Philippians 2 10

Philippians 2:10 kjv

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

Philippians 2:10 nkjv

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth,

Philippians 2:10 niv

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Philippians 2:10 esv

so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Philippians 2:10 nlt

that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Philippians 2 verses

Philippians 2 10 Meaning

Philippians 2:10 declares the universal homage and submission that every created being will render to Jesus Christ. Following His ultimate self-emptying and obedient death on the cross, God highly exalted Him, bestowing upon Him supreme authority. This verse specifies the result: every entity, whether in heavenly realms, on the earth, or in the unseen world below, will bow their knee, acknowledging His supreme Lordship and unique identity. This act signifies ultimate worship, allegiance, and recognition of His sovereign dominion over all creation.

Philippians 2 10 Context

Philippians 2:10 is a pivotal statement within the profoundly theological "Christ Hymn" (Philippians 2:5-11), which describes the incredible condescension and subsequent exaltation of Jesus Christ. Paul introduces this hymn to encourage humility, unity, and self-sacrificial love among the Philippian believers, urging them to have the "same mindset" as Christ. The hymn begins by detailing Christ's pre-existence and divine nature (2:6), His voluntary self-emptying (κένωσις, kenosis), taking the form of a servant (2:7), and His ultimate obedience to death, even on a cross (2:8). Because of this profound humility and obedience, God the Father supremely exalted Him (2:9), giving Him the "name that is above every name."

Verse 10 then details the cosmic scope of this exaltation: the universe's ultimate, inevitable acknowledgment of Jesus' supreme Lordship. It directly confronts the prevailing Roman Imperial Cult in Philippi, where Caesar was worshipped as "Lord." Paul subtly yet powerfully redirects that allegiance to Jesus, proclaiming Him as the true, cosmic Lord. The language echoes Isaiah 45:23, a declaration of YHWH's sole sovereignty, directly attributing that divine prerogative to Jesus, thus implying His full deity within a monotheistic framework and serving as a strong polemic against polytheistic or Caesar-worshiping beliefs.

Philippians 2 10 Word analysis

• that (ἵνα - hina): A purpose or result clause. This signals the divine intent behind God's exaltation of Jesus Christ – to bring about this universal recognition and submission. It is not merely a consequence, but a destined outcome planned by God.
• at the name (ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι - en tō onomati): The "name" (ὄνομα - onoma) here transcends a mere label. It encapsulates Jesus' person, His essential character, His authority, power, and glory, especially the "name above every name" mentioned in Phil 2:9. "At" or "in" (ἐν - en) implies by virtue of or in the sphere of this exalted authority and identity. It is homage to the very essence of who Jesus is, as revealed in His title "Lord."
• of Jesus (Ἰησοῦ - Iēsou): This specificity is crucial. It connects the cosmic Lord to the historical, incarnate Jesus, who emptied Himself and suffered on the cross. It affirms that the One who experienced profound humiliation is the same One now supremely exalted.
• every (πᾶν - pan): Absolutely inclusive. This adverbial use of pas leaves no room for exception, underscoring the universal nature of the submission to come.
• knee (γόνυ - gony): A metonymy representing the entire person. The physical act of kneeling signifies deep respect, profound reverence, total submission, and adoration, implying a worshipful posture. It can be voluntary and joyous for believers, or compelled for those who resisted.
• should bow (κάμψῃ - kampsē): A deliberative subjunctive verb. It expresses the divinely appointed necessity and future certainty of this act of bowing. It is the destined and inescapable outcome of Christ's exaltation.
• in heaven (ἐπουρανίων - epouraniōn): Refers to all celestial beings – angels, archangels, powers, and spiritual authorities in heavenly realms (Col 1:16, Eph 1:21).
• and on earth (ἐπιγείων - epigeiōn): Refers to all human beings, all nations, and all earthly creation (animate and inanimate).
• and under the earth (καταχθονίων - katachthoniōn): Refers to the deceased, those in the underworld (Hades/Sheol), and possibly evil spiritual entities confined there (Rev 5:13, Psa 8:6).

• "at the name of Jesus": This phrase ties directly into Phil 2:9, highlighting that God has conferred an unparalleled, ultimate authority upon Jesus Christ. The "name" here embodies His very being and dominion. The act of bowing is fundamentally in response to His inherent authority.
• "every knee should bow": This expresses an ultimate, unavoidable reality. It signifies complete, unreserved submission from every corner of existence. The use of "every" followed by the singular "knee" emphasizes the individual and personal nature of this universal acknowledgment.
• "in heaven and on earth and under the earth": This is a common tripartite expression in ancient cosmology, serving as a comprehensive figure of speech meaning "everywhere," "the entire cosmos," or "all of creation without exception." It ensures no realm or type of being escapes the encompassing sovereignty of Jesus Christ.

Philippians 2 10 Bonus section

• Trinitarian Implication: Paul’s application of Isaiah 45:23, originally a declaration of YHWH’s unique identity, directly to Jesus in Philippians 2:10-11 strongly implies Jesus' divine nature and His co-equality with God the Father. God exalts Jesus to a position where He receives worship previously attributed solely to YHWH, aligning Him intimately with divine identity and authority without collapsing the distinct persons of the Godhead.
• Eschatological Certainty: While believers currently acknowledge Jesus as Lord, this verse points to a definitive, future eschatological event when this universal bowing will be fully realized and outwardly manifest. It is a prophetic guarantee that Christ’s triumph and rule will be universally confessed.
• Worship Theology: This verse provides a powerful theological mandate and basis for the church's worship of Jesus Christ. The church anticipates and participates in the universal reverence due to Christ, worshipping Him as Lord even now, ahead of its ultimate, universal expression.

Philippians 2 10 Commentary

Philippians 2:10 is the universal declaration of Jesus Christ's ultimate authority, flowing directly from God's act of exaltation described in the preceding verse. It transcends mere recognition to demand profound worship and submission. This bowing of every knee signifies that Jesus' Lordship is not limited to humanity or a specific domain, but extends across the entire cosmos – celestial beings, human inhabitants, and those in the unseen, infernal realms will all undeniably acknowledge Him as supreme. This act of reverence can be either a willing and joyful adoration for believers, or a compelled, undeniable acknowledgment by those who previously resisted. It forms the foundation for Christ's glorious future reign and reassures believers of His ultimate victory and undisputed sovereignty. The verse firmly grounds the call for humility and unity in the church on the cosmic, overarching authority of Christ Himself.