Topical Bible: Homage

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Topical Encyclopedia

Definition and Context
Homage, in biblical terms, refers to the act of showing reverence, respect, or submission to someone of higher status or authority. This concept is deeply rooted in the cultural and religious practices of the ancient Near East, where acts of homage were common in both secular and sacred contexts. In the Bible, homage is often associated with worship, adoration, and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty.

Old Testament References
In the Old Testament, homage is frequently depicted in the context of worship and reverence towards God. For instance, in Psalm 2:11-12 , the psalmist exhorts the kings and rulers of the earth to "Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in your rebellion, when His wrath ignites in an instant." The phrase "Kiss the Son" is an expression of homage, indicating submission and allegiance to God's anointed king.

Homage is also seen in the interactions between individuals and monarchs. In 1 Samuel 24:8 , David shows homage to King Saul by bowing down with his face to the ground, demonstrating respect and recognition of Saul's royal authority, despite Saul's pursuit to kill him.

New Testament References
In the New Testament, homage is primarily directed towards Jesus Christ, acknowledging His divine authority and messianic role. The Magi's visit to the infant Jesus is a notable example. In Matthew 2:11 , it is recorded, "On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him." The act of falling down and worshiping signifies homage, recognizing Jesus as the King of the Jews.

Furthermore, homage is evident in the worship of Jesus by His disciples and followers. In Matthew 14:33 , after Jesus walks on water and calms the storm, "Then those who were in the boat worshiped Him, saying, 'Truly You are the Son of God.'" This acknowledgment of Jesus' divine nature and authority is an act of homage.

Theological Significance
Homage in the biblical sense is not merely a cultural formality but a profound theological act. It signifies the recognition of God's ultimate authority and the believer's submission to His will. In the biblical narrative, homage is often linked with worship, underscoring the belief that true reverence is due to God alone. The act of homage is a declaration of faith, loyalty, and devotion, reflecting the believer's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and grace.

Practical Implications
For believers, the concept of homage extends beyond historical and cultural practices to encompass a lifestyle of worship and submission to God. It involves recognizing God's authority in every aspect of life and responding with obedience, reverence, and adoration. Homage is expressed through prayer, worship, and the daily acknowledgment of God's presence and lordship.

In summary, homage in the Bible is a multifaceted concept that encompasses worship, reverence, and submission to divine authority. It is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting the believer's relationship with God and the acknowledgment of His sovereignty.

Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary

1. (n.) Special honor or respect; a symbolical acknowledgment made by a feudal tenant to, and in the presence of, his lord, on receiving investiture of fee, or coming to it by succession, that he was his man, or vassal; profession of fealty to a sovereign.

2. (n.) Respect or reverential regard; deference; especially, respect paid by external action; obeisance.

3. (n.) Reverence directed to the Supreme Being; reverential worship; devout affection.

4. (v. t.) To pay reverence to by external action.

5. (v. t.) To cause to pay homage.

Greek

2151. eusebeo -- to show piety towards
... pious, show piety towards, worship. Cognate: 2151 (from 2152 ) -- pay
homage (to revere). See 2150 (). Word Origin from eusebes ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2151.htm - 7k

4363. prospipto -- to fall upon, fall prostrate before
... From pros and pipto; to fall towards, ie (gently) prostrate oneself (in supplication
or homage), or (violently) to rush upon (in storm) -- beat upon, fall (down ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4363.htm - 7k

2150. eusebeia -- piety
... 2150 (from 2095 "well" and 4576 , "venerate, pay homage") -- properly, someone's
inner response to the things of God which shows itself in godly (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2150.htm - 7k

218. aleipho -- anoint.
... of Speech: Verb Transliteration: aleipho Phonetic Spelling: (al-i'-fo) Short Definition:
I anoint Definition: I anoint: festivally, in homage, medicinally, or ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/218.htm - 7k

4352. proskuneo -- to do reverence to
... of kuon (meaning to kiss, like a dog licking his master's hand); to fawn or crouch
to, ie (literally or figuratively) prostrate oneself in homage (do reverence ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4352.htm - 10k

2152. eusebes -- pious
... Cognate: 2152 (an adjective, derived from 2095 , "well, good" and 4576 , "pay homage,
veneration") -- , respectful (showing due ). See 2150 (). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2152.htm - 7k

3000. latreuo -- to serve
... serve, do the service, worship. From latris (a hired menial); to minister (to God),
ie Render religious homage -- serve, do the service, worship(-per). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3000.htm - 7k

Strong's Hebrew

7862. shay -- a gift (offered as homage)
... 7861, 7862. shay. 7863 . a gift (offered as homage). Transliteration:
shay Phonetic Spelling: (shah'-ee) Short Definition: gifts. ...
/hebrew/7862.htm - 6k

