Original Word: προσκυνητής
Part of Speech: Noun, Masculine
Transliteration: proskunétés
Pronunciation: pros-koo-nay-TACE
Phonetic Spelling: (pros-koo-nay-tace')
Definition: a worshipper.
Meaning: A worshiper; one who shows reverence or adoration, particularly in a religious context.

Word Origin: Derived from the Greek verb προσκυνέω (proskyneō), which means "to worship" or "to bow down."

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H7812 שָׁחָה (shachah): To bow down, prostrate oneself, often used in the context of worship or showing reverence.
• H5457 סָגַד (sagad): To prostrate oneself, bow down, used in the context of worship or homage.

These Hebrew terms similarly convey the act of bowing or prostrating oneself in worship, reflecting a common theme of reverence and submission found in both the Old and New Testaments.

Usage: The term προσκυνητής is used to describe an individual who engages in acts of worship, often implying a deep sense of reverence and devotion towards a deity. It is not frequently used in the New Testament but is closely related to the concept of worship as expressed through the verb προσκυνέω.

Context: The term προσκυνητής, though not directly appearing in the New Testament, is intrinsically linked to the act of worship, which is a central theme throughout the Scriptures. The related verb προσκυνέω is used in various contexts to describe the act of bowing down or prostrating oneself in reverence, often before God or a divine figure. This act of worship is seen as an expression of humility and acknowledgment of the divine authority and majesty.

In the New Testament, worship is a key aspect of the believer's relationship with God. For instance, in John 4:23-24 (BSB), Jesus speaks of true worshipers: "But a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such as these to worship Him. God is Spirit, and His worshipers must worship Him in spirit and truth." This passage highlights the importance of sincerity and authenticity in worship, moving beyond mere physical gestures to a heartfelt devotion.

The concept of προσκυνητής underscores the transformative nature of worship, where the worshiper is drawn into a deeper communion with God. It reflects a posture of submission and adoration, recognizing God's sovereignty and grace. Throughout the Bible, worship is portrayed as a vital response to God's revelation and a means through which believers express their love and devotion to Him.

Cognate: 4353 proskynētḗs – worshiper. See 4352 (proskyneō).

Word Origin
from proskuneó
Definition
a worshiper
NASB Translation
worshipers (1).

STRONGS NT 4353: προσκυνητής

προσκυνητής, προσκυνητου, ὁ (προσκυνέω), a worshipper: John 4:23. (Inscriptions; (ecclesiastical and) Byzantine writings.)

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

worshipper.

From proskuneo; an adorer -- worshipper.

see GREEK proskuneo

Forms and Transliterations

προσκυνηται προσκυνηταί προσκυνηταὶ proskunetai proskunētai proskynetai proskynetaì proskynētai proskynētaì

Links

Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts