Biblical Word Etymology
The Etymology of “Worship”
The biblical word “Worship” traces back to Hebrew / Greek (shachah (Hebrew), proskuneo (Greek)), where it meant “To bow down before; to ascribe worth and honor to God”. Across 3eras it evolved into the modern sense: “The act of showing reverence and adoration; religious service or devotion”.
How the Meaning Evolved
Ancient Hebrew/Greek
Hebrew / Greekshachah (Hebrew), proskuneo (Greek)To bow down before; to ascribe worth and honor to God
Hebrew shachah (H7812) = to prostrate oneself, bow down in homage. Greek proskuneo (pros- + kunein, 'to kiss toward') = to show reverence by gesture, frequent in NT.
Medieval Latin / Church
Latincultus, adoratioThe liturgical and spiritual practice of honoring God through prayer, ritual, and sacrament
Latin cultus (from colere, 'to cultivate, to honor') and adoratio (ad- + orare, 'to speak to') used for religious devotional practice and church rites.
Modern English
EnglishworshipThe act of showing reverence and adoration; religious service or devotion
From Old English weorðscipe (worth + -ship), literally 'to ascribe worth to.' Settled by OE period, retains sense of giving honor and respect.