Question:
Bro, I’m not being rude, but where in the Bible does it say that honouring Mary is idol worship? Isn’t honour different from worship?
— Rohan P, Vasai

Answer:
Understanding Biblical Honour vs Worship

You’re right to ask this. Scripture does teach us to honour others, especially those used by God. Mary was chosen and favoured. She deserves deep respect. But when that honour crosses into devotion, invocation, or spiritual mediation, it enters a territory the Bible never permits.

In Hebrew, “kāḇēḏ” (כָּבֵד) means to honour or give weight. In Greek, the word is “timaō” (τιμάω), to revere or esteem. But the Bible draws a sharp line between this and “proskuneō” (προσκυνέω)—which means to kneel in worship, to kiss toward, or to render spiritual homage.

Honour Is Rightful—But Worship Belongs to One Alone

Mary called herself a servant. She rejoiced in God as her Saviour. That’s important.

Luke 1:46–47 — And Mary said, “My soul magnifies and exalts the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Saviour.” (AMP)

Her worship went upward and not inward. She saw herself as one who received mercy, not one to dispense it. She called others to obey Christ, not to follow or venerate her.

John 2:5 — His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” (AMP)

This moment wasn’t about her authority—but His. It sets the tone for how we should remember her: with gratitude, but without misplaced reverence.

Does the Bible Warn About Spiritual Substitutes? Yes—Clearly.

Scripture repeatedly warns about substituting God’s place with human figures, even unintentionally.

Jeremiah 17:5 — Thus says the Lord, “Cursed is the man who trusts in and relies on mankind, making weak, faulty human flesh his strength, and whose mind and heart turn away from the Lord.” (AMP)

Any reliance that diverts the heart’s full trust from the Lord, even under the banner of “intercession” or “reverence” is dangerous. The issue is not what we say it is, but what our actions reveal.

Jesus Made It Plain—Spiritual Focus Must Be Unshared

During His earthly ministry, Jesus corrected a woman who tried to elevate Mary beyond what Scripture allows:

Luke 11:27–28 — Now while Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd raised her voice and said to Him, “Blessed [happy, favoured by God] is the womb that gave birth to You and the breasts at which You nursed!” But He said, “On the contrary, blessed [spiritually fortunate and favoured by God] are those who hear the word of God and continually observe it.” (AMP)

This was not a rebuke of Mary—but a redirection of focus. The true blessing was obedience to God’s Word, not lineage or biological connection.

What About Intercession—Can’t We Ask Saints to Pray for Us?

The Bible shows us that intercession happens among the living. Never once does it endorse prayer to the dead, even godly ones. Not Moses. Not Abraham. Not even Samuel, when he was supernaturally summoned, allowed it (1 Samuel 28 shows God’s displeasure when this was attempted).

Job 16:20–21 — “My intercessor is my friend [only God], as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of a man He pleads with God, as a man pleads for his friend.” (NET)

Even Job, before the Law, knew the only true Mediator was God Himself. The Bible uses the term “mesitēs” (μεσίτης) in Greek for mediator, and applies it exclusively to Christ.

1 Timothy 2:5 — For there is only one God, and only one Mediator between God and mankind, the Man Christ Jesus, (AMP)

Not a second. Not a co-mediator. Not even a beloved mother of Jesus.

Why Christians React Strongly

It’s not personal. It’s Scriptural. Christians (especially from Reformation roots) have historically emphasised solus Christus—Christ alone. When Mary receives prayer, titles like “Co-Redemptrix,” or exalted positions beyond what Scripture allows, that’s not just honour but it’s participation in Christ’s place.

Exodus 34:14 — For you shall not worship any other god; for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous [impassioned] God [demanding what is rightfully and uniquely His]. (AMP)

This isn’t about accusation. It’s about guarding the purity of worship. Not just avoiding idols but avoiding any emotional substitute that creeps in through tradition.

Final Thoughts

You can honour Mary. But you must never invoke her. You can admire her. But you must not venerate her spiritually. The distinction lies not just in intention, but in action—and the Word of God draws that line for us with love and clarity.

Colossians 1:18 — He is also the head [the life-source and leader] of the body, the church; and He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, so that He Himself will occupy the first place [He will stand supreme and be preeminent] in everything. (AMP)

Let Christ have that “first place” which cannot be shared, not supplemented, not mediated by another.

Hope this encourages you.

In Christ,
Shaliach.