Romans 14:11

It is written. The quotation is from Isa. 45:23, though with some variations from the Hebrew.

Every knee. These words emphasize the universal character of the final judgment.

Shall confess. Gr. exomologeo, “to acknowledge,” “to give praise.” The latter meaning is common in the LXX (see 1 Chron. 29:13; etc.). Compare the use of this Greek word in Luke 10:21, where it is translated “to thank.” However, the alternative meaning “to confess,” “to acknowledge,” is also possible (cf. James 5:16, “Confess your faults”). Either meaning may be suitable in the context of Rom. 14:11. In the original quotation from Isaiah the oath of homage expressed by the phrase “shall swear” (cf. Joshua 23:7; 2 Chron. 15:14; Isa. 19:18) marks the submission of the whole world to Jehovah and the solemn confession of His sovereignty.