for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
The text here, from Isaiah, isn't just about a future judgment; it's a powerful reminder that "confessing to God" carries the sense of "praising God." This subtle shift highlights that our ultimate accountability isn't solely about admitting wrongs, but also about acknowledging His sovereignty with awe and adoration.
for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is arguing against judging fellow believers over matters that are not essential to salvation, like dietary practices or observing specific days. He emphasizes that both Jewish and Gentile believers are accountable to God, pointing out that everyone will eventually stand before Christ's judgment seat. This quote from Isaiah highlights that universal accountability, reminding them that every person will ultimately give an account to God, underscoring the humility required in their interactions with each other now.
Have you ever felt the weight of an authority you couldn't escape? This ancient prophecy speaks to a universal reality that touches every single person.
A Universal Acknowledgment
This powerful declaration from Isaiah 45:23, quoted by Paul, isn't just a religious saying; it's a cosmic truth. It declares that ultimately, everyone will acknowledge Christ's supreme authority.
Confession can feel vulnerable, but what does it truly mean when God declares every tongue will confess Him?
More Than Just Words
The second part of the prophecy, "and every tongue shall confess to God," goes hand-in-hand with the bowing of the knee. But what kind of confession is it?
Ask a follow-up
How can a quote from the Old Testament, originally about God, become a powerful statement about Jesus?
Applying the Divine Oath to Jesus
Paul's use of this passage is incredibly significant. He applies a declaration originally made by God Himself (Yahweh) to Jesus Christ. This isn't a casual quote; it's a theological argument.
Understand the original words
Kyrios · Greek Noun
The sovereign Creator and Ruler of all, to whom all creation owes allegiance and final judgment. The term implies divine authority and absolute lordship.
kampsē · Greek Verb
A posture of profound reverence, submission, and recognition of sovereignty. Biblically, it symbolizes the acknowledgment of God’s supreme authority over every created being.
exomologēsetai · Greek Verb
To openly declare, acknowledge, or give praise. In a theological sense, it refers to the public affirmation of God's character, truth, or lordship.
Paul quotes Isaiah 45:23 to underscore that all people, regardless of their dietary practices or opinions on ceremonial laws, will ultimately stand before Christ's judgment seat. This ancient prophecy, originally about God's universal sovereignty declared amidst Babylonian exile, takes on a Messianic significance in Paul's argument, pointing to Christ as the divine judge.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah Prophesies
Isaiah delivers his prophecies in Judah during a time of Assyrian dominance and internal political strife, foretelling God's ultimate sovereignty.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Siege of Jerusalem
The Assyrian army under Sennacherib besieges Jerusalem, a pivotal event emphasizing God's protection of His people and His supreme authority.
c. 597 BC
First Babylonian Deportation
Babylon begins deporting Judean citizens, including royalty and skilled workers, to Babylon, marking the start of the Babylonian exile.
c. 587 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Temple Destruction
Babylon destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, a catastrophic event for the Jewish people, leading to further exile and scattering.
c. 539 BC
Persian Conquest of Babylon
Cyrus the Great of Persia conquers Babylon, initiating a new era where exiled peoples, including the Jews, are allowed to return to their homelands.
c. 40-60s AD
Paul's Ministry and Letters
The Apostle Paul conducts missionary journeys and writes epistles to various churches, addressing issues of faith, practice, and unity within the early Christian communities.
c. 57 AD— this verse
Paul Writes Romans
Paul pens his letter to the church in Rome, likely from Corinth, to explain his gospel and prepare for his anticipated visit.
This is the direct source passage Paul is quoting from the Old Testament. It shows God declaring His sovereignty, to which all creation will ultimately bow and acknowledge Him.
Philippians 2:10-11This passage echoes the same concept, stating that every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus as Lord. It explicitly links this universal acknowledgment to Christ's divine status.
Psalm 63:11This psalm speaks of those who swear by God, which is understood as an act of allegiance and confession of His supreme authority, paralleling the 'confess to God' in Romans 14:11.
Joshua 2:12This verse shows Rahab making a vow to the spies of Israel, swearing by the Lord. This demonstrates the concept of swearing as a profound act of commitment and acknowledgment of a divine power.
ellicottRomans 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."
(11) As I live. —The original has, “I have sworn by Myself,” for which St. Paul, quoting from memory, substitutes another common Hebrew formula—“As I live,” or, “by my life.” Shall confess . . .—The Greek word is capable of two renderings—“confess” and “praise:” Most commentators prefer the latter, but it is not quite clear that the English version is wrong. That the…
cambridgeRomans 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."
11 . it is written ] Isaiah 45:23 . The Heb. there runs, “By myself have I sworn … to me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.” The LXX. runs, “By myself I swear, … that to me every knee shall bow, and every tongue shall swear (by) God.” Here St Paul substitutes one frequent formula of Divine Oaths for another; and paraphrases “shall swear to me” by its prac…
The text here, from Isaiah, isn't just about a future judgment; it's a powerful reminder that "confessing to God" carries the sense of "praising God." This subtle shift highlights that our ultimate accountability isn't solely about admitting wrongs, but also about acknowledging His sovereignty with awe and adoration.
Paul is arguing against judging fellow believers over matters that are not essential to salvation, like dietary practices or observing specific days. He emphasizes that both Jewish and Gentile believers are accountable to God, pointing out that everyone will eventually stand before Christ's judgment seat. This quote from Isaiah highlights that universal accountability, reminding them that every person will ultimately give an account to God, underscoring the humility required in their interactions with each other now.
Paul is arguing against judging fellow believers over matters that are not essential to salvation, like dietary practices or observing specific days. He emphasizes that both Jewish and Gentile believers are accountable to God, pointing out that everyone will eventually stand before Christ's judgment seat. This quote from Isaiah highlights that universal accountability, reminding them that every person will ultimately give an account to God, underscoring the humility required in their interactions with each other now.
"for it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.”" — The text here, from Isaiah, isn't just about a future judgment; it's a powerful reminder that "confessing to God" carries the sense of "praising God." This subtle shift highlights that our ultimate a…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026