Worship: Implication of Vocabulary

Since God has authorized worship (Jn. 4:23-24), it is important for each of us to understand what worship is and how God wants us to worship Him. Basic to any study, including worship, is the examination of the vocabulary words used to describe it. In the previous study we examined and defined the three most common Greek words that are translated “worship.” Now, let us consider two very important implications of the New Testament words translated “worship."

Attitude and Action

Although the words translated “worship” must always be considered in their context, there are some general characteristics of worship that can be ascertained from their definitions. These three words indicate that worship involves both attitude and action! First, the most commonly occurring word translated “worship” (proskuneo, προσκυνέω) reveals that worship involves humility on the part of the worshiper (cf. Jas. 4:10). To prostrate oneself before another and to kiss another’s feet requires humility (Mt. 2:11; 28:9). We will never voluntarily bow down to another, whether in physical presence or in heart, unless we consider ourselves in subjection to that person! Worship without humility toward God can never be true worship, even if all the outward acts are performed (cf. Isa. 1:11-15). Second, the next most common word translated “worship” (sebomai, σέβομαι) reveals that worship involves an attitude of reverence and respect. God—and God alone—is the only truly sublime and majestic Being. Thus, He deserves our reverent and respectful worship (cf. Ps. 114:7; Hab. 2:20)!

Before considering the implications of the third most common word translated “worship,” it is beneficial to pause here and consider where the false idea held by some that everything a Christian does in life is worship makes its departure from truth. In my judgment, those who hold to this false concept have only considered the implications of these first two New Testament words translated “worship.” There is no doubt that true worship involves humility and reverence toward God, as we have seen. Likewise, there is no doubt that everything a Christian does in life should also be characterized by humility and reverence toward God (Eccl. 12:13; Mic. 6:8; Acts 10:34-35; Jas. 4:10; 1 Pet. 5:6). However, worship is more than just an attitude—it also involves specific, God-authorized actions, or avenues of expression! On one hand, it is possible for one to have what might be considered a humble disposition and attitude of reverence, yet his worship to God be unacceptable because he did not express it through God-authorized actions (cf. Col. 2:20-23, KJV). On the other hand, it is possible for one to do all the outward actions correctly, yet his worship to God be unacceptable because he did not express it with an attitude of humility and reverence toward God (cf. Isa. 1:11-15). Both the right attitude and the right actions are required for true worship, which brings us to the next point. 

The third most common word translated “worship” (latreuo, λατρεύω) reveals that worship involves service rendered to God. Worship is more than just an attitude. It also involves specific acts “according to the requirements [of God]” (cf. Jn. 4:23-24).1 These acts, or avenues, of worship must be authorized by God (Col. 3:17). While we will deal more specifically with these acts in a later study, for now, let us realize that the New Testament authorizes singing without the accompaniment of mechanical instruments of music (Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16); praying (Acts 2:42); teaching/preaching God’s word (Acts 2:42 cf. Mt. 15:8-9); and on the first day of the week, partaking of the Lord’s Supper (Mt. 26:26-29; Acts 20:7; 1 Cor. 11:23-28); and giving free-will monetary offerings (1 Cor. 16:1-2; 2 Cor. 8-9). Worshiping God “in spirit and in truth,” therefore, involves both a humble attitude of reverence and respect toward God and the proper acts, or avenues, of expression. Any worship that does not meet both of these God-directed requirements is not acceptable to Him!

Intent

In addition to the individual characteristics ascertained from these words, the three words taken collectively indicate that worship is something done intentionally. Unless one’s intent is to worship, an act or series of acts cannot be worship. Worship cannot be done accidentally! One can engage in similar actions as those done in worship and not be worshiping because the intent to worship is not present. For example, a person can eat unleavened bread and drink “fruit of the vine” (grape juice) for breakfast without violating God’s pattern for true worship. Why is that? Because the difference between eating breakfast and partaking of the Lord’s Supper is not found in the contents, but in the intent and manner in which it is consumed! For breakfast the intent is to take in nourishment, but for worship the intent is to “proclaim the Lord’s death till He comes” (1 Cor. 11:26). The same can be said of teaching, giving, and singing. Neither one of these things is inherently (by its very nature) worship. Only when the intent is to be worship are these acts worship! This, of course, does not mean that one is free to invent a system of worship based upon one’s intentions—all are still regulated by “in spirit and in truth”—but it does mean that for one to worship, he or she must intend to worship (cf. Gen. 22:5; Acts 24:11)! Prayer would not be considered in this same light because prayer by its very definition involves intent. True worship, therefore, may be defined as an act or series of acts authorized by God for worship, intentionally done by a faithful child of God, characterized by an attitude of true humility and reverence for God.

Conclusion

In a future article we will examine both approved and unapproved examples of worship in the New Testament, and we will further see that true worship to God under the new covenant of Jesus Christ is limited only to singing without the accompaniment of mechanical instruments, praying, teaching/preaching, and on the first day of the week, partaking of the Lord’s Supper and giving of our means. Let us all worship God “in spirit and in truth”!

Endnotes

1 Joseph Henry Thayer, Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament (1885; Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1975) 372.