The act of kneeling, often associated with prayer, worship, and submission, is a significant posture found throughout the Bible. Kneeling is a physical expression of humility, reverence, and devotion to God. It is a gesture that signifies the worshiper's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty and their own dependence on Him.

Old Testament Instances

In the Old Testament, kneeling is frequently depicted as a posture of prayer and supplication. One notable instance is found in the life of Solomon. At the dedication of the Temple, Solomon knelt in prayer before the entire assembly of Israel, spreading out his hands toward heaven (2 Chronicles 6:13). This act of kneeling demonstrated his humility and earnestness in seeking God's presence and blessing upon the Temple.

Another example is found in the book of Daniel. Daniel, known for his unwavering faithfulness to God, continued his practice of kneeling in prayer three times a day, even when it was decreed illegal by King Darius (Daniel 6:10). Daniel's commitment to kneeling in prayer, despite the threat of persecution, highlights the importance of this posture as an expression of steadfast devotion and trust in God.

New Testament Instances

In the New Testament, kneeling continues to be a significant posture in the life of believers. Jesus Himself is depicted as kneeling in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. In a moment of deep anguish, He knelt down and prayed, seeking the Father's will and strength to endure the suffering that lay ahead (Luke 22:41). This act of kneeling underscores Jesus' submission to the Father's will and His reliance on divine strength.

The early church also practiced kneeling in prayer. In the book of Acts, the apostle Paul is described as kneeling in prayer with the Ephesian elders before his departure, demonstrating his deep love and concern for the church (Acts 20:36). This scene illustrates the communal aspect of kneeling in prayer, as believers join together in seeking God's guidance and blessing.

Theological Significance

Kneeling is more than a mere physical posture; it is a profound expression of the heart's attitude toward God. It signifies humility, acknowledging God's greatness and our own limitations. Kneeling in prayer is an act of surrender, recognizing our need for God's grace, guidance, and intervention in our lives.

Furthermore, kneeling is an act of worship, reflecting the believer's reverence and adoration for the Creator. It is a posture that aligns the body with the heart's intent, demonstrating a holistic approach to worship that involves both spirit and body.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, kneeling remains a meaningful practice in personal and corporate worship. While the physical act of kneeling is not a requirement for prayer, it can serve as a powerful reminder of our posture before God. In moments of personal devotion, kneeling can help focus the mind and heart on God's presence, fostering a deeper sense of connection and intimacy with Him.

In corporate worship settings, kneeling can be a unifying act, as congregants join together in a shared expression of reverence and submission to God. Whether in times of confession, intercession, or adoration, kneeling can enhance the worship experience, drawing believers closer to the heart of God.

In summary, the act of kneeling in the Bible is a rich and multifaceted expression of faith, humility, and worship. It serves as a timeless reminder of the believer's relationship with God, inviting us to approach Him with reverence, dependence, and love.1. (imp. & p. p.) of Kneel.

2. (imp. & p. p.) of Kneel.

1120. gonupeteo -- to fall on the knees
... Word Origin from gonu and pipto Definition to fall on the knees NASB Word Usage
falling on his knees before (2), knees before (2), knelt before (1), knelt down ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1120.htm - 6k

5087. tithemi -- to place, lay, set
... Word Usage appointed (6), assign (2), committed (1), conceived (1), destined (1),
down* (4), falling (1), fixed (1), kept (1), kneeling* (2), knelt* (3), laid ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5087.htm - 10k

1119. gonu -- the knee
... Word Origin a prim. word Definition the knee NASB Word Usage down* (4), feet
(1), knee (3), kneeling* (2), knees (3), knelt* (3). knee. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1119.htm - 6k

1288. barak -- to kneel, bless
... 1), curse (3), cursed (3), curses (1), greatly bless (1), greet (2), greeted (1),
had to bless (1), kneel (1), kneel down (1), knelt (1), persisted in blessing ...
/hebrew/1288.htm - 6k

CHM Mrs. Hemans. The Agony in the Garden.
... 1 He knelt; the Saviour knelt and prayed, When but his Father's eye Looked, through
the lonely garden's shade, On that dread agony; He poured in prayer his ...
/.../various/book of hymns for public and private devotion/132 c h m mrs.htm

