Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ContextVeneration refers to the deep respect, reverence, and honor given to someone or something. In a biblical context, veneration is often associated with the worship and adoration due to God alone, as well as the respect shown to individuals who have been set apart for God's purposes. It is important to distinguish between veneration and worship, as worship is reserved for God alone, while veneration can be extended to people or objects that hold significant religious importance.
Biblical Basis for VenerationThe Bible provides numerous examples of veneration, particularly in the context of honoring God, His commandments, and His chosen servants. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were instructed to show reverence for God and His laws.
Deuteronomy 6:13 states, "Fear the LORD your God, serve Him only, and take your oaths in His name." This verse underscores the importance of revering God above all else.
The veneration of God's name and His commandments is further emphasized in the Ten Commandments.
Exodus 20:7 commands, "You shall not take the name of the LORD your God in vain, for the LORD will not leave anyone unpunished who takes His name in vain." This commandment highlights the reverence due to God's holy name.
Veneration of People and ObjectsWhile worship is reserved for God, the Bible also records instances where individuals and objects are venerated due to their association with God's work. For example, the Ark of the Covenant was treated with great reverence because it symbolized God's presence among His people. In
1 Chronicles 16:29 , David instructs, "Ascribe to the LORD the glory due His name; bring an offering and come before Him. Worship the LORD in the splendor of His holiness."
The New Testament also provides examples of veneration. In
Acts 5:12-16 , the apostles performed many signs and wonders, and people held them in high esteem. The passage notes that people even brought the sick into the streets so that Peter's shadow might fall on them, indicating a deep respect for the apostles' connection to God's power.
Veneration in the Early ChurchThe early Christian church continued the practice of veneration, particularly in honoring martyrs and saints who exemplified a life of faith and dedication to God. While the Bible does not explicitly command the veneration of saints, it does encourage believers to honor those who have faithfully served God.
Hebrews 13:7 advises, "Remember your leaders who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith."
Cautions Against Misplaced VenerationThe Bible also warns against the dangers of misplaced veneration, which can lead to idolatry. In
Romans 1:25 , Paul cautions against exchanging "the truth of God for a lie, and worshiping and serving created things rather than the Creator, who is forever worthy of praise! Amen." This warning serves as a reminder to maintain the proper distinction between veneration and worship.
In summary, veneration in the Bible is characterized by a deep respect and honor for God, His commandments, and those who serve Him. While veneration is appropriate in certain contexts, it must always be distinguished from the worship that is due to God alone.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(
n.) The act of venerating, or the state of being venerated; the highest degree of respect and reverence; respect mingled with awe; a feeling or sentimental excited by the dignity, wisdom, or superiority of a person, by sacredness of character, by consecration to sacred services, or by hallowed associations.
Greek
987. blasphemeo -- to slander, hence to speak lightly or profanely...... 987 (from , "sluggish, slow" and 5345 , "reputation, fame") -- properly, to acknowledge
good (worthy of respect,
veneration); hence, to which moral values.
...2150. eusebeia -- piety
... 2150 ("godly heart-response") naturally expresses itself in reverence for
God, ie what He calls sacred (worthy ofveneration). Word...
4576. sebo -- to worship
... worship, adore. 4576 -- properly, ; to hold something (someone) in high respect;
showing the or (veneration) of someone who is . [4576...
4574. sebasma -- an object of worship
... Noun, Neuter Transliteration: sebasma Phonetic Spelling: (seb'-as-mah) Short Definition:
an object of worship Definition: an object of worship orveneration....
2152. eusebes -- pious
... Cognate: 2152 (an adjective, derived from 2095 , "well, good" and 4576 , "pay homage,
veneration") -- , respectful (showing due ). See 2150 ()....
2317. theosebeia -- fear of God
... piety. Cognate: 2317 -- properly, God-fearing (veneration); godly respect,
reverence (used only in 1 Tim 2:10). See 2318 (). Word...
