Philippians 2:11

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} that every {G3956} tongue {G1100} should confess {G1843} that {G3754} Jesus {G2424} Christ {G5547} is Lord {G2962}, to {G1519} the glory {G1391} of God {G2316} the Father {G3962}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and every tongue will acknowledge
that Yeshua the Messiah is Adonai —
to the glory of God the Father.

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 2:11 serves as the climactic declaration within the profound "Christ Hymn" (Philippians 2:5-11), articulating the ultimate and universal outcome of God's redemptive plan: the global acknowledgment of Jesus Christ's supreme Lordship, all consummating in the magnificent glory of God the Father. This verse powerfully encapsulates the eschatological triumph of Christ's humility and obedience, foretelling a future where every created being will publicly affirm His divine authority.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the triumphant culmination of the "Christ Hymn" (Philippians 2:5-11), a passage widely considered one of the most significant Christological texts in the New Testament. Paul introduces this hymn as an example of Christ's humility and obedience, urging the Philippian believers to adopt a similar selfless mindset (Philippians 2:3-4). The hymn begins by describing Christ's pre-existent equality with God (Philippians 2:6), His voluntary self-emptying (κένωσις) by taking on human form as a servant (Philippians 2:7), and His ultimate obedience to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). Because of this unparalleled humiliation, God the Father supremely exalted Him (Philippians 2:9), bestowing upon Him the "name above every name" – a clear reference to the divine name Yahweh. Verse 10 then describes the universal consequence of this exaltation: "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" ([Philippians 2:10](/philippians/2-10 "Philippians 2:10 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). Philippians 2:11 completes this picture by detailing the accompanying action: the universal confession of Jesus's Lordship, thereby bringing glory to the Father.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The confession "Jesus Christ is Lord" held profound implications in the Greco-Roman world of the first century. The title "Lord" (κύριος, _kyrios_) was commonly used for Roman emperors, who demanded worship and allegiance as divine figures. To declare "Caesar is Lord" was a standard expression of political and religious loyalty. Therefore, for early Christians to confess "Jesus Christ is Lord" was not merely a theological statement but a subversive political act, directly challenging the imperial cult and often leading to persecution. Furthermore, within a Jewish context, _kyrios_ was the Greek translation used in the Septuagint (LXX) for the divine name YHWH (Yahweh). Thus, confessing Jesus as Lord was an explicit affirmation of His divine identity and co-equality with God the Father, a radical claim for monotheistic Jews and a stumbling block for many. This confession also echoes Old Testament prophecies, particularly [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow"), which speaks of every knee bowing and every tongue swearing allegiance to Yahweh, thereby applying this divine prerogative directly to Jesus.
* **Key Themes:** Philippians 2:11 powerfully underscores several core theological themes. Foremost is **the absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ**, asserting His supreme authority and divine sovereignty over all creation. This theme is inextricably linked to the **humiliation and exaltation of Christ**, demonstrating that His voluntary self-abasement was the pathway to His ultimate glorification by the Father. The verse also highlights **universal acknowledgment**, indicating that a time will come when every being, whether willingly or by divine compulsion, will confess Jesus's rightful place as Lord. This universal confession, however, is not an end in itself; its ultimate purpose is **the glory of God the Father**. This Trinitarian emphasis reveals that the Son's honor and reign are intrinsically tied to the Father's sovereign will and ultimate praise, ensuring that all glory redounds to God the Father, as seen in passages like [John 5:23](/john/5-23 "John 5:23 - Honoring the Son as the Father"). The passage thus paints a comprehensive picture of divine purpose, Christ's supreme identity, and the ultimate destiny of all creation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **tongue (Greek, _glōssa'_):** (G1100) This word refers to the physical organ of speech, but by implication, it signifies language itself or, as used here, the act of speaking or confessing. In the context of "every tongue," it emphasizes the universal nature of the confession, encompassing all peoples and languages.
* **confess (Greek, _exomologéō'_):** (G1843) Derived from _ek_ (out) and _homologéō_ (to speak the same thing, to agree), this verb means "to acknowledge or agree fully," "to confess openly and publicly," or "to profess." It implies a full, public, and often formal declaration of assent, not merely a private thought or belief. The prefix _ek_ intensifies the act, suggesting a full and complete outward expression.
* **Lord (Greek, _kýrios'_):** (G2962) This is a crucial title, meaning "supreme in authority" or "controller." As a respectful title, it translates to "Master" or "Sir." Most significantly, in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), _kýrios_ was consistently used to translate the Hebrew divine name YHWH (Yahweh). Therefore, to confess Jesus as _Kyrios_ is to declare His divine nature, His co-equality with God the Father, and His absolute sovereignty over all creation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And that every tongue should confess":** This clause emphasizes the universal scope of the future acknowledgment of Jesus's Lordship. "Every tongue" signifies all rational beings, regardless of their earthly origin, language, or previous allegiance. The verb "confess" (exomologéō) implies a public, open, and full acknowledgment, suggesting a compelled or willing declaration of truth. This is not merely an internal thought but an outward, verbal affirmation.
* **"that Jesus Christ is Lord":** This is the core content of the confession. "Jesus Christ" identifies the specific person being exalted – the historical Jesus of Nazareth, who is also the Messiah (Christ). The declaration "is Lord" (Kyrios) is the central theological assertion, equating Jesus with the divine YHWH of the Old Testament. It proclaims His absolute sovereignty, authority, and divine nature, placing Him in the highest possible position of power and dominion over all things.
* **"to the glory of God the Father":** This final phrase reveals the ultimate purpose and beneficiary of this universal confession. Christ's exaltation and the universal acknowledgment of His Lordship are not for His own independent glory, but rather to bring ultimate praise, honor, and renown to God the Father. This highlights the Trinitarian unity in God's redemptive plan, where the Son's honor perfectly reflects and magnifies the Father's majesty and sovereign will.

