The Greek verb latreuo means to serve, worship, or render religious service — particularly devoted service to God or the gods. In the Septuagint it translates the Hebrew avad (to serve/work) in the context of Israel's service to God. The New Testament uses it both for Jewish temple service and for the transformed service of believers.
Latreuo describes the devoted orientation of the whole person toward God. The Israelites were delivered from Egypt to latreuo God — slavery to Pharaoh was exchanged for sacred service to Yahweh. Paul describes his apostolic work as latreuo (Romans 1:9 — 'whom I serve with my whole heart'). The book of Revelation culminates with the promise that God's servants will latreuo Him in the new Jerusalem (Revelation 22:3) — the original garden-temple purpose of humanity restored. Importantly, Matthew 4:10 (Jesus quoting Deuteronomy) establishes that latreuo belongs to God alone — it is the word Jesus uses to rebuff Satan's temptation to worship: 'Worship the Lord your God, and serve (latreueis) him only.'