The term **proskuneó** is what most people think of when they think of worship. It is bowing down and giving reference to a figure. This term is significant when applied to Jesus, as it reflects recognition of His divine authority and worthiness of worship. In the Gospel of Matthew, we see early evidence of this reverence when the Magi arrive to worship the infant Jesus. > [!bible]+ [Matthew 2:11 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/40/2/) > 11. And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped (**proskuneó**) him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh. %% #Matthew %% This act of **proskuneó** establishes a precedent for recognizing Jesus as worthy of worship. Furthermore, in Matthew 14:33, after Jesus calms the storm, His disciples respond: > [!bible]+ [Matthew 14:33 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/40/14/) > 33. And those in the boat worshiped (**proskuneó**) him, saying, “Truly you are the Son of God.” %% #Matthew %% The New Testament consistently illustrates that Jesus not only accepts worship, but also encourages it. Jesus is worshiped many times in the Gospels, and he never rebukes it ([Matthew 8:2](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.8.2); [9:18](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.9.18); [14:33](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.14.33); [15:25](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.15.25); [18:26](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.18.26); [20:20](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.20.20); [28:9, 17](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MAT.28.9,17); [Mark 5:6](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/MRK.5.6); [Luke 5:8](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/LUK.5.8); [24:52](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/LUK.24.52); [John 9:38](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/JHN.9.38)). Even though Jesus himself says: > [!bible]+ [Matthew 4:10 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/40/4/) > 10. Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship (**proskuneó**) the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” %% #Matthew %% In the Bible, it is taught by Jesus that only God can be worshiped. In the book of Revelation, John is overwhelmed by all the visions and starts to **proskuneó** to an angel two times, who quickly rebukes him twice. > [!bible]+ [Revelation 19:10 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/66/19/) > 10. Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship (**proskuneó**) God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. %% #Revelation %% > [!bible]+ [Revelation 22:9 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/66/22/) > 9. but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book. Worship (**proskuneó**) God.” %% #Revelation %% Not only did Jesus never rebuke anyone for **proskuneó** to him, God the Father commands all angels to **proskuneó** to Jesus. > [!bible]+ [Hebrews 1:6 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/58/1/) > 6. And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God's angels worship (**proskuneó**) him.” %% #Hebrews %% [Revelation 5:12-14](https://www.bible.com/bible/59/REV.5.12-14) provides the biggest example of this in scripture, where the Lamb (Jesus) is worshiped alongside God. > [!bible]+ [Revelation 5:12-14 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/66/5/) > 12. saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honor and glory and blessing!” 13. And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever!” 14. And the four living creatures said, “Amen!” and the elders fell down and worshiped (**proskuneó**). %% #Revelation %% This verse can not be any clearer, ALL creation in heaven and earth, everything created says that the Lamb is to receive *power* and *wealth* and *wisdom* and *might* and *honor* and *glory* and *blessing*. The multitude sings, “**Worthy is the Lamb who was slain,**” and then fell down and **proskuneó** to the Lamb and God. Jesus Himself articulates His divine worthiness in John 5:23, stating: > [!bible]+ [John 5:23 - ESV](https://bolls.life/ESV/43/5/) > 23. that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him. %% #John %% To not give Jesus the **proskuneó** He deserves is to ignore scripture and dishonor God the Father.