King James Bible Dictionary

to be a public servant that is (by analogy) to perform religious or charitable functions (worship obey relieve)

1. to serve the state at one's own cost

a. to assume an office which must be administered at one's own expense

b. to discharge a public office at one's own cost

c. to render public service to the state

2. to do a service, perform a work

a. of priests and Levites who were busied with the sacred rites in the tabernacle or the temple

b. of Christians serving Christ, whether by prayer, or by instructing others concerning the way of salvation, or in some other way

c. of those who aid others with their resources, and relieve their poverty