#### Literary Devices
Philippians 2:11 employs several powerful literary devices. The verse functions as the **Climax** of the "Christ Hymn," bringing the narrative of Christ's humiliation and exaltation to its grand, triumphant conclusion. The phrase "every tongue" utilizes **Hyperbole** to emphasize the absolute and universal nature of the future confession, implying that no being in all creation will be exempt from this acknowledgment. This hyperbole underscores the **Theological Statement** of Christ's ultimate and undeniable sovereignty. Furthermore, the entire hymn, culminating in this verse, serves as a profound **Exemplum** or **Paradigm** for the Philippian believers, illustrating the profound spiritual principle that humility and obedience lead to exaltation and glory, both for Christ and, by extension, for those who follow His example.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 2:11 is a cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming the deity and universal sovereignty of Jesus Christ. It connects the Old Testament prophecies of Yahweh's ultimate dominion with the person of Jesus, unequivocally declaring Him to be the divine Lord. This confession is not merely a future event but also a present reality for believers, forming the bedrock of salvation and worship. The verse powerfully demonstrates the Trinitarian harmony in God's plan, where the Son's exaltation perfectly glorifies the Father, revealing the unified purpose of the Godhead in redemption and cosmic rule. It assures believers of Christ's ultimate victory and the certainty of His reign, providing both comfort and a call to present-day allegiance.

