The act of kneeling, often referred to as "kneeled" in past tense, is a significant posture in the Bible, symbolizing reverence, submission, and earnest prayer. Throughout Scripture, kneeling is depicted as a physical expression of humility and devotion before God.

Old Testament Context

In the Old Testament, kneeling is frequently associated with worship and supplication. One of the earliest references is found in 1 Kings 8:54, where Solomon, after dedicating the temple, "arose from before the altar of the LORD, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread toward heaven." This act of kneeling underscores the solemnity and sincerity of Solomon's prayer and dedication.

The Psalms also reflect the importance of kneeling in worship. Psalm 95:6 invites the faithful, "Come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the LORD our Maker." Here, kneeling is an act of acknowledging God's sovereignty and creative power.

New Testament Context

In the New Testament, kneeling continues to be a posture of prayer and submission. Jesus Himself is depicted as kneeling in prayer in the Garden of Gethsemane. Luke 22:41 states, "And He withdrew about a stone’s throw beyond them, where He knelt down and prayed." This moment highlights the intensity and earnestness of Jesus' prayer as He faced His impending crucifixion.

The early church also practiced kneeling in prayer. In Acts 20:36, Paul, before departing from the Ephesian elders, "knelt down with all of them and prayed." This gesture signifies the deep bond and shared faith among the believers, as well as their collective dependence on God.

Symbolism and Significance

Kneeling in the Bible is more than a mere physical posture; it is a profound expression of the heart's attitude towards God. It signifies humility, recognizing one's own limitations and the greatness of God. It is an act of submission, acknowledging God's authority and seeking His guidance and mercy.

Furthermore, kneeling is often associated with earnest prayer and intercession. It reflects a deep sense of urgency and sincerity in seeking God's intervention and blessing. The act of kneeling can also be seen as a form of worship, an outward expression of inward devotion and adoration.

Practical Application

For believers today, kneeling remains a powerful posture of prayer and worship. It serves as a reminder of the need for humility and reverence before God. While physical kneeling may not always be possible, the attitude of the heart is paramount. Whether physically or metaphorically, kneeling before God is an invitation to draw near to Him in faith and submission, seeking His will and presence in every aspect of life.(p. p.) of Kneel.3766. kara -- to bow down
... down (2), bowed (4), bowed down (9), bring him low (1), brought me very low (1),
couches (2), crouch (1), feeble (1), fell (1), kneel down (2), kneeled down (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

Daniel, the Praying Captive
... Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house, and his
windows being opened in his chamber toward Jerusalem, he kneeled upon his ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/x daniel the praying captive.htm

Acts xx. 32
... blessed to give than to receive." He prayed over them while exhorting them: he shows
it both by action,""And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down, and ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xlv acts xx 32.htm

Prayer Takes in the Whole Man
... prayer. Daniel kneeled upon his knees three times a day in prayer. Solomon
kneeled in prayer at the dedication of the temple. Our ...
/.../bounds/the essentials of prayer/i prayer takes in the.htm

Paul and his Praying (Continued)
... days, we departed, and went our way; and they all brought us on our way with their
wives and children, till we were out of the city; and we kneeled down on the ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xiv paul and his praying.htm

The Pharisee and Publican
... "When you stand praying," says our Lord; though sometimes our Lord kneeled, nay,
lay flat on his face upon the ground; his apostles also kneeled, as we read in ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the pharisee and publican.htm

Paul and his Praying
... Acts: "And when he had thus spoken, he kneeled down and prayed with them. ...
him.". "He kneeled down and prayed." Note those words. ...
/.../bounds/prayer and praying men/xiii paul and his praying.htm

Copies of Christ's Manner
... But Peter put them all forth, and kneeled down and prayed; and, turning
him to the body, said, Tabitha, arise."Acts 9:34, 40. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/copies of christs manner.htm

Chapter fourteen
... Virginia turned and instantly kneeled down by her. ... "Is it true?" Maxwell asked it,
as Dr. West kneeled on the other side of Loreen, supporting her. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter fourteen.htm

Chapter nine
... And Virginia, after a moment's hesitation, kneeled down by her and the
two heads were bowed close together. But when the people ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter nine.htm

The Temple and Its Dedication
... Jesus, our example, "kneeled down, and prayed." Luke 22:41. Of his disciples it
is recorded that they, too, "kneeled down, and prayed." Acts 9:40. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 2 the temple and.htm

Kneeled (12 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (pp) of Kneel. Multi-Version Concordance Kneeled
(12 Occurrences). Matthew 18:26 The servant therefore ...
/k/kneeled.htm - 10k

Knelt (20 Occurrences)
... Matthew 27:29 and having plaited him a crown out of thorns they put 'it' on his
head, and a reed in his right hand, and having kneeled before him, they were ...
/k/knelt.htm - 12k

Knees (47 Occurrences)
... Matthew 18:26 The servant therefore fell down and kneeled before him, saying,'Lord,
have patience with me, and I will repay you all!' (See RSV NIV). ...
/k/knees.htm - 23k

Kneel (10 Occurrences)

/k/kneel.htm - 11k

Fell (331 Occurrences)
... Matthew 18:26 The servant therefore fell down and kneeled before him, saying,'Lord,
have patience with me, and I will repay you all!' (WEB KJV ASV WBS NAS RSV ...
/f/fell.htm - 36k

Questioning (65 Occurrences)
... Mark 10:17 And as he is going forth into the way, one having run and having kneeled
to him, was questioning him, 'Good teacher, what may I do, that life age ...
/q/questioning.htm - 24k

Kneeleth (1 Occurrence)

/k/kneeleth.htm - 6k

Knee (12 Occurrences)
... Matthew 27:29 They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed
in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying ...
/k/knee.htm - 12k

Upstairs (8 Occurrences)
... 6:10 When Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went into his house (now his
windows were open in his chamber toward Jerusalem) and he kneeled on his ...
/u/upstairs.htm - 8k

Jews (287 Occurrences)
... Matthew 27:29 They braided a crown of thorns and put it on his head, and a reed
in his right hand; and they kneeled down before him, and mocked him, saying ...
/j/jews.htm - 36k

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