Philippians 2:10

King James Version

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

Parallel Translations

Easy-to-Read Version
God did this so that every person will bow down to honor the name of Jesus. Everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will bow.

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

Tyndale New Testament (1525)
that in the name of Iesus shuld every knee bowe bothe of thinges in heve and thinges in erth and thinges vnder erth

Hebrew Names Version
that at the name of Yeshua every knee would bow, of those in heaven, those on eretz, and those under the eretz,

New American Standard Bible
so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

New Century Version
so that every knee will bow to the name of Jesus— everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.

Update Bible Version
that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven and [things] on earth and [things] under the earth,

Webster's Bible Translation
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] on earth, and [things] under the earth;

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

World English Bible
that at the name of Jesus every knee would bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth,

Wesley's New Testament (1755)
That at the name of Jesus every knee might bow, of those in heaven, and those on earth, and those under the earth:

Weymouth's New Testament
in order that in the Name of JESUS every knee should bow, of beings in Heaven, of those on the earth, and of those in the underworld,

Wycliffe Bible (1395)
that in the name of Jhesu ech kne be bowid, of heuenli thingis, of ertheli thingis, and of hellis;

English Revised Version
that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth,

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

Contemporary English Version
So at the name of Jesus everyone will bow down, those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth.

Amplified Bible
so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW [in submission], of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

American Standard Version
that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth,

Bible in Basic English
So that at the name of Jesus every knee may be bent, of those in heaven and those on earth and those in the underworld,

Complete Jewish Bible
that in honor of the name given Yeshua, every knee will bow — in heaven, on earth and under the earth —

Darby Translation
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of heavenly and earthly and infernal [beings],

International Standard Version
And so, when Jesus' name is called,Isaiah 45:23; Matthew 28:18; Romans 14:11; Revelation 5:13;">[xr] The knees of everyone should fallevery knee should bend">[fn] Where'er they are residing.in heaven, on earth, and under the earth">[fn]

Etheridge Translation
that at the name of Jeshu every knee should kneel, of those in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth;

Murdock Translation
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [fn] in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth;

King James Version (1611)
That at the Name of Iesus euery knee should bow, of things in heauen, and things in earth, and things vnder the earth:

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

New Life Bible
So when the name of Jesus is spoken, everyone in heaven and on earth and under the earth will bow down before Him.

New Revised Standard
so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Geneva Bible (1587)
That at the Name of Iesus shoulde euery knee bowe, both of things in heauen, and things in earth, and things vnder the earth,

George Lamsa Translation
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, of those on earth, and those under the earth,

J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
In order that, in the name of Jesus, every knee might bow - of beings in heaven, and on earth, and underground, -

Douay-Rheims Bible
That in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those that are in heaven, on earth, and under the earth:

Bishop's Bible (1568)
That in the name of Iesus euery knee should bowe, [of thynges] in heauen, and [thynges] in earth, and [thinges] vnder the earth:

Good News Translation
And so, in honor of the name of Jesus all beings in heaven, on earth, and in the world below will fall on their knees,

Christian Standard Bible®
so that at the name of Jesusevery knee will bow—in heaven and on earthand under the earth—

Lexham English Bible
so 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,

Literal Translation
that at the name of Jesus "every knee should bow," of heavenly ones, and earthly ones, and ones under the earth,

Young's Literal Translation
that in the name of Jesus every knee may bow -- of heavenlies, and earthlies, and what are under the earth --

Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
that in the name of Iesus euery kne shulde bowe, both of thinges in heauen of thinges vpo earth, and of thinges vnder the earth,

Mace New Testament (1729)
that at the name of Jesus both angels and men, the living and the dead, should pay their adorations,

New English Translation
so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow —in heaven and on earth and under the earth—

New King James Version
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,

Simplified Cowboy Version
At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow in heaven and on earth.