The Agony in Gethsemane.
... 1 He knelt; the Saviour knelt and prayed, When but his Father's eye Looked, through
the lonely garden's shade, On that dread agony: The Lord of high and ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/adams/hymns for christian devotion/226 the agony in.htm

Earliest Memories
... Before setting about my task I knelt before the statue of Our Lady which had given
my family so many proofs of Our Heavenly Mother's loving care.[2] As I knelt ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter i earliest memories.htm

The Little Flower Enters the Carmel
... understand. I embraced all my dear ones and knelt for my Father's blessing.
He, too, knelt down and blessed me through his tears. ...
/.../martin/the story of a soul/chapter vii the little flower.htm

How Three Sunday School Children Met their Fate
... They then knelt down and commenced to pray."] ... They then knelt down and commenced
to sing the little hymn we have all been taught in our Sunday School days. Oh! ...
/.../how three sunday school children.htm

The Child's Prayer
... THE CHILD'S PRAYER. [Illustration.] Into her chamber went A little girl one
day, And by a chair she knelt, And thus began to pray:". ...
/.../shaw/touching incidents and remarkable answers to prayer/the childs prayer.htm

Nicholas of Basle
... room. Every night he knelt before it, and remained upon his knees meditating
upon the pain and shame which the Lord suffered. And ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xxxviii nicholas of basle.htm

Earliest Memories
... Before setting about my task I knelt before the statue of Our Lady which had given
my family so many proofs of Our Heavenly Mother's loving care. ...
/.../therese/story of a soul/chapter i - earliest memories.htm

the Little Flower Enters the Carmel
... understand. I embraced all my dear ones and knelt for my Father's blessing.
He, too, knelt down and blessed me through his tears. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/therese/story of a soul/chapter vii - the little.htm

Of a Holy Friar who Saw a Wonderful vision of a Companion who was ...
... And as he beheld these things in great amazement, he saw that when Christ passed
by the chapter house, St Francis will all those friars knelt down, and said to ...
/.../ugolino/the little flowers of st francis of assisi/chapter lvi of a holy.htm

Knelt (20 Occurrences)
...Knelt (20 Occurrences). ... Matthew 20:20 Then the mother of the sons of Zabdi came to
Him with her sons, and knelt before Him to make a request of Him. (WEY). ...
/k/knelt.htm - 12k

Prayed (97 Occurrences)
... Luke 22:41 He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw, and he knelt
down and prayed, (WEB KJV WEY ASV DBY WBS RSV NIV). Luke ...
/p/prayed.htm - 35k

Attitudes (1 Occurrence)
... Solomon not only stood before the altar on the occasion of dedicating his famous
temple, but he also knelt (1 Kings 8:54 2 Chronicles 6:13). ...
/a/attitudes.htm - 20k

Zabdi (17 Occurrences)
... Matthew 20:20 Then the mother of the sons of Zabdi came to Him with her
sons, and knelt before Him to make a request of Him. (WEY). ...
/z/zabdi.htm - 13k

Knew (1181 Occurrences)

/k/knew.htm - 6k

Withdrew (55 Occurrences)
... Luke 22:41 But He Himself withdrew from them about a stone's throw, and knelt
down and prayed repeatedly, saying, (WEY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/w/withdrew.htm - 22k

Withdrawn (28 Occurrences)
... him.' (YLT). Luke 22:41 He was withdrawn from them about a stone's throw,
and he knelt down and prayed, (WEB KJV DBY WBS YLT). John 5 ...
/w/withdrawn.htm - 15k

Inherit (98 Occurrences)
... Mark 10:17 As he was going out into the way, one ran to him, knelt before him, and
asked him, "Good Teacher, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life ...
/i/inherit.htm - 38k

Rabbi (51 Occurrences)
... Mark 10:17 As He went out to resume His journey, there came a man running up to
Him, who knelt at His feet and asked, "Good Rabbi, what am I to do in order to ...
/r/rabbi.htm - 22k

Repeatedly (28 Occurrences)
... WEY). Luke 22:41 But He Himself withdrew from them about a stone's throw,
and knelt down and prayed repeatedly, saying, (WEY). Luke ...
/r/repeatedly.htm - 14k

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