Lexical Summary
abodah: Service, labor, work, worship
Original Word:עֲבֹדָה
Part of Speech:Noun Feminine
Transliteration:`abodah
Pronunciation:ah-vo-DAH
Phonetic Spelling:(ab-o-daw')
KJV: act, bondage, + bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, X wrought
NASB:service, work, laborious, labor, bondage, rite, construction
Word Origin:[fromH5647 (עָבַד - serve)]
1. work of any kind
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
act, bondage, bondservant, effect, labor, ministering, office, service, tillage,
Or mabowdah {ab-o-daw'}; fromabad; work of any kind -- act, bondage, + bondservant, effect, labour, ministering(-try), office, service(-ile, -itude), tillage, use, work, X wrought.
see HEBREWabad
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originfrom
abadDefinitionlabor, service
NASB Translationbondage (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
, and (Chronicles)
145 (on formation see LagBN 179 BaNB 61); —Exodus 1:14 41t.; constructExodus 30:16 43t.; suffixGenesis 30:26 33t. suffixes; in Chronicles1 Chronicles 28:14 7t.; construct1 Chronicles 6:33 13t.; suffix 2Chronicles 12:8;1 Chronicles 6:17; 2Chronicles 31:16; —
labour, work,Psalm 104:23; in the fieldExodus 1:14;1 Chronicles 27:26, probablyNehemiah 10:38 (),Psalm 104:14 (); in fine linen1 Chronicles 4:21; in erection of tabernacleExodus 35:24;Exodus 36:1,3,5;Exodus 39:42 (P); in repairing temple 2 Chronicles 34:13 (twice in verse);ye shall do no laborious workLeviticus 23:7,8,21,25,35,36;Numbers 28:18,25,26;Numbers 29:1,12,35 (P); figurative of man,Isaiah 32:17 ("" ); of God's work of judgmentIsaiah 28:21 (twice in verse).
labour of servant or slave: of Jacob for LabanGenesis 29:27;Genesis 30:26 (JE); of bondservantLeviticus 25:39 (P); of the NethinimEzra 8:20;service of things, vessels of tabernacle and templeNumbers 4:26,32 (P)1 Chronicles 9:28;1 Chronicles 28:14 (twice in verse);1 Chronicles 28:15.
labour, service of captives or subjects: of Israel in EgyptExodus 1:14;Exodus 2:23 (twice in verse) (P),Exodus 5:11 (E),Exodus 6:6 (P);Exodus 5:9 (E)Nehemiah 5:18;Exodus 1:14;Exodus 6:9 (P)Deuteronomy 26:6;1 Kings 12:4 2Chronicles 10:4;Isaiah 14:3;Lamentations 1:3; 2Chronicles 12:8;1 Chronicles 26:30;Nehemiah 3:5; military serviceEzekiel 29:18 (twice in verse).
service of God, in P Chronicles, Ezra: by peopleJoshua 22:27 (P) 2 Chronicles 12:8, feast of passoverExodus 12:25,26; 2Chronicles 35:10,16, unleavened breadExodus 13:5; Levites and priestsNumbers 4:19,49;Numbers 8:11;1 Chronicles 24:3,19; 2Chronicles 8:14; 31:16;Numbers 18:7; LevitesExodus 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; with2 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;Exodus 30:16;Numbers 4:30;Numbers 7:5;Numbers 8:24;Numbers 18:4,6,21,23, compareExodus 35:21;Numbers 7:5;Exodus 39:32,40;Numbers 3:7,8;Numbers 16:9;1 Chronicles 6:33, compareExodus 27:19;Numbers 3:36;1 Chronicles 23:26;Numbers 7:9, compareNumbers 3:31; of its courtNumbers 3:26; more specificallyNumbers 4:47;Numbers 8:25;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;1 Chronicles 9:13;1 Chronicles 28:20; 2Chronicles 24:12;1 Chronicles 23:28; its serviceEzekiel 44:14;1 Chronicles 9:19; specific service of Levitical singers1 Chronicles 25:1 (twice in verse), and doorkeepers1 Chronicles 26:8; 2Chronicles 35:15.
[] (Biblical Hebrew ); — emphaticEzra 5:8;Daniel 2:49, constructEzra 4:24 +; —
work, of building temple,Ezra 4:24;Ezra 5:8;Ezra 6:7; =administrationDaniel 2:49;Daniel 3:12.
ritual, service, of GodEzra 6:18.
Topical Lexicon
Scope of Meaningעֲבֹדָה 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).
• Trimming lamps, burning incense, preparing showbread (Exodus 30:7-8;1 Chronicles 9:31-32).
• Assisting in sacrifices and music (1 Chronicles 6:31-32;2 Chronicles 35:15).
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.
2. Worship: Active participation in congregational life reflects the priestly call of all saints (1 Peter 2:5).
3. Rhythm: Observing restorative rest protects workers from idolatry of productivity.
4. Leadership: Authority must never revert to oppressive service; Christ-like oversight fosters willing ministry (Mark 10:42-45).
5. Perseverance: Labor “in the Lord is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58); faithful service will be rewarded.
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‘ăḇōḏāṯōw
Links
Interlinear Greek •
Interlinear Hebrew •
Strong's Numbers •
Englishman's Greek Concordance •
Englishman's Hebrew Concordance •
Parallel Texts