New American Standard Bible (1995)
so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Legacy Standard Bible
so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,

Contextual Overview

¹ If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies, ² Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. ³ Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. ⁴ Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. ⁵ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: ⁶ Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: ⁷ But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: ⁸ And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross. ⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: ¹⁰ That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Bible Verse Review
  from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge

every: Genesis 41:43, Isaiah 45:23-25, Matthew 27:29, Matthew 28:18, Romans 11:4, Romans 14:10, Romans 14:11, Ephesians 3:14, Hebrews 1:6, Revelation 4:10, Revelation 5:13, Revelation 5:14

under: Matthew 12:40, John 5:28, John 5:29, Ephesians 4:9, Revelation 20:13

Reciprocal: Genesis 24:26 - General Genesis 37:7 - obeisance Genesis 37:10 - Shall I Genesis 43:26 - bowed Genesis 44:14 - fell Numbers 24:7 - his king Numbers 24:19 - Of Jacob 1 Kings 19:18 - the knees 2 Chronicles 29:29 - bowed themselves Esther 3:2 - bowed Psalms 8:1 - thy Psalms 22:29 - all they that Psalms 45:11 - Lord Psalms 72:17 - His name Psalms 95:6 - kneel Psalms 103:19 - his kingdom Song of Solomon 1:3 - thy name Isaiah 40:10 - his arm Isaiah 49:4 - yet Ezekiel 1:26 - over Ezekiel 21:27 - until Daniel 4:35 - and he Matthew 10:40 - and he that Matthew 11:27 - are Mark 15:19 - and bowing Luke 8:31 - they John 17:2 - As 1 Corinthians 11:3 - the head of every Ephesians 1:10 - he Ephesians 1:21 - above Ephesians 6:9 - your Master Colossians 1:16 - in heaven Colossians 1:20 - things in earth Revelation 10:2 - he set

Cross-References

Psalms 46:4
There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

Revelation 22:1
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

Gill's Notes on the Bible

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,.... Which is to be understood, not of the outward act of bowing the knee upon hearing the name, and the syllables of the mere name Jesus pronounced; for in the bare name there can be nothing which can command such a peculiar respect; it was a name common with the Jews: Joshua is so called in Hebrews 4:8; and the name of Elymas the sorcerer was Barjesus: that is, the son of Jesus, Acts 13:6; Now, how monstrously ridiculous and stupid would it be, for a man, upon hearing these passages, and upon the pronouncing of this word, to bow the knee? Moreover, the words ought not to be rendered at, but "in the name of Jesus"; that is, in and by reason of the power, authority, and dignity of Jesus, as exalted at God's right hand, every creature is to be subject to him: add to this, that there are several creatures included in the following account, who, in a corporeal sense, have not knees to bow with, as angels, the souls of men departed, and devils; and therefore an external corporeal bowing of the knee cannot be meant. The Jews indeed, upon hearing the name Jehovah pronounced by the high priest, in the holy of holies, used to bow: they say n,

"that the priests, and the people, that stand in the court, when they hear Shemhamphorash (i.e. the name "Jehovah") pronounced by the high priest, היו כורעים, "bowed", and worshipped, and fell upon their faces, and said, blessed be the name of the glory of his kingdom, for ever and ever:''

though it can hardly be thought there is any reference to this here. But inasmuch as this action is a token of reverence, worship; and subjection, it is used for those things themselves; and the sense is, that Christ is exalted as before described, that every creature may give him reverence, worship, and adoration, submit and be subject to him, as all do, and shall, either freely or forcedly. Some really and heartily trust in his name, are baptized in his name, and ascribe honour, and glory, and blessing to him from their whole hearts; and others feignedly, and whether they will or not, are subject to him, and sooner or later shall acknowledge his authority over them: and he shall be owned to be Lord

of [things] in heaven: the angels there, and the souls of departed saints, with those who are already clothed with their bodies:

and [things] in earth; both good men, and bad men:

and [things] under the earth; or "in the abyss", as the Ethiopic version renders it; meaning either the devils in the bottomless pit; or rather the dead bodies of men in the grave, which shall come forth and stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

n T. Bab. Yoma, fol. 66. 1. Maimon. Yom Haccippurim, c. 2. sect. 7.

