Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Importance Worship of God is a central theme throughout the Bible, encompassing the reverence, adoration, and devotion directed towards God by His people. It is both a personal and communal act, reflecting the relationship between the Creator and His creation. Worship is not merely an external ritual but an expression of the heart, mind, and soul, acknowledging God's supreme authority, holiness, and love. Biblical Foundations The concept of worship is introduced early in the Scriptures. In Genesis 4:26, we read, "At that time, men began to call on the name of the LORD." This calling upon the Lord signifies the beginning of organized worship. The patriarchs, such as Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, built altars and worshiped God, demonstrating their faith and dependence on Him (Genesis 12:7-8; 26:25; 35:1-3). The Ten Commandments, given to Moses on Mount Sinai, emphasize the exclusivity of worship due to God alone: "You shall have no other gods before Me" (Exodus 20:3). This command underscores the monotheistic nature of biblical worship, rejecting idolatry and affirming the worship of Yahweh as the one true God. Forms of Worship Worship in the Bible takes various forms, including prayer, singing, sacrifice, and obedience. The Psalms, often referred to as the hymnbook of ancient Israel, are rich with expressions of worship through music and song. Psalm 95:6 invites believers, "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." Sacrificial offerings were a significant aspect of Old Testament worship, symbolizing atonement and devotion. Leviticus 1-7 details the various offerings prescribed for worship, each with specific purposes and meanings. However, the prophets frequently reminded the Israelites that God desires obedience and a contrite heart over mere ritualistic sacrifices (1 Samuel 15:22; Isaiah 1:11-17). Worship in the New Testament With the coming of Jesus Christ, worship takes on a new dimension. Jesus teaches that true worshipers will worship the Father "in spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24). This teaching emphasizes the internalization of worship, focusing on sincerity and alignment with God's revealed truth. The early church continued the practice of worship through prayer, teaching, fellowship, and the breaking of bread (Acts 2:42). The apostle Paul exhorts believers to present their bodies as "a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship" (Romans 12:1). This call to a life of holiness and service reflects the comprehensive nature of worship as encompassing all aspects of a believer's life. Eschatological Worship The book of Revelation provides a glimpse into the ultimate fulfillment of worship in the heavenly realm. The vision of the throne room in Revelation 4-5 depicts celestial beings and redeemed humanity worshiping God and the Lamb with unceasing praise. Revelation 5:13 declares, "To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and power forever and ever!" Conclusion Worship of God is a profound and multifaceted theme in the Bible, calling believers to a life of devotion, reverence, and obedience. It is both a privilege and a responsibility, reflecting the believer's relationship with God and anticipation of eternal worship in His presence. ATS Bible Dictionary Worship of GodBoth spiritual and visible, private and public, by individuals, families, and communities, is not only a self-evident duty for all who believe in God, but is abundantly commanded in his word. See PRAYER. The stated assembling of all people for united worship on the Sabbath, in continuance of the temple and synagogue services enjoined by God and practiced by Christ, is most manifest duty. The very name church, meaning assembly, implies it; and the preaching of the gospel, the great means for promoting Christianity, requires it. The directions of Paul, not to forsake the "assembling of ourselves together," to read his epistles "in all the churches," and to join in "psalms and hymns and spiritual songs," and his rules for securing the highest spiritual edification of all when they came together in the church, all indicate the established law of Christianity. "Worship" is sometimes used of the form of homage paid by subjects to kings, or of honor to one held entitled to it, Daniel 2:46 Luke 14:10. In the East, this is still often rendered by prostrating the body and touching the forehead to the ground, Genesis 33:3 Matthew 18:26. "Will-worship," Colossians 2:23, is a term descriptive of such forms of adoration and service as are not prescribed in God's word, but are offensive in his sight. Such are the masses and penances of Popery. Greek 1497. eidolon -- an image (ie for worship), by impl. a false god ... idol. From eidos; an image (ie For worship); by implication, a heathen god, or (plural) the worship of such -- idol. see GREEK eidos. (eidola) -- 3 Occurrences. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1497.htm - 6k 4574. sebasma -- an object of worship 4576. sebo -- to worship 2999. latreia -- service 3000. latreuo -- to serve 2151. eusebeo -- to show piety towards 1479. ethelothreskia -- self-willed (arbitrary and unwarranted) ... 2212. zeteo -- to seek 4336. proseuchomai -- to pray 2169. eucharistia -- thankfulness, giving of thanks Strong's Hebrew 7812. shachah -- to bow down... in homage to royalty or God) -- bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. ... /hebrew/7812.htm - 6k Library On the Worship of God in General The Worship of God in Spirit and in Truth. The Worship of God. Of the True Worship of God, and Sacrifice. Devout Worship of God. God Distinguished from Idols, that He May be the Exclusive Object ... Psalm 84 Delight in Ordinances of Worship; Or, God Present in his ... God Alone a Fit Object of Worship. Whether There Can be any Excess in the Worship of God? Whether There Can be Anything Pernicious in the Worship of the ... Resources What does the Bible say about the position of worship leader? | GotQuestions.orgRegulative vs. normative principle of worship'which viewpoint is correct? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of Christian worship? | GotQuestions.org Worship: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Worship of the Philippian Jailer Worship of the Wicked Rejected Worship: "Iniquity of the Holy Things" Worship: David's Ordinances For Worship: Jesus Prays all Night Long Worship: On Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal Worship: Public, in the Temple Worship: The Whole Nation Required to Assemble For, Including Men, Women, Children, Servants Worship: The Word of God Read in Public Assemblies Worship: To be Rendered Only to God Worship: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms |