Avad

In translating the bible to English different words were used to translate the same Hebrew word. One such Hebrew word is “avad”, where in some versions of the bible it’s translated as “worship” and in others as “serve”.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: Let my people go, so that they may worship me. – Exodus 8:1 (NIV)

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the Lord, “Let My people go, so that they may serve Me. – Exodus 8:1 (AMP)

Same verse, different words; we see this happening throughout the bible depending on the version we read. So, which is it? Is it “worship” or is it “serve”? Because aren’t these two words describing two different things?

According to Google, to worship is the act of showing reverence, honor, devotion, and supreme worth to a divine being, or holding someone or something in deep, extravagant love and admiration, while to serve is to perform duties, work for, or provide something useful to a person, organization, or purpose.

But how does the bible define worship and service?

When it comes to the One True Living God, worship expresses itself in adoration, thanksgiving and service to Him. To worship God is to serve Him and not only by singing songs on a Sunday morning in church. It’s our responding to God with our entire lives.

When we worship God in service to Him, in what ever form that service may take, it demonstrates the depth of our devotion. Jacob’s service to Laban (Genesis 29:27; 30:36) or Joseph’s service to Pharoah (Genesis 41:46) are mere echoes of how we are to serve God.

But maybe you don’t want to serve the Lord. You must choose for yourselves today. Today you must decide who you will serve. Will you serve the gods that your ancestors worshiped when they lived on the other side of the Euphrates River? Or will you serve the gods of the Amorites who lived in this land? You must choose for yourselves. But as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord. – Joshua 24:15 (ERV)

“Avad” dominates Joshua’s admonition. This wasn’t a religious puff piece but a wholehearted declaration of allegiance to God.

Look at how Jesus Himself used the word “avad”. 

If anyone serves Me, he must [continue to faithfully] follow Me [without hesitation, holding steadfastly to Me, conforming to My example in living…If anyone serves Me, the Father will honor him. – John 12:26 (AMP)

It wasn’t long before early Christians apprehended Jesus’ concept of “avad”.

You see, Hebrew words don’t just describe an action, they also describe the outcome of that action. Serving God isn’t simply about performing a task in church; to serve Him is much deeper than that. God desires for us to encounter His manifest presence through our worship.

God is spirit [the Source of life, yet invisible to mankind], and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth. – John 4:24 (AMP)

Beloved, “avad” does not denote passivity, it involves action and though service and worship are distinct, “avad” incorporates them both. The connection between service and worship is undeniable; every day your worship of God should take the form of service.

It’s not enough to worship once a week or serve every now and again, “avad” is about surrendering yourself completely to God in worship and in service.

Amen †

Shelley Johnson “Avad” © 2026 October 14, 2026