For this cause I bow my knees unto the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,

EPHESIANS 3:14KJV
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Ephesians 3:14 (KJV)

What does Ephesians 3:14 mean?

Ephesians 3:14 describes Paul humbly kneeling in prayer before God the Father, motivated by what he has just explained about God’s plan and blessings through Jesus Christ. Paul’s posture and words show deep reverence and dependence on God as the source of all spiritual strength.

Paul is writing this letter to the Christians in Ephesus, explaining the great mystery of God’s grace now revealed to both Jews and Gentiles. After describing God’s amazing work in bringing all people together in Christ, Paul responds by bowing his knees—an act that signals earnest prayer and humility—addressing God as the Father of Jesus, which highlights the close relationship believers have with God.

The Greek behind Ephesians 3:14

  • "bow" (κάμπτω, kamptō): This word means to bend or kneel, and in the ancient world, kneeling was a sign of deep respect or urgent prayer, not the usual posture for Jewish prayer, which was standing. Paul’s choice of words emphasizes his humility and the seriousness of his prayer.
  • "knees" (γόνατα, gonata): Mentioning his knees makes Paul’s physical act of prayer vivid, underlining his submission and earnestness before God.
  • "Father" (πατήρ, patēr): Calling God "Father" (πατήρ, patēr) highlights the personal and relational aspect of Christian prayer, showing that Paul approaches God not as a distant deity but as a loving parent.

Why Ephesians 3:14 matters

  • Ephesians 3:14 shows that Paul’s teaching about God’s grace and unity in Christ leads him to prayer, not just more teaching, highlighting the importance of responding to theology with worship and dependence on God.
  • The verse clarifies that Christian prayer is directed to God as Father, through Jesus Christ, which was a significant shift from how many people in Paul’s time thought about approaching God.
  • Paul’s act of kneeling, described here, connects his prayer to the deep themes of humility and reverence that run throughout Ephesians, setting the tone for the powerful prayer that follows in the next verses.

Where else these words appear

“bow” Greek G2578 · used in 4 verses

  • Romans 11:4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.
  • Romans 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.
  • Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

“cause” Greek G5484 · used in 9 verses

  • Luke 7:47 Wherefore I say unto thee, Her sins, which are many, are forgiven; for she loved much: but to whom little is forgiven, the same loveth little.
  • Ephesians 3:1 For this cause I Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles,
  • Titus 1:11 Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre's sake.

“knees” Greek G1119 · used in 12 verses

  • Mark 15:19 And they smote him on the head with a reed, and did spit upon him, and bowing their knees worshipped him.
  • Acts 7:60 And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
  • Romans 11:4 But what saith the answer of God unto him? I have reserved to myself seven thousand men, who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.

“this” Greek G5127 · used in 72 verses

  • Matthew 13:15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
  • John 12:31 Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.
  • Romans 7:24 O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death?