Will-Worship
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Will-Worship in the Bible?
A form of worship originating in human will, characterized by arbitrary and worthless religious acts that are difficult to perform.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this concept clarifies the biblical distinction between obedience to divine instruction and adherence to human-made traditions, aiding in the interpretation of passages that critique ritualism devoid of spiritual substance.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to Will-Worship. Examine how first-century or Near Eastern listeners understood this practice within their daily social dynamics.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Will-Worship in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Will-Worship clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Will-Worship." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/willworship/