The phrase “every knee shall bow” appears several times in the Bible, most notably in Isaiah 45:23 and Philippians 2:10. It speaks to a future time when all people will recognize and submit to the lordship of Jesus Christ.
Old Testament Background
The first mention of this phrase is in Isaiah 45:23, where God says, “To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance.” This verse comes in the context of God declaring His uniqueness and sovereignty over all creation. The surrounding chapters contain prophecies about God using a foreign ruler, Cyrus, to deliver His people Israel from exile in Babylon. God makes it clear that He alone is the one true God who controls the destiny of nations. The prophecy that “every knee shall bow” shows that one day all people will recognize God’s authority and dominion over all.
Bowing the knee was an act of homage and worship, demonstrating allegiance to a king or god. So this verse in Isaiah points ahead to the day when God will be worshipped universally as the rightful King over everyone. This prophecy likely had a partial fulfillment when Jews returned to Israel after the Babylonian exile and rebuilt the temple in Jerusalem. However, the complete fulfillment awaits a future day when Jesus Christ returns and establishes His kingdom on earth.
New Testament Fulfillment in Christ
The New Testament applies Isaiah’s prophecy directly to Jesus Christ. Paul quotes Isaiah 45:23 in Philippians 2:10-11, writing of Jesus: “At the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
Paul specifies what Isaiah hinted at more generally – that Jesus is the Lord to whom every knee will bow. This bowing down will be a universal recognition and worship of Jesus as Lord over all. It encompasses those “in heaven” – the angelic realm and faithful Christians who have died. “On earth” covers living people at the time. And “under the earth” means even the realm of the dead is not exempt. Everyone will ultimately bow to Jesus’ authority.
In Philippians 2, Paul says this bowing will be accompanied by confessing that “Jesus Christ is Lord.” It indicates audibly proclaiming what the bowed knee expresses physically – acknowledging the lordship of Jesus. This universal exaltation of Jesus is predicted to be “to the glory of God the Father.” The Son will receive worship that rightly belongs to God alone.
The Timing of Fulfillment
So when will this prophetic scene take place in which every knee bows to Jesus? There are several possibilities that have been suggested:
- Partial fulfillment now – Whenever someone trusts Christ as Savior and Lord, they figuratively bow the knee to Him. So this prophecy has been incrementally fulfilled throughout Church history as the gospel has spread among nations.
- End of the tribulation period – According to Revelation 5, heavenly and earthly beings will worship the Lamb who was slain at the opening of the 7-sealed scroll. This may picture the fulfillment right before Jesus returns.
- After Christ’s return – Upon Jesus’ return, He will be recognized as King and worshipped by all survivors who enter the millennial kingdom. Romans 14:11 also connects this event to the future judgment before God’s throne.
- After the millennial kingdom – The judgment before the great white throne (Rev. 20:11-15) will finally compel even stubborn unbelievers to bow the knee when they stand before the Lord.
So in one sense, the fulfillment of “every knee shall bow” spans the entire Church age, as individuals turn to Christ as Savior and Lord. But it awaits a future consummation when all humanity together will visibly, outwardly acknowledge the lordship of Jesus – whether willingly or unwillingly. This will bring glory to God the Father as all creation recognizes Christ’s supreme authority.
Bowing in Submission vs. Defiance
An important question is whether this bowing will be in submission or defiance. Scripture indicates there may be both:
- The context of Philippians 2 connects this bowing to sincere worship and joyful exaltation of Christ. So at least some will bow willingly.
- Passages about the final judgment imply some bowing will be reluctant and hostile on the part of Christ’s enemies. But they will be compelled to bow and confess He is Lord.
Romans 14:11 expresses this dichotomy – “as I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” The options are bowing to God in life as faithful believers. Or bowing to Him unwillingly at the final judgment, when it is too late.
Thankfully, “every knee” includes room for willing submission now. The Lord is “patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Peter 3:9). He offers grace and forgiveness to anyone who bows the knee to Jesus in faith.
Jesus as Lord
A key aspect of this prophetic picture is Jesus being confessed as “Lord.” What does this mean?
- Divine title – In the Bible, “Lord” is used over 6000 times as a designation for God Himself. In the New Testament, it takes on heightened significance attached to Jesus – affirming His deity.
- Authority – To call Jesus “Lord” is to place oneself under His authority as Master, Ruler, the One in charge. It means surrendering our ways in favor of His leadership.
- Ownership – Saying “Jesus is Lord” expresses He is the rightful owner of our lives. We belong to Him and seek to live for His purposes.
So confessing “Jesus Christ is Lord” conveys His divine nature and supreme position of authority. This climaxes in the future day when all creation – either willingly or unwillingly – recognizes and declares His lordship. There is no higher authority than Christ. To live now with Christ as Lord is to align oneself on the right side of history.
Our Response Today
How then should we respond to this prophetic picture?
- If you haven’t submitted to Jesus’ rule, do so today. Bow your knee in faith, asking His forgiveness and leadership (Rom. 10:9).
- Reaffirm that Jesus is the Lord of your life. Yield all aspects of yourself to Him.
- Worship Jesus for who He is – God in the flesh, Lord of all. Lift your voice in praise.
- Proclaim Christ through your words and life. Spread the good news of His lordship.
- Take confidence in the certainty of Christ’s final victory. What God says will come to pass.
The truth that “every knee will bow” should fill us with holy fear at Christ’s majesty, awaken repentance, inspire worship, and embolden witness. The Lord currently allows room for rebellion. But a day is coming when all creation will bow down and honor Jesus Christ as Lord, to the glory of God.