Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philippians 2:10

"that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven and [things] on earth and [things] under the earth," — Philippians 2:10 (ASV)

The purpose of Christ’s exaltation is that all beings might bow in acknowledgment of the name that belongs to Jesus and confess that “Jesus Christ is Lord.” Because of what the name Jesus (i.e., “Savior”; see comment on Mt 1:21) represents, a time is coming when every knee will bow before him in recognition of his sovereignty. This statement is built on the wording of Isa 45:23 (cf. Romans 14:11; Revelation 5:13). This universal acknowledgment will include angels and departed saints in heaven, people still living on earth, and the Satanic hosts and lost humanity in hell. The phrases “in heaven,” “on earth,” and “under the earth” could possibly refer to all of creation, animate and inanimate (cf. Romans 8:19–22). However, the mention of “knee” (and “tongue”) suggests that personal beings are in view here.

Submission will also be expressed by verbal confession. “Every” indicates a universal acknowledgment of Christ’s sovereignty, even by his enemies. Paul does not imply by this a universal salvation, but means that every personal being will ultimately confess Christ’s lordship, either with joyful faith or with resentment and despair.

This ultimate confession that “Jesus Christ is Lord” is apparently Paul’s indication of the “name” granted Jesus at his exaltation following the Cross (v.9). That name with all the dignity and divine prerogatives this implies will eventually be recognized by every creature. Of course, the Son in his nature was always deity, but the exaltation following the Cross granted him the dignity of station commensurate with his nature and far superior to his humble state while on earth.

“To the glory of God the Father” is Paul’s closing doxology to this remarkable Christology. He has never lost sight of the divine order and of the grand scheme in which the incarnation of Christ must be viewed. Recognition of Christ’s lordship fulfills the purpose of the Father and so brings glory to God.

This picture of Christ’s humiliation and subsequent exaltation was intended by Paul to encourage in his readers an attitude of Christlike humility (v.5). If they were to be identified as Christ’s followers, they must demonstrate his characteristics. The appeal, however, was not only to a life of lowliness and hardship; it also contained the reminder that victory followed humiliation and that God’s glory will ultimately prevail.