“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’ The four living creatures said, ‘Amen,’ and the elders fell down and worshiped” (Revelation 5:13-14 NIV).
The final verses of Revelation chapter five conclude with the powerful image of these twenty-four elders falling in worship before the Lamb and the One seated upon the throne. Their act of reverence offers an opportunity to reflect upon the idea and meaning of “worship.”
“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28 ESV).
Our contemporary word “worship” is said to derive from the archaic phrase “worth-ship.” With this in mind, we can say that one fundamental aspect of worship involves the attribution of worth to someone or something. Thus, this word signifies a “condition of being worthy,” making it perfectly suited for use in relation to God. (1)
“Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:2).
In a Biblical context, the word “worship” denotes an act of profound reverence and honor. It expresses an attitude that is characterized by an exceeding sense of respect and esteem, especially when used in reference to God. In Biblical usage, this word means, “to kiss the hand,” such as one might do for a person of royal birth today. (2) Therefore, a similar attitude of reverence and honor should identify those who claim to worship God.
“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24 NIV).
God is worthy of our worship because He is our Creator (see Genesis 1:27). We should worship God with honor, respect, and admiration because He is good, loving, and perfect (Jeremiah 29:11, 1 John 4:8, and Psalm 18:30). God is also deserving of our worship in light of the future He has prepared for those who love Him (see 1 Corinthians 2:9-10).
“…The Scriptures say, ‘Worship only the Lord God. Obey only him'” (Matthew 4:10).
A life that worships God is one that demonstrates respect for Him internally and externally. Thus, as we’re told in the Old Testament book of Psalms…
“Worship the Lord with the beauty of holy lives. Let the earth tremble before him” (Psalm 96:9).
(1) worthship – Oxford English Dictionary. (n.d.). https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=worthship
(2) G4352 – proskyneo – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4352/kjv/tr/0-1/