Brief Overview of προσκυνέω (Strong’s G4352: proskuneō)

Strong’s G4352: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with kuneō (to kiss), meaning “to bow down in worship, to prostrate oneself.” Used extensively in the New Testament to describe both physical prostration and spiritual worship, particularly emphasizing reverent homage to God and Christ.

U- Unveiling the Word

Προσκυνέω represents both physical prostration and spiritual worship. In the New Testament, it first appears in the Magi’s declaration of intent to worship the newborn King. The compound structure literally means “to kiss toward,” reflecting the ancient custom of kissing the ground before a sovereign. Early church fathers emphasized its exclusive use for divine worship, distinguishing true worship from mere homage. Today, it continues to express the proper attitude of complete submission and adoration due to God alone.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: προσκυνέω, proskuneō, pros-koo-NEH-oh
• Pronunciation: Emphasis on ‘NEH’, with ‘pros’ quickly spoken, ‘oh’ unstressed
• Part of Speech: Verb

Etymology:

• πρός (pros) – prefix meaning “toward”
• κυνέω (kuneō) – root verb meaning “to kiss”
  The combination indicates reverential prostration or worship.

D – Defining Meanings

• To worship
• To prostrate oneself
• To show reverence

For compound words:
The prefix πρός with κυνέω creates the concept of moving toward in reverence, specifically to kiss the ground or feet in worship.

Translation Options:

• “to worship” – emphasizes spiritual aspect
• “to bow down” – captures physical action
• “to pay homage” – reflects both aspects

E – Exploring Similar Words

• λατρεύω (latreuō, la-TREW-oh) – to serve in worship
  See G3000
• σέβομαι (sebomai, SEH-bo-mai) – to revere
  See G4576
• προσπίπτω (prospiptō, pros-PIP-toh) – to fall down before
  See G4363

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a verb, προσκυνέω shows these morphological features:

• Tense: Present, Future, Aorist
• Voice: Active
• Mood: Indicative, Imperative, Participle
• Person: All
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Aspect: Continuous/Punctiliar

Various forms express both ongoing worship and specific acts of reverence.

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes its use in divine worship. Thayer’s notes both physical and spiritual aspects. LSJ provides evidence of its use in both secular and religious contexts. Vine’s connects it to complete submission. Strong’s highlights its compound nature. LEH notes its frequent use in the Septuagint. Moulton and Milligan cite extensive papyri evidence.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star in the east and have come to [προσκυνῆσαι] worship him.” Matthew 2:2

Additional References:
John 4:24
Acts 10:25
Revelation 4:10
Revelation 22:9

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

Προσκυνέω powerfully captures the essence of true worship – complete submission and adoration of God. From the Magi’s worship of the infant Jesus to the eternal worship in Revelation, it reminds us that genuine worship involves both outward expression and inward devotion. The good news is that through Christ, we have access to worship the Father in spirit and truth.

D – Did You Know?

1. First appears in the New Testament regarding Gentile worship of Christ
2. Used over 60 times in the New Testament
3. In Revelation, only God receives προσκυνέω worship

Strong’s G4352: A compound verb combining pros (toward) with kuneō (to kiss), meaning “to bow down in worship, to prostrate oneself.” Used extensively in the New Testament to describe both physical prostration and spiritual worship, particularly emphasizing reverent homage to God and Christ.

Part of speech: Verb

Tags: worship, prostration, adoration, divine-worship, homage, reverence, compound-verb, Magi, Revelation, spiritual-worship, physical-worship, true-worship, worship-posture, divine-honor, spiritual-devotion​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​