### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ethelothrēskeía**, represented by `{{G1479}}`, defines a **will worship**. It is derived from words meaning voluntary and piety, indicating an arbitrary and unwarranted sanctimony. This term appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, highlighting its specific and focused meaning.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G1479}}` is found in a warning against deceptive philosophy in [[Colossians 2:23]]. Here, **will worship** is listed alongside practices like false **humility** and the **neglecting** of the **body**. These actions are described as having "a shew of **wisdom**" but are ultimately of no value. They represent a form of man-made religion that appears spiritual on the surface but fails to provide any true **honour** in restraining the **satisfying** of the **flesh**.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several words from its context clarify the meaning of `{{G1479}}`:
* `{{G5012}}` **tapeinophrosýnē** (humility): This is presented alongside **will worship**, suggesting a self-imposed or false **humility** rather than a genuine one. It is part of the outward appearance of piety [[Colossians 2:23]].
* `{{G857}}` **apheidía** (neglecting): This term, meaning austerity or unsparingness, describes the harsh treatment of the **body** associated with these false teachings. It is another component of the external, self-willed religious practice [[Colossians 2:23]].
* `{{G4678}}` **sophía** (wisdom): The practices associated with **will worship** are said to have a "shew of **wisdom**," indicating they possess an appearance of insight but lack true, divine substance [[Colossians 2:23]].
* `{{G4561}}` **sárx** (flesh): The ultimate failure of **will worship** is its inability to check the desires of the **flesh**, which represents human nature with its frailties and passions [[Colossians 2:23]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G1479}}` is found in its sharp critique of human-centered religion.
* **Voluntary vs. Divine Worship:** The term itself points to a worship born from human will ("voluntary... piety") rather than from God's commands, establishing a critical distinction between true and man-made spirituality.
* **Deceptive Appearance:** The primary passage warns that such practices can have an impressive "shew of **wisdom**" [[Colossians 2:23]]. This highlights the danger of religious activities that are outwardly pious but inwardly void of true power.
* **Spiritual Ineffectiveness:** These self-imposed disciplines are ultimately judged as having no real value ("not **in** any **honour**") for dealing with the indulgence of the **flesh**, showing that true transformation does not come from arbitrary asceticism [[Colossians 2:23]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G1479}}` serves as a potent, albeit rare, biblical term warning against "will worship." It cautions believers to distinguish between religious activity that originates from human effort and tradition, and a faith that is truly substantive. Though it appears only once, it provides a crucial lens for evaluating spiritual practices, reminding that a "shew of **wisdom**" is no substitute for genuine holiness and is ineffective against the **flesh**.
TRV