Strong's Hebrew
3371. Yoqtheel -- a city in Judah, also a city in Edom... Probably from the same as Yaqeh and 'el;
veneration of God (compare Yquwthiy'el);
Joktheel, the name of a place in Palestine, and of one in Idumaea -- Joktheel
...Library
Theveneration of saints and relics
... INTRODUCTION VI. Theveneration of saints and relics took its rise on the
overthrow of paganism at the time of Constantine. It was...
Excursus on the Present Teaching of the Latin and Greek Churches...
... are to be venerated by the faithful, through which [bodies] many benefits are bestowed
by God on men; so that they who affirm thatveneration and honour are...
Whether Christ's Humanity and Godhead are to be Adored with the...
... Objection 3: Further, if the soul of Christ were not united to the Word, it would
have been worthy ofveneration on account of the excellence of its wisdom and...
The Chief Cause of Trouble a Logomachy.
... No doubt, too, certain marks ofveneration used in the East were not practised in
Gaul; but the Council of Nice did not go into these particulars....
Of God and his Attributes.
... one's consideration, though indeed it can never be sufficiently considered, I shall
here only take notice of that habitual worship andveneration which we...
The Letter of the Synod to the Emperor and Empress.
... As there is also theveneration of honour, love and fear.... So also there is another
veneration which comes of fear alone, thus Jacob venerated Esau....
The Flight of the Woman.
... and the pious few were almost oppressed by the vicious multitude." Of their doctrines
he says: "Fictions, of early origin" (about saintveneration and relics...
The Episcopal Chair of James.
... of the city in 70 ad As Stroth drily remarks: "Man hatte auch wohl nichts wichtigeres
zu retten, als einen Stuhl!" The beginning of thatveneration of relics...
Letter Lxv. (AD 402. )
... To the Aged [1874] Xantippus, My Lord Most Blessed and Worthy ofVeneration, and
My Father and Colleague in the Priestly Office, Augustin Sends Greeting in the...
Excursus on the Council of Frankfort, AD 794.
... the Pope present and composed of the bishops of Gaul, Germany, and Aquitaine, devoted
its attention to a consideration of the question of theveneration due to...
Thesaurus
Veneration (1 Occurrence)... by hallowed associations. Multi-Version Concordance
Veneration (1 Occurrence).
2 Thessalonians 2:4 who opposes and exalts himself
...Reverence (42 Occurrences)
... 1. (n.) Profound respect and esteem mingled with fear and affection, as for
a holy being or place; the disposition to revere;veneration....
Worship (332 Occurrences)
... 8. (vt) To pay divine honors to; to reverence with supreme respect andveneration;
to perform religious exercises in honor of; to adore; to venerate....
Vein (1 Occurrence)
Jacob's (34 Occurrences)
... "Unfortunately, the well of Jacob has not escaped that misplaced religiousveneration
which cannot be satisfied with leaving the object of it as it is, but...
Godliness (16 Occurrences)
... The whole of practical piety (1 Timothy 4:8; 2 Peter 1:6). "It supposes knowledge,
veneration, affection, dependence, submission, gratitude, and obedience." In...
Idolatrous (4 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Consisting in, or partaking of, an excessive attachment or reverence; as,
an idolatrousveneration for antiquity. Multi-Version Concordance...
Idolatry (14 Occurrences)
... 2. (n.) Excessive attachment orveneration for anything; respect or love which borders
on adoration. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. IDOLATRY....
Rachel (42 Occurrences)
... Bethlehem. And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave". Her sepulchre is still
regarded with greatveneration by the Jews. Its traditional...
Reverent (8 Occurrences)
... 2. (a.) Expressing reverence,veneration, devotion, or submission; as, reverent
words; reverent behavior. Multi-Version Concordance Reverent (8 Occurrences)....
Resources
What is the difference between veneration and worship? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is Mariolatry? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Greek Orthodox Church? | GotQuestions.orgVeneration: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
Bible Dictionary •
Bible Encyclopedia •
Topical Bible •
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