The Meaning of “Avodah”

Here are a few facts about the word “Avodah” as we get started.

• In the Hebrew language Avodah is both a noun and a verb

• “Avodah” occurs 145 times in scripture

• The root word “Avad” occurs 289 times

The point is this is not an obscure word. While avad is most often translated “service,” (Exodus 21:2), or “worship” referring to the worship of YHWH (Joshua 24:14), it is also translated as “work” or “cultivate” or “common labor” (Exodus 5:18). It is of note that this word refers to both “secular” vocations, such as the work performed by the nation of Israel in making bricks while under Egyptian bondage (Exodus 5:18), as well as “sacred” work, such as work within and around the tabernacle (Numbers 3:8).

  In other words, laying aside our historical and church perspectives for a biblical perspective; this means that service, work and worship are one concept in God’s mind. God receives work as worship done unto Him. Put simply, work is worship; or at least it is designed to be in God’s eyes. The similarity among these concepts clarifies that God views our actions—our work—as worship; in that it is not done for our own benefit, but rather as an offering to Him. This validates that the workplace is God’s place. We are to interact with God and talk about God in our workplace just as we do at church or at home. Our place of work is a place of worship where we may express the compassion of Christ in word and deed. Paul affirms this, stating, “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”[57]    Lai, Patrick . Workship: Recalibrate Work and Worship (pp. 53-54)