"The
Concise Oxford English Dictionary records the following definition of “venerate”: “[R]egard with
great respect,…from Latin venerat-venerari ‘
adore, revere’” (Pearsall, 2002, p. 1590, emp. added). The
Webster’s New World Dictionary of the American Language gives the following definitions for “venerate”: to
worship,
reverence…, to look upon with feeling of deep respect; regard as venerable;
revere” (1964, p. 1616, emp. added). The
Espasa Dictionary of Synonyms and Antonyms lists the following synonyms (among others) for the word “venerate”:
Worship, honor, reverence,
idolize, exalt, etc. (1996). Finally, the Catholic
Cofrade Dictionary notes the following definition for the word “venerate”: “
To worship God, Saints or sacred things” (2005, emp. added).
We can see easily, by its etymology and synonymy, that a primary meaning of the word “venerate” is simply “to worship or to revere.” Additionally, note that the Catholic
Cofrade Dictionary applies the word “venerate” to God and “sacred things.” Therefore, when the supporter of Catholicism insists, “We do not worship, we only venerate,” he is actually confirming that Catholics worship images like they worship God.
The truth is that the word “venerate” has been
deliberately substituted for the word “worship” to excuse the polytheistic practice of Catholicism. Since the meaning of the word “venerate” is unfamiliar to many, it has become a major argument in defense of religious iconography. But if the supporter of Catholicism would only open his dictionary, and look up the meaning of the word that he uses so casually, his favorite argument would soon disappear like the morning mist on a hot summer day. In fact, the very etymology and correct usage of the word “venerate” exposes the error of iconography. We completely agree that Catholics “only venerate” (i.e., they worship).
But what about respecting images? Are the images of the so-called “saints” and of other “sacred” objects, worthy of respect? What does the Bible say? In addressing images made for religious purposes, Exodus 20:5 warns: “You shall not bow down to them nor serve them [i.e., you shall not show them any kind of respect, service, or worship]” (cf. 1 John 5:21). In spite of the divine warning, some in the Catholic community insist: “
f someone bows down, doing it only as an expression of respect and affection, there is nothing wrong with it” (Zavala, 2000, emp. added). It seems that some supporters of religious images read the verse in this way: “You shall not bow down to them, except in the case of giving them respect and affection.” However, such a statement is not in the Bible! Making images for the purpose of religious “veneration,” reverence, respect, or affection is condemned by God."
Source
Luke 4:8
And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’”