Topical Encyclopedia The knee, as referenced in the Bible, holds significant symbolic and literal importance. It is often associated with acts of worship, submission, and blessing. The act of bending the knee is a physical expression of humility and reverence, frequently depicted in both the Old and New Testaments.Worship and Submission In biblical times, bending the knee was a common posture for prayer and worship, symbolizing submission to God. In 1 Kings 8:54, Solomon is described as having "knelt on his knees with his hands spread toward heaven" during his prayer of dedication for the temple. This act of kneeling signifies a heart posture of humility and reverence before the Almighty. The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Ephesians, writes, "For this reason I bow my knees before the Father" (Ephesians 3:14), illustrating the practice of kneeling in prayer as a sign of submission and earnest supplication to God. Blessing and Authority The knee is also associated with the act of blessing. In Genesis 48:12, Joseph brings his sons to Jacob, who "brought them from between his knees, and he bowed down with his face to the ground." This passage highlights the cultural practice of placing children on the knees as a gesture of blessing and acceptance. Furthermore, the knee is a symbol of authority and power. In Philippians 2:10, it is declared that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth." This verse underscores the ultimate authority of Christ, to whom all creation will submit. Healing and Strength The knee is also mentioned in contexts of healing and strength. In Hebrews 12:12, believers are encouraged to "strengthen your limp hands and weak knees." This exhortation serves as a metaphor for spiritual renewal and perseverance, urging the faithful to find strength in their walk with God. Cultural and Historical Context In the ancient Near Eastern culture, the act of kneeling was not only a religious gesture but also a social one. It was a sign of respect and submission to a higher authority, whether divine or human. This cultural understanding is reflected in various biblical narratives where individuals kneel before kings or leaders as a sign of respect and allegiance. Conclusion The knee, as depicted in the Bible, is a multifaceted symbol representing worship, submission, blessing, authority, healing, and strength. Its significance is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating the physical and spiritual posture of those who seek to honor and serve God. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) In man, the joint in the middle part of the leg.2. (n.) The joint, or region of the joint, between the thigh and leg. 3. (n.) In the horse and allied animals, the carpal joint, corresponding to the wrist in man. 4. (n.) A piece of timber or metal formed with an angle somewhat in the shape of the human knee when bent. 5. (n.) A bending of the knee, as in respect or courtesy. 6. (v. t.) To supplicate by kneeling. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia KNEE; KNEELne nel ("knee," berekh; Aramaic 'arekhubbah; gonu; "kneel"; barakh; Aramaic berakh; gonupeto): Most of the uses are obvious, and the figurative use of "knees" as the symbol of strength (Job 4:4 Hebrews 12:12, etc.) needs no explanation. The disease of the knees mentioned in Deuteronomy 28:35 is perhaps some form of leprosy. In Job 3:12 the "knees" seem to be used for the lap, as the place where a child receives its first care. Three times in Genesis the knees appear in connection with primitive adoption customs. In 30:3 a fiction is enacted that purports to represent Rachel as the actual mother of Bilhah's children. By a somewhat similar rite in 48:12, Jacob (the "knees" here are Jacob's, not Joseph's) adopts Ephraim and Manasseh, so that they are counted as two of the twelve patriarchs and not as members of a single Joseph tribe. In the same way Machir's children are adopted by Joseph in 50:23, and this is certainly connected with the counting of Machir (instead of Manasseh) as one of the tribes in Judges 5:14. See TRIBE; and for the idea underlying this paternal adoption, compare THIGH. From among classical instances of the same customs compare Homer, Odyssey, xix. 401;, where Autolukos, grandfather of Ulysses, receives the newborn grandchild on his knees and gives him his name. Thus also we have to understand the numerous representations in Egyptian sculpture, showing the king as an infant on the knees or the lap of a goddess. Greek 1119. gonu -- the knee ... gonu. 1120 . the knee. Part of Speech: Noun, Neuter Transliteration: gonu Phonetic Spelling: (gon-oo') Short Definition: a knee Definition: the knee. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1119.htm - 6k 1120. gonupeteo -- to fall on the knees 2834. Knidos -- Cnidus, a city on the SW coast of Asia Minor Strong's Hebrew 755. arkubah -- the knee... 754, 755. arkubah. 755a . the knee. Transliteration: arkubah Phonetic Spelling: (ar-koo-baw') Short Definition: knee. knee (Aramaic ... /hebrew/755.htm - 5k 1290. berek -- the knee 1291. berak -- the knee 755a. arkubbah -- the knee 86. abrek -- to kneel 3766. kara -- to bow down 3767. kera -- a leg 3665. kana -- to be humble 1296. Berekyah -- "Yah blesses," the name of several Israelites Library O God of Love, on Bended Knee, Thy Kingdom Come! on Bended Knee Fragment vii. This Custom of not Bending the Knee Upon Sunday... This is the Image of the Queen No one Shall Find Fault with us for Observing the Fourth Day of ... The Song of the Little Baltung. AD 395 To Sit at the Right Hand of the Father is a Mystery Belonging to ... M. Mrs. Hemans. All must Pray. Formalities of Prayer: Conclusion His Arrival in Apulia, Venice, Ferrara, and Genoa --He is ... Thesaurus Knee (12 Occurrences)... 4. (n.) A piece of timber or metal formed with an angle somewhat in the shape of the human knee when bent. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. KNEE; KNEEL. ... /k/knee.htm - 12k Knee-deep (1 Occurrence) Kneel (10 Occurrences) Bow (248 Occurrences) Gesture Thigh (38 Occurrences) Trousers (7 Occurrences) Bowed (150 Occurrences) Breeches (6 Occurrences) Crutch (1 Occurrence) Resources What does it mean and when will it happen that every knee shall bow? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is genuflection? What does it mean to genuflect? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that Jesus has the name above all names? | GotQuestions.org Knee: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Knee (12 Occurrences)Matthew 27:29 Mark 15:19 Romans 11:4 Romans 14:11 Ephesians 3:14 Philippians 2:10 Genesis 41:43 Exodus 28:42 Psalms 95:6 Isaiah 45:23 Ezekiel 7:17 Ezekiel 21:7 Subtopics Related Terms |
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