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G3010 · Greek · New Testament
λειτουργικός
leitourgikos
Adjective
Ministering/serving/liturgical

Definition

The Greek adjective leitourgikos means ministering, serving, or related to sacred service. It is the adjectival form of leitourgia and appears once in the New Testament, in Hebrews 1:14.

Usage & Theological Significance

Leitourgikos appears in the climactic question of Hebrews 1's extended argument for Christ's superiority to angels: 'Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?' (Hebrews 1:14). The entire chapter establishes that Jesus — the Son through whom all things were made — is infinitely superior to angels. The paradox is that the greatest beings in the heavenly realm are defined as leitourgika pneumata — liturgical servants — in relation to the heirs of salvation. If the mightiest angels serve the saints, how much more should believers serve one another! The word redefines greatness: in the kingdom, the exalted serve the seemingly lowly. This directly echoes Jesus' declaration that 'the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve' (Matthew 20:28).

Key Bible Verses

Hebrews 1:14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?
Matthew 20:28 The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
Luke 22:27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves.
1 Corinthians 9:19 Though I am free and belong to no one, I have made myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible.
Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

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