Philippians 2:11 Does Not Say That Every Tongue Will Voluntarily Confess Jesus as Lord, Does It?

The following considerations make clear that this is about universal, heartfelt assent:

It says “every tongue will confess,” not: every lip will confess. Lips in the Bible refer to the outside (Matthew 15:8). Honoring God with the lips is merely outward appearance and show. The tongue, by contrast, is inside.

In this verse Paul uses a special word for “confess”: “ex-omologeo.” The preposition “ex” before “omologeo” means that it comes from within. All 11 times the NT uses this word, it indicates voluntary, heartfelt assent.

A forced hymn of praise would certainly not be to the glory of God as Father.

Finally, remember that this universal hymn of praise will sound “in the name of JESUS.” The name Jesus means: JHWH is Savior!

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