The phrase every knee shall bow and every tongue confess speaks to a moment of divine recognition—when all creation will acknowledge the Lordship of Jesus Christ. It’s both a promise of hope for believers and a sobering reminder of God’s ultimate authority for everyone.
Whether in worship, reverence, or final surrender, every person will one day recognize who Jesus truly is.
The Bible uses this powerful declaration to call people to faith, inspire humility, and point toward the future when God’s glory will be fully revealed. In this post, we’ve gathered 35 Bible verses that echo this profound truth.
Whether you’re seeking encouragement, clarity, or conviction, these verses help us understand why bowing our hearts to Christ now is the path to peace, purpose, and eternal life.
35 Bible Verses About Every Knee Shall Bow and Every Tongue Confess
1. Philippians 2:10-11
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Explanation: This is the key verse that captures the theme. Paul reveals the future moment when everyone will honor Jesus as Lord, recognizing His divine authority.
2. Isaiah 45:23
By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: Before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.
Explanation: God declares His sovereignty, and this Old Testament verse is echoed later in the New Testament, showing continuity in God’s plan.
3. Romans 14:11
It is written: “‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’”
Explanation: Paul reminds us that we are all accountable to God and will ultimately confess His Lordship.
4. Revelation 5:13
Then I heard every creature…saying: “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor…for ever and ever!”
Explanation: A vision of heaven where all creation praises God and the Lamb, Jesus Christ, forever.
5. John 5:23
That all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father…
Explanation: Jesus deserves the same honor as God the Father, pointing to His divine nature.
6. 1 Corinthians 15:24-25
Then the end will come, when he hands over the kingdom to God the Father…For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet.
Explanation: Jesus’ rule is ultimate, and every enemy—including death—will be defeated.
7. Revelation 1:7
Look, he is coming with the clouds…and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.”
Explanation: Everyone will see Christ’s return, even those who once rejected Him.
8. Hebrews 1:6
And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.”
Explanation: Even the angels worship Jesus—He is worthy of all honor and glory.
9. Colossians 1:18
He is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead…
Explanation: Jesus holds first place in everything—including authority and honor.
10. Psalm 95:6
Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker.
Explanation: Worship involves humility—bowing before God as Creator and King.
11. Revelation 19:16
On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
Explanation: Christ’s ultimate authority is declared clearly—He reigns above all rulers.
12. Daniel 7:14
He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples…worshiped him.
Explanation: A prophetic vision of Christ receiving eternal dominion and worship from all people.
13. Psalm 86:9
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord…
Explanation: God’s greatness will draw all people to honor and worship Him.
14. Romans 10:9
If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart…you will be saved.
Explanation: Confessing Christ now leads to salvation—freely offered to all.
15. Matthew 28:18
Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.”
Explanation: After the resurrection, Jesus declares His universal authority.
16. John 17:2
For you granted him authority over all people that he might give eternal life…
Explanation: Jesus was given authority to bring life to those who believe in Him.
17. Luke 1:33
He will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.
Explanation: Jesus’ kingship is eternal—it will never be overthrown or diminished.
18. Revelation 11:15
The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Messiah…
Explanation: God’s final victory includes the complete reign of Christ over all creation.
19. Matthew 24:30
…They will see the Son of Man coming…with power and great glory.
Explanation: Jesus’ return will be visible and undeniable to all people.
20. Acts 2:36
Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus…both Lord and Messiah.
Explanation: Peter proclaims that Jesus is the promised Savior and exalted Lord.
21. Revelation 4:10-11
The twenty-four elders fall down before him…and say: “You are worthy, our Lord and God…”
Explanation: Heaven’s elders worship God, modeling the reverence due to Him.
22. 1 Peter 3:22
…who has gone into heaven and is at God’s right hand—with angels, authorities and powers in submission to him.
Explanation: All spiritual beings recognize and submit to Christ’s authority.
23. Revelation 7:10
And they cried out…“Salvation belongs to our God…and to the Lamb.”
Explanation: Heaven celebrates God’s salvation and acknowledges Jesus as Savior.
24. 2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…
Explanation: Each person will give an account to Jesus, acknowledging His role as Judge.
25. Isaiah 66:23
From one New Moon to another…all mankind will come and bow down before me…
Explanation: A future time when all humanity will worship the Lord regularly.
26. John 3:35
The Father loves the Son and has placed everything in his hands.
Explanation: God entrusted all things to Jesus—He has complete authority.
27. Revelation 15:4
Who will not fear you, Lord, and bring glory to your name? For you alone are holy.
Explanation: God’s holiness compels worship from all people.
28. Psalm 2:11-12
Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling.
Explanation: Even rulers are called to submit and worship the Lord.
29. Ezekiel 20:41
I will accept you as fragrant incense…when I bring you out…and gather you…
Explanation: God will gather His people for worship, and they will honor Him.
30. Zephaniah 2:11
The Lord will be awesome to them when he destroys all the gods of the earth…
Explanation: False gods will be destroyed, and nations will worship the one true God.
31. Revelation 14:7
…Fear God and give him glory…Worship him who made the heavens, the earth…
Explanation: God’s role as Creator is one reason all should honor and worship Him.
32. 1 Chronicles 29:11
Yours, Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory…
Explanation: David exalts God’s unmatched authority and majesty.
33. Psalm 72:11
May all kings bow down to him and all nations serve him.
Explanation: A prayer for universal recognition of God’s reign.
34. Nehemiah 9:6
You alone are the Lord. You made the heavens…the multitudes of heaven worship you.
Explanation: Worship is the proper response to God’s role as Creator and Sustainer.
35. Revelation 21:6
He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega…”
Explanation: Jesus is the beginning and end—worthy of all praise now and forever.
Conclusion
The truth that “every knee shall bow and every tongue confess” is more than a future event—it’s a present call to worship, surrender, and recognize Jesus as Lord. These 35 Bible verses point us to a reality that is both glorious and humbling.
Whether through faith today or on that final day, all will acknowledge Christ’s authority.
Which of these verses inspired or challenged you the most? Share your reflections, favorite scriptures, or personal insights in the comments below.
Let’s encourage one another as we walk in the light of God’s Word and proclaim that Jesus is Lord—today and forever.