Devine Scripture

Philippians 2:11

What does Philippians 2:11 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 2:11 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 2:11 means

The universal bowing of knees is matched by universal confession: every tongue will declare that Jesus Christ is Lord. This acknowledgment brings glory to God the Father, showing that the Father’s honor is bound up with the Son’s exaltation. Confessing Jesus as Lord is the heart of Christian faith; one day, it will be the unavoidable testimony of the entire creation. Believers now gladly confess what will then be undeniable. The verse underlines the unity between Father and Son in salvation, and it calls the church to keep Jesus’ lordship central. Our unity and humility flow from knowing that we live under His sovereign grace.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And that every tongue may give witness that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and every tongue may confess that Jesus Christ <FI>is<Fi> Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

And that every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of God the Father.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ [is] Lord toGod [the] Father's glory.

Context

With verse 11, the Christ-hymn reaches its climax: public, universal confession of Jesus’ lordship, glorifying the Father. Having laid this theological foundation (vv. 5–11), Paul will pivot back to exhortation (vv. 12–18), urging the Philippians to obey, to work out their salvation reverently, and to shine blamelessly. The flow is intentional: only after fixing their eyes on Christ’s humiliation and exaltation does he call them to the daily work of obedience, reminding them that God works in them and that their lives are meant to display the word of life.

v.10that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth,

v.11This passage

v.12So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Romans 14:11

    For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, to me every knee shall bow, And every tongue shall confess to God.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:47

    The first man is of the earth, earthy: the second man is of heaven.

  • John 12:42

    Nevertheless even of the rulers many believed on him; but because of the Pharisees they did not confess it, lest they should be put out of the synagogue:

  • Romans 15:9

    and that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, Therefore will I give praise unto thee among the Gentiles, And sing unto thy name.

  • Psalms 18:49

    Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Jehovah, among the nations, And will sing praises unto thy name.

  • John 16:14

    He shall glorify me: for he shall take of mine, and shall declare it unto you.

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