The Greek word translated “worship” is “proskuneo” meaning; to
kiss, like a dog
licking his master’s hand); to
fawn or
crouch to, that is, (literally or figuratively)
prostrate oneself in homage (
do reverence to,
adore). It is the same word used in Exodus 34:14 in the Septuagint for the worship of YHWH.
Revelation 3:9 - Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.
This is being said by Yeshua to the believers comprising the Philadelphia church. A time will come in the future when Yeshua will command his followers to be worshipped as well. Now, should we consider these men to be “Gods” simply because they are worshipped? No. Neither should we consider the Son to be “God” simply because he was worshipped.
Yeshua and the believers in the Philadelphia church are not being worshipped as YHWH (God), but as YHWH’s representatives. They are being bowed down to and given honor as such.
Much confusion concerning “worship” arises from the fact that the Hebrew and Greek words for translated “worship” were translated differently when the “worship” was directed toward men.
The Hebrew word translated “worship” is Strong’s#7812 – “shachah” meaning; to
depress, that is,
prostrate (especially reflexively in homage to royalty or God). Here are the various ways it was translated in the KJV; bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship.
An example of “shachah” from one man to another is found in Genesis 23:7;
And Abraham stood up, and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth.
In Gen 33:3, Jacob bowed down to Esau;
But he himself passed on ahead of them and bowed down to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.
What if “shachah” was translated “worship” here instead of “bowed down”? Would that make Esau “God”? Of course not. Neither does Yeshua receiving “worship” make him “God”.
Yeshua himself will command men to worship his followers. That does not make his followers “God”. They will be worshipped” or “bowed down to” as representatives of Yahweh and Yeshua.
Yeshua is deserving of our “worship” as we bow down to him, honor him, and adore him. However, it is Almighty Yahweh alone that we are to worship as the one true God.