5457. segid -- to do homage
... 5456, 5457. segid. 5458 . to do homage. Transliteration: segid Phonetic
Spelling: (seg-eed') Short Definition: worship. Word Origin ...
/hebrew/5457.htm - 6k

7812. shachah -- to bow down
... bow down (21), bowed (16), bowed in worship (1), bowed themselves down (2), bowed
down (14), bowing (1), bowing down (1), bows down (1), did homage (1), down ...
/hebrew/7812.htm - 6k

5401a. nashaq -- to kiss
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to kiss NASB Word Usage do homage (2), kiss
(8), kissed (18), kisses (2), threw a kiss (1), touching (1). 5401, 5401a. ...
/hebrew/5401a.htm - 5k

5456. sagad -- to prostrate oneself (in worship)
... down (2). fall down. A primitive root; to prostrate oneself (in homage) --
fall down. 5455, 5456. sagad. 5457 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/5456.htm - 6k

Library

The visit and Homage of the Magi, and the Flight into Egypt
... CHAPTER VIII. THE VISIT AND HOMAGE OF THE MAGI, AND THE FLIGHT INTO EGYPT. ... The story
of the homage to the Infant Saviour by the Magi is told by St. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter viii the visit and.htm

Homage and Devotion.
... INTRODUCTION AND CLOSE OF WORSHIP. 48. " Homage and Devotion. 48. CM
Jervis. Homage and Devotion. 1 With sacred joy we lift ...
/.../adams/hymns for christian devotion/48 homage and devotion.htm

October the Twenty-Seventh Paying Homage to the King
... OCTOBER The Twenty-seventh PAYING HOMAGE TO THE KING. PROVERBS iii.1-12. ... No, it is
not the recognition paid to an acquaintance, it is the homage paid to a King. ...
/.../october the twenty-seventh paying homage.htm

PM *Bowring. Glad Homage.
... I. PUBLIC WORSHIP. 52. PM *Bowring. Glad Homage. 1 Father of Spirits! humbly
bent before Thee, Songs of glad homage unto Thee we ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/52 p m bowring glad.htm

Whether it was Becoming that the Magi Should Come to Adore Christ ...
... OF THE MANIFESTATION OF THE NEWLY BORN CHRIST (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether it was becoming
that the Magi should come to adore Christ and pay homage to Him? ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether it was becoming that.htm

The Brazen Serpent and the Golden Cherubim were not violations of ...
... We have spoken [2971] of the rational institution of the sacrifices, as calling
off their homage from idols to God; and if He afterwards rejected this homage ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxii the brazen serpent and.htm

The Secular Clergy
... lay lord, whether King or other, which was not only an oath of fealty such as any
subject might be called upon to take, but was also an act of homage, and made ...
/.../medley/the church and the empire/chapter iv the secular clergy.htm

Whether Piety Provides Support for Our Parents?
... Rhet. ii) that "piety gives both duty and homage": "duty" referring to service,
and "homage" to reverence or honor, because, as Augustine says (De Civ. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether piety provides support for.htm

The Christians do not Worship the Universe.
... For when any of your subjects come to you, they do not neglect to pay their homage
to you, their rulers and lords, from whom they will obtain whatever they need ...
/.../athenagoras/a plea for the christians/chapter xvi the christians do not.htm

Whether Piety is a Special virtue Distinct from Other virtues?
... Objection 1: It seems that piety is not a special virtue distinct from other virtues.
For the giving of service and homage to anyone proceeds from love. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether piety is a special.htm

Thesaurus

Homage (51 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To pay reverence to by external action. 5. (vt) To cause to pay
homage. Multi-Version Concordance Homage (51 Occurrences). ...
/h/homage.htm - 21k

Adoration
... Noah Webster's Dictionary 1. (n.) Homage paid to one in high esteem; profound
veneration; intense regard and love; fervent devotion. ...
/a/adoration.htm - 20k

Kiss (39 Occurrences)
... 27:26, 27; 29:13; Luke 7:38, 45); reconciliation (Genesis 33:4; 2 Samuel 14:33);
leave-taking (Genesis 31:28, 55; Ruth 1:14; 2 Samuel 19:39); homage (Psalm 2:12 ...
/k/kiss.htm - 25k

Kneel (10 Occurrences)
... Matthew 4:9 and said to Him, "All this I will give you, if you will kneel down and
do me homage." (WEY). ... But Mordecai didn't bow down or pay him homage. ...
/k/kneel.htm - 11k

Obeisance (45 Occurrences)
...Homage or reverence to any one (Genesis 37:7; 43:28). ... 2. (n.) A manifestation of
obedience; an expression of difference or respect; homage; a bow; a courtesy. ...
/o/obeisance.htm - 22k

