Isaiah 45:23
“I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear.”
King James Version
The LORD's oath that to Him alone every knee will bow and every tongue confess — applied by Paul directly to Jesus (Philippians 2:10; Romans 14:11).
Fulfillment References
Philippians 2:10-11 Romans 14:11 Isaiah 45:21-22 Revelation 5:13
How Traditions Read This Prophecy
Apostolic (Oneness) PentecostalThe oath where YHWH says 'unto me every knee shall bow' — in the context 'I am God, and there is none else' — is applied to Jesus (Phil. 2:10), the clearest testimony that Jesus is that one God.
JewishAn emphatic statement of strict monotheism — to the one God alone (v.21-22, 'there is no God else beside me') will all bow; a cornerstone of Jewish faith.
CatholicPaul applies this divine oath to Christ (Phil. 2:10), confessing Jesus as Lord to the Father's glory.
ProtestantA pillar text for Christ's deity: the homage Isaiah reserves for YHWH alone, Paul says is given to Jesus (Phil. 2:10-11; Rom. 14:11).
OrthodoxThe universal worship due to God rendered to Christ, true God of true God.
DispensationalEvery knee bowing to the LORD, realized at Christ's exaltation and universal reign.
AcademicA landmark case in NT Christology: Paul transfers a strict-monotheism YHWH text (Isa. 45:23) directly to Jesus, central to debates over early 'divine Christology.'
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Bible Prophecy Explorer · based on J. Barton Payne’s Encyclopedia of Biblical Prophecy catalogue · an openly Apostolic (Oneness) Pentecostal study resource — all traditions presented fairly. Pastor: C. Myles Young, PhD · Bishop: Nathaniel J. Wilson, Ed.D.