Ephesians 3:14

KJV

¶ For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

KJV (with Strong's)

For this {G5127} cause {G5484} I bow {G2578} my {G3450} knees {G1119} unto {G4314} the Father {G3962} of our {G2257} Lord {G2962} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547},

Complete Jewish Bible

For this reason, I fall on my knees before the Father,

Berean Standard Bible

... for this reason I bow my knees before the Father,

American Standard Version

For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Ephesians 3:14 marks a pivotal moment in Paul's epistle, transitioning from his exposition of the profound "mystery" of the gospel—the inclusion of Gentiles as co-heirs with Israel—to a fervent, personal prayer for the Ephesian believers. This verse introduces Paul's posture of deep humility and earnest intercession, revealing his profound reverence for God and his passionate desire for the spiritual growth and strengthening of the church, a direct response to the glorious revelation of God's boundless grace previously expounded.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** The phrase "For this cause" ("διὰ τοῦτο") serves as a direct anaphoric link, connecting Paul's prayer in [Ephesians 3:14-21](/ephesians/3-14-21 "Ephesians 3:14-21 - Paul's Prayer for the Ephesians") back to the preceding theological exposition in [Ephesians 3:1-13](/ephesians/3-1-13 "Ephesians 3:1-13 - The Mystery Revealed to Paul"). In these earlier verses, Paul describes his unique apostolic commission to the Gentiles and elaborates on the "mystery of Christ" (cf. [Ephesians 3:4](/ephesians/3-4 "Ephesians 3:4 - Understanding the Mystery")), which is the astonishing truth that Gentiles are now "fellow heirs, members of the same body, and partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel" (cf. [Ephesians 3:6](/ephesians/3-6 "Ephesians 3:6 - Gentiles as Fellow Heirs")). This revelation, previously hidden but now made known through the Spirit, is so magnificent that it compels Paul to a posture of humble and earnest prayer, seeking God's empowerment for those who have received this grace.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The act of "bowing the knees" was a common and significant gesture in the ancient world, particularly in the Near East and the Greco-Roman sphere, signifying deep respect, humility, submission, and earnest supplication. While standing was a common posture for prayer in Jewish tradition, kneeling or prostration was reserved for moments of intense petition, confession, or worship, indicating profound reverence and utter dependence on God. Paul, likely imprisoned at the time of writing (implied in [Ephesians 3:1](/ephesians/3-1 "Ephesians 3:1 - Paul, Prisoner of Christ")), models a spiritual discipline that transcends physical circumstances, demonstrating that true prayer is a disposition of the heart expressed through humble bodily posture.
* **Key Themes:** This verse introduces several crucial themes that permeate Paul's epistles and Christian theology. First, it highlights the theme of **Profound Prayer and Humility**, exemplified by Paul's physical posture of bowing, which underscores the seriousness and reverence with which he approaches God. Second, it emphasizes **Direct Access to the Father** through Jesus Christ, a core tenet of the new covenant, where believers can confidently approach God's throne (cf. [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace")). Third, the verse sets the stage for **Intercession for Believers**, a recurring theme in Paul's ministry where he consistently prays for the spiritual maturity, understanding, and strength of the churches he serves (e.g., [Philippians 1:9-11](/philippians/1-9-11 "Philippians 1:9-11 - Paul's Prayer for the Philippians")). This intercession is rooted in the glorious reality of the gospel's mystery, which has just been revealed.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bow (Greek, _kámptō'_):** This verb means "to bend," specifically referring to the bending of the body, in this context, the knees. It denotes a physical act of prostration or kneeling, which in ancient cultures was a universally recognized sign of reverence, submission, and intense supplication. Paul's use of this word emphasizes the solemnity and earnestness of his prayer, moving beyond a mere mental exercise to a full bodily expression of humility before God.
* **knees (Greek, _góny'_):** Referring to the joint in the leg, "knees" here are not just a body part but a metonymic representation of the entire person in a posture of humility and worship. The act of kneeling signifies a complete surrender and dependence, acknowledging God's supreme authority and majesty. It is a physical manifestation of a spiritual attitude of reverence and petition, underscoring the depth of Paul's devotion.
* **Father (Greek, _patḗr'_):** This term, meaning "father" or "parent," highlights the intimate and relational aspect of God. Paul addresses God not as a distant deity but as the benevolent and authoritative Father, specifically "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ." This designation emphasizes the Trinitarian nature of God and the unique access believers have to God through their relationship with Jesus, allowing for both reverence and filial intimacy in prayer.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this cause":** This introductory phrase ("διὰ τοῦτο") acts as a strong connective, linking Paul's subsequent prayer directly to the preceding theological revelation in [Ephesians 3:1-13](/ephesians/3-1-13 "The Mystery Revealed to Paul"). It signifies that the profound truth of Gentile inclusion into God's redemptive plan, and Paul's role in proclaiming it, is the very motivation and impetus for his earnest intercession. His prayer is a Spirit-prompted response to God's glorious grace.
* **"I bow my knees":** This clause describes Paul's physical posture for prayer, signifying deep humility, reverence, and earnestness. It is a deliberate act of submission and worship, indicating that his prayer is not casual but a solemn and weighty engagement with God. The act of kneeling underscores his dependence on God and the importance he places on this intercession for the Ephesian believers.
* **"unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ":** This specifies the divine recipient of Paul's prayer. Addressing God as "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" is a profoundly theological statement. It acknowledges God's unique relationship with Jesus as His Son, and through Jesus, believers gain access to God as their Father. This phrase emphasizes the Trinitarian context of Christian prayer and the foundational truth that all access to the Father is mediated through the person and work of Jesus Christ.

