New Testament
Philippians 2:10
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow — in heaven, on earth, and under the earth —
Compare translations
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
What Philippians 2:10 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse emphasizes the authority and supremacy of Jesus Christ. It states that everyone, regardless of their status or location—whether in heaven, on earth, or even in the underworld—will ultimately acknowledge Jesus. The act of bowing signifies submission and reverence, indicating that all creation recognizes His lordship. This acknowledgment is not just a future event but a profound truth that reflects the power of Jesus' name. The verse serves as a reminder of the universal recognition of Christ's authority, encouraging believers to live in a way that honors Him now, rather than waiting for that future acknowledgment. It highlights the importance of humility and the need for all to submit to God's will, as Jesus exemplified humility through His life and sacrifice. This passage reassures believers of the ultimate victory of Christ over all powers and authorities, reinforcing the hope that comes from faith in Him.
How to apply Philippians 2:10 to your life
As believers, we should live in a way that reflects our acknowledgment of Jesus' authority. This means submitting our lives to His will, serving others with humility, and sharing the message of His love and power with those around us. Recognizing His lordship can transform our daily actions and decisions.
Curated for this public verse page. Philippians Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Mary, Jesus' mother's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Mary, Jesus' mother
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Nazareth
The small town in Galilee where Jesus grew up.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Philippians 2:10
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Philippians 2:10
Related Bible verses
Key themes
At a Glance — the Book of Philippians
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 61
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Philippi
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Philippians 2:10 mean?
Philippians 2:10 means that everyone, whether in heaven, on earth, or under the earth, will ultimately recognize and submit to the authority of Jesus Christ. It emphasizes His supreme power and the universal acknowledgment of His lordship.
What is the significance of bowing in Philippians 2:10?
Bowing in Philippians 2:10 signifies submission and reverence to Jesus. It illustrates that all creation will honor His authority, reflecting the respect and acknowledgment due to Him as Lord.
What does 'every knee will bow' refer to in this verse?
'Every knee will bow' refers to the universal recognition of Jesus' authority by all beings, regardless of their status or location. It indicates that all will eventually submit to Him, acknowledging His power and lordship.
How does Philippians 2:10 relate to humility?
Philippians 2:10 relates to humility by showing that even the highest beings will bow to Jesus, highlighting the importance of submitting to God's will. It encourages believers to embody humility in their lives, following Jesus' example.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.