Every Knee Should Bow Philippians 2:10

In Paul the apostle's words written to the church located in Philippi, because of the humility of Jesus Christ to become as a servant to mankind, God gave Him a name that is above every name. In chapter two and verse ten of the letter to the Philippians, Paul tells more of the results which came because of Jesus' willingness to obey where we read:

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

The verse begins, “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,...” God gave Jesus a name that is above every name there ever was, is or will be, and because of this, “at the name of Jesus every knee “should” bow”. The Greek word used for “should bow” is “kampto” which is also used in the book of Romans in chapter fourteen and verse eleven which says “every knee shall bow”. The idea employed by Paul the apostle is that every knee, and that means “each, any, all, the whole, everyone, all things, everything” shall bow to Jesus' name.

The verse goes on to say, “of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;” Paul goes on to add three different portions of heaven, earth, and things under the earth that “should bow” or “shall bow” unto Jesus. He first notes the “things in heaven” such as “things that take place or participate in heaven”. Secondly, Paul names the “things in earth” which means anything which is “existing upon the earth, earthly, terrestrial”. Finally Paul mentions the “things under the earth” which are “subterranean, and refers to those who dwell in the world below like departed souls”. Those who are on the earth whether living or already departed shall bow their knee to Jesus and deem Him Lord and Christ.

When we consider these words of Paul, we may think them very demanding, and they are. “Every knee” shall bow – those who existed in times past, those who live now, and those who will live in the future. There are no exceptions. Every knee will bow and declare that Jesus Christ is Lord. The Heavenly Father has seen that it will be so. The question is a matter of timing. Either they will bow their knee before they die and Jesus will be their risen Savior and Lord, or they will bow their knee after they die, and Jesus will be their judge, jury and sentence maker. Perhaps as we ponder Paul's words people come to mind who have not bowed their knees to Jesus yet. May we not only bow our knees unto Jesus Christ but be willing to pray for those who have not humbled themselves and bowed their knees to Him.

Next time Paul shares more of the results of Christ being exalted, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

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