Psalms 95:6

KJV

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

KJV (with Strong's)

O come {H935}, let us worship {H7812} and bow down {H3766}: let us kneel {H1288} before {H6440} the LORD {H3068} our maker {H6213}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Come, let's bow down and worship; let's kneel before ADONAI who made us.

Berean Standard Bible

O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker.

American Standard Version

Oh come, let us worship and bow down; Let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Psalms 95:6 issues a profound and inclusive invitation to worship, urging believers to adopt a posture of deep humility and reverence before God. This verse calls for a holistic engagement—body and spirit—in adoration, grounding the act of worship in the foundational truth that the LORD is our sovereign Creator and Sustainer. It transitions from joyful acclamation to a more solemn, submissive acknowledgment of divine majesty, emphasizing the personal and communal response due to our Maker.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Psalm 95 is a composite psalm, structured in two distinct parts. The first section (vv. 1-7a) is an enthusiastic and urgent call to worship, characterized by joyful singing, shouting, and acknowledging God's greatness as Creator and King over all creation (vv. 1-5). Verse 6 serves as the climactic invitation within this initial call, shifting the focus from exuberant praise to a more profound, humble, and submissive posture. It prepares the worshiper for the solemn warning that follows in the second part of the psalm (vv. 7b-11), which recounts Israel's disobedience in the wilderness and God's subsequent judgment, linking true worship to obedient faith. The transition from joyful noise to humble prostration signifies a deepening of reverence.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** This psalm is widely believed to be a liturgical piece, likely used in ancient Israelite temple services, possibly as a processional hymn or a call to worship before the reading of the Law or other communal acts of devotion. In the ancient Near East, physical postures such as bowing down and kneeling were universal expressions of homage, submission, and reverence, not only before kings and earthly authorities but especially before deities. The act of prostrating oneself before the "LORD our maker" would have been understood as a profound acknowledgment of His absolute sovereignty, power, and authority over life and creation, a practice deeply rooted in the covenant relationship between YHWH and Israel, as established in foundational texts like [Genesis 1](/genesis/1 "Genesis 1 - The Creation Account").
* **Key Themes:** Psalms 95:6 contributes significantly to several major themes within the psalm and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Corporate Worship**, as indicated by the repeated "let us," emphasizing the communal nature of approaching God in adoration. Secondly, it highlights **Humility and Submission** through the explicit mention of "bow down" and "kneel," illustrating that genuine worship involves not just outward expressions but an inner attitude of lowliness before God's majesty. Thirdly, the phrase "the LORD our maker" establishes **God's Sovereignty and Creatorship** as the fundamental basis for all worship. This truth reminds the worshiper of God's absolute power and His intimate relationship with humanity as the source of all life, a theme echoed throughout the Psalms and prophetic literature, reinforcing the call to worship the one true God who made all things (e.g., [Isaiah 45:12](/isaiah/45-12 "Isaiah 45:12 - God as Creator")). Finally, by setting the stage for the warning in the latter half of the psalm, verse 6 implicitly connects worship with **Obedience and Trust**, suggesting that true reverence for the Creator must lead to a responsive heart that heeds His voice.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Worship (Hebrew, _shachah'_):** The Hebrew word שָׁחָה (_shachah_) primarily means "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself," or "to do obeisance." It denotes a physical act of reverence, often involving falling face down, which signifies profound humility, submission, and adoration before a superior. In a religious context, it is the most common word for worship, indicating a complete surrender of oneself to God's authority and majesty. This word reinforces the physical actions of "bow down" and "kneel" that follow, suggesting a comprehensive, embodied act of devotion.
* **Bow down (Hebrew, _qadad'_):** The Hebrew word קָדַד (_qadad_) means "to bend low," specifically referring to bowing the head or the entire body. While similar to _shachah_, _qadad_ often emphasizes the bending of the body in a respectful or submissive gesture, perhaps less intensely than full prostration. Its inclusion alongside _shachah_ and _barak_ (kneel) creates a rich tapestry of physical expressions, emphasizing the various ways one might express deep reverence and homage to God.
* **Kneel (Hebrew, _barak'_):** The Hebrew word בָּרַךְ (_barak_) literally means "to kneel." It is also the root for the word "bless," suggesting a reciprocal relationship where one kneels to bless or be blessed. In the context of worship, kneeling is a posture of humility, supplication, and adoration. It signifies a readiness to receive from God and to offer oneself in service and praise. The combination of these three verbs—_shachah_, _qadad_, and _barak_—paints a vivid picture of holistic, embodied worship, encompassing various degrees of physical submission and reverence.
* **Maker (Hebrew, _asah'_):** The Hebrew word עָשָׂה (_asah_) means "to make," "to fashion," "to create," or "to do." When applied to God, as in "the LORD our maker," it emphasizes His active role as the one who brought all things into existence, including humanity. This term highlights God's creative power, His sovereignty over all creation, and His ongoing relationship with what He has made. Acknowledging God as "our maker" provides the fundamental reason and impetus for worship, recognizing His ultimate authority and our complete dependence on Him.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"O come, let us worship":** This opening phrase is a fervent, inclusive invitation, an urgent summons to the entire community to gather and engage in a collective act of adoration. The "O come" (לְכוּ, _lekhu_, "come!") is an imperative, conveying an immediate and compelling call to action, while "let us" (נִשְׁתַּחֲוֶה, _nishtachaveh_) emphasizes the communal and shared nature of this sacred endeavor. It is a call to intentionally draw near to God.
* **"and bow down: let us kneel":** These clauses specify the physical postures appropriate for worship. "Bow down" (נִכְרָעָה, _nikhra'ah_) and "kneel" (נִבְרְכָה, _nivrekha_) are not merely cultural customs but profound expressions of humility, submission, and deep reverence. They signify a lowering of oneself before a superior, acknowledging God's supreme authority and majesty. These physical acts are meant to reflect and foster an inner attitude of awe, surrender, and dependence.
* **"before the LORD our maker.":** This final clause identifies the object and the ultimate reason for worship. "The LORD" (יְהוָה, YHWH) refers to the covenant God of Israel, the personal, revealed God. The addition of "our maker" (עֹשֵׂנוּ, _'osenu_) grounds the worship in the foundational truth of God's role as Creator. It reminds worshipers of His absolute sovereignty, His power to bring all things into existence, and His continuous provision for and ownership of His creation. This truth provides a compelling and unshakeable basis for profound reverence, gratitude, and adoration.