#### Literary Devices
Ephesians 3:14 employs several literary devices. **Metonymy** is evident in "I bow my knees," where the physical action of bending the knees stands in for the spiritual attitude of humility, reverence, and earnest supplication. The part (knees) represents the whole person's posture of worship and submission. The verse also functions as a **Transition** or **Pivot** in the epistle, shifting from the theological exposition of the mystery in the first half of the chapter to a heartfelt prayer for the spiritual strengthening of the believers in the latter half. This pivot highlights the practical and personal implications of profound theological truth. Furthermore, the verse introduces Paul's **Apostolic Intercession**, a recurring literary and theological motif in his letters, where he models and performs the vital role of praying for the spiritual growth and maturity of the churches he founded or served.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Ephesians 3:14 underscores the profound privilege and posture of Christian prayer. Paul's act of bowing his knees before "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" reveals that prayer is not merely a request for needs but an act of worship, reverence, and intimate communion. It highlights the Christian's unique access to God as Father, made possible solely through Jesus Christ. This access is not earned but is a gift of grace, allowing believers to approach the divine throne with both humility and confidence. The verse also sets the stage for the New Testament emphasis on intercessory prayer, demonstrating that spiritual growth and understanding in the church are often birthed and sustained through the earnest prayers of God's people.

* [Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Will Bow"): "That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;"
* [Hebrews 4:16](/hebrews/4-16 "Hebrews 4:16 - Approach the Throne of Grace"): "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."
* [Romans 8:15](/romans/8-15 "Romans 8:15 - Spirit of Adoption"): "For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's humble posture in Ephesians 3:14 serves as a powerful model for believers today. It reminds us that prayer is a sacred act, deserving of our utmost reverence and earnestness. While the physical posture of kneeling is not a rigid requirement for effective prayer, the spirit of humility it embodies is essential. We are called to approach God with a deep awareness of His sovereignty and our dependence, recognizing that our access to Him is a gracious privilege, not a right. This verse challenges us to consider what truly moves us to prayer – is it merely our needs, or is it also the profound truths of God's character and His redemptive plan? Furthermore, Paul's example calls us to a ministry of intercession, praying not only for ourselves but fervently for the spiritual strengthening, understanding, and love of our fellow believers, that they might grasp the immeasurable dimensions of Christ's love.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does Paul's physical posture of "bowing his knees" teach me about the appropriate attitude for prayer?**
* **How does understanding God as "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" impact my confidence and intimacy in prayer?**
* **What "causes" or theological truths in my life motivate me to pray with earnestness and humility, similar to Paul?**
* **For whom am I consistently interceding, and what spiritual strength or understanding am I praying for them to receive?**