Fellow-bondman (6 Occurrences)
... DBY). Revelation 19:10 And I fell before his feet to do him homage. And
he says to me, See thou do it not. ... Jesus. Do homage to God. ...
/f/fellow-bondman.htm - 8k

Attitudes (1 Occurrence)
... This is especially true of matters pertaining to the worship of the gods, and of
the attitudes or positions assumed in homage and respect to monarchs and those ...
/a/attitudes.htm - 20k

Mordecai (52 Occurrences)
... Esther 3:2 All the king's servants who were in the king's gate bowed down, and paid
homage to Haman; for the king had so commanded concerning him. ...
/m/mordecai.htm - 28k

Paid (86 Occurrences)
... Mark 15:19 They struck his head with a reed, and spat on him, and bowing their knees,
did homage to him. ... But Mordecai didn't bow down or pay him homage. ...
/p/paid.htm - 30k

Falling (233 Occurrences)
... spices. (BBE DBY). Matthew 4:9 and says to him, All these things will I give
thee if, falling down, thou wilt do me homage. (DBY YLT). ...
/f/falling.htm - 36k

Resources

What does it mean that Esther was appointed “for such a time as this”? | GotQuestions.org

Why does God demand, seek, or request that we worship Him? | GotQuestions.org

Is it true that the bodies of some saints are incorruptible? | GotQuestions.org

Homage: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus

Concordance

Homage (51 Occurrences)

Matthew 2:2
inquiring, "Where is the newly born king of the Jews? For we have seen his Star in the east, and have come here to do him homage."
(WEY DBY)

Matthew 2:8
He then directed them to go to Bethlehem, adding, "Go and make careful inquiry about the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and do him homage."
(WEY DBY)

Matthew 2:11
So they entered the house; and when they saw the babe with His mother Mary, they prostrated themselves and did Him homage, and opening their treasure-chests offered gifts to Him--gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
(WEY DBY)

Matthew 4:9
and said to Him, "All this I will give you, if you will kneel down and do me homage."
(WEY DBY)

Matthew 4:10
"Begone, Satan!" Jesus replied; "for it is written, 'To the Lord thy God thou shalt do homage, and to Him alone shalt thou render worship.'"
(WEY DBY)

Matthew 8:2
And behold, a leper came up to him and did him homage, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou art able to cleanse me.
(DBY)

Matthew 9:18
As he spoke these things to them, behold, a ruler coming in did homage to him, saying, My daughter has by this died; but come and lay thy hand upon her and she shall live.
(DBY)

Matthew 14:33
But those in the ship came and did homage to him, saying, Truly thou art God's Son.
(DBY)

Matthew 15:25
But she came and did him homage, saying, Lord, help me.
(DBY)

Matthew 18:26
The bondman therefore falling down did him homage, saying, Lord, have patience with me and I will pay thee all.
(DBY)

Matthew 20:20
Then came to him the mother of the sons of Zebedee, with her sons, doing homage, and asking something of him.
(DBY)

Matthew 28:9
And as they went to bring his disciples word, behold also, Jesus met them, saying, Hail! And they coming up took him by the feet, and did him homage.
(DBY)

Matthew 28:17
And when they saw him, they did homage to him: but some doubted.
(DBY)

Mark 5:6
But seeing Jesus from afar off, he ran and did him homage,
(DBY)

Mark 15:19
They struck his head with a reed, and spat on him, and bowing their knees, did homage to him.
(WEB WEY DBY RSV NIV)

Luke 4:7
If therefore you do homage to me, it shall all be yours.'
(WEY DBY)

Luke 4:8
Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'To the Lord thy God thou shalt do homage, and to Him alone shalt thou render worship.'"
(WEY DBY)

Luke 24:52
And they, having done him homage, returned to Jerusalem with great joy,
(DBY)

John 9:38
And he said, I believe, Lord: and he did him homage.
(DBY)

Acts 7:43
Yea, ye took up the tent of Moloch, and the star of your god Remphan, the forms which ye made to do homage to them; and I will transport you beyond Babylon.
(DBY)

Acts 10:25
When Peter entered the house, Cornelius met him, and threw himself at his feet to do him homage.
(WEY DBY)

1 Corinthians 14:25
the secrets of his heart are manifested; and thus, falling upon his face, he will do homage to God, reporting that God is indeed amongst you.
(DBY)

Revelation 3:9
Behold, I make them of the synagogue of Satan who say that they are Jews, and are not, but lie; behold, I will cause that they shall come and shall do homage before thy feet, and shall know that I have loved thee.
(DBY)

Revelation 4:10
the twenty-four elders shall fall before him that sits upon the throne, and do homage to him that lives to the ages of ages; and shall cast their crowns before the throne, saying,
(DBY)

