bow the knee

Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:

The Eastern mode of salutation by kneeling on one knee and bending the head forward (Gen. 37:10; 1 Kings 1:53; 2:19).

Concise Bible Dictionary:

An act of respect between man and man, very common in the East, as Abraham bowed down himself before the people of the land when he bought a burying place for his dead (Gen. 23:7, 12). Also an act of reverence to God (Psa. 95:6); but strictly forbidden to be done before an idol or image (Ex. 20:5); and treated as an act of worship.

Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew Words:

Transliteration:
’abrek
Phonic:
ab-rake’
Meaning:
probably an Egyptian word meaning kneel
KJV Usage:
bow the knee