WORSHIP: Some Biblical Terms Related to Worship

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WHAT IS WORSHIP?

Worship is the recognition of God’s divine perfection. It can be expressed in many ways—through direct address such as adoration and thanksgiving, or through acts of service such as loving others and engaging in ministry. For believers, every aspect of life can be offered as worship: “So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God” (1 Corinthians 10:31).

Worship may take place in private settings, such as personal devotion and prayer, or in public gatherings, such as corporate worship and ministry. In worship we encounter two essential truths: first, that God can be known and we can have access to Him; and second, that God’s perfection sets Him apart and above us.

The Bible uses many Hebrew and Greek terms to describe worship. Exploring these words helps us gain a fuller understanding of how Scripture portrays the act of worship









HALAL (hah-LAHL)
Hebrew verb
Description: To praise, to boast, to shine, to celebrate, to glory. This is the root of “Hallelujah,” which literally means “Let us praise Yah!” and is generally translated as “Praise the Lord!”
Example Passages: 2 Samuel 22:4; 1 Chronicles 16:4; Psalm 18:3

TEHILLAH (teh-hil-LAH)
Hebrew noun
Description: Glory, praise, song of praise; praiseworthy deeds. It may indicate a quality or attribute of a person or thing. It also refers to the words or song by which God is publicly praised and His glory declared.
Example Passages: Exodus 15:11; Deuteronomy 10:21; Psalm 9:14

YADAH (yah-DAH)
Hebrew verb
Description: To give thanks, to praise, to confess. Literally means “to use or extend the hand.” In the context of worship, it can refer to worshiping with an outstretched hand. It expresses thanksgiving or praise, both in public worship and personal devotion.
Example Passages: 2 Samuel 22:50; 2 Chronicles 7:3; Psalm 30:9

ZAMAR (zah-MAR)
Hebrew verb
Description: To sing, to make music, to praise.
Example Passages: Judges 5:3; 2 Samuel 22:50; 1 Chronicles 16:19




TODAH (toh-DAH)
Hebrew noun
Description: Thanksgiving, praise, confession.
Example Passages: Joshua 7:9; Leviticus 7:12; Psalm 26:7

SHACHAH (shah-KHAH)
Hebrew verb
Description: To worship, to prostrate oneself, to bow down in honor.
Example Passages: Genesis 18:2; 22:5; Exodus 4:31

AINOS (AH-ee-nos)
Greek noun
Description: Originally meant a tale or narration, but came to denote praise.
Example Passages: Matthew 21:16; Luke 18:43
Related Forms:

  • epainos — approval, commendation, praise (Romans 2:29; 1 Corinthians 4:5)

  • ainesis — praise (Hebrews 13:15)

  • aineo — to praise, to extol (Luke 2:13; Acts 2:47)

  • epaineo — to praise, to commend (Luke 16:8; Romans 15:11)

SEBOMAI (seb-AD-zom-ahee)
Greek verb
Description: To revere, emphasizing a sense of awe and devotion.
Example Passages: Matthew 5:19; Mark 7:7; Acts 13:43
Related Forms:

  • sebazomai — to honor religiously (Romans 1:25)

  • sebΓ‘sma — object of worship (Acts 17:3)
















PROSKUNEO (pros-koo-NEH-oh)
Greek verb
Description: To worship, to bow down, to prostrate oneself.
Example Passages: Matthew 2:2; Luke 4:7; John 4:20

LATREUO (lah-treh'-o)
Greek verb
Description: To serve, to render religious service or homage.
Example Passages: Matthew 4:10; Luke 2:37

EUSEBEO (yoo-seb-eh'-o)
Greek verb
Description: To show piety, to be devout, to act reverently.
Example Passages: Acts 17:23; 1 Timothy 5:4

HUMNEO (hoom-neh'-o)
Greek verb
Description: To sing a hymn, to praise.
Example Passages: Matthew 26:30; Acts 16:25

PSALLO (psal'-lo)
Greek verb
Description: To sing, to make melody, to play a stringed instrument.
Example Passages: Romans 15:9; 1 Corinthians 14:15; James 5:13

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Sources and Studies:

Barabas, S (1986). Worship, In M. Tenney (et al) π˜›π˜©π˜¦ π˜•π˜¦π˜Έ 𝘐𝘯𝘡𝘦𝘳𝘯𝘒𝘡π˜ͺ𝘰𝘯𝘒𝘭 π˜‰π˜ͺ𝘣𝘭𝘦 π˜‹π˜ͺ𝘀𝘡π˜ͺ𝘰𝘯𝘒𝘳𝘺 (p. 1070). Zondervan Publishing.
Vine, W. E. (1999). 𝘝π˜ͺ𝘯𝘦’𝘴 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘀π˜ͺ𝘴𝘦 π˜‹π˜ͺ𝘀𝘡π˜ͺ𝘰𝘯𝘒𝘳𝘺 𝘰𝘧 π˜‰π˜ͺ𝘣𝘭𝘦 𝘞𝘰𝘳π˜₯𝘴. Thomas Nelson Publishers.
Strong, J. (1890). 𝘚𝘡𝘳𝘰𝘯𝘨’𝘴 𝘏𝘦𝘣𝘳𝘦𝘸 𝘒𝘯π˜₯ 𝘎𝘳𝘦𝘦𝘬 π˜‹π˜ͺ𝘀𝘡π˜ͺ𝘰𝘯𝘒𝘳𝘺. In Bible Hub. Retrieved from https://biblehub.com

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