γόνυ (gonu)
gonu
a knee
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun gonu refers simply to the knee, yet in Scripture it serves as a powerful physical marker of posture and status. It appears twelve times across the New Testament, with notable occurrences in Acts, Romans, and Luke. The word itself is neutral, describing the anatomical joint, but its usage consistently points toward human vulnerability or submission.
Its meaning shifts depending on who is kneeling and why. In Luke 5:8, Peter falls at Jesus’ knees in awe, while in Luke 22:41 and Acts 7:60, believers kneel to pray. Conversely, Mark 15:19 records soldiers mocking Jesus by placing a crown of thorns on His head and bending the knee in false homage. Paul uses the image in Philippians 2:10 to describe every knee bowing to Christ, echoing Isaiah 45:23.
The term often pairs with verbs like "bend" or "fall," emphasizing the deliberate act of lowering oneself. This physical gesture underscores the theological reality that all authority ultimately rests in God’s hands, whether offered in worship, supplication, or reluctant acknowledgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gonu, meaning knee, appears twelve times in the New Testament. It is not merely an anatomical term but a posture of the heart. When Peter fell at Jesus' knees in Luke 5:8, he recognized his own sinfulness and Christ's holiness. This simple act shows that coming before God requires humility. We do not approach Him as equals but as creatures before their Creator.
Yet this posture is also one of hope. In Philippians 2:10, Paul tells us that every knee will bow to Jesus. This includes all creation, whether they choose to do so now or are compelled to do so later. For believers, kneeling is an act of love and trust. It is where we lay down our pride and receive grace. Whether in prayer like the apostles in Acts or in worship, the bent knee signals that God is in control.
This physical gesture reminds us of our vulnerability and God's sovereignty. We are not self-sufficient; we need Him. The act of kneeling invites us to rest in His authority. It is a quiet moment where we acknowledge that He alone holds all power. This truth brings peace, knowing that the One we worship is worthy of all submission.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- knees7×
- knee2×
- on [his] knees1×
- knee,1×
- [the] knee1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γόνατα7×
- γόνυ2×
- γόνυ,1×
- γόνατά1×
- γόνασιν1×
Key Verses
-
Luke 5:8
But Simon Peter, when he saw it, fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, Lord.”
Peter's kneeling here marks a pivotal moment of recognizing Jesus' divine holiness amidst human sin.
-
Philippians 2:10
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, those on earth, and those under the earth,
This verse uses the kneeling image to declare the universal and eventual submission of all creation to Christ.
-
Acts 7:60
He kneeled down and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, don’t hold this sin against them!” When he had said this, he fell asleep.
Stephen's kneeling while dying demonstrates that this posture can express forgiveness even in extreme suffering.
-
Romans 14:11
For it is written, “‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess to God.’”
Paul quotes Isaiah to show that kneeling is the inevitable response of every tongue to God's ultimate authority.