προσκυνέω (proskuneō)
proskuneō
to worship
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 54 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb proskuneō describes a physical posture of deep reverence, originally meaning to kiss toward someone as a sign of respect, much like an animal licking its master’s hand. In Scripture it typically involves falling down or bowing low to show homage. While the word can describe honoring human superiors, such as the Magi before Herod or the centurion’s soldiers mocking Jesus, its primary biblical weight is reserved for divine worship.
It appears frequently in the Gospels and Revelation, often paired with prostration to emphasize total submission. When Jesus refuses Satan’s offer of worldly power in Matthew 4:10, he commands exclusive worship for God alone, establishing a clear boundary between reverence due to created beings and adoration due to the Creator. This distinction ensures that the act remains focused on divine authority rather than mere social etiquette.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word προσκυνέω (proskuneō) paints a vivid picture of total surrender. Originally describing a physical act of bowing low or kissing the ground before a superior, it evolved in Scripture to mean deep reverence and homage. When you encounter this term, you are seeing someone acknowledge a authority far greater than themselves. It is not merely polite respect; it is an admission that God holds all power and wisdom.
In your daily life, this might look like pausing before decisions to recognize who truly guides your steps. Jesus used this word to draw a sharp line between honoring people and worshipping the Creator alone. In Matthew 4:10, He rejects Satan’s offer of worldly power, insisting that worship belongs to God exclusively. This reminds us that our deepest loyalty must rest in Him, not in temporary comforts or human approval.
Thinking about this posture can change how you approach prayer. Instead of just listing requests, consider the act of bowing your heart before the One who created everything. It is a reminder that we do not stand on our own merit but rely entirely on His grace. Let this awareness bring you peace, knowing that the God you worship is both sovereign and loving.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 54 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they worshiped6×
- worshiping5×
- worshiped5×
- to worship5×
- they will worship4×
- worship3×
- will worship3×
- you will worship2×
- to then worship2×
- do worship.2×
- You shall worship2×
- worships1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσεκύνησαν11×
- προσκυνήσουσιν7×
- προσκυνοῦντας5×
- προσεκύνει4×
- προσκυνῆσαι3×
- προσεκύνησεν3×
- προσκυνήσῃς2×
- προσκυνήσωσιν2×
- προσκυνήσων2×
- προσκυνήσεις2×
- προσκυνεῖν2×
- προσκύνησον.¶1×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 4:10
Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve him only.’”
Jesus uses this command to establish that exclusive worship belongs to God alone, rejecting Satan's offer of power.
-
John 4:23
But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father seeks such to be his worshipers.
Here the word defines the identity of true worshipers who connect with the Father through spiritual reality rather than physical locations.
-
Matthew 14:33
Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!”
The disciples use this act of worship immediately after witnessing Jesus walk on water, linking the posture directly to recognizing His divine sonship.
-
Matthew 28:9
As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” They came and took hold of his feet, and worshiped him.
The women grasp Jesus' feet and worship Him, showing a personal, physical response to the resurrection encounter that blends fear and joy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does proskuneō mean in the Bible?
Is proskuneō only used for God?
How does John 4:23 change how we worship?
Why do people bow down when they worship?
Every Occurrence (54 verses across 8 books)
Matthew 13 verses
“Where is he who is born King of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east, and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:8He sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child. When you have found him, bring me…
Matthew 2:11They came into the house and saw the young child with Mary, his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Opening…
Matthew 4:9He said to him, “I will give you all of these things, if you will fall down and worship me.”
Matthew 4:10Then Jesus said to him, “Get behind me, Satan! For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall…
Matthew 8:2Behold, a leper came to him and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, if you want to, you can make me clean.”
Matthew 9:18While he told these things to them, behold, a ruler came and worshiped him, saying, “My daughter has just died, but…
Matthew 14:33Those who were in the boat came and worshiped him, saying, “You are truly the Son of God!”
Matthew 15:25But she came and worshiped him, saying, “Lord, help me.”
Matthew 18:26The servant therefore fell down and knelt before him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will repay you all!’
Matthew 20:20Then the mother of the sons of Zebedee came to him with her sons, kneeling and asking a certain thing of him.
Matthew 28:9As they went to tell his disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice!” They came and took hold of his feet, and…
Matthew 28:17When they saw him, they bowed down to him; but some doubted.