and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philippians 2:11
What does Philippians 2:11 mean?
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Philippians 2:11
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The verse highlights that this confession isn't just about acknowledging Jesus' authority, but about a joyful, open declaration that brings honor to God the Father. It emphasizes that every part of creation will ultimately recognize Jesus' rightful place as sovereign, a recognition that inherently points back to the Father's glory.
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is building towards a powerful conclusion about Christ's ultimate authority. He's just described how every knee will bow to Jesus, both in heaven and on earth, and now he emphasizes that this submission will culminate in every tongue openly declaring Jesus Christ as Lord. This grand acknowledgment is the ultimate purpose, bringing immense glory to God the Father.
When we say 'Jesus is Lord,' what are we really declaring? It's so much more than a title; it's a cosmic declaration of ultimate authority.
The word 'Lord' used here is a profound title, echoing the Old Testament name for God Himself. It signifies supreme ownership, absolute rulership, and rightful authority over all creation.
Why is our confession of Jesus' Lordship so important? It's not just about us; it's deeply connected to God the Father's ultimate glory.
The purpose of every tongue confessing Jesus as Lord is 'to the glory of God the Father.' This confession isn't an endpoint in itself but a means to a greater end.
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Understand the original words
exomologeō · Greek Verb
The act of publicly acknowledging, declaring, or agreeing with a truth. Biblically, it involves a sincere heart confession of Jesus as Lord that leads to salvation.
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title denoting supreme authority, ownership, and sovereignty. In the New Testament, it is specifically applied to Jesus, signifying His divine nature and position as the ruler over all creation.
This verse speaks to a future, ultimate reality, but Paul writes it from a context where confessing Jesus as 'Lord' was a politically charged act of defiance against the Roman emperor's claims to supreme authority. The early Christians faced intense pressure to conform to the imperial cult, making their public confession of Christ a profound statement of faith and loyalty.
c. 100 BC - AD 100
Roman Empire's Vast Reach
The Roman Empire spanned the Mediterranean world, a vast and diverse territory with a complex system of governance and diverse populations.
c. AD 30
Crucifixion of Jesus
Jesus Christ is crucified in Jerusalem under Roman authority, an event central to Christian belief and the message of salvation.
c. AD 30 - 60
Spread of the Early Church
Following Jesus' ascension, his followers, empowered by the Holy Spirit, began spreading the message of Christ's lordship throughout the Roman Empire.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
The Apostle Paul writes the Epistle to the Philippians while imprisoned in Rome, likely awaiting trial before the Emperor.
c. AD 90-100
Dominant Imperial Cult
The imperial cult, which demanded worship of the Roman Emperor, was prevalent throughout the empire, creating tension for early Christians who confessed Christ as Lord.
This passage directly echoes Philippians 2:11 by stating that 'every tongue shall swear,' confessing God's righteousness and strength, which Paul applies to Jesus as Lord.
Romans 10:9-10This passage explains the practical confession of Jesus as Lord by faith, which leads to salvation, paralleling the ultimate confession spoken of in Philippians 2:11 as a cornerstone of belief.
John 5:23Jesus Himself states that all should honor the Son just as they honor the Father, directly supporting the idea that confessing Jesus as Lord brings glory to God the Father.
1 Corinthians 15:25-28This passage describes Christ's ultimate reign and subjugation of all enemies, culminating in His own submission to the Father, which sets the stage for the universal confession of His Lordship to God's glory.
Revelation 5:13This future vision describes every created thing in heaven, on earth, and under the earth giving praise and honor to the Lamb, directly illustrating the universal scope of the confession described in Philippians 2:11.
vincentPhilippians 2:11: "And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
Confess (ἐξομολογήσεται)See on Matthew 3:6; see on thank, Matthew 11:25; see on Romans 14:11. The verb may also be rendered thank, as Matthew 11:25; Luke 10:21, that meaning growing out of the sense of open, joyful acknowledgment. The sense here is that of frank, open confession.To the glory, etc.Connect with confess.
barnesPhilippians 2:11: "And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."
And that every tongue should confess - Everyone should acknowledge him. On the duty and importance of confessing Christ, see the notes at Romans 10:9-10 . That Jesus Christ is Lord - The word "Lord," here, is used in its primitive and proper sense, as denoting owner, ruler, sovereign; compare the notes at Romans 14:9. The meaning is, that all should acknowledge him as the universa…
The verse highlights that this confession isn't just about acknowledging Jesus' authority, but about a joyful, open declaration that brings honor to God the Father. It emphasizes that every part of creation will ultimately recognize Jesus' rightful place as sovereign, a recognition that inherently points back to the Father's glory.
Paul is building towards a powerful conclusion about Christ's ultimate authority. He's just described how every knee will bow to Jesus, both in heaven and on earth, and now he emphasizes that this submission will culminate in every tongue openly declaring Jesus Christ as Lord. This grand acknowledgment is the ultimate purpose, bringing immense glory to God the Father.
Paul is building towards a powerful conclusion about Christ's ultimate authority. He's just described how every knee will bow to Jesus, both in heaven and on earth, and now he emphasizes that this submission will culminate in every tongue openly declaring Jesus Christ as Lord. This grand acknowledgment is the ultimate purpose, bringing immense glory to God the Father.
"and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." — The verse highlights that this confession isn't just about acknowledging Jesus' authority, but about a joyful, open declaration that brings honor to God the Father. It emphasizes that every part of c…
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Last reviewed October 2026