obeisance

A gesture made by kneeling and placing one’s face to the ground (Josh 5:14); it may be repeated several times for emphasis (Gen 33:3; 1Sam 20:41). The gesture indicates submission, servitude, and respect for one’s superior (1Sam 25:41; 2Sam 24:20); it can also express gratitude (2Kgs 4:37) and is thus appropriate as an act of worship (2Sam 12:20). The word is also found in prohibitions against idolatry (Exod 20:5; 1Kgs 9:6).