Topical Encyclopedia
Bowing is a physical act of lowering the body, often by bending the knees or inclining the head, as a gesture of respect, submission, or worship. In the biblical context, bowing is frequently mentioned as an expression of reverence towards God, respect towards others, or as a sign of humility and supplication.
Bowing in Worship and Reverence to GodBowing is prominently featured in the Bible as an act of worship and reverence towards God. In the Old Testament, bowing is often associated with worship and the acknowledgment of God's sovereignty. For instance, in
Exodus 34:8, Moses "bowed down to the ground at once and worshiped" when he encountered the presence of the Lord. Similarly, in
Psalm 95:6, the psalmist invites the congregation to worship God with the words, "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker."
The act of bowing in worship is not limited to physical posture but also signifies the heart's attitude of submission and reverence. In
2 Chronicles 7:3, when the Israelites witnessed the glory of the Lord filling the temple, "they bowed down with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshiped and gave thanks to the LORD."
Bowing as a Gesture of RespectBowing is also depicted in the Bible as a gesture of respect towards others, particularly those in positions of authority or honor. In
Genesis 18:2, when Abraham saw three visitors approaching, he "bowed low to the ground" as a sign of hospitality and respect. Similarly, in
Genesis 33:3, Jacob bowed to the ground seven times as he approached his brother Esau, demonstrating humility and a desire for reconciliation.
In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, bowing was a common practice to show deference to kings and leaders. For example, in
1 Samuel 24:8, David bowed with his face to the ground to show respect to King Saul, despite Saul's pursuit to harm him.
Bowing in Supplication and HumilityBowing is also associated with supplication and humility before God. In
2 Kings 1:13, a captain of fifty men approached the prophet Elijah and "fell on his knees before Elijah and begged him," illustrating a posture of pleading and humility. This act of bowing in supplication is a physical manifestation of one's dependence on God's mercy and grace.
In the New Testament, bowing continues to be a symbol of humility and submission. In
Philippians 2:10, it is prophesied that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth," signifying the ultimate acknowledgment of Christ's lordship by all creation.
Bowing and IdolatryWhile bowing is a significant act of worship and respect, the Bible also warns against bowing to idols or false gods. In
Exodus 20:5, as part of the Ten Commandments, God commands, "You shall not bow down to them or serve them," emphasizing the exclusive worship due to the Lord alone. The act of bowing to idols is repeatedly condemned throughout Scripture, as seen in the accounts of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego refusing to bow to Nebuchadnezzar's golden image in
Daniel 3.
ConclusionBowing in the Bible is a multifaceted act that encompasses worship, respect, humility, and supplication. It serves as a physical expression of one's inner attitude towards God and others, reflecting the values of reverence, submission, and honor that are central to the biblical narrative.
Easton's Bible Dictionary
A mode of showing respect. Abraham "bowed himself to the people of the land" (
Genesis 23:7); so Jacob to Esau (
Genesis 33:3); and the brethren of Joseph before him as the governor of the land (
Genesis 43:28). Bowing is also frequently mentioned as an act of adoration to idols (
Joshua 23:7;
2 Kings 5:18;
Judges 2:19;
Isaiah 44:15), and to God (
Joshua 5:14;
Psalm 22:29;
72:9;
Micah 6:6;
Psalm 95:6;
Ephesians 3:14).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
1. (
p. pr. & vb. n.) of Bow.
2. (n.) The act or art of managing the bow in playing on stringed instruments.
3. (n.) In hatmaking, the act or process of separating and distributing the fur or hair by means of a bow, to prepare it for felting.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
BOW; BOWINGbou, bou'-ing.
SeeADORATION;ATTITUDES.
BOWING
bou'-ing (naTah, "to incline," "bulge"): The Psalmist's assailants expected that he would be "like a leaning (the King James Version "bowing") wall" (Psalm 62:3) before their united attack, as when an ill-built, bulging wall gives way under a sudden and heavy fall of rain (compareEzekiel 13:11;Ezekiel 38:22).
Greek
4352. proskuneo -- to do reverence to... and kuneo (to kiss) Definition to do reverence to NASB Word Usage bow down (1),
bow down before (1), bowed down (1), bowed down before (2),
bowing before (1
...Strong's Hebrew
7812. shachah -- to bow down... ourselves down (1), bow yourselves down (1), bow down (21), bowed (16), bowed in
worship (1), bowed themselves down (2), bowed down (14),
bowing (1),
bowing...6739. tsela -- to pray
... pray. (Aramaic) probably corresponding to tsala' in the sense ofbowing; pray --
pray. see HEBREW tsala'. 6738, 6739. tsela. 6740 . Strong's Numbers.
