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Philippians 2:10
ESV so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
NIV that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
NASB so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
CSB so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow -- in heaven and on earth and under the earth --
NLT that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
KJV That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

What does Philippians 2:10 mean?

Part of the result of Jesus being highly exalted (Philippians 2:9) is that all people, ultimately, will be in submission to Him. The idea may actually be better expressed by "will bow," referring to something certain to happen. This is phrased in terms including every possible being. Those "in heaven" could include angels and saints who have passed away already. Those "on earth" clearly refer to people living now, or more specifically at the time Paul was writing this letter. Those "under the earth" could include those who have already died and perhaps the Devil and evil spirits who must submit to the power of the Lord (Revelation 20).

This understanding is also enhanced after looking at verse 11, which refers to every "tongue" confessing Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father. In the future, every being will bow before the Lord, the ultimate reward for the Lord Jesus Christ who became the ultimate servant during His time on earth.
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