PUTTING AN END TO WORSHIP WARS - Elmer Towns

APPENDIX TWO
BIBLICAL WORDS FOR WORSHIP
An important step in developing a biblical theology of worship involves an examination
of the words used to describe worship in Scripture. The Greek and Hebrew words used in
Scripture tend to emphasize various dimmensions of the worship experience. Only as these
terms are understood can the concept of worship be more fully understood. The Old Testament
uses--- Hebrew words to describe the worship of God. In the New Testament, four Greek terms
are used to describe this same experience.
WORSHIP IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
The Old Testament uses four Hebrew terms and one Aramaic word translated "worship."
The root idea of these terms is that of a reverential attitude of the worshipper, often expressed
physically by the act of bowing or prostrating one's self before a superior. Also implied in these
terms is the idea of adoration, obedience and service.
1. Shachah. The Hebrew word shachah literally means "depress," "bow down" or
"prostrate" and is used ninety-five times in the Old Testament to describe people in worship (Ex.
4:31). The root idea of this term for worship is that of humbling one's self before God or
someone else.
2. Tsaghadh. The Hebrew word tsaghadh and Aramaic term tseghidh are based on the
idea of falling down and prostrating one's self (Isa. 44:15, 17, 19; Dan. 3:5-7, 10, 15). Also
implied in the meaning of these terms is the idea of humble service.
3. 'Abhadh. The Hebrew word 'abhadh is based on a root describing work, labor or
service. It is used in the Old Testament to describe both pagan worship (2 Kings 10; 19:21ff.)
and the worship of God (Isa. 19:21, 23).
4. 'Acabh. The Hebrew word 'acabh is translated "worship" once in the Old Testament
(Jer. 44:19). This word means to carve, fabricate or fashion and is used to describe the making of
objects of worship, i.e. idols. In the context of the Old Testament, this is a clearly inferior
expression of worship and not part of the legitimate worship of God.
WORSHIP IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
In the New Testament, there are four principle Greek terms used to describe various
aspects of the worship experience.
1. Proskuneo. The Greek word proskuneo is a compound composed of pros meaning
"toward" and kuneo meaning "to kiss." The word means to make obeisance or do reverence to
and is most often simply translated "worship" in the New Testament. J. N. Darby used the
expression "do homage" when translating this term in His English translation of the Bible.