The Hebrew word for bow down and worship are the same.
God clearly sees bowing down as worshiping.
The chutzpah Catholics have to redefine what God has clearly told us is staggering.
metmom, that is EXACTLY what YOU did with the Hebrew word that could mean either "image" and "idol!.
The REAL truth is that "bowing down" does not always mean "worshiping", and "worshiping" does not always mean "bowing down".
Likewise, "image" does not always mean "idol", and "idol" does not always mean "image".
God never said all bowing down is worshipping. (If you disagree, show me a text in the Bible where God says all "bowing down" is worship. (Hint: There is no such text.)
Like everything else, each word must be taken in the context it is given. For example, punching a clock is not the same as punching someone in the nose. And bowing down to worship an idol is NOT the same as bowing down to ask someone to dance with you, or to marry you.
That is the truth.
Have to go now. Goodnight.