γονυπετέω (gonupeteō)
gonupeteō
to kneel
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb gonupeteō describes the physical act of kneeling or falling to one’s knees. It combines words for "knee" and "to fall," creating an image of immediate, bodily submission. In the New Testament, this posture is not merely a casual bend but a deliberate gesture of humility before someone with greater authority.
Scripture uses this term in moments of urgent need or deep reverence. For instance, a leper falls on his knees to Jesus for healing (Mark 1:40), and disciples kneel before the Lord in awe (Matthew 17:14). It also appears in the Passion narrative when soldiers mockingly place a crown of thorns on Jesus while he is kneeling (Matthew 27:29).
Translators typically render gonupeteō as "kneel" or "fall down." The word emphasizes the physical reality of the act rather than just the internal feeling. It shows that true reverence often involves a tangible change in posture, bringing the body into alignment with the heart’s submission.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word gonupeteō captures a moment of total surrender. It describes falling to one’s knees, a physical act that mirrors an internal shift in the heart. When we kneel, we acknowledge our limitations and the greater authority of another. In Scripture, this posture appears in moments of urgent need or deep reverence, reminding us that true worship often involves a tangible change in how we carry ourselves.
Consider the leper in Mark 1:40. He did not just ask for help from a distance; he came close and knelt, showing his complete dependence on Jesus’ power to heal. This image invites us to bring our own struggles before God with similar honesty. We do not need perfect words or polished emotions, only a willing heart ready to submit.
Even in the face of mockery, as seen when soldiers forced Jesus to kneel, the posture held a hidden dignity. It reminds us that humility is not weakness but a strength rooted in trust. As you navigate your own challenges, remember that kneeling before God is an act of faith, acknowledging His sovereignty over every detail of your life.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- kneeling down2×
- he having knelt down to1×
- having bowed the knees1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- γονυπετῶν2×
- γονυπετήσας1×
- γονυπετήσαντες1×
Key Verses
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Mark 1:40
A leper came to him, begging him, kneeling down to him, and saying to him, “If you want to, you can make me clean.”
This verse highlights the word in the context of a desperate plea for healing, showing how physical submission accompanies spiritual need.
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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, “Hail, King of the Jews!”
Here the posture is used ironically by soldiers, yet it underscores the reality of Jesus’ humility even during His mockery.
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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?”
The rich young ruler kneels to ask a profound question about eternal life, linking the physical act with a search for truth.