Definition and Significance:
Kneeling is a physical posture often associated with prayer, worship, and submission in the biblical context. It signifies humility, reverence, and a heart posture of surrender before God. Throughout the Scriptures, kneeling is depicted as an act of devotion and a demonstration of one's earnestness in seeking God's presence and favor.

Biblical Instances:

1. Solomon's Dedication of the Temple:
In 2 Chronicles 6:13, during the dedication of the Temple, King Solomon kneels before the entire assembly of Israel. The verse states, "Now Solomon had made a bronze platform and set it in the midst of the court. He stood on it, knelt down before the whole assembly of Israel, spread out his hands toward heaven." This act of kneeling underscores Solomon's humility and recognition of God's sovereignty as he prays for the nation.

2. Daniel's Faithfulness in Prayer:
Daniel 6:10 illustrates Daniel's unwavering commitment to prayer, even in the face of persecution. The verse reads, "Now when Daniel learned that the document had been signed, he went into his house, where the windows of his upper room opened toward Jerusalem, and three times a day he got down on his knees, prayed, and gave thanks to his God, just as he had done before." Daniel's kneeling is a testament to his steadfast faith and reliance on God.

3. Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane:
In Luke 22:41, Jesus kneels in prayer during a moment of deep anguish before His crucifixion. The passage states, "And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed." This act of kneeling highlights Jesus' submission to the Father's will and His earnest supplication in a time of great distress.

4. Stephen's Martyrdom:
Acts 7:60 describes Stephen, the first Christian martyr, kneeling as he prays for his persecutors. The verse says, "Then he fell on his knees and cried out in a loud voice, 'Lord, do not hold this sin against them.' And when he had said this, he fell asleep." Stephen's kneeling reflects his Christ-like forgiveness and his readiness to meet the Lord.

5. Paul's Farewell to the Ephesian Elders:
In Acts 20:36, Paul kneels with the Ephesian elders in a heartfelt moment of prayer and farewell. The scripture notes, "When Paul had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed." This gesture of kneeling signifies the deep bond and shared faith between Paul and the elders.

Theological Implications:
Kneeling in prayer and worship is a physical expression of an inward reality—a heart that is humble and submitted to God. It is a recognition of God's majesty and authority, and an acknowledgment of human dependence on divine grace and mercy. Kneeling is not merely a ritualistic act but a profound expression of faith and devotion.

Cultural and Historical Context:
In biblical times, kneeling was a common posture of prayer and supplication, reflecting the cultural norms of expressing respect and submission. While standing and prostrating were also used in worship, kneeling held a particular significance in demonstrating humility before God.

Practical Application:
For believers today, kneeling can serve as a meaningful practice in personal and corporate worship. It is a tangible way to express reverence and submission to God, aligning one's physical posture with the attitude of the heart. While not mandated, kneeling can enhance the depth of one's prayer life and foster a spirit of humility and devotion.3766. kara -- to bow down
... 1), brought me very low (1), couches (2), crouch (1), feeble (1), fell (1), kneel
down (2), kneeled down (1), kneeled* (1), kneeling (1), kneels* (1), sank (1 ...
/hebrew/3766.htm - 6k

1290. berek -- the knee
... Word Origin from barak Definition the knee NASB Word Usage feeble* (1), knee
(1), kneeled* (1), kneels* (1), knees (20), lap (1). knee. ...
/hebrew/1290.htm - 6k

One of Paul's Prayers
... All the Apostle's bonds fall from off him as he kneels in prayer for the
saints in Ephesus, and for all the faithful in Christ Jesus. ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xii one of pauls prayers.htm

The Speaking Voice
... The believing man does not claim to understand. He falls to his knees and whispers,
"God." The man of earth kneels also, but not to worship. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tozer/the pursuit of god/vi the speaking voice.htm

The Lord and the Leper
... all around. A leper comes to him, and kneels before him, and expresses his
confident faith in him, that he can make him whole. Now ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 34 1888/the lord and the leper.htm

The Faith of Little Children.
... has been told that God lives, that God loves him, that God can do everything and
will surely hear his prayer, and then in its care and grief, kneels before the ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/the faith of little children.htm

The Man who Knocked at Midnight
... Do you see Him? Do you hear Him? Can you make out what He is asking? He stands up.
He kneels down. He falls on His face. He knocks at the thick darkness. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/whyte/lord teach us to pray/xiv the man who knocked.htm

The Rich Inquirer
... Mark describes so well. The Savior is just "going forth" when one rushes to overtake
Him, and kneels down to Him, full of the hope of a great discovery. ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 10 17-22 the rich inquirer.htm

The Incidental
... So perhaps it happens that a man some morning kneels down and says his prayer, and
then rises and goes out into the world, the same man with the same cares and ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/xiii the incidental.htm

The Lord's Prayer, viii
... The man goes down to the river-bank and spreads his little carpet so that he shall
look toward Mecca; but before he kneels he crouches on the bank, and ...
/.../peabody/mornings in the college chapel/lxxxvii the lords prayer viii.htm

At the Other End.
... him. The praying man can as really touch these cities as he kneels in
his room, with map and Book spread out before him. Things ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/at the other end.htm

The Prayer of the Regenerated.
... Then his mother kneels by his side and prays for him, "helping his infirmities,
for he knoweth not what to pray for as he ought." If he were twenty years older ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xlii the prayer of the.htm

Kneels (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Kneels (1 Occurrence). Judges 7:5 So he brought
the people down to the water; and the LORD said to Gideon ...
/k/kneels.htm - 6k

Kneeling (12 Occurrences)

/k/kneeling.htm - 10k

Kneel (10 Occurrences)
... and the LORD said to Gideon, "Every one that laps the water with his tongue, as
a dog laps, you shall set by himself; likewise every one that kneels down to ...
/k/kneel.htm - 11k

Knees (47 Occurrences)

/k/knees.htm - 23k

Jehu (63 Occurrences)
... On Shalmaneser's Black Obelisk is a pictorial representation of "the tribute of
Jehu, son of Omri." An ambassador kneels before the conqueror, and presents his ...
/j/jehu.htm - 47k

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