicles 2:1) or harsh conscription, reminding rulers that authority must mirror the Servant-King (Isaiah 42:1). Prophetic Reflection on True Service Prophets expose the futility of idolatrous service. “You have not brought Me sheep for burnt offerings… I have not burdened you with offerings” (Isaiah 43:23). Israel’s exile is portrayed as forfeiting the privilege of divine service (Jeremiah 25:14). Yet restoration promises renewed priestly labor: “In My holy mountain… all the house of Israel shall serve Me” (Ezekiel 20:40). Wisdom Literature Perspectives Job laments, “Does not man have hard service on earth?” (Job 7:1), capturing the universal experience of toil after the Fall (Genesis 3:17-19). Psalms redirect that toil toward joyful worship: “Serve the LORD with gladness; come into His presence with joyful songs” (Psalm 100:2). Ecclesiastes commends accepting labor as God’s gift (Ecclesiastes 5:18-19). Post-Exilic Renewal Ezra and Nehemiah frequently record the resumption of temple עֲבֹדָה (Ezra 6:18; 8:17; Nehemiah 10:39; 13:10-14). Levites are again appointed, tools are accounted for, and singers are supported—all to ensure the continuity of worship. The recovered service stands as evidence of covenant faithfulness despite prior judgment. Theological and Messianic Implications The Old Testament pattern of עֲבֹדָה anticipates the Messianic Servant who perfectly fulfills the Father’s will (Isaiah 52:13; Philippians 2:7). His atoning ministry liberates believers from slavery to sin “to serve the living and true God” (1 Thessalonians 1:9). The New Covenant transforms all labor—secular or ecclesial—into holy service when offered “to the Lord and not to men” (Colossians 3:23-24). Practical Ministry Application 1. Vocation: Every believer’s occupation can be rendered as עֲבֹדָה for God’s glory. Thus עֲבֹדָה intertwines toil and worship, history and hope, calling the people of God to joyful, consecrated labor until the kingdom’s work is consummated in eternal rest. Forms and Transliterations בַּעֲבֹדַ֖ת בַּעֲבֹדָ֣ה בַּעֲבֹדָה֙ בַּעֲבֹדָתָֽם׃ בַּעֲבוֹדַ֣ת בעבדה בעבדת בעבדתם׃ בעבודת הָֽעֲבֹדָה֙ הָעֲבֹדָ֑ה הָעֲבֹדָ֖ה הָעֲבֹדָ֛ה הָעֲבֹדָ֥ה הָעֲבֹדָֽה׃ הָעֲבוֹדָ֑ה הָעֲבוֹדָ֔ה העבדה העבדה׃ העבודה וְֽלַעֲבֹ֖דָת֣וֹ וְלַעֲבֹדַ֖ת וַֽעֲבֹדַת֙ וַעֲבֹדַ֥ת וַעֲבֹדָ֖ה וַעֲבוֹדַ֖ת וַעֲבוֹדָ֑ה וַעֲבוֹדָֽה׃ וּמֵעֲבֹדָ֖ה ולעבדת ולעבדתו ומעבדה ועבדה ועבדת ועבודה ועבודה׃ ועבודת כַּעֲבוֹדַ֖ת כעבודת לַעֲב֣וֹדָתָ֔ם לַעֲבֹדַ֖ת לַעֲבֹדַ֣ת לַעֲבֹדַת֙ לַעֲבֹדָ֑ה לַעֲבֹדָ֖ה לַעֲבֹדָ֗ה לַעֲבֹדָתָ֗ם לַעֲבֹדָתָֽם׃ לַעֲבֹדָתֽוֹ׃ לַעֲבוֹדַ֖ת לַעֲבוֹדַ֣ת לַעֲבוֹדָ֖ה לעבדה לעבדת לעבדתו׃ לעבדתם לעבדתם׃ לעבודה לעבודת לעבודתם מֵעֲבֹדַ֨ת מֵעֲבֹדַתְכֶ֖ם מֵעֲבֹדָתָ֑ם מעבדת מעבדתכם מעבדתם עֲב֣וֹדָתִ֔י עֲבֹ֣דָת֔וֹ עֲבֹ֣דָתָ֔ם עֲבֹ֥דַת עֲבֹֽדַתְכֶ֖ם עֲבֹֽדָתָ֔ם עֲבֹֽדָתָם֙ עֲבֹדַ֔ת עֲבֹדַ֕ת עֲבֹדַ֖ת עֲבֹדַ֗ת עֲבֹדַ֣ת עֲבֹדַ֤ת עֲבֹדַ֥ת עֲבֹדַ֧ת עֲבֹדַת֙ עֲבֹדָ֔ה עֲבֹדָ֖ה עֲבֹדָ֛ה עֲבֹדָ֤ה עֲבֹדָ֥ה עֲבֹדָת֑וֹ עֲבֹדָת֖וֹ עֲבֹדָת֗וֹ עֲבֹדָתִ֖י עֲבֹדָתֵֽנוּ׃ עֲבֹדָתָ֑ם עֲבֹדָתָ֖ם עֲבֹדָתָ֗ם עֲבֹדָתָֽם׃ עֲבֹדָתֽוֹ׃ עֲבוֹדַ֔ת עֲבוֹדַ֖ת עֲבוֹדַ֣ת עֲבוֹדַ֥ת עֲבוֹדַ֨ת עֲבוֹדָ֔ה עֲבוֹדָ֣ה עֲבוֹדָ֥ה עֲבוֹדָתָֽם׃ עבדה עבדת עבדתו עבדתו׃ עבדתי עבדתכם עבדתם עבדתם׃ עבדתנו׃ עבודה עבודת עבודתי עבודתם׃ ‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯām ‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯê·nū ‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯî ‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯōw ‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh ‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ ‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ·ḵem ‘ă·ḇō·w·ḏā·ṯām ‘ă·ḇō·w·ḏā·ṯî ‘ă·ḇō·w·ḏāh ‘ă·ḇō·w·ḏaṯ ‘ăḇōḏāh ‘ăḇōḏaṯ ‘ăḇōḏāṯām ‘ăḇōḏāṯênū ‘ăḇōḏāṯî ‘ăḇōḏaṯḵem ‘ăḇōḏāṯōw ‘ăḇōwḏāh ‘ăḇōwḏaṯ ‘ăḇōwḏāṯām ‘ăḇōwḏāṯî avoDah avoDat aVodaTam avodatChem avodaTenu avodaTi avodaTo ba‘ăḇōḏāh ba‘ăḇōḏaṯ ba‘ăḇōḏāṯām ba‘ăḇōwḏaṯ ba·‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯām ba·‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh ba·‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ ba·‘ă·ḇō·w·ḏaṯ baavoDah baavoDat baavodaTam hā‘ăḇōḏāh hā‘ăḇōwḏāh hā·‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh hā·‘ă·ḇō·w·ḏāh haavoDah ka‘ăḇōwḏaṯ ka·‘ă·ḇō·w·ḏaṯ kaavoDat la‘ăḇōḏāh la‘ăḇōḏaṯ la‘ăḇōḏāṯām la‘ăḇōḏāṯōw la‘ăḇōwḏāh la‘ăḇōwḏaṯ la‘ăḇōwḏāṯām la·‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯām la·‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯōw la·‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh la·‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ la·‘ă·ḇō·w·ḏā·ṯām la·‘ă·ḇō·w·ḏāh la·‘ă·ḇō·w·ḏaṯ laavoDah laavoDat laavodaTam laavodaTo mê‘ăḇōḏaṯ mê‘ăḇōḏāṯām mê‘ăḇōḏaṯḵem mê·‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯām mê·‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ mê·‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ·ḵem meavoDat meavodaTam meavodatChem ū·mê·‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh ūmê‘ăḇōḏāh umeavoDah vaavoDah vaavoDat velaavoDat velaaVodaTo wa‘ăḇōḏāh wa‘ăḇōḏaṯ wa‘ăḇōwḏāh wa‘ăḇōwḏaṯ wa·‘ă·ḇō·ḏāh wa·‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ wa·‘ă·ḇō·w·ḏāh wa·‘ă·ḇō·w·ḏaṯ wə·la·‘ă·ḇō·ḏā·ṯōw wə·la·‘ă·ḇō·ḏaṯ wəla‘ăḇōḏaṯ wəla‘ăḇōḏāṯōwLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 29:27 HEB: אֶת־ זֹ֗את בַּעֲבֹדָה֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תַּעֲבֹ֣ד NAS: also for the service which KJV: and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve INT: also for the service which shall serve Genesis 30:26 Exodus 1:14 Exodus 1:14 Exodus 1:14 Exodus 2:23 Exodus 2:23 Exodus 5:9 Exodus 5:11 Exodus 6:6 Exodus 6:9 Exodus 12:25 Exodus 12:26 Exodus 13:5 Exodus 27:19 Exodus 30:16 Exodus 35:21 Exodus 35:24 Exodus 36:1 Exodus 36:3 Exodus 36:5 Exodus 38:21 Exodus 39:32 Exodus 39:40 Exodus 39:42 145 Occurrences |
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