The concept of being “revered” carries significant weight in biblical texts, extending beyond mere respect to encompass a profound sense of awe, honor, and even fear. Understanding who or what is revered, and why, unlocks deeper insights into the nature of God, humanity’s relationship with the divine, and the structure of ancient societies. This Q&A guide explores the multifaceted meaning of “revered” within the biblical narrative.

Q1: Who is primarily “revered” in the Bible?

A: Unquestionably, God is the primary subject of reverence throughout the Bible. The concept of “fear of the Lord” (Proverbs 9:10) is synonymous with being revered—it’s not a terror-driven fear, but a profound awe, respect, and submission to His holiness, power, and authority. This reverence for God is the foundation of wisdom and true worship.

Examples abound:

  • Psalm 89:7 states, “God is greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him.”
  • In Exodus, the Israelites are called to revere God through obedience to His commands.
  • The entire sacrificial system and the sanctity of the Tabernacle/Temple underscored the deep reverence due to a holy God.

Beyond God, certain individuals or things associated with God’s presence or authority are also said to be revered, but always in a secondary sense, derivative of God’s own holiness.

Q2: Is “revered” the same as worship?

A: Not entirely, but they are closely related. Reverence is an attitude of profound respect and awe, while worship is the active expression of that reverence, often involving adoration, praise, and acts of devotion. One can revere someone without worshipping them in a religious sense.

For example, elders, parents, and those in authority are to be revered or respected (Leviticus 19:32, Ephesians 6:2). This means holding them in high regard, honoring their position, and valuing their wisdom. However, this does not imply worshipping them. True worship is reserved for God alone. The Bible strictly forbids the worship of anyone or anything other than the Creator (Exodus 20:3-5).

Q3: What does it mean for humans to “revere” God?

A: To revere God means to hold Him in the highest possible esteem, acknowledging His supreme majesty, power, and moral perfection. It involves:

  • Awe and Wonder: Being profoundly struck by His nature and deeds.
  • Obedience: Respecting His commands and striving to live according to His will. This is a central theme throughout Deuteronomy (e.g., Deuteronomy 6:2, 10:12).
  • Trust and Reliance: Believing in His goodness and faithfulness.
  • Humility: Recognizing our smallness in comparison to His greatness.
  • Worship: Expressing adoration and devotion through prayer, praise, and righteous living.

Ultimately, to revere God is to live a life centered on Him, seeking His honor in all things. It’s an active, ongoing posture of the heart and mind.

Q4: Can objects or places be “revered” in the Bible?

A: Yes, but with careful qualification. Certain objects or places are described as holy or set apart because of their association with God’s presence or specific divine acts. For instance, the Ark of the Covenant, the Tabernacle, and later the Temple in Jerusalem were treated with immense reverence. This reverence was not for the objects themselves, but for the God whose presence they symbolized or housed.

The ground where God appeared to Moses became “holy ground” (Exodus 3:5), requiring Moses to remove his sandals. This was not reverence for the soil, but for the sacred encounter with God. However, the Bible strongly warns against allowing such reverence to devolve into idolatry, where the object itself becomes the focus of worship, as seen with the bronze serpent which was later destroyed because the Israelites began to worship it (2 Kings 18:4). The reverence was always meant to point to God, not terminate on the object.

Q5: Why is it important to understand the concept of “revered” today?

A: Understanding what it means to be revered is vital for contemporary believers for several reasons:

  • Correct Worship: It guides us toward proper worship, ensuring our adoration is solely directed to God.
  • Ethical Living: A deep reverence for God naturally leads to a desire to obey His commands and live righteously, fostering personal holiness and integrity.
  • Humility: It fosters humility, reminding us of our position before an infinitely great God.
  • Community: It helps us understand the proper respect due to authority figures, both within the church and in society, without elevating them to divine status. Read more about Respect

In a world that often dismisses or redefines sacred concepts, clinging to the biblical understanding of “revered” anchors our faith in the unshakeable reality of a holy and awesome God.