Original Word: κάμπτω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: kamptó
Pronunciation: kamp'-to
Phonetic Spelling: (kamp'-to)
Definition: To bend, to bow
Meaning: I bend, bow.

bow.

Apparently a primary verb; to bend -- bow.

Word Origin
from a prim. root kamp-
Definition
to bend
NASB Translation
bow (3), bowed (1).

STRONGS NT 2578: κάμπτω

κάμπτω; future καμψω; 1 aorist ἐκαμψα;

a. to bend, bow: τό γόνυ (and τά γούνατα), the knee (the knees), used by Homer of those taking a seat or sitting down to rest (Iliad 7, 118; 19, 72); in Biblical Greek with the dative of person to one i. e. in honor of one, in religious veneration; used of worshippers: Romans 11:4 and 1 Kings 19:18 (where for כָּרַע followed by לְ); πρός τινα, toward (unto) one, Ephesians 3:14.

b. reflexively, to bow oneself: κάμψει πᾶν γόνυ ἐμοί, shall bow to me (in honor), i. e. everyone shall worship me, Romans 14:11 (from Isaiah 45:23); ἐν τῷ ὀνόματι Ἰησοῦ, in devout recognition of the name (of κύριος) which Jesus received from God, Philippians 2:10 (cf. Winers Grammar, 390 (365); Lightfoot, Meyer, in the place cited; also ὄνομα, especially sub at the end. Compare: ἀνακάμπτω, συγκάμπτω).

Word Origin: A primary verb

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • H3766 כָּרַע (kara): To bow down, kneel
• H7812 שָׁחָה (shachah): To bow down, prostrate oneself in worship

These Hebrew terms share a similar semantic range with κάμπτω, often used in the Old Testament to describe acts of worship and submission before God or other figures of authority.

Usage: The verb κάμπτω is used in the New Testament to describe the physical act of bending or bowing, often in the context of worship or submission.

Context: The Greek verb κάμπτω appears in the New Testament to convey the act of bending or bowing, typically in a figurative sense related to worship, reverence, or submission. This term is often used to describe the posture of humility before God or authority. In the cultural context of the biblical era, bowing was a common expression of respect and acknowledgment of one's position relative to another, often a superior or divine being.

In the New Testament, κάμπτω is notably used in Philippians 2:10, which states, "that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." This passage emphasizes the universal recognition of Jesus' lordship and authority, illustrating the ultimate submission of all creation to Him.

Another significant usage is found in Romans 11:4, where Paul references the account of Elijah, saying, "I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal." Here, κάμπτω is used to describe the act of bowing in worship, contrasting the faithful remnant who remained true to God with those who succumbed to idolatry.

The act of bowing, as expressed by κάμπτω, is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative as a symbol of worship, allegiance, and humility. It serves as a physical manifestation of an inner spiritual reality, where the believer acknowledges God's sovereignty and submits to His will.

εκάμφθησαν εκαμψαν έκαμψαν ἔκαμψαν έκαμψεν κάμπτει καμπτω κάμπτω κάμπτων καμπύλαι κάμψαντες καμψει κάμψει κάμψεις καμψη κάμψη κάμψῃ κάμψης καψάκη καψάκης ekampsan ékampsan kampse kampsē kampsei kámpsei kámpsēi kampto kamptō kámpto kámptōInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts