Did People in the Gospel Worship Jesus?

The translation of the Gospels indicates that various individuals “worshiped” Jesus, but is this true? The word that is used in the Greek is “proskyneō” ( προσκυνέω). While this verse is often translated as “worship,” we see that a more accurate translation is to pay homage.

In Matthew 18:26, Jesus gives the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant. In this parable, the servant falls on his knees before the king as an act of homage, seeking mercy, and not an act of worship.

“At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.'” –  Matthew 18:26

To “pay homage” means to show respect, honor, or reverence to someone or something. This act can take various forms depending on the context and the relationship between the one paying homage and the one receiving it. Physical acts of homage often include bowing or kneeling, common gestures indicating submission, respect, or worship. In some contexts, it may involve prostration, where one lies flat on the ground, face down, to show deep reverence.

In regards to a king, “pay homage” means to demonstrate respect and loyalty towards the monarch. This practice has historical roots in feudal systems where subjects, particularly vassals and nobles, would perform specific acts to show their allegiance to their sovereign. Acts of homage often included physical gestures such as bowing deeply or kneeling before the king to signify submission and respect.