Worship
“Shachah, to bow down, prostrate oneself; Greek proskuneo means to kiss toward in reverence”
Summary
Worship in Scripture encompasses the honor, reverence, and homage paid to God, expressed through prayer, sacrifice, ritual, and the devoted life of the believer.
☩Nature of True Worship
The Hebrew word shachah means to bow down or prostrate oneself, expressing both the physical posture and the inner attitude of reverence. The Greek proskuneo carries the meaning of kissing the hand toward, hence bowing prostrate in homage. True worship combines the reverential attitude of mind and body with religious adoration, obedience, and service. As Jesus declared, 'God is a Spirit, and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.' This worship is no longer confined to any one place, but is offered wherever Christ is present by His Spirit.
☩Old Testament Worship
The worship of the patriarchs was simple, consisting of offerings and prayer at places where God had manifested Himself. Moses established the worship of Jehovah as the exclusive national religion, with its elaborate system of sacrifices, festivals, and priesthood centered on the tabernacle and later the temple. The Shekinah glory represented God's presence among His people. The general public worship included sacrificial acts, prayer, and praise, with the Psalms providing the hymnal of Israel's devotion.
☩New Testament Worship
Christian worship fulfilled the types of Jewish worship, with Christ as the true Lamb and High Priest. The veil having been torn, believers now have direct access to God's presence through Christ. Early Christian worship included the reading of Scripture, teaching, prayer, hymns, and the breaking of bread, often meeting in homes. The Father seeks worshippers who worship in spirit and truth—not in mere external forms, but with hearts transformed by grace and knowledge of God as Father through Christ.
Related Verses271 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Worship," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. X (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Worship," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. V (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).
- 3.George Morrish, "Worship," in Morrish's Concise Bible Dictionary (George Morrish, 1898).
- 4.James Hastings (ed.), "Worship," in Dictionary of the Apostolic Church, vol. II (T. & T. Clark, 1915–1918).