### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **sebázomai**, represented by `{{G4573}}`, is a specific term used to mean **to venerate, i.e. adore**. This word appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its single usage highly significant. It describes an act of worship or adoration, specifically in the context of misplacing that veneration.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G4573}}` is in [[Romans 1:25]], which describes those who "changed the truth of God into a lie, and **worshipped** and served the creature more than the Creator." In this pivotal verse, the word is used to illustrate a profound spiritual error. It is paired with the word "served" `{{G3000}}` to describe a complete reorientation of devotion away from God `{{G2316}}` and toward the "creature" `{{G2937}}`. The context is a deliberate exchange of the "truth" `{{G225}}` for a "lie" `{{G5579}}`, leading directly to this act of improper adoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning and context of `{{G4573}}`:
* `{{G3000}}` **latreúō**: This word means "to minister (to God), i.e. render religious homage." It appears alongside **sebázomai** in [[Romans 1:25]] and is often used to describe the proper service and worship of God [[Philippians 3:3]].
* `{{G4352}}` **proskynéō**: Defined as "to fawn or crouch to... prostrate oneself in homage," this is a more common word for worship. It is used to describe both true worship directed to God [[John 4:24]] and false worship given to others [[Revelation 13:8]].
* `{{G3337}}` **metallássō**: This verb, meaning "to exchange," is critical to the context of `{{G4573}}`. It describes the action of changing the truth of God for a lie, which is the foundation for the misdirected worship [[Romans 1:25]].
* `{{G2937}}` **ktísis**: Meaning "original formation... creature," this word identifies the object of the forbidden worship. While the gospel is to be preached to every "creature" [[Mark 16:15]], it is the "Creator" `{{G2936}}` who is to be worshipped, not the creation itself.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4573}}` is focused on the sin of idolatry. Its single usage emphasizes several key principles:
* **The Foundation of False Worship:** The act of venerating the creature begins with a willful rejection of truth. The verse states that people first "changed the truth of God into a lie" [[Romans 1:25]], establishing falsehood as the basis for their adoration.
* **The Perversion of Devotion:** **Sebázomai** highlights the transfer of veneration from the proper object, the "Creator" `{{G2936}}`, to an improper one, the "creature" `{{G2937}}`. This choice stands in direct opposition to God's nature, as He is the one who "created all things" [[Revelation 4:11]].
* **Worship as a Defining Choice:** The use of both "worshipped" `{{G4573}}` and "served" `{{G3000}}` signifies a total commitment. It illustrates that humanity is defined by what it chooses to venerate, whether that is God in spirit and truth [[John 4:24]] or a substitute.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G4573}}` **sebázomai** is a precise and powerful term whose meaning is defined entirely by its singular context. It conveys more than a simple act of worship; it describes the specific and deliberate act of venerating the created order in place of the Creator. Its use in [[Romans 1:25]] serves as a stark warning about the nature of idolatry, showing that it stems from exchanging God's truth for a lie and results in the misdirection of all adoration and service.
TRV