Lectionary Calendar
Friday, April 19th, 2024
the Third Week after Easter
Attention!
For 10¢ a day you can enjoy StudyLight.org ads
free while helping to build churches and support pastors in Uganda.
Click here to learn more!

Bible Encyclopedias
Latria

The Catholic Encyclopedia

Search for…
or
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z
Prev Entry
Latin Literature in Early Christianity
Next Entry
Lauda Sion
Resource Toolbox
Additional Links

Latria (latreia) in classical Greek originally meant "the state of a hired servant" (Aesch., "Prom.", 966), and so service generally. It is used especially for Divine service (Plato, "Apol.", 23 B). In Christian literature it came to have a technical sense for the supreme honour due to His servants, the angels and saints. This latter was styled "dulia". Etymologically, however, there is no reason why latria should be preferred to designate supreme honour; and indeed the two words were often used indiscriminately. The distinction is due to St. Augustine, who says: "Latria . . . ea dicitur servitus quae pertinet ad colendum Deum" (City of God X.1). (See ADORATION; WORSHIP.)

Bibliography Information
Obstat, Nihil. Lafort, Remy, Censor. Entry for 'Latria'. The Catholic Encyclopedia. https://www.studylight.org/​encyclopedias/​eng/​tce/​l/latria.html. Robert Appleton Company. New York. 1914.
adsFree icon
Ads FreeProfile