Old Testament Expressions For Worship

There is no general term for "worship" in the Old Testament. Instead, many words are used to describe the actions of worshiping the Lord.

The Hebrew word usually translated "worship" in English means, literally, to bow down (see section 106 below). Worship is an expression of loyalty to the God of the covenant. The phrase "give thanks" (hodah) commonly applied to worship means to "make confession" of Yahweh as Lord and King. The worshiper "knows" the Lord, that he is God (yada', Pss. 46:10; 100:3; Hos. 6:3), and trusts (bata', Pss. 13:5; 31:6; 56:3–4; 115:9–11) in him and in his 'esed or covenant love. The awesome Lord is to be feared (yare', Pss. 34:9; 67:7; 96:4), and those who worship him are called fearers of the Lord (Ps. 135:20). Israel is bidden to be in dread or awe of him (gur, Ps. 22:23); the land is summoned to be agitated or tremble (ragaz, Ps. 99:1) before him. Israelite worship frequently envisions all peoples coming under the covenant, as the nations are summoned to serve the Lord ('avad, Pss. 100:2; 102:22) in worship.

The worshiper seeks the Lord and his presence (biqqesh, Pss. 24:6; 27:8; darash, Ps. 34:4) or seeks him early or eagerly (shi'ar, Ps. 63:1). He or she calls on the Lord or on his name (qara', Pss. 18:3; 50:15; 105:1). Thus the worshiper "appears" before the Lord (nir'ah, Exod. 23:17; Ps. 42:2; Isa. 1:12) to confront him or come before his presence (qiddem, Ps. 95:2; Mic. 6:6). In the sanctuary may Yahweh "make his face shine" or give light (ha'er, Pss. 67:1; 80:3); worshipers behold ('azah, Pss. 17:15; 63:2) the Lord's presence, lift up (nasa') to him their eyes (Ps. 123:1) or soul (Ps. 25:1). Thus they set the Lord (shavah, Ps. 16:8) before them. In the holy place the worshiper "waits" for the Lord (qavah, Pss. 27:14; 37:34; Isa. 40:31; hikkah, Ps. 33:20). The worshiper sojourns (gur, Ps. 15:1) in the Lord's tent, or dwells (yashav, Pss. 23:6; 84:4; 91:1) in his house or in the shelter of the Most High. The Lord brings him or her near to dwell (shakhan, Ps. 65:4) in his courts. In the presence of the ark of the covenant, with its winged guardian cherubim, the worshiper of the Lord takes refuge in the shadow of his wings (Pss. 36:7; 57:1; 91:4). In prayer, he or she implores the Lord's favor (hit'annen, 1 Kings 8:33; Ps. 30:8; related nouns t''innah, "supplication," 1 Kings 8:38; Ps. 55:1; ta''nun, Ps. 143:1). The worshiper intercedes with the Lord (hitpallel, 1 Sam. 2:1; 1 Kings 8:42), offering prayer or intercession (t'fillah, 1 Kings 8:38; 2 Chron. 6:19; Ps. 80:4; Isa. 1:15). The first half of the book of Psalms is called the "prayers of David" (Ps. 72:20). On penitential occasions, the worshipers might "make confession" (hitvaddah, Neh. 9:2–3).