#### Literary Devices
Psalms 95:6 masterfully employs several **Literary Devices** to convey its urgent call to worship. The prominent use of the **Imperative Mood** ("O come, let us worship, bow down, kneel") creates a sense of immediate summons and shared responsibility, compelling the audience to participate actively. This direct address makes the invitation personal and communal. Furthermore, the verse exhibits strong **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**, where "worship," "bow down," and "kneel" are distinct yet closely related actions that reinforce the core idea of humble adoration. This repetition with variation deepens the impact and emphasizes the holistic nature of the desired response. The physical postures themselves can be seen as a form of **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where the outward bodily actions represent the inner spiritual attitude of humility, submission, and reverence. The psalm also uses **Inclusio** within its broader structure, as the initial call to worship (vv. 1-7a) is balanced by a subsequent warning against disobedience (vv. 7b-11), implying that true worship is inextricably linked to a responsive and obedient heart. The powerful declaration "the LORD our maker" serves as a foundational **Statement of Divine Attribute**, providing the ultimate justification for the demanded reverence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Psalms 95:6 profoundly shapes our understanding of worship, revealing it as a holistic, communal, and deeply reverent response to God's identity as Creator and Lord. It teaches that worship is not merely an intellectual assent or an emotional experience, but a full-bodied engagement that acknowledges God's supreme authority and our utter dependence on Him. The call to "bow down" and "kneel" underscores that humility is an indispensable posture of the heart, reflecting our creaturely status before our sovereign Maker. This verse grounds all adoration in the foundational truth of creation, reminding us that our very existence is a gift from God, compelling us to respond with gratitude, submission, and awe. It sets the stage for a worship that transcends mere ritual, demanding a heart that truly recognizes and submits to the one who formed us.

