Philippians 2:5-7
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The verse highlights that Jesus's "mind" wasn't just about His humble actions, but about a deep-seated disposition to prioritize others' well-being over His own rights, even to the point of self-sacrifice. This isn't simply about being nice; it's about adopting the very same selfless mindset that motivated Christ's incarnation and death for humanity.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to set aside their internal squabbles and instead embrace humility, a concept he's been developing for several verses. He then introduces the ultimate example of this selfless humility: Jesus Christ Himself, whose astonishing journey from divine glory to earthly suffering serves as the foundation for everything Paul will say next about Christ's character and exaltation.
Paul urges believers to 'have this mind.' But what does it really mean to 'think' or 'cherish' a certain way, especially when it's modeled on Christ?
The Greek word translated 'mind' here doesn't just refer to intellectual thought, but a whole disposition – a way of thinking, feeling, and intending. It's about adopting the inner attitude and motivations that characterized Jesus.
Paul points to Christ's example to teach humility. What specific actions and choices of Jesus demonstrate this radical self-emptying?
The core of the 'mind' Paul wants believers to adopt is found in Christ's incredible act of self-humiliation. It wasn't just about thinking humbly, but acting humbly out of deep love.
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Understand the original words
phroneō · Greek Verb
A mindset, attitude, or disposition that governs one's perspective and actions; in the New Testament, it refers to the transformed way of thinking that characterizes a disciple of Jesus.
morphē · Greek Noun
The essential nature, character, or external manifestation of something that perfectly reflects its inner essence. When applied to God, it signifies the fullness of divine nature.
isa · Greek Adjective (adverbial use)
The state of being equal in nature, dignity, and authority. Here it refers to Christ’s inherent, pre-existent status as fully God.
harpagmos · Greek Noun
Something to be seized, snatched, or held onto for one's own advantage. Christ did not view his divine prerogative as something to be selfishly clutched at the expense of his mission.
ekenōsen · Greek Verb
To make empty; to pour out. In this context, it signifies Christ voluntarily setting aside his divine glory and privileges, not his divine nature, to take on human nature.
doulou · Greek Noun
A slave or bond-servant; one whose will is entirely surrendered to the will of another. Christ assumed the role of the ultimate servant of God and humanity.
homoiōmati · Greek Noun
A close resemblance or appearance that corresponds to reality. It indicates that Christ became truly and authentically human, sharing in the human experience.
Jesus explicitly demonstrates the kind of humble service described here by washing his disciples' feet, showing that this mindset is meant to be put into practice.
Romans 15:5Paul echoes Philippians 2:5, praying that believers might live in harmony, just as Christ Jesus did, reinforcing the idea of a shared mindset.
1 Peter 2:21This passage directly calls believers to follow Christ's example, highlighting his suffering without complaint and thus pointing to the same selfless 'mind' mentioned in Philippians.
Galatians 5:13This verse connects the idea of serving one another with love to the self-sacrificing attitude modeled by Christ, urging believers not to indulge their selfish desires but to serve.
Philippians 2:6-8These verses immediately following Philippians 2:5 unpack what it means to have Christ's mind by detailing his voluntary descent from divine glory to humble service and death.
barnesPhilippians 2:5: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus - The object of this reference to the example of the Saviour is particularly to enforce the duty of humility. This was the highest example which could be furnished, and it would illustrate and confirm all the apostle had said of this virtue. The principle in the case is, that we are to make the Lord Jesus our model, and are in all respects to frame our lives, as fa…
vincentPhilippians 2:5: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
Let this mind be in you (τοῦτο φρονείσθω ἐν ὑμιν)Lit., let this be thought in you. The correct reading, however, is φρονεῖτε, lit., "think this in yourselves." Rev., have this mind in you.
The verse highlights that Jesus's "mind" wasn't just about His humble actions, but about a deep-seated disposition to prioritize others' well-being over His own rights, even to the point of self-sacrifice. This isn't simply about being nice; it's about adopting the very same selfless mindset that motivated Christ's incarnation and death for humanity.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to set aside their internal squabbles and instead embrace humility, a concept he's been developing for several verses. He then introduces the ultimate example of this selfless humility: Jesus Christ Himself, whose astonishing journey from divine glory to earthly suffering serves as the foundation for everything Paul will say next about Christ's character and exaltation.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to set aside their internal squabbles and instead embrace humility, a concept he's been developing for several verses. He then introduces the ultimate example of this selfless humility: Jesus Christ Himself, whose astonishing journey from divine glory to earthly suffering serves as the foundation for everything Paul will say next about Christ's character and exaltation.
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness…" — The verse highlights that Jesus's "mind" wasn't just about His humble actions, but about a deep-seated disposition to prioritize others' well-being over His own rights, even to the point of self-sacr…
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Last reviewed October 2026
