Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible (1898)
BOW, a posture. Gen 37:10. To bow down one's self is expressive of great reverence and humility. Gen 24:26, Gen 24:48; 1 Kgs 1:58 and 1 Kgs 2:19. It was a common mode of salutation in the East to kneel upon one knee and bow the head until it touched the ground. It is still the custom in many Eastern nations for subjects to kneel before the throne of the king and bow their heads slowly till they touch the earth.