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.

For {G1063} it is written {G1125}, As I {G1473} live {G2198}, saith {G3004} the Lord {G2962},{G3754} every {G3956} knee {G1119} shall bow {G2578} to me {G1698}, and {G2532} every {G3956} tongue {G1100} shall confess {G1843} to God {G2316}.

since it is written in the Tanakh,

“As I live, says Adonai, every knee will bend before me,
and every tongue will publicly acknowledge God.”

It is written: “As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.”

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

Commentary

Romans 14:11 serves as a powerful theological foundation for Paul's admonition against judging fellow believers on non-essential matters. It reminds us that ultimately, every individual is accountable to God alone, not to other people.

Context

In Romans chapter 14, the Apostle Paul addresses divisions within the early Christian community, particularly concerning dietary laws and the observance of special days. There were "strong" believers who understood their freedom in Christ from such regulations, and "weak" believers whose consciences were troubled by not adhering to them. Paul's core message is that believers should not judge or despise one another over these disputable matters. Instead, they should build each other up, because all stand before the Lord. Verse 11 reinforces this by quoting Old Testament scripture to underscore the ultimate authority and universal judgment of God, making the point of each person's accountability to Christ's judgment seat.

Meaning and Significance

This verse directly quotes Isaiah 45:23, where God Himself declares His absolute sovereignty and the future universal acknowledgment of His Lordship. The phrase "every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God" signifies:

  • Universal Submission: There will come a time when every living being, whether willingly or unwillingly, will acknowledge God's supreme authority. This isn't just a physical act of bowing but a profound recognition of His rightful place as Lord.
  • Universal Confession/Praise: Every tongue will confess, meaning they will declare allegiance, acknowledge His truth, or even praise Him. This echoes a similar declaration in Philippians 2:10-11, where this same prophecy is applied to Jesus Christ, affirming His divine nature and shared sovereignty with the Father.
  • Divine Judgment and Accountability: The immediate context in Romans 14 links this universal bowing and confessing to the day of judgment. Since all will ultimately stand before God, believers should focus on living righteously before Him and not on judging the consciences of others in areas where God has granted freedom.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "confess" here is exomologeo (ἐξομολογέω). While it can imply confessing sins, in this context, especially when paired with "every knee shall bow," it carries the weight of a public declaration, acknowledgment, or even praise of God's majesty and righteous authority. It signifies a full and open recognition of who God is and His right to rule.

Practical Application

Romans 14:11 has profound implications for daily Christian living:

  • Humility in Judgment: Since everyone will ultimately give an account to God, it cautions us against being overly critical or judgmental of others, especially on matters of personal conviction that are not central to the Gospel. Our focus should be on our own walk with God and ensuring we are not a stumbling block to weaker brothers.
  • Motivation for Righteous Living: Knowing that we will all stand before God should motivate us to live lives pleasing to Him, striving for peace and mutual edification within the body of Christ (Romans 14:19).
  • Assurance of God's Sovereignty: This verse offers a powerful reminder of God's ultimate control and triumph. Despite present challenges or disagreements, His plan will prevail, and His glory will be universally acknowledged.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Isaiah 45:22 (53 votes)

    Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth: for I [am] God, and [there is] none else.

  • Isaiah 45:25 (53 votes)

    In the LORD shall all the seed of Israel be justified, and shall glory.

  • Philippians 2:10 (36 votes)

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

  • Philippians 2:11 (36 votes)

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

  • Psalms 72:11 (15 votes)

    Yea, all kings shall fall down before him: all nations shall serve him.

  • Isaiah 49:18 (9 votes)

    ¶ Lift up thine eyes round about, and behold: all these gather themselves together, [and] come to thee. [As] I live, saith the LORD, thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an ornament, and bind them [on thee], as a bride [doeth].

  • Romans 10:9 (9 votes)

    That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.