προσκυνητής (proskunētēs)
proskunētēs
worshiper
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun proskunētēs refers simply to a worshiper, derived from the verb for bowing down or paying homage. In the New Testament, this term appears only once, in John 4:23, where Jesus describes the true followers of God.
Its usage here is significant because it defines the essential identity of those who approach God. Rather than focusing on specific rituals or locations, the word highlights the posture of the heart—those who engage in the act of worship itself. This singular occurrence underscores that genuine devotion is characterized by this reverent engagement with the divine.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word προσκυνητὴς (proskunētēs) simply means a worshiper. It comes from the same root as the verb for bowing down in respect or homage. In the New Testament, this noun appears only once, in John 4:23. Jesus uses it to describe those who truly follow God.
This single usage carries great weight for your faith. It shifts the focus away from specific rituals, buildings, or geographic locations. Instead, it highlights the posture of the heart. To be a worshiper is to engage in reverent relationship with the divine, regardless of where you are or what external form you take.
Jesus says the Father seeks such people. This means God is not looking for perfection in ceremony, but for genuine connection. Your identity as a worshiper is defined by this honest, Spirit-led engagement with Him. It is an invitation to approach God with sincerity, knowing He values your heart above all else.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- worshipers1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- προσκυνηταὶ1×
Key Verses
-
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.
This verse defines the essential identity of true followers by linking them directly to the Father's desire for sincere, Spirit-led devotion.