Philippians 2:10
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ὀνόματι
the name
G3686
ὀνόματι
the name
Strong's:
G3686
Word #:
4 of 13
a "name" (literally or figuratively) (authority, character)
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
G2424
Ἰησοῦ
of Jesus
Strong's:
G2424
Word #:
5 of 13
jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
Matthew 28:18And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.Hebrews 1:6And again, when he bringeth in the firstbegotten into the world, he saith, And let all the angels of God worship him.Ephesians 3:14For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,Revelation 4:10The four and twenty elders fall down before him that sat on the throne, and worship him that liveth for ever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying,Ephesians 1:10That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:Matthew 27:29And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!Revelation 20:13And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
Historical Context
Isaiah 45:23's application to Jesus is early Christian confession of deity. Bowing was worship posture in ancient Near East. Paul's threefold division (heaven, earth, underworld) encompasses all reality. Jewish readers would catch the audacity: YHWH's unique worship-claim is transferred to Jesus. This is functional deity—Jesus receives worship due to God alone. Early Christians faced martyrdom rather than deny Jesus's lordship.
Questions for Reflection
- What does it mean that 'every knee will bow'—including those who currently reject Christ?
- How does Christ's cosmic lordship (heaven, earth, underworld) affect your daily priorities and fears?
- How should the certainty of Christ's universal acknowledgment shape evangelism and cultural engagement?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth (ἵνα ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ πᾶν γόνυ κάμψῃ ἐπουρανίων καὶ ἐπιγείων καὶ καταχθονίων, hina en tō onomati Iēsou pan gony kampsē epouraniōn kai epigeiōn kai katachthoniōn)—Hina ("that, in order that") states purpose: God exalted Jesus so that universal worship would result. En tō onomati Iēsou ("at/in the name of Jesus") identifies the object of worship. Pan gony kampsē ("every knee should bow") quotes Isaiah 45:23, where YHWH declares every knee will bow to Him alone. Paul applies this to Jesus, asserting His deity.
The scope: epouraniōn ("heavenly beings"—angels), epigeiōn ("earthly beings"—humans), katachthoniōn ("under-earth beings"—demons or the dead). All creation—angelic, human, demonic—will acknowledge Jesus's lordship. This is cosmic Christology: Christ rules all realms. The language assumes eschatological fulfillment: at the eschaton, resistant wills will bow—voluntarily or involuntarily.