"You worship what you do not know; we know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews."
~ John 4:22 (NKJV)
"Worship" is the English translation of the Greek word proskunéō. The definition provided by The Word Study Dictionary* is so compelling that I quote it here:
proskunéō: to kiss, adore. To worship, do obeisance, show respect, fall or prostrate before. Literally, to kiss toward someone, to throw a kiss in token of respect or homage. The ancient oriental (especially Persian) mode of salutation between persons of equal ranks was to kiss each other on the lips; when the difference of rank was slight, they kissed each other on the cheek; when one was much inferior, he fell upon his knees and touched his forehead to the ground or prostrated himself, throwing kisses at the same time toward the superior.
The dictionary definition goes on for a few paragraphs. I also plan to share more about worship.
But for today, I'm simply re-absorbing the paragraph above, and thinking of all the times the Bible refers to someone falling on his or her face in worship.
Kiss the Son, lest He be angry,
And you perish in the way,
When His wrath is kindled but a little.
Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.
~ Psalms 2:12 (NKJV)
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Copyright 2011, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.
* from The Complete Word Study Dictionary
General Editor: Spiros Zodhiates, Th.D.
© 1992; Revised edition, 1993 by By AMG International, Inc.
This has really touched my heart. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteYou never fail to bless me my precious friend.
ReplyDeleteThis is so precious, you have blessed me today immensely :)
ReplyDeleteI love what I learn here.
ReplyDelete~ Wendy
There's an intimacy to true worship. Yet I never knew the origins of the word used in this instance.
ReplyDeleteGreat title, but better insight
Susan,I'm delighted to know that. :D You touch my heart often. ♥
ReplyDeleteHow I've missed you, Denise! Praying for you. You take care of yourself, you hear me pretty lil bear?
ReplyDeleteYou made my day, Jemima! I'm happy to see you here. : ) The very thought of worship is indeed blessing.
ReplyDeleteYou can see, Wendy, why I'm so obsessed with this stuff!
ReplyDeleteCan you imagine, David, what worship will be like when we reach Heaven and enjoy it in fullness? How happy Annie must be right now to enjoy that kind of intimacy!
ReplyDelete