The meaning of “שָׁחָה”
Understanding shâchâh reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. - ...
שָׁחָה
bow (self) down, crouch, fall down (flat), humbly beseech, do (make) obeisance, do reverence, make to stoop, worship. - to depress, i.e. prostrate (especially reflexive, in homage to royalty or God) 1) to bow down 1a) (Qal) to bow down 1b)(Hiphil) to depress (fig) 1c) (Hithpael) 1c1) to bow down, prostrate oneself 1c1a) before superior in homage 1c1b) before God in worship 1c1c) before false gods 1c1d) before angel
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 33:6 | “Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves.” Word: שָׁחָה (shâchâh) | |
| Joshua 23:7 | “That ye come not among these nations, these that remain among you; neither make mention of the name of their gods, nor cause to swear by them, neither serve them, nor bow yourselves unto them:” Word: שָׁחָה (shâchâh) | |
| 1 Kings 2:19 | “Bath–sheba therefore went unto king Solomon, to speak unto him for Adonijah. And the king rose up to meet her, and bowed himself unto her, and sat down on his throne, and caused a seat to be set for the king’s mother; and she sat on his right hand.” Word: שָׁחָה (shâchâh) | |
| Esther 3:5 | “And when Haman saw that Mordecai bowed not, nor did him reverence, then was Haman full of wrath.” Word: שָׁחָה (shâchâh) | |
| Jeremiah 16:11 | “Then shalt thou say unto them, Because your fathers have forsaken me, saith the Lord, and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have forsaken me, and have not kept my law;” Word: שָׁחָה (shâchâh) |
Usage Statistics
Related Words
Cross-referenced Strong's numbers with semantic or etymological connections.
Theological Word Study: Worship
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: To bow down, worship
The Hebrew shachah (שָׁחָה) means to bow down or prostrate oneself in worship—physical expression of reverence and submission to God. True worship involves both outward posture and inward devotion.
New Testament Usage
Meaning: To worship, bow down
The Greek proskuneo (προσκυνέω) means to worship or pay homage—literally 'to kiss toward.' Jesus taught that true worshipers must worship 'in spirit and in truth' (John 4:24).