A gesture made by kneeling and placing one’s face to the ground (
Josh 5:14); it may be repeated several times for emphasis (
Gen 33:3;
1Sam 20:41). The gesture indicates submission, servitude, and respect for one’s superior (
1Sam 25:41;
2Sam 24:20); it can also express gratitude (
2Kgs 4:37) and is thus appropriate as an act of worship (
2Sam 12:20). The word is also found in prohibitions against idolatry (
Exod 20:5;
1Kgs 9:6).
Josh 5:14
14He replied, “Neither; but as commander of the army of the Lord I have now come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshiped, and he said to him, “ ... View more
Gen 33:3
3He himself went on ahead of them, bowing himself to the ground seven times, until he came near his brother.
1Sam 20:41
41As soon as the boy had gone, David rose from beside the stone heap and prostrated himself with his face to the ground. He bowed three times, and they kissed e ... View more
1Sam 25:41
41She rose and bowed down, with her face to the ground, and said, “Your servant is a slave to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.”
2Sam 24:20
20When Araunah looked down, he saw the king and his servants coming toward him; and Araunah went out and prostrated himself before the king with his face to the ... View more
2Kgs 4:37
37She came and fell at his feet, bowing to the ground; then she took her son and left.
2Sam 12:20
20Then David rose from the ground, washed, anointed himself, and changed his clothes. He went into the house of the Lord, and worshiped; he then went to his own ... View more
Exod 20:5
5You shall not bow down to them or worship them; for I the Lord your God am a jealous God, punishing children for the iniquity of parents, to the third and the ... View more
1Kgs 9:6
6“If you turn aside from following me, you or your children, and do not keep my commandments and my statutes that I have set before you, but go and serve other ... View more