7817. shachach -- to bow, be bowed down, crouch
... root Definition to bow, be bowed down, crouch NASB Word Usage been humbled (1),
bow down (1), bowed down (3),bowing (1), bows down (1), bring down (1...
3721. kaphaph -- to bend, bend down, be bent or bowed
... Word Origin a prim. root Definition to bend, bend down, be bent or bowed NASB
Word Usage bow (1), bowed down (3),bowing (1). bow down self....
Library
February the Ninth the Rock and theBowing Wall
... FEBRUARY The Ninth THE ROCK AND THEBOWING WALL. PSALM lxii. Here are two symbols
by which the psalmist describes the confidence of the righteous....
Chambers of Imagery
... First, those with whom my text is concerned, who, in some underground room, vaulted
and windowless, werebowing down before painted animal forms upon the walls...
The Delays of Love
... If the weight is lifted, the elastic substance beneath springs up again. As soon
as the wind passes over the cornfield, thebowing ears raise themselves....
Devout Customs and Usages
...Bowing."The head is bowed at the name of Jesus in the Creeds to "testify by this
outward ceremony and gesture a due acknowledgment that the Lord Jesus Christ...
Strength and Indwelling.
... "I bow my knees unto the Father" (ver.14). The intense reverence of the Apostle
in this allusion tobowing his knees is particularly noteworthy....
Luther's Fourth Preface
... Psalm 14.and liii.: "They call not on the Lord; there feared they where no fear
was." That is, they may have much show of humiliation andbowing and bending in...
Of the Most Holy Miracle of St Francis in Taming the Fierce Wolf...
... this for thee, thou must promise, on thy side, never again to attack any animal
or any human being; dost thou make this promise?" Then the wolf,bowing his head...
The Net Spread
... put his own private interpretation on the prostration, and said to himself, 'I have
nothing to do with the meaning that others attach tobowing before Haman....
The Fiery Furnace
... provided for, and a decree went forth that on the day of the dedication all should
show their supreme loyalty to the Babylonian power bybowing before the image...
Abiding in Love
... than mere outward conformity by action. It is the inward harmony of will,
and thebowing of the whole nature. It is, in fact, the...
Thesaurus
Bowing (35 Occurrences)...Bowing is also frequently mentioned as an act of adoration to idols (Joshua 23:7;
2 Kings 5:18; Judges 2:19; Isaiah 44:15), and to God (Joshua 5:14; Psalm 22:29
...Gesture
... whole body was bowed, sometimes to the ground (Genesis 18:2; Genesis 19:1; Genesis
33:7; 42:06:00; 33:3), falling on the face to the ground andbowing to the...
Bow (248 Occurrences)
... 4. (vt) To cause to bend down; to prostrate; to depress,;/ to crush; to subdue.
5. (vt) To express bybowing; as, to bow one's thanks.... II, 4. BOW;BOWING....
Attitudes (1 Occurrence)
... We shall call attention to just four postures: (1) standing, (2)bowing,
(3) kneeling, and (4) falling on the face or prostration....
Obeisance (45 Occurrences)
... obedience) originally signified the vow of obedience made by a vassal to his lord
or a slave to his master, but in time denoted the act ofbowing as a token of...
Knees (47 Occurrences)
... is found in three places (one being a free quotation of another): Job 4:4, "Thou
hast made firm the feeble (kara`, "bending," "bowing") knees," and Hebrews 12...
Roofs (13 Occurrences)
... Zephaniah 1:5 And thosebowing themselves On the roofs to the host of the heavens,
And thosebowing themselves, Swearing to Jehovah, and swearing by Malcham...
Prostration
... 2. (n.) The act of falling down, or ofbowing in humility or adoration; primarily,
the act of falling on the face, but usually applied to kneeling orbowing in...
Prayer (406 Occurrences)
... praying and crying to heaven" (2 Chronicles 32:20); "seeking unto God and making
supplication" (Job 8:5); "drawing near to God" (Psalm 73:28); "bowing the knees...
Swearing (17 Occurrences)
... Zephaniah 1:5 And thosebowing themselves On the roofs to the host of the heavens,
And thosebowing themselves, Swearing to Jehovah, and swearing by Malcham...
Resources
What does the Bible say about bowing or kneeling in prayer? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is genuflection? What does it mean to genuflect? | GotQuestions.orgIs penance mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgBowing: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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