* [Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confess Jesus as Lord")
* [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow to Me")
* [John 5:23](/john/5-23 "John 5:23 - Honor the Son as You Honor the Father")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 2:11 calls believers to a profound and active response. Knowing that every tongue will one day confess Jesus Christ as Lord compels us to live out that confession now, willingly and joyfully. This truth should ignite our worship, deepen our obedience, and fuel our evangelistic fervor. If Christ's ultimate triumph is assured, then our present struggles and sacrifices in His name are not in vain. This verse challenges us to align our lives, priorities, and desires with the sovereign will of the one who will ultimately be acknowledged by all. It reminds us that our ultimate purpose, like Christ's, is to live "to the glory of God the Father," ensuring that our words and deeds reflect the majesty of His divine plan. This future reality should inspire us to boldly proclaim His Lordship in a world that often denies it, living as a foretaste of the universal confession to come.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the universal confession of Jesus's Lordship in Philippians 2:11 impact your understanding of His authority in your daily life?**
* **In what practical ways can you "confess" Jesus as Lord with your "tongue" and your actions today, in anticipation of this future reality?**
* **How does the knowledge that Christ's exaltation brings "glory to God the Father" shape your worship and your understanding of God's ultimate purpose?**

### FAQ
**What does it mean for "every tongue to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord"?**

Answer: This phrase signifies a universal and undeniable acknowledgment of Jesus's supreme authority and divine identity. It means that a time will come when every created being—whether human, angelic, or demonic—will publicly declare that Jesus Christ is the sovereign ruler and God. For believers, this is a willing confession made in faith, leading to salvation ([Romans 10:9](/romans/10-9 "Romans 10:9 - Confession for Salvation")). For those who have rejected Him, it will be a compelled acknowledgment of His rightful position, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy from [Isaiah 45:23](/isaiah/45-23 "Isaiah 45:23 - Every Knee Shall Bow")). It speaks to the ultimate triumph of Christ's reign over all creation.

**Why is it significant that this confession is "to the glory of God the Father"?**

Answer: This highlights the Trinitarian nature of God's redemptive plan and ultimate purpose. It means that Jesus's exaltation and universal acknowledgment as Lord are not for His own independent glory, but rather serve to magnify and bring ultimate praise to God the Father. It underscores that the Father initiated the plan of salvation, sent the Son, and ultimately receives the glory for the Son's obedience, sacrifice, and supreme reign. This demonstrates the perfect unity and harmonious purpose within the Godhead, where the Son's honor perfectly reflects and reveals the Father's majesty, as Jesus Himself stated in [John 5:23](/john/5-23 "John 5:23 - Honoring the Son as the Father is Honored")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 2:11 stands as a magnificent Christ-centered declaration, revealing the ultimate destiny of the universe under the sovereign reign of Jesus Christ. It is the New Testament's resounding echo of Old Testament prophecies concerning Yahweh's universal dominion, now explicitly fulfilled in the person of Jesus. The "Christ Hymn" ([Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "Philippians 2:5-11 - The Christ Hymn")) portrays Christ's journey from pre-existence and divine equality ([Philippians 2:6](/philippians/2-6 "Philippians 2:6 - Christ's Equality with God")), through profound humility and obedience unto death ([Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humility and Obedience")), to His ultimate exaltation by the Father ([Philippians 2:9](/philippians/2-9 "Philippians 2:9 - God's Exaltation of Christ")). This verse, then, is the glorious culmination, asserting that the very name "Lord" (κύριος), which in the Septuagint was used for YHWH, now belongs to Jesus. This universal confession—where every knee bows and every tongue declares His Lordship—is the eschatological reality toward which all history moves. It foreshadows the final judgment and the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom, where all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him ([Matthew 28:18](/matthew/28-18 "Matthew 28:18 - All Authority Given to Jesus")), and He will ultimately put all enemies under His feet ([1 Corinthians 15:25](/1_corinthians/15-25 "1 Corinthians 15:25 - Christ Must Reign")). Thus, Philippians 2:11 is not merely a theological statement but a prophetic vision of Christ's absolute and undeniable triumph, ensuring that the Father's glory is perfectly manifested through the Son's supreme reign.

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

1 John 4:15

Whosoever shall confess that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwelleth in him, and he in God.

Romans 14:11

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

John 13:13

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for [so] I am.

Romans 14:9

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

1 John 4:2

Hereby know ye the Spirit of God: Every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God:

1 Corinthians 12:3

Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and [that] no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost.

John 14:13

And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son.