Prostration (προσκυνέω), the act of lying stretched out on the ground with the face downward, is a profound expression of reverence and compliance. It symbolizes complete dependence and submission to a higher authority, conveying an attitude of deep humility.
During His earthly ministry, Jesus restored a man’s sight on the Sabbath, which caused quite a stir with the ruling religious party. After accusing the man of not being blind, which was refuted by his parents, they again questioned him concerning the healing, especially regarding who performed this act upon him. At that time, the man who was blind did not know who had given him sight; however, even he could see that such a one would be from God. The Pharisees disagreed and cast him out of the synagogue because he was healed on the Sabbath. After hearing what had happened, Jesus found the man and asked him if he believed in the Son of God. Inquiring who the Son of God is, the previously blind man prostrated before Jesus when he became aware He was the one who healed him, John 9:38.
Within our English bibles the word “worship” is predominantly used to translate the word “prostration”; however, “worship” in English does not adequately express the concept of lying stretched out in reverence and compliance because another word in Greek conveys the meaning of giving proper credit for who a person is, which is what worship means. When Paul instructs the saint in 1 Thessalonians 5:17 to pray without ceasing, he uses a word that better communicates the concept of worship instead of to prostrate. Worship (προσευχή) is derived from the concept of speaking out or uttering out loud a wish (εὔχομαι); hence, prayer. A vow (εὐχή) also comes from this same root word (εὔχομαι). However, worship (προσευχή) is not equivalent to making a vow, which is a promise to fulfill a task if God permits that typically relates to restoring harm done to another person. Instead, worship (προσευχή) uses this same root to express the sense of stating out loud Who and What God is, giving him His full weight. Therefore, when we worship God, it is from an attitude of knowing who and what God is. Worship is often translated as prayer, although not exclusively, negating a proper understanding of its meaning in English. Prostration is the act of lying stretched out in a show of deep reverence and compliance. The Magi of the East came when they saw the star indicating the Messiah was on earth and prostrated before Him, Matthew 2:11. Satan sought to have Christ prostrate before him, Matthew 4:9. However, as Jesus points out to him, it is written that you will prostrate before and serve only God, Matthew 4:10. In the Hebrew, the word used in the passage quoted by Jesus is “fear”, explaining that the concept of prostration relates to compliance and reverence coming from a proper sense of respect, Deuteronomy 10:20. In Hebrews 11:21 we find that prostration is not restricted to the literal act of lying stretched out; instead, it also relates to the attitude. Due to his age and limited physical abilities, Jacob blessed each of the sons of Joseph and prostrated, leaning on his staff.
After the rapture of the Church, those who partake in their priestly service in heaven during the tribulation period will prostrate before Christ when they complete their duties, casting their crowns at His feet, showing their honor and respect for Him, Revelation 4:10.
Today, God seeks those who prostrate themselves in spirit and truth, John 4:24. Therefore, one who worships in spirit will properly understand Who God is while showing an attitude towards Him of humility, reverence, and compliance through their conduct by living out the righteousness they now have in Christ, verbally giving God full credit for Who He is.
