Worship
Culture & SocietyWhat is the meaning of Worship in the Bible?
The practice of attributing ultimate value, reverence, and devotion to a deity or sacred principle, frequently manifested through ritualized submission, sacrifice, and communal observance in ancient Near Eastern societies.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding worship as a complex social and ritual system helps readers distinguish between theological monotheism and the polytheistic cultural norms of the ancient world, clarifying the specific nature of biblical prohibitions against idolatry and the social boundaries maintained by Israelite identity.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Ancient Cultural Lens: Avoid applying 21st-century Western assumptions to 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 Worship in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Worship clarify?
Related Topics
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
"Worship." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/worship/