Philippians 2:10 Meaning and Explanation
“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The One who stooped lowest is given the highest name, and all creation will one day bend the knee to Him.
The Context of Philippians 2:10
The hymn turns here from Christ's descent to His exaltation (verses 9 to 11). Because He humbled Himself to the cross, God has lifted Him to the highest place. Paul's words echo a line from Isaiah where God says every knee will bow to Him, now applied to Jesus.
What Does Philippians 2:10 Mean?
After the long descent into death comes the great reversal. The same Jesus who was nailed to a cross is now given the name above every name, and at that name every knee will bow. Paul sweeps his hand across the whole of reality: things in heaven, things on earth, things beneath. No corner of creation is left out. The crucified servant is honored as Lord over all that exists, and one day every creature will acknowledge it.
There is deep comfort in who receives this honor. The One exalted over all things is not a distant tyrant but the Jesus who emptied Himself for us, who knows our weakness from the inside. The hands every knee will bow before still bear the marks of the nails. The universe bows to a King who first gave Himself away. To kneel to Him now, gladly, is to belong to the One who is gentle and trustworthy with all power.
Philippians 2:10 in the Original Language
kampto (κάμπτω), 'bow' -- to bend the knee, an act of homage and submission.
How to Apply Philippians 2:10 Today
One day every knee will bow to Jesus, and we are invited to bow now, freely and with joy, rather than later out of mere necessity. The King who holds all authority is the same Lord who gave Himself for us. We can trust the One before whom all creation will kneel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philippians 2:10
What does Philippians 2:10 mean?
The One who stooped lowest is given the highest name, and all creation will one day bend the knee to Him.
What is the context of Philippians 2:10?
The hymn turns here from Christ's descent to His exaltation (verses 9 to 11). Because He humbled Himself to the cross, God has lifted Him to the highest place. Paul's words echo a line from Isaiah where God says every knee will bow to Him, now applied to Jesus.
How can I apply Philippians 2:10 today?
One day every knee will bow to Jesus, and we are invited to bow now, freely and with joy, rather than later out of mere necessity. The King who holds all authority is the same Lord who gave Himself for us. We can trust the One before whom all creation will kneel.