προσκυνέω

I worship

Definition

The verb προσκυνέω fundamentally means to bow down or prostrate oneself in an act of reverence, submission, or worship. In the New Testament, it most often describes worship directed toward God or Jesus Christ, as seen when the Magi worship the infant Jesus (Matthew 2:2, 11) and when the disciples worship Jesus after he calms the storm (Matthew 14:33). It can also denote a gesture of profound respect toward a human authority figure, as when someone kneels before Jesus to make a request (Matthew 8:2, 9:18). In a negative context, Satan tempts Jesus by demanding this worship for himself (Matthew 4:9), which Jesus refuses, stating that worship is for God alone (Matthew 4:10).

Biblical Usage

Προσκυνέω is used 54 times in the New Testament, appearing most frequently in the Gospels (especially Matthew and John) and Revelation. It consistently depicts a physical act of bowing or kneeling that accompanies an internal attitude. In the Gospels, it is used for people approaching Jesus with requests or in recognition of his divine authority. In Revelation, it is used almost exclusively for the worship of God or the Lamb (e.g., Revelation 4:10, 5:14), and is sharply contrasted with the forbidden worship of the beast (Revelation 13:4, 14:9-11).

Etymology

Derived from the preposition πρό (pro, 'toward' or 'before') and a verb related to κυνέω (kyneō, 'to kiss'), its literal sense is 'to kiss toward,' implying a gesture of homage like bowing and kissing the ground or a superior's hand. This developed into the general meaning of performing an act of obeisance, reverence, or worship.

Semantic Range

This word is theologically significant as it defines the proper object of worship: God alone, as Jesus affirms in Matthew 4:10. Its application to Jesus in the Gospels (e.g., Matthew 14:33, John 9:38) is a powerful, early indicator of his divine identity and worthiness to receive the honor reserved for God. Understanding its physical dimension enriches reading by showing that biblical worship involves the whole person—body and spirit—in humble submission.

In the Greco-Roman world, προσκυνέω described the act of prostrating oneself before gods, emperors, or other figures of supreme authority. It was a recognized social ritual denoting submission and honor. For Jews and Christians, this created a tension, as such worship was to be reserved for Yahweh alone. The New Testament's use of the word for Jesus would have been striking and provocative, claiming for him an honor equal to God's.

λατρεύω (latreuō, G3000) — emphasizes religious service and devotion, often in a ritual context. σεβάζομαι (sebazomai, G4573) — conveys reverence or veneration, sometimes for created things (Romans 1:25).

Word Details

Scripture References