Bible Dictionary
Obeisance
Obil was an Ishmaelite appointed by David to oversee the royal camels.
Definition
Obeisance is a bow, curtsey, or prostrate gesture expressing deference, respect, homage, or worship. The act may be directed toward a person of authority or toward God.
Biblical Usage
Scripture uses obeisance for the respectful posture of one person before another, for homage to a king, and frequently for the prostrate posture of worship before God. In Joseph’s dream, his brothers’ sheaves made obeisance to his sheaf.
Historical Background
The term originally signified a vow of obedience by a vassal to a lord or by a slave to a master. It later came to denote the outward act of bowing as a token of respect.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Homage or reverence to any one (Gen. 37:7; 43:28).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>o-ba'-sans: It is used 9 times in the King James Version in the phrase "made (or did) obeisance" as a rendering of the reflexive form of (shachah), and denotes the bow or curtsey indicative of deference and respect. The same form of the verb is sometimes translated "to bow one's self" when it expresses the deferential attitude of one person to another (Ge 33:6,7, etc.). Occasionally the vow of homage or fealty to a king on the part of a subject is suggested. In Joseph's dream his brother's sheaves made obeisance to his sheaf (Ge 43:28; compare also 2Sa 15:5; 2Ch 24:17). But in a large number of instances the verb denotes the prostrate posture of the worshipper in the presence of Deity, and is generally rendered, "to worship" in the King James Version. In all probability this was the original significance of the word (Ge 24:26, etc.). Obeisance (= obedience) originally signified the vow of obedience made by a vassal to his lord or a slave to his master, but in time denoted the act of bowing as a token of respect.</p><p>T. Lewis</p>