Barnes' Notes on the Bible

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow - The knee should bow, or bend, in token of honor, or worship; that is, all people should adore him. This cannot mean merely that at the mention of the name of Jesses we should bow; nor is there any evidence that God requires this. Why should we bow at the mention of that name, rather than at any of the other titles of the Redeemer? Is there any special sacredness or honor in it above the other names which he bears? And why should we how at his name rather than at the name of the Father! Besides, if any special homage is to be paid to the name of the Saviour under the authority of this passage - and this is the only one on which the authority of this custom is based - it should be by bowing the knee, not the head. But the truth is, this authorizes and requires neither; and the custom of bowing at the name of Jesus, in some churches, has arisen entirely from a misinterpretation of this passage. There is no other place in the Bible to which an appeal is made to authorize the custom; compare Neal’s History of the Puritans, chapter 5. Ninth 5. The meaning here is, not that a special act of respect or adoration should be shown wherever the name “Jesus” occurs in reading the Scriptures, or whenever it is mentioned, but that he was so exalted that it would be proper that all in heaven and on earth should worship him, and that the time would come when he would be thus everywhere acknowledged as Lord. The bowing of the knee properly expresses homage, respect, adoration (compare the notes at Romans 11:4); and it cannot be done to the Saviour by those who are in heaven, unless it be divine.

Of things in heaven - ἐπουρανίων epouraniōn - rather of beings in heaven, the word “things” being improperly supplied by our translators. The word may be in the neuter plural; but it may be also in the masculine plural, and denote beings rather than things. Things do not bow the knee; and the reference here is undoubtedly to angels, and to the “spirits of the just made perfect” in heaven. If Jesus is worshipped there, he is divine; for there is no idolatry eta creature in heaven. In this whole passage there is probably an allusion to Isaiah 45:23; see it illustrated in the notes at Romans 14:11. In the great divisions here specified - of those in heaven, on the earth, and under the earth - the apostle intends, doubtless, to denote the universe. The same mode of designating the universe occurs in Revelation 5:13; Exodus 20:4; compare Psalms 96:11-12. This mode of expression is equivalent to saying, “all that is above, around, and beneath us,” and arises from what appears to us. The division is natural and obvious - that which is above us in the heavens, that which is on the earth where we dwell, and all that is beneath us.

And things in earth - Rather, “beings on earth,” to wit, people; for they only are capable of rendering homage.

And things under the earth - Beings under the earth. The whole universe shall confess that he is Lord. This embraces, doubtless, those who have departed from this life, and perhaps includes also fallen angels. The meaning is, that riley shall all acknowledge him as universal Lord; all how to his sovereign will; all be subject to his control; all recognize him as divine. The fallen and the lost will do this; for they will be constrained to yield an unwilling homage to him by submitting to the sentence from his lips that shall consign them to woe; and thus the whole universe shall acknowledge the exalted dignity of the Son of God. But this does not mean that they will all be saved, for the guilty and the lost may be compelled to acknowledge his power, and submit to his decree as the sovereign of the universe. There is the free and cheerful homage of the heart which they who worship him in heaven will render; and there is the constrained homage which they must yield who are compelled to acknowledge his authority.

Clarke's Notes on the Bible

Verse 10. That at the name of Jesus every knee should how — That all human beings should consider themselves redeemed unto God by his blood, and look for an application of this redemption price; and that all who are saved from their sin should acknowledge him the author of their salvation. In a word, that παν επουρανιων, all the spirits of just men made perfect, now in a state of blessedness; και επιγειων, all human beings still in their state of probation on earth; και καταχθονιων, and all that are in the shades below, who have, through their own fault, died without having received his salvation; should acknowledge him.