### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek verb κάμπτω (kámptō, `{{G2578}}`) fundamentally means "to bend" or "to curve." Its primary application in the New Testament, however, extends beyond a mere physical action to denote the act of "bowing," specifically in contexts of reverence, worship, submission, or supplication. The semantic range thus encompasses both the literal bending of the knee or body and the figurative implications of humility, acknowledgment of authority, or devoted worship. While the physical act is central, the underlying purpose and spiritual posture are paramount.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term κάμπτω (kámptō, `{{G2578}}`) appears four times in the New Testament, consistently in contexts related to postures of deference or worship:
* **[[Romans 11:4]]**: "But what does the divine response say to him? 'I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.'" Here, "bowed the knee" (οὐκ ἔκαμψαν γόνυ) is a powerful idiom signifying allegiance and worship. The refusal to bow to Baal indicates steadfast faithfulness to Yahweh amidst widespread idolatry, highlighting divine preservation and the persistence of true devotion.
* **[[Romans 14:11]]**: "For it is written: 'As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God.'" This verse, a direct quotation from [[Isaiah 45:23]], underscores the universal and ultimate sovereignty of God. The bowing of every knee signifies an undeniable acknowledgment of God's supreme authority, whether in willing worship or compelled submission at the final judgment.
* **[[Ephesians 3:14]]**: "For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ..." Paul uses κάμπτω (kámptō, `{{G2578}}`) to describe his personal posture in prayer. This is a voluntary act of humility and earnest supplication, reflecting a deep reverence and dependence upon God the Father. The physical act of kneeling intensifies the sincerity and gravity of his intercession.
* **[[Philippians 2:10]]**: "...that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and on earth, and under the earth..." This is arguably the most significant occurrence. Following Christ's self-emptying and obedient death, God highly exalted Him. The universal bowing of every knee signifies the cosmic recognition of Jesus' supreme Lordship and divine authority. This homage extends to all realms of existence, affirming His ultimate triumph and sovereignty over all creation.
Across these passages, κάμπτω (kámptō, `{{G2578}}`) consistently conveys a sense of profound respect, submission, or worship, whether voluntary or compelled, directed towards divine authority.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of bowing or kneeling is deeply embedded in both Old and New Testament expressions of reverence and submission.
* **Hebrew Equivalents**:
* `{{H1288}}` (bārak): Often translated "to kneel," frequently in the context of blessing God or being blessed by God, implying a posture of reverence or supplication (e.g., [[Genesis 24:11]], [[Psalm 95:6]]).
* `{{H7812}}` (shāḥâ): "to bow down," "to prostrate oneself." This term has a broader semantic range, encompassing worship, homage, and submission to both human and divine authority (e.g., [[Genesis 18:2]], [[Exodus 4:31]]).
* **Greek Synonyms/Related Terms**:
* `{{G4352}}` (proskyneō): "to prostrate oneself," "to do obeisance," "to worship." While κάμπτω (kámptō, `{{G2578}}`) describes the physical act of bending, `{{G4352}}` (proskyneō) often denotes the *purpose* of that act, specifically worship or adoration. They are closely related in meaning, with bowing being a common component of prostration.
* `{{G1120}}` (gonypeteō): "to fall on the knees," "to kneel down." This term is more specific to the act of kneeling and is often used in requests or acts of reverence (e.g., [[Matthew 17:14]], [[Mark 1:40]]).
The semantic field surrounding κάμπτω (kámptō, `{{G2578}}`) includes concepts such as humility, submission, reverence, worship, authority, sovereignty, and judgment.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of κάμπτω (kámptō, `{{G2578}}`) is profound, touching upon core doctrines:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Universal Homage**: The most striking theological implication is the universal acknowledgment of God's and Christ's supreme authority. [[Romans 14:11]] and [[Philippians 2:10]] declare an eschatological reality where every created being will, by necessity or by choice, bow before the Lord. This underscores the absolute and unchallengeable reign of God and His Christ.
* **Christ's Exaltation**: In [[Philippians 2:10]], the bowing of every knee is the climactic response to Christ's obedient humiliation and subsequent exaltation by God. It affirms His divine status and the unique honor He receives as Lord, demonstrating the cosmic scope of His redemptive work and ultimate dominion.
* **True Worship vs. Idolatry**: [[Romans 11:4]] highlights the exclusive nature of true worship. The refusal to bow the knee to Baal serves as a powerful symbol of faithfulness to God alone, distinguishing genuine devotion from syncretism or apostasy. It underscores the call to worship only the one true God.
* **Posture of Prayer and Humility**: Paul's act of bowing his knees in [[Ephesians 3:14]] exemplifies a posture of profound humility, reverence, and earnestness in prayer. It suggests that the physical act can mirror and deepen the spiritual disposition of dependence on God. This demonstrates that true prayer often involves a posture of submission and adoration.
* **Ultimate Judgment and Confession**: While bowing can be an act of willing worship, it also implies a compelled acknowledgment of authority. For those who do not willingly worship, the future bowing will be an involuntary recognition of divine judgment and the inescapable truth of God's (and Christ's) Lordship.
### Summary
The Greek verb κάμπτω (kámptō, `{{G2578}}`) signifies the physical act of bending or bowing, but in the New Testament, it is consistently imbued with deep theological meaning. It primarily denotes postures of reverence, submission, or worship. The biblical occurrences reveal its use in contexts of faithful resistance to idolatry ([[Romans 11:4]]), personal humble prayer ([[Ephesians 3:14]]), and most significantly, the universal and ultimate acknowledgment of God's and Christ's supreme authority and lordship ([[Romans 14:11]], [[Philippians 2:10]]). Thus, κάμπτω (kámptō, `{{G2578}}`) serves as a powerful symbol of divine sovereignty, human humility, and the eschatological triumph of God's will, where all creation will ultimately render homage to the Lord.
TRV