Revelation 5:14
And the four living creatures said, Amen; and the elders fell down and did homage.
(DBY)

Revelation 13:4
And they did homage to the dragon, because he gave the authority to the beast; and they did homage to the beast, saying, Who is like to the beast? and who can make war with it?
(DBY)

Revelation 13:8
and all that dwell on the earth shall do it homage, every one whose name had not been written from the founding of the world in the book of life of the slain Lamb.
(DBY)

Revelation 13:12
and it exercises all the authority of the first beast before it, and causes the earth and those that dwell in it to do homage to the first beast, whose wound of death was healed.
(DBY)

Revelation 13:15
And it was given to it to give breath to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should also speak, and should cause that as many as should not do homage to the image of the beast should be killed.
(DBY)

Revelation 14:7
saying with a loud voice, Fear God and give him glory, for the hour of his judgment has come; and do homage to him who has made the heaven and the earth and the sea and fountains of waters.
(DBY)

Revelation 14:9
And another, a third, angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any one do homage to the beast and its image, and receive a mark upon his forehead or upon his hand,
(DBY)

Revelation 14:11
And the smoke of their torment goes up to ages of ages, and they have no respite day and night who do homage to the beast and to its image, and if any one receive the mark of its name.
(DBY)

Revelation 15:4
Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy; for all nations shall come and do homage before thee; for thy righteousnesses have been made manifest.
(DBY)

Revelation 19:4
And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and did homage to God who sits upon the throne, saying, Amen, Hallelujah.
(DBY)

Revelation 19:10
And I fell before his feet to do him homage. And he says to me, See thou do it not. I am thy fellow-bondman, and the fellow-bondman of thy brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Do homage to God. For the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.
(DBY)

Revelation 20:4
And I saw thrones; and they sat upon them, and judgment was given to them; and the souls of those beheaded on account of the testimony of Jesus, and on account of the word of God; and those who had not done homage to the beast nor to his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and hand; and they lived and reigned with the Christ a thousand years:
(DBY)

Revelation 22:8
And I, John, was he who heard and saw these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to do homage before the feet of the angel who shewed me these things.
(DBY)

Revelation 22:9
And he says to me, See thou do it not. I am thy fellow-bondman, and the fellow-bondman of thy brethren the prophets, and of those who keep the words of this book. Do homage to God.
(DBY)

Genesis 41:40
You shall be over my house, and according to your word will all my people be ruled. Only in the throne I will be greater than you."
(See NAS)

Genesis 43:28
They said, "Your servant, our father, is well. He is still alive." They bowed the head, and did homage.
(WEB NAS)

1 Samuel 28:14
He said to her, "What does he look like?" She said, "An old man comes up. He is covered with a robe." Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he bowed with his face to the ground, and did obeisance.
(See NAS)

1 Chronicles 29:20
And David said to all the congregation, Bless now Jehovah your God. And all the congregation blessed Jehovah the God of their fathers, and bowed down their heads, and did homage to Jehovah and the king.
(DBY NAS)

2 Chronicles 24:17
Now after the death of Jehoiada came the princes of Judah, and made obeisance to the king. Then the king listened to them.
(See NIV)

Esther 3:2
All the king's servants who were in the king's gate bowed down, and paid homage to Haman; for the king had so commanded concerning him. But Mordecai didn't bow down or pay him homage.
(WEB NAS)

Esther 3:5
When Haman saw that Mordecai didn't bow down, nor pay him homage, Haman was full of wrath.
(WEB NAS)

Job 31:27
and my heart has been secretly enticed, and my hand threw a kiss from my mouth,
(See NIV)

Psalms 2:12
Give sincere homage, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath will soon be kindled. Blessed are all those who take refuge in him.
(WEB JPS NAS)

Psalms 45:11
So will the king desire thy beauty; For he is thy lord; and reverence thou him.
(See JPS)

Psalms 106:19
They made a calf in Horeb, and did homage to a molten image;
(DBY)

Isaiah 18:7
In that time an offering will be made to the Lord of armies from a people tall and smooth, causing fear through all their history; a strong nation, crushing down its haters, whose land is cut through by rivers, an offering taken to the place of the name of the Lord of armies, even Mount Zion.
(See NAS)

Daniel 2:46
Then the king Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face, and worshiped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an offering and sweet odors to him.
(See NAS RSV)

Subtopics

Homage

Homage by the Angel Seen by John in his Vision

Homage: Paul and Barnabas

Homage: Princes

Homage: Refused by Peter

Homage: Rendered to Kings

Related Terms

Adoration

Kiss (39 Occurrences)

Kneel (10 Occurrences)

Obeisance (45 Occurrences)