Philippians 2:5-7
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)
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The verse grounds our call to humility not just in Jesus' actions, but in His very being before he even became human. It emphasizes that this same mindset, found in the pre-incarnate Christ, is what is to be cultivated within believers. This means the pattern for our humility isn't just His earthly life, but also His eternal nature.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility, pushing back against any selfish ambition or pride that might be dividing them. He immediately follows this call to humility by presenting Jesus Christ as the ultimate model, detailing His incredible self-sacrifice and subsequent exaltation to demonstrate the depth of this divine mindset.
Paul tells us to 'have this mind.' What exactly is 'this mind,' and why is it so crucial for believers?
The core of this verse is an invitation to adopt the very mindset, the inner disposition, of Jesus Christ. It's not just about performing actions that seem humble; it's about cultivating a deep-seated humility from the heart. This 'mind' involves a willingness to set aside our own interests and concerns, just as Jesus did.
Paul presents Jesus as the ultimate model. He didn't cling to his divine status but willingly embraced human form, a profound act of self-emptying. This isn't about a loss of divinity, but a choice to prioritize others' well-being over His own comfort and status. This mindset is the foundation for all genuine Christian humility and service.
We often think of humility as outward actions. But what does Scripture say is at its very core?
The Greek word translated as 'mind' here (phroneō) encompasses more than just a fleeting thought. It refers to a settled disposition, an inner attitude, a way of thinking and feeling that shapes our entire being. It's about the orientation of our understanding, our will, and our affections.
Paul is urging the Philippians (and us!) to cultivate this internal orientation that mirrors Christ's. His example wasn't just about being lowly in actions, but about a deep-seated humility that motivated His every choice, including His ultimate sacrifice. This inner reality will inevitably lead to outward expressions of love and service.
Paul points to Jesus as the perfect example. What specific aspects of His life and nature make Him our supreme model for humility?
This verse serves as the gateway to one of the most profound Christological passages in the Bible (Philippians 2:6-11). Paul uses Jesus' pre-incarnate glory, His voluntary descent into humanity, and His ultimate suffering on the cross as the ultimate illustration of self-humbling love.
Even though Jesus was 'in the form of God,' He didn't consider equality with God something to be grasped. Instead, He 'emptied himself,' taking on the form of a servant. This wasn't a demotion but a deliberate choice motivated by love, demonstrating that true greatness is found in service and self-sacrifice, not in asserting one's own rights or status.
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.
This passage, while deeply theological, is rooted in the very real experience of the Philippian church and Paul's own suffering. The exhortation to humility isn't abstract; it's a call to live out the gospel in a world that often rewards self-promotion and power.
c. 1st century AD— this verse
Paul Writes from Prison
The Apostle Paul, likely imprisoned in Rome, writes to the church in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia. He encourages them to live in unity and joy despite suffering, urging them to imitate Christ's humility.
c. 60-62 AD
House Arrest in Rome
Paul is under house arrest in Rome, awaiting trial. During this time, he writes several epistles, including Philippians, demonstrating remarkable resilience and focus on the gospel.
c. 64 AD
Great Fire of Rome
While not directly impacting Philippi, the Great Fire of Rome leads to increased persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero, highlighting the broader context of hardship faced by believers.
Jesus here washes the disciples' feet, demonstrating the humility and service Jesus exemplified, directly fulfilling the call to have 'this mind' in Philippians 2:5.
1 Peter 2:21This verse explicitly calls believers to follow Christ's example, echoing Philippians 2:5 by stating that Christ suffered for us and left us an example to follow in His footsteps.
Romans 15:5Paul directly links the mind of Christ with unity and mutual acceptance, reinforcing the idea from Philippians 2:5 that Christ's example is the foundation for how believers should relate to one another.
Galatians 2:20This passage highlights the believer's identification with Christ's life, death, and resurrection, showing how Christ's self-giving love and resurrected life empower believers to live out His mind and example.
Colossians 1:15This verse describes Christ as the image of the invisible God, underscoring His perfect representation of God's character, which is the very essence of the 'mind' believers are called to emulate in Philippians 2:5.
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 grounds our call to humility not just in Jesus' actions, but in His very being before he even became human. It emphasizes that this same mindset, found in the pre-incarnate Christ, is what is to be cultivated within believers. This means the pattern for our humility isn't just His earthly life, but also His eternal nature.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility, pushing back against any selfish ambition or pride that might be dividing them. He immediately follows this call to humility by presenting Jesus Christ as the ultimate model, detailing His incredible self-sacrifice and subsequent exaltation to demonstrate the depth of this divine mindset.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility, pushing back against any selfish ambition or pride that might be dividing them. He immediately follows this call to humility by presenting Jesus Christ as the ultimate model, detailing His incredible self-sacrifice and subsequent exaltation to demonstrate the depth of this divine mindset.
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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.
"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 grounds our call to humility not just in Jesus' actions, but in His very being before he even became human. It emphasizes that this same mindset, found in the pre-incarnate Christ, is wha…
