Dictionaries :: Worship (Verb and Noun), Worshiping

Vine's Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words

Worship (Verb and Noun), Worshiping:

"to make obeisance, do reverence to" (from pros, "towards," and kuneo, "to kiss"), is the most frequent word rendered "to worship." It is used of an act of homage or reverence

(a) to God, e.g., Mat 4:10; Jhn 4:21-24; 1Cr 14:25; Rev 4:10; 5:14; 7:11; 11:16; 19:10 (2nd part); Rev 22:9;

(b) to Christ, e.g., Mat 2:2, 8, 11; 8:2; 9:18; 14:33; 15:25; 20:20; 28:9, 17; Jhn 9:38; Hbr 1:6, in a quotation from the Sept. of Deu 32:43, referring to Christ's Second Advent;

(c) to a man, Mat 18:26;

(d) to the Dragon, by men, Rev 13:4;

(e) to the Beast, his human instrument, Rev 13:4, 8, 12; 14:9, 11;

(f) the image of the Beast, Rev 13:15; 14:11; 16:2;

(g) to demons, Rev 9:20;

(h) to idols, Act 7:43.

Note: As to Mat 18:26, this is mentioned as follows, in the "List of readings and renderings preferred by the American Committee" (see RV Classes of Passages, IV): "At the word 'worship' in Mat 2:2, etc., add the marginal note 'The Greek word denotes an act of reverence, whether paid to man (see Mat 18:26) or to God (see Mat 4:10)'." The Note to Jhn 9:38 in the American Standard Version in this connection is most unsound; it implies that Christ was a creature. J. N. Darby renders the verb "do homage" [see the Revised Preface to the Second Edition (1871) of his New Translation].

Worship (Verb and Noun), Worshiping:

"to revere," stressing the feeling of awe or devotion, is used of "worship"

(a) to God, Mat 15:9; Mar 7:7; Act 16:14; 18:7, 13;

(b) to a goddess, Act 19:27.
See DEVOUT, No. 3.

Worship (Verb and Noun), Worshiping:

akin to No. 2, "to honor religiously," is used in Rom 1:25.

Worship (Verb and Noun), Worshiping:

"to serve, to render religious service or homage," is translated "to worship" in Phl 3:3, "(who) worship (by the Spirit of God)," RV, AV, "(which) worship (God in the spirit);" the RV renders it "to serve" (for AV, "to worship") in Act 7:42; 24:14; AV and RV, "(the) worshipers" in Hbr 10:2, present participle, lit., "(the ones) worshiping."
See SERVE.

Worship (Verb and Noun), Worshiping:

"to act piously towards," is translated "ye worship" in Act 17:23.
See PIETY (to shew).

Notes:

(1) The worship of God is nowhere defined in Scripture. A consideration of the above verbs shows that it is not confined to praise; broadly it may be regarded as the direct acknowledgement 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.

(2) In Act 17:25 therapeuo, "to serve, do service to" (so RV), is rendered "is worshiped."
See CURE, HEAL.

Worship (Verb and Noun), Worshiping:

denotes "an object of worship" (akin to A, No. 3); Act 17:23 (see DEVOTION); in 2Th 2:4, "that is worshiped;" every object of "worship," whether the true God or pagan idols, will come under the ban of the Man of Sin.

Worship (Verb and Noun), Worshiping:

"will-worship" (ethelo, "to will," threskeia, "worship"), occurs in Col 2:23, voluntarily adopted "worship," whether unbidden or forbidden, not that which is imposed by others, but which one affects.

Worship (Verb and Noun), Worshiping:

for which see RELIGION, is translated "worshiping" in Col 2:18.

Note: In Luk 14:10, AV, doxa, "glory" (RV), is translated "worship."