Hebrew and Greek Verbs for Worship

Hebrew – shachah, to bow down, Gen 24:26, 48, 1 Sam. 1:3, Neh. 8:6; adoba, to serve, Ps. 34:22, 69:36.

Greek – gonupeteo, to bend the knee, Phil. 2:10 proskuneo, root word meant “to kiss” (e.g. to bow down and kiss the earth) to reverse (most frequent NT word), John 4:21-24, 1 Cor. 14:25; sebomai, feeling of awe or devotion to God, Matt. 15:19, Acts 16:14 latreuo, to serve, to render acts of religious sacrifice or homage, Acts 7:42, 24:14, Heb 10:2; eusebeo, to act piously toward; homologein, root: common word, it stands for making a declaration or promise, Romans 10:9.

Quick take: posture reflects inward attitude, sacrifice is core component, confession/declaration is present, alongside of humble acts of devotion.

Perspective from the Psalms and other Texts:

Declaration – Worship begins, not because of man’s great need, but because of God’s supreme worthiness. Thus, the basis of worship should focus on His attributes and all sufficiency. Psalm 135, 136, 138, 149.

Adoration – This is worship directed to God. Psalm 123, 138, 142, 145.

Integration – God’s attributes and sufficiency are applied to meet humanity’s need. Psalm 23, 62, 144, 145, 147; Romans 12: 1-2.

Congregation – While individual expressions of praise survive (Psalm) and should be encouraged, the emphasis for the local church gathering is for corporate expressions of worship. 1 Cor. 14:26 Eph. 5:19, Col. 3:16.

Confession and Repentance – This is the appropriate response of a heart laid bare before a holy God. Psalm 38, 1, 77.

Worship is proper because of God; supremacy and sufficiency of God is center piece to Biblical worship; God is sufficient for every human need and circumstances; worship in the church is not about performance, but participation.