# prostrate, bow down, worship

## Definition:

To “prostrate” oneself means to lie flat on the ground, usually in submission to a person of authority such as a king or some other powerful person. This same term can also mean to “worship,” referring to the actions of honoring, praising, and obeying God.

* This term often means literally “bow down” or “prostrate oneself” to humbly honor someone.
* We worship God when we serve and honor him, by praising him and obeying him.
* When the Israelites worshiped God, it often included sacrificing an animal on an altar.
* This term can be used both of people who worship Yahweh as the One True God and others who worship false gods.

## Translation Suggestions:

* The term “worship” could be translated as “bow down to” or “honor and serve” or “honor and obey.”
* In some contexts, it could also be translated as “humbly praise” or “give honor and praise.”

(See also: [bow](../other/bow.md), [fear](../kt/fear.md), [sacrifice](../other/sacrifice.md), [praise](../other/praise.md), [honor](../kt/honor.md))

## Bible References:

* [Colossians 2:18-19](rc://en/tn/help/col/02/18)
* [Deuteronomy 29:18](rc://en/tn/help/deu/29/18)
* [Exodus 3:11-12](rc://en/tn/help/exo/03/11)
* [Luke 4:7](rc://en/tn/help/luk/04/07)
* [Matthew 2:2](rc://en/tn/help/mat/02/02)
* [Matthew 2:8](rc://en/tn/help/mat/02/08)

## Examples from the Bible stories:

* __[13:4](rc://en/tn/help/obs/13/04)__ Then God gave them the covenant and said, “I am Yahweh, your God, who saved you from slavery in Egypt. Do not __worship__ other gods.”
* __[14:2](rc://en/tn/help/obs/14/02)__ The Canaanites did not __worship__ or obey God. They __worshiped__ false gods and did many evil things.
* __[17:6](rc://en/tn/help/obs/17/06)__ David wanted to build a temple where all the Israelites could __worship__ God and offer him sacrifices.
* __[18:12](rc://en/tn/help/obs/18/12)__ All of the kings and most of the people of the kingdom of Israel __worshiped__ idols.
* __[25:7](rc://en/tn/help/obs/25/07)__ Jesus replied, “Get away from me, Satan! In God’s word he commands his people, ‘__Worship__ only the Lord your God and only serve him.’”
* __[26:2](rc://en/tn/help/obs/26/02)__ On the Sabbath, he (Jesus) went to the place of __worship__.
* __[47:1](rc://en/tn/help/obs/47/01)__ There they met a woman named Lydia who was a merchant. She loved and __worshiped__ God.
* __[49:18](rc://en/tn/help/obs/49/18)__ God tells you to pray, to study his word, to __worship__ him with other Christians, and to tell others what he has done for you.

## Word Data:

* Strong’s: H5457, H5647, H6087, H7812, G13910, G14790, G21510, G23180, G23230, G23560, G30000, G35110, G43520, G43530, G45730, G45740, G45760
