In biblical times, salutations by bowing were a common form of greeting and respect, reflecting the cultural norms and social hierarchies of the ancient Near East. Bowing was often a physical expression of honor, submission, or reverence, and it is mentioned in various contexts throughout the Scriptures.

Old Testament Context

Bowing as a form of salutation is frequently observed in the Old Testament. One of the earliest examples is found in Genesis 18:2, where Abraham bows low to the ground when he sees three men standing nearby, recognizing them as divine visitors: "When he saw them, he ran from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground" . This act of bowing signifies both hospitality and reverence.

In Genesis 33:3, Jacob bows to the ground seven times as he approaches his brother Esau, demonstrating humility and a desire for reconciliation: "He himself went on ahead and bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother" . This gesture was a customary way to show respect and seek favor.

Bowing is also seen in the context of authority and servitude. In 1 Samuel 24:8, David bows with his face to the ground before King Saul, acknowledging Saul's position as the Lord's anointed: "Then David got up, went out of the cave, and called out to Saul, 'My lord the king!' When Saul looked behind him, David bowed facedown in reverence" .

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, bowing continues to be a sign of respect and worship. In Matthew 2:11, the Magi bow down to worship the young Jesus, recognizing His divine kingship: "On coming to the house, they saw the Child with His mother Mary, and they fell down and worshiped Him" . This act of bowing is a profound acknowledgment of Jesus' identity and mission.

Bowing is also depicted in the context of worship and divine encounters. In Revelation 19:10, John falls at the feet of an angel to worship, though he is instructed to worship God alone: "So I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, 'Do not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who rely on the testimony of Jesus. Worship God!'" . This incident underscores the importance of directing worship solely to God.

Cultural and Theological Significance

The act of bowing in biblical times was deeply embedded in the cultural fabric of the ancient world. It was a non-verbal communication of respect, submission, and acknowledgment of another's status or authority. Theologically, bowing is often associated with worship and reverence toward God, as seen in various psalms and prophetic writings. For instance, Psalm 95:6 invites worshipers to bow in reverence: "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker" .

In the biblical narrative, bowing serves as a reminder of the proper posture of the heart before God and others. It reflects an attitude of humility and recognition of God's sovereignty and the dignity of others. While cultural expressions of respect may vary, the underlying principles of honor and reverence remain timeless truths within the biblical worldview.Genesis 18:2
And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, see, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
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Genesis 19:1,2
And there came two angels to Sodom at even; and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom: and Lot seeing them rose up to meet them; and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground;
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Genesis 23:7
And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth.
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Genesis 27:29
Let people serve you, and nations bow down to you: be lord over your brothers, and let your mother's sons bow down to you: cursed be every one that curses you, and blessed be he that blesses you.
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Genesis 33:3
And he passed over before them, and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
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Genesis 37:10
And he told it to his father, and to his brothers: and his father rebuked him, and said to him, What is this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow down ourselves to you to the earth?
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Genesis 41:43
And he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.
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Genesis 43:26,28
And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present which was in their hand into the house, and bowed themselves to him to the earth.
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Genesis 49:8
Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise: your hand shall be in the neck of your enemies; your father's children shall bow down before you.
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1 Samuel 25:23
And when Abigail saw David, she hurried, and lighted off the ass, and fell before David on her face, and bowed herself to the ground,
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2 Samuel 18:28
And Ahimaaz called, and said to the king, All is well. And he fell down to the earth on his face before the king, and said, Blessed be the LORD your God, which has delivered up the men that lifted up their hand against my lord the king.
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1 Kings 1:16
And Bathsheba bowed, and did obeisance to the king. And the king said, What would you?
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Esther 8:3
And Esther spoke yet again before the king, and fell down at his feet, and sought him with tears to put away the mischief of Haman the Agagite, and his device that he had devised against the Jews.
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Matthew 2:11
And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented to him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
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Mark 5:22
And, behold, there comes one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name; and when he saw him, he fell at his feet,
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Concerning Salutations and Recreations, &C.
... the bowings and cringings of the body, and such other salutations of that ... other part
of honour used among Christians is the kneeling, bowing, and uncovering of ...
/.../proposition xv concerning salutations and.htm

The Divine Liturgy of James the Holy Apostle and Brother of the ...
... The Priest, bowing, says (the Embolism [4131] ):". ... [4102] [The sexes sat apart, the
salutations of each confined to its own: an apostolic feature. 1 Pet. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/various/early liturgies/the divine liturgy of james.htm

Christ and Pilate: the True King and his Counterfeit
... on the head with a reed, and did spit upon Him, and bowing their knees ... character
by the sceptre of reed, and its extent by their mocking salutations; for His ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christ and pilate the true.htm

Life and Conduct of the Holy Women, Xanthippe, Polyxena, and ...
... And listening to her he went out immediately to receive the salutations of the men
of ... And bowing down to him she said, Have mercy on me, servant of the true God ...
/.../unknown/the acts of xanthippe and polyxena/life and conduct of the.htm

The Christian's Peace and the Christian's Consistency
... of all created existence, in its heights and depths; spirits, men, and every other
creature; all bowing, each in their way ... My most Christian salutations to him. ...
/.../moule/philippian studies/chapter iv the christians peace.htm

The General Conference of 1828
A History of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Volume III. <. ...
/.../chapter 9 the general conference.htm

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