### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **kámptō**, represented by `{{G2578}}`, describes the action **to bend** or **bow**. It appears **5 times** across **4 unique verses** in the Bible. This term primarily denotes the physical act of bending the knee as a sign of worship, submission, and reverence before a divine authority.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{G2578}}` signifies a profound posture of allegiance. It describes the future, universal submission to Christ, where at the name of Jesus **every** knee should **bow** [[Philippians 2:10]]. This act is linked with verbal confession, as it is written that **every** knee shall **bow** to the Lord and every tongue shall confess to God [[Romans 14:11]]. The term also depicts a personal act of worship and prayer, as when Paul states, "I **bow** my knees unto the Father" [[Ephesians 3:14]]. Conversely, refusing to **bow** the knee is an act of faithfulness, as seen in the seven thousand men who had not **bowed** the knee to Baal [[Romans 11:4]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of submission and worship:
* `{{G1119}}` **góny** (knee): This word is intrinsically linked to **kámptō**, as the knee is what is being bent in every occurrence. The action of bowing the **knee** is a physical expression of an internal posture [[Ephesians 3:14]].
* `{{G1843}}` **exomologéō** (confess): This action is paired with bowing to complete the act of submission. Acknowledging divine authority involves both the body (bowing the knee) and the voice, as every tongue will **confess** to God [[Romans 14:11]].
* `{{G2962}}` **kýrios** (Lord): This title identifies the one to whom submission is due. The act of bowing is directed to the **Lord** as the supreme authority [[Romans 14:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G2578}}` is significant and centered on the nature of worship and authority.
* **Worship and Reverence:** The physical act of bowing the knee is a primary expression of worship. It is a posture of humility and reverence directed toward the Father, as demonstrated in personal prayer [[Ephesians 3:14]].
* **Universal Submission to Christ:** The use of **kámptō** establishes a key theological truth: the ultimate and universal acknowledgment of Jesus Christ's lordship. **Every** knee, including those of beings in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, will one day **bow** before Him [[Philippians 2:10]].
* **Declaration of Allegiance:** The choice of whom to **bow** before is a declaration of ultimate loyalty. The remnant who did not **bow** the knee to Baal demonstrates that true faithfulness to God requires rejecting all false deities and idolatry [[Romans 11:4]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{G2578}}` **kámptō** is a powerful verb that transcends a simple physical motion. It is a defining act of reverence, submission, and ultimate allegiance. Whether in the personal devotion of a believer **bowing** before the Father [[Ephesians 3:14]] or in the prophesied universal acknowledgment of Christ's authority [[Philippians 2:10]], to **bow** the knee is to declare where one's loyalty lies. It illustrates the proper posture of all creation before the supreme **Lord**.
TRV