### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **çâgad**, represented by `{{H5456}}`, is a primitive root meaning to **prostrate oneself** or **fall down**, typically in an act of homage. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. The term consistently describes the physical act of bowing or falling down as a gesture of reverence, used exclusively in the context of idol worship.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5456}}` is used solely within the book of Isaiah to condemn the practice of idolatry. The prophet uses the word to highlight the absurdity of worshipping man-made objects. For instance, after describing how a man uses part of a tree for fuel to bake bread, the prophet rhetorically asks, "shall I **fall down** to the stock of a tree?" [[Isaiah 44:19]]. The act is repeatedly tied to idols crafted from wood or precious metals, as seen when those who hire a goldsmith to make a god "fall down, yea, they worship" [[Isaiah 46:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context of worship and prostration:
* `{{H7812}}` **shâchâh** (to depress, i.e. prostrate... bow (self) down... worship): This term is frequently used in parallel with `çâgad` to describe a complete act of false worship. In [[Isaiah 44:15]], after a man makes a graven image, he **worshippeth** it and **falleth down** thereto. While `shâchâh` can describe proper worship of God [[Psalms 95:6]], its pairing with `çâgad` highlights its misapplication.
* `{{H6419}}` **pâlal** (to intercede, pray): This word for prayer is linked with `çâgad` to show the depth of idolatrous devotion. After an idol is made from leftover wood, the craftsman "falleth down unto it, and worshippeth it, and **prayeth** unto it" [[Isaiah 44:17]]. This stands in stark contrast to the proper use of prayer, such as when Elisha **prayed** to the Lord [[2 Kings 6:17]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5456}}` is centered on its use as a critique of false worship.
* **The Folly of Idolatry:** The word is used exclusively to show the irrationality of worshipping man-made gods. The act of falling down is directed at an object crafted from the same wood used for mundane tasks like warming oneself and baking bread [[Isaiah 44:15]].
* **Physical Act of False Worship:** `çâgad` emphasizes the concrete, physical gesture of prostration as the outward sign of a profound spiritual error. To **fall down** before an idol is to give the homage that belongs to God to a powerless, man-made object [[Isaiah 44:17]].
* **Misdirected Homage:** By appearing alongside terms for worship `{{H7812}}` and prayer `{{H6419}}`, `çâgad` helps depict a complete, yet counterfeit, religious devotion. The physical act of falling down is presented as the foundational gesture of this misdirected reverence [[Isaiah 46:6]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5456}}` is a highly specific term within the biblical text. Rather than a general word for worship, it is used pointedly to describe the physical act of prostrating before an idol. Its appearances in Isaiah serve as a powerful and focused condemnation of idolatry, contrasting the reverence due to God with the foolishness of bowing to an inanimate object. The word thereby illustrates how a physical posture can signify the ultimate spiritual betrayal.
TRV