Lexical Summary proskunétés: Worshiper Original Word: προσκυνητής Strong's Exhaustive Concordance worshipper. From proskuneo; an adorer -- worshipper. see GREEK proskuneo HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4353 proskynētḗs – worshiper. See 4352 (proskyneō). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom proskuneó Definition a worshiper NASB Translation worshipers (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4353: προσκυνητήςπροσκυνητής, προσκυνητου, ὁ (προσκυνέω), a worshipper: John 4:23. (Inscriptions; (ecclesiastical and) Byzantine writings.) Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence John 4:23 contains the New Testament’s sole use of προσκυνηταί: “But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and in truth; for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him”. Historical Setting Jesus speaks these words at Jacob’s well near Sychar, confronting centuries-old tension between Samaritan and Jewish worship centers—Mount Gerizim versus Jerusalem. His statement transcends both locations, announcing a dawning era in which geography yields to spiritual reality. Old Testament Foundations of True Worship • Deuteronomy 6:4-5 calls Israel to love the LORD “with all your heart,” stressing inner devotion over ritual. These strands prepare for Jesus’ disclosure that acceptable worship is ultimately spiritual and truth-rooted. Christ’s Teaching on Worship 1. The Father is actively “seeking” worshipers—divine initiative precedes human response. The New Covenant Worshiper • Hebrews 10:19-22 shows believers entering the heavenly sanctuary through Christ’s blood. Thus, every Christian becomes a προσκυνητής—no longer dependent on earthly temples but joined to the risen Lord. Corporate Expressions in the Early Church Acts 2:42-47 depicts teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayers as worship rhythms. Song, Scripture reading, and mutual edification characterize gatherings (Ephesians 5:19-20; Colossians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 14:26). First-century believers, scattered by persecution, proved that true worship thrives independent of sacred architecture. Historical Development After the Temple’s fall in AD 70, Jewish-Christian worship increasingly centered on the risen Christ proclaimed in word and table. Early writings (e.g., the Didache) reflect simple, Scripture-saturated liturgies focused on thanksgiving (εὐχαριστία) rather than sacrifice, aligning with Jesus’ teaching in John 4. Pastoral and Liturgical Applications • Authenticity: Evaluate songs, prayers, and practices for alignment with biblical truth. Eschatological Vision Revelation 7:9-12 portrays a multinational multitude before God’s throne, completing the search for worshipers begun in Samaria. Earthly worship anticipates this final chorus where “the Lamb in the center of the throne” receives endless praise. Key Cross-References on Worship Psalm 95:6; Isaiah 29:13; Matthew 15:8-9; Philippians 3:3; 1 Timothy 2:8; Hebrews 12:28-29; Revelation 19:10. Summary Strong’s Greek 4353 highlights God’s desire for people transformed by the Spirit and anchored in truth. From a single Johannine statement unfolds a comprehensive portrait of worship that is personal yet communal, temporal yet eternal, rooted in Scripture, and centered on Christ. The Father continues to seek such worshipers today. Forms and Transliterations προσκυνηται προσκυνηταί προσκυνηταὶ proskunetai proskunētai proskynetai proskynetaì proskynētai proskynētaìLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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