Strong's Lexicon sebazomai: To worship, to venerate, to revere Original Word: σεβάζομαι Word Origin: Derived from the root word σέβας (sebas), meaning "reverence" or "awe." Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: The Hebrew equivalent often associated with the concept of worship or reverence is יָרֵא (yare, Strong's H3372), which means to fear, revere, or be in awe of. Usage: The verb "sebazomai" is used to express the act of showing reverence or worship, often in a religious context. It implies a deep respect or awe towards a deity or sacred entity. In the New Testament, it is used to describe the misplaced reverence or worship of created things rather than the Creator. Cultural and Historical Background: In the Greco-Roman world, worship and reverence were common practices directed towards a pantheon of gods and goddesses. The act of worship was not only a religious duty but also a social and cultural norm. The early Christians, however, were called to direct their worship solely to the one true God, rejecting the idolatry prevalent in their society. This often set them apart and led to persecution. HELPS Word-studies Cognate: 4573 sebázomai – to revere; be in awe by one's own twisted definition of what deserves reverence (used only in Ro 1:25). See 4576 (sebomai). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a derivation of sebó Definition to fear, spec. to have reverential awe NASB Translation worshiped (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4573: σεβάζομαισεβάζομαι: (σέβας reverence, awe); 1. to fear, be afraid: Homer, Iliad 6, 167. 417. 2. in later authors equivalent to σέβομαι (Winers Grammar, § 2, 1 b.), to honor religiously, to worship: with 1 aorist passive ἐσεβασθην in an active sense, Romans 1:25 (the Orphica, Argon. 554; ecclesiastical writings). Middle voice from a derivative of sebomai; to venerate, i.e. Adore -- worship. see GREEK sebomai |
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