King James Version

What Does Romans 14:11 Mean?

Romans 14:11 in the King James Version says “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” — study this verse from Romans chapter 14 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Romans 14:11 · KJV

Context

9

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.

10

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

11

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

12

So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

13

Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother's way.

Read Romans 14 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God—Gegraptai gar, Zō egō, legei kyrios, hoti emoi kampsei pan gony, kai pasa glōssa exomologēsetai tō theō (γέγραπται γάρ, Ζῶ ἐγώ, λέγει κύριος, ὅτι ἐμοὶ κάμψει πᾶν γόνυ, καὶ πᾶσα γλῶσσα ἐξομολογήσεται τῷ θεῷ). Paul quotes Isaiah 45:23, where Yahweh swears by Himself (Zō egō, 'as I live')—the strongest possible oath. Pan gony kampsei (every knee will bow) signals universal submission. Pasa glōssa exomologēsetai (every tongue will confess) means public acknowledgment, not mere intellectual assent.

Paul applies this to Christ (Philippians 2:10-11 makes it explicit: 'every knee bow...confess Jesus Christ is Lord'), demonstrating Christ's deity. If every knee will bow to Christ, judging His servants now is absurd—you'll bow before Him soon enough. Exomologeō (ἐξομολογέω, confess) has two senses: confess sins (acknowledge guilt) or confess praise (acknowledge sovereignty). The context favors praise—all will acknowledge Christ's rightful rule, whether willingly (believers) or unwillingly (rebels).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Isaiah 45:23 is monotheistic polemic—Yahweh alone is God, all will acknowledge Him. Paul applies this OT Yahweh-text to Jesus (Philippians 2:10-11), evidencing high Christology: Jesus shares divine identity. Early Christians used this text against emperor worship—Caesar demands knee-bowing, but Christ alone deserves universal submission. At the final judgment, all pretensions crumble; every human judge is judged. This eschatological vision relativizes present disputes—why fight over dietary laws when soon all will confess Christ's Lordship?

Reflection Questions

  1. How does the certainty that 'every knee shall bow' (<em>pan gony kampsei</em>) to Christ affect your current posture toward Him and others?
  2. What's the difference between willingly bowing now (as worshiper) versus unwillingly bowing later (as condemned rebel)?
  3. If you'll 'confess to God' (<em>exomologēsetai tō theō</em>) for your own stewardship, how does that curb judging others' stewardship on disputable matters?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
γέγραπται1 of 17

“it is written”

G1125

to "grave", especially to write; figuratively, to describe

γάρ,2 of 17

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

Ζῶ3 of 17

“live”

G2198

to live (literally or figuratively)

ἐγώ4 of 17

“As I”

G1473

i, me

λέγει5 of 17

“saith”

G3004

properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an

κύριος6 of 17

“the Lord”

G2962

supreme in authority, i.e., (as noun) controller; by implication, master (as a respectful title)

ὅτι7 of 17
G3754

demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because

ἐμοὶ8 of 17

“to me”

G1698

to me

κάμψει9 of 17

“shall bow”

G2578

to bend

πᾶσα10 of 17

“every”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γόνυ11 of 17

“knee”

G1119

the "knee"

καὶ12 of 17

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

πᾶσα13 of 17

“every”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γλῶσσα14 of 17

“tongue”

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

ἐξομολογήσεται15 of 17

“shall confess”

G1843

to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully

τῷ16 of 17
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεῷ17 of 17

“to God”

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Romans. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Romans 14:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Romans 14:11 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Isaiah 45:22-25Philippians 2:10-11Psalms 72:11Romans 10:9Isaiah 49:18Matthew 10:32

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Romans 14 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterRomans Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

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