Worship: “to honor or show reverence for as a divine being or supernatural power.”1
The Devil and his angels have supernatural power. However, the God of the Bible establishes Himself as the only one we should worship.2
Worship is not defined for us in Scripture, but we do see it demonstrated. Through these examples we can learn several things about the nature of worship. While worship is displayed throughout the Bible, we will first look at some New Testament (NT) words involving worship.
There are 5 primary verbs in the NT used when speaking of worship. I will give the Greek word, an example of the word used in a verse3, and then a comment.4
Bowing Prostrate
The principal NT Greek word used 59 times is proskuneo (pros-koo-neh’-o), “to make obeisance, do reverence to” (from pros, “towards,” and kuneo, “to kiss”). It is used of an act of homage or reverence.5
Just after Jesus was born, magi6 came from the east to show honor and respect to the Holy Child. In Matthew 2:2, the magi ask, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east, and have come to worship Him.”
The magi knew that Jesus was born King of the Jews. But their worship and gifts indicate that they knew Jesus was not just another king. (For more on the magi, see my post titled, The Star of Jesus.)
In that day, one may bow before someone to show honor as the magi did. But bowing is also an act of worship in regard for deity. The Bible teaches that only the One True God of the Bible deserves our worship.
To Revere
sebomai (seb’-om-ahee) “to revere,” stressing the feeling of awe or devotion.
In Matthew chapter 15, Jesus confronts the teaching of the Jewish religious leaders. They had put the traditions of men above the commandments of God. Jesus shows them that in so doing, they do not worship God properly because their heart is not involved. In verses 8-9, Jesus quotes Isaiah saying,7
“THIS PEOPLE HONORS ME WITH THEIR LIPS,
BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR AWAY FROM ME.
BUT IN VAIN DO THEY WORSHIP ME,
TEACHING AS DOCTRINES THE PRECEPTS OF MEN.”8
One cannot revere God when the heart is not reconciled to Him. Additionally, our traditions should never be elevated to equality with God’s word.
Honor Religiously
sebazomai (seb-ad’-zom-ahee) “to honor religiously.”
Paul speaks of those who knew God but did not glorify Him or give thanks. Romans 1:25 describes them saying,
“For they exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.”
Those who suppress the truth in unrighteousness do not honor God religiously. In this passage, they are those who worship the creature rather than the Creator. God makes Himself known to us, and we can choose to honor Him.
To Serve
latreuo (lat-ryoo’-o) “to serve, to render religious service or homage,” (Acts 24:14);
While Paul was defending his ministry before Governor Felix, he describes himself as one who serves God. In Acts 24:14, Paul says,
“But this I admit to you, that according to the Way which they call a sect I do serve the God of our fathers, believing everything that is in accordance with the Law, and that is written in the Prophets.”
Paul refers to ‘the Way,’ which is what the followers of Christ were called at that time. Paul’s faith in Jesus therefore led him to believe the Scriptures and worship, serving the God of his fathers.
Act Piously
eusebeo (yoo-seb-eh’-o) “to act piously towards.”
While Paul was in Athens on his second missionary journey, he observed the city full of idols. As he spoke daily in the market place about Jesus and the resurrection, eventually he was invited to speak before the Areopagus.9 Paul took the opportunity to speak to them about worship of the One True God.
In Acts 17:23 Paul addresses the crowd,
“For while I was passing through and examining the objects of your worship, I also found an altar with this inscription, ‘TO AN UNKNOWN GOD.’ What therefore you worship in ignorance, this I proclaim to you.”
Paul had observed how religious the Athenians were, so he expounded upon their ignorance of true worship. Paul pointed out to them that they acted piously, but in ignorance, and directed them to Jesus.
All To God
Vine’s Dictionary also provides this note that helps us understand the usage of the various Greek words we have been discussing:
“A consideration of the above verbs shows that it is not confined to praise; broadly it may be regarded as the direct acknowledgment to God, of His nature, attributes, ways and claims, whether by the outgoing of the heart in praise and thanksgiving or by deed done in such acknowledgment.”10
We recognize for ourselves these aspects about God and declare them inwardly and outwardly. Worship of God therefore takes place in many forms and many demonstrations.
Examples
The following examples express God’s nature and attributes. They speak of only a little bit of what we know about God, and represent a fraction of what is contained in the Bible.
David
The Psalms of David reveal his heart toward God. Also on display is the relationship between God and one of His children. There are, of course, many examples. Here are just two:
The first two verses of Psalm 9 say,
“I Will give thanks to the LORD with all my heart;
I will tell of all Thy wonders.
I will be glad and exult in Thee;
I will sing praise to Thy name, O Most High.”
Then in Psalm 145:8-10,
“The LORD is gracious and merciful;
Slow to anger and great in lovingkindness.
The LORD is good to all,
And His mercies are over all His works.
All Thy works shall give thanks to Thee, O LORD,
And Thy godly ones shall bless Thee.”
Paul
In the book of Romans, chapter 11, Paul is teaching about the grace of God toward Israel, and the mercy of God shown to the Gentiles. Then, as if he cannot contain himself, Paul bursts out in worship:
“Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways! For WHO HAS KNOWN THE MIND OF THE LORD, OR WHO BECAME HIS COUNSELOR? Or WHO HAS FIRST GIVEN TO HIM THAT IT MIGHT BE PAID BACK TO HIM AGAIN? For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things. To Him be the glory forever. Amen.”11
Jude
Jude writes in the last two verses of his letter,
“Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to make you stand in the presence of His glory blameless with great joy, to the only God our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.”
Conclusion
We saw that worship is illustrated or referred to in several ways in the NT: Bending the head or body or knee; expressing the feeling of awe or devotion; honoring God religiously; to serve in religious service or homage; and, to act piously towards God.
Worship is not confined to praise, but is the direct acknowledgment to God, of His nature, attributes, ways, and claims. Worship is from our heart, and can be expressed outwardly verbally, or by our deeds.
Pride can keep us from humbling ourselves before God. We may even think that no one deserves worship -not even God. If so, it is because we do not comprehend who our Creator really is.
Appendix
See the articles below for more information related to the characteristics of God. Attributes of God, Jesus: Earth and Heaven, and Revelation of God.
1 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/worship, 5/28/24
2 Matthew 4:10 “Then Jesus said to him, “Go, Satan! For it is written, ‘YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD, AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'””
3 Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words is the source for the Greek words and definitions.
4 Unless noted, the comments are my own views.
5 Obeisance is a bending the head, body, or knee as a sign of reverence or the attitude shown by this.
6 The magi are a caste of wise men specializing in astrology, medicine, and natural science. (Note given in the NASB for the word magi appearing in Matthew 2:2.)
7 Jesus quotes Himself out of Isaiah 29:13. Jesus tells the religious leaders to whom He was speaking that Isaiah rightly prophesied about them.
8 All caps in the New Testament indicate an Old Testament quote.
9 The Areopagus was likely a hill in the midst of the city where the Athenian court presided. Paul does not appear to be formally on trial. Rather, it seemed a good gathering place for Paul to explain his ‘new’ teaching.
10 Vine’s Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words
11 Romans 11:33-36