Word Research
What Is Worship?
In Hebrew, the word most commonly translated as “worship” is שָׁחָה (shachah). This term primarily means:
To bow down or prostrate oneself: This physical act symbolizes deep respect, reverence, and submission. It is often used to describe the act of bowing down before God in humility and reverence.
Psalm 95:6: “O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.”
This verse emphasizes the physical act of bowing down and kneeling, symbolizing humility and reverence before God.
John 4:23-24: “But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”
These verses highlight the importance of sincerity and truthfulness in worship, as well as the spiritual nature of true worship.
Romans 12:1: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
Worship here is described as offering oneself fully to God, implying a life dedicated to holiness and service as an act of worship.
Matthew 4:10: “Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve.”
This verse, where Jesus quotes from the Old Testament, reinforces the exclusive devotion and service owed to God alone.
In English
Worship
In Hebrew
שָׁחָה (shachah)
In Greek
προσκυνέω (proskuneo)
Word Count
The word “worship” appears in about 108 verses in the King James Version (KJV) of the Bible. This count includes variations such as “worshipped” and “worshipping
Worship Explained
Worship in the KJV Bible involves acts of reverence, humility, and devotion towards God, encompassing both physical acts of bowing or kneeling and the inward attitudes of the heart—sincerity, truthfulness, and a life dedicated to serving God.
True worship involves adoring and revering God with sincere hearts and minds, aligning with His spirit, and embracing His truth. – Psalm 119:142 & John 17:17-26
True worship requires the individual to die to this world and walk with Christ, faithfully adhering to His Word found only in the Bible.