* [Genesis 1:27](/genesis/1-27 "Genesis 1:27 - Humanity Created in God's Image")
* [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Will Bow")
* [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Psalms 95:6 offers timeless guidance for our approach to God, challenging us to move beyond superficial engagement to a profound, holistic act of worship. It reminds us that our worship should be characterized by an intentional posture of humility and reverence, recognizing God's absolute sovereignty as our Creator. While physical postures like bowing and kneeling may vary across contemporary worship settings, the underlying attitude of awe, submission, and dependence remains paramount. This verse calls us to remember daily that we are not self-made but wonderfully made by God, fostering a deep sense of gratitude and encouraging us to live lives that reflect His ownership. True worship, then, extends beyond the sanctuary walls, permeating every aspect of our existence as we acknowledge His hand in all things and submit our will to His. It prompts us to consider how our entire being—mind, body, and spirit—can be offered in devotion to our Maker.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does my physical posture during worship (whether standing, sitting, or kneeling) reflect my inner attitude of reverence and humility before God?**
* **In what practical ways do I acknowledge God as "the LORD our maker" in my daily life, decisions, and interactions?**
* **How can I cultivate a deeper sense of awe and submission to God's sovereignty, moving beyond intellectual assent to heartfelt adoration?**
* **Considering the emphasis on both physical posture and the identity of "our maker," what does it mean for me to "worship in spirit and truth" today?**

### FAQ
**Is physical kneeling or bowing necessary for true worship today?**

Answer: While Psalms 95:6 explicitly calls for physical postures of "bowing down" and "kneeling," these actions embody an inner attitude of humility, reverence, and submission. In ancient Israel, such postures were common expressions of respect and adoration before a king or deity. Today, the necessity of physical postures can vary based on cultural context and individual conviction. The New Testament emphasizes worshiping God "in spirit and truth" (as taught by Jesus in [John 4:24](/john/4-24 "John 4:24 - Worship in Spirit and Truth")), suggesting that the sincerity of the heart is paramount. However, physical postures can still be powerful and meaningful expressions of inner devotion, aiding in focusing one's mind and body on God. They are not the *essence* of worship, but they can be a significant *expression* of it, helping to cultivate the very humility and reverence that the psalmist calls for. The core message is the need for a humble and submissive heart before our Creator, whether expressed physically or spiritually.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Psalms 95:6, with its profound call to worship "the LORD our maker," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. While the psalmist calls Israel to worship YHWH, the Creator God, the New Testament reveals that all things were created *through* and *for* Jesus Christ. He is the divine agent of creation, the very Word through whom the universe came into being, as affirmed in [John 1:3](/john/1-3 "John 1:3 - All Things Created Through Him") and [Colossians 1:16](/colossians/1-16 "Colossians 1:16 - Christ as Creator"). Therefore, when we worship "our maker," we are, in essence, worshiping the Triune God, with Christ as the active Creator. The call to "bow down" and "kneel" before the LORD foreshadows the universal worship of Christ, before whom "every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" ([Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Worship")). Our present worship is a rehearsal for that future reality. Moreover, Christ himself embodied the ultimate humility, taking on human form and humbling himself even to death on a cross, demonstrating the very posture of submission that the psalmist exhorts ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation")). Thus, our worship of the Father, our Maker, is now made possible and perfected through Christ, the one who is both Creator and the perfect Worshiper, inviting us into His eternal adoration of the Father.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.