Original Word: κάμπτω
Part of Speech: Verb
Transliteration: kamptó
Pronunciation: kamp'-to
Phonetic Spelling: (kamp'-to)
KJV: bow
NASB: bow, bowed
Word Origin: [apparently a primary verb]

1. to bend
2. (by extension) to 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).

Root Idea of Bowing

Strong’s Greek 2578 expresses the action of bending or bowing, most often of the knee. In Scripture the posture conveys voluntary humility, reverence, and submission to divine authority. The outward motion embodies an inward acknowledgement that God alone is worthy of worship and ultimate allegiance (compare Isaiah 45:23).

Occurrence in the New Testament

Romans 11:4 – In Paul’s citation of 1 Kings 19, the verb portrays the loyalty of a faithful remnant that “has not bowed the knee to Baal.” The physical refusal to bend signals unwavering devotion to the Lord amid widespread apostasy.

Philippians 2:10 – The climactic promise concerning Jesus Christ declares, “that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.” Here the word announces universal recognition of Christ’s lordship across all realms of created existence.

Romans 14:11 – Echoing Isaiah 45:23, Paul affirms divine prerogative in matters of judgment: “Every knee will bow before Me.” The context underscores personal accountability to God, not to human opinion.

Ephesians 3:14 – Paul testifies, “For this reason I bow my knees before the Father,” modeling prayerful dependence as he intercedes for the church’s spiritual strength.

Theological Significance

1. Worship and Adoration

Bowing is a physical cue of wholehearted worship. Scripture unites body and spirit, so the bent knee becomes a visible confession that God is supreme (Psalm 95:6).

2. Submission to Sovereignty

Whether in salvation history (Romans 11:4) or eschatological fulfillment (Philippians 2:10), the act marks subjection to divine rule. Acceptance of Christ’s authority is not optional; it will ultimately be acknowledged by every creature.

3. Humility in Prayer

Ephesians 3:14 links bowing with intercession. The stance reminds believers that effective prayer flows from humility before the Father who “is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20).

Eschatological Implications

Philippians 2:10 and Romans 14:11 tie the bending of every knee to future judgment and consummation. The compelled homage of all beings—celestial, terrestrial, and infernal—assures believers that evil will not prevail and that Christ’s kingdom is certain. For the redeemed, bowing anticipates joyful worship; for the defiant, it signals unavoidable submission to righteous judgment.

Historical and Liturgical Usage

Early Christian writers associated knee-bending with penitence and Easter preparation, reflecting the biblical precedent of humility. Post-apostolic liturgies often prescribed kneeling during confession and intercessory prayers, consciously echoing Pauline practice (Ephesians 3:14). Yet on Resurrection Sunday many churches stood in celebration, illustrating that posture itself must always serve the truth it proclaims.

Practical Ministry Applications

• Corporate Worship – Encouraging physical expressions such as kneeling can deepen congregational awareness of God’s majesty.
• Personal Devotion – Adopting a bowed posture in private prayer fosters humility and focus.
• Teaching on Lordship – Philippians 2:10 provides a vivid picture for evangelism: every life must reckon with Christ’s ultimate authority.
• Counseling Repentance – Romans 11:4 warns against idolatry; refusing to “bend the knee” to modern idols is vital for spiritual health.

Related Concepts and Cross-References

Proskuneō (4352) – to prostrate in worship.

Tapeinos (5011) – humility.

Isaiah 45:23; Psalm 22:29; Revelation 5:13 – prophetic parallels underscoring universal homage.

Summary

Strong’s Greek 2578 portrays the decisive act of bending the knee, signifying worship, humility, and submission. In salvation history it distinguishes the faithful remnant; in apostolic practice it shapes prayer; in prophetic vision it heralds the cosmic acknowledgment of Jesus Christ as Lord. The believer who willingly bows now anticipates the day when “every knee should bow” (Philippians 2:10), turning present reverence into eternal rejoicing.

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