### FAQ
**Why does Paul specifically mention "bowing his knees" rather than just saying "I pray"?**

Answer: Paul's explicit mention of "bowing his knees" (Greek: _kámptō ta gónata_) is significant because it describes a physical posture that universally conveyed deep humility, reverence, and earnest supplication in the ancient world. It goes beyond a mere verbal expression of prayer, indicating a full bodily engagement in worship and petition. This posture emphasizes the solemnity and intensity of Paul's intercession, highlighting his profound respect for God and the seriousness with which he approaches the divine throne. It is a physical manifestation of a spiritual attitude of surrender and dependence, underscoring that his prayer is a dedicated act of worship and not a casual request.

**What is the significance of addressing God as "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ"?**

Answer: Addressing God as "the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ" is a profoundly theological and relational designation. It emphasizes several key truths:
* **Trinitarian Relationship:** It highlights the unique, eternal relationship between God the Father and God the Son, Jesus Christ.
* **Mediated Access:** It underscores that believers gain access to God as their Father only through Jesus Christ. As [John 14:6](/john/14-6 "John 14:6 - Jesus is the Way") states, "No man cometh unto the Father, but by me." Our adoption into God's family and our ability to call Him "Father" is a direct result of Christ's redemptive work.
* **Intimacy and Authority:** It conveys both the intimate, filial relationship believers can have with God (as adopted children) and His supreme authority as the ultimate source of all things, particularly as the source of the "mystery" revealed through Christ. This designation grounds Paul's prayer in the very heart of Christian doctrine and the unique privilege of believers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Ephesians 3:14, while a prayer of Paul, is profoundly Christ-centered in its fulfillment. Paul's ability to "bow his knees unto the Father" is entirely predicated on the person and work of Jesus Christ. It is through Christ that the "mystery" of Gentile inclusion, which prompts this prayer, has been revealed (cf. [Ephesians 3:4-6](/ephesians/3-4-6 "Ephesians 3:4-6 - The Mystery of Christ")). Moreover, our very access to the Father is exclusively "through Him" (cf. [Ephesians 2:18](/ephesians/2-18 "Ephesians 2:18 - Access to the Father through Christ")). Jesus is the One who makes the Father known (cf. [John 1:18](/john/1-18 "John 1:18 - No One Has Seen God")), and it is His sacrifice that inaugurates the new covenant, granting believers the privilege of approaching God directly. Ultimately, Paul's posture of humble submission foreshadows the universal acknowledgment of Christ's supreme authority, where "every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (cf. [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Universal Submission")). Thus, Paul's prayer is not just *to* the Father, but *through* the Son, and *for* the church to comprehend the immeasurable love of Christ (cf. [Ephesians 3:19](/ephesians/3-19 "Ephesians 3:19 - To Know the Love of Christ")), making this verse a powerful testament to Christ's centrality in all Christian life and worship.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 1:16

Cease not to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers;

Ephesians 1:19

And what [is] the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power,

Psalms 95:6

O come, let us worship and bow down: let us kneel before the LORD our maker.

Philippians 2:10

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven, and [things] in earth, and [things] under the earth;

Acts 21:5

And when we had accomplished those days, we departed and went our way; and they all brought us on our way, with wives and children, till [we were] out of the city: and we kneeled down on the shore, and prayed.

Ephesians 1:3

¶ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly [places] in Christ:

Daniel 6:10

Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house; and his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his knees three times a day, and prayed, and gave thanks before his God, as he did aforetime.