An expression of reverence to God in the doxology (gloria), before the sanctuary, besides in public and private worship.
The bodily posture appropriate for prayer, signifying humility and reverence.
In keeling down before God we debase ourselves asking His mercy and the forgiveness of our sins.
Abraham bowed to the Hittites (Gen 23:7) as a sign of his gratitude to them. Jacob too bowed to Esau (Gen. 33:3) to absorb his brother's anger and intentions to take revenge.
Dictionary of church terms. — St. GEORGE'S COPTIC ORTHODOX CHURCH SPORTING - ALEXANDRIA EGYPT. Fr. Tadros Yacoub Maiaty.