Philippians 2:5-8
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This verse isn't just about Jesus' humility; it's about the source of that humility. Paul points to Jesus' "mind" – His inner disposition and way of thinking – which was inherently divine and equal with God, yet He chose to set that aside. This emphasizes that Jesus' self-emptying wasn't a matter of lacking status, but of willingly relinquishing it out of love.
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. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to set aside their internal conflicts and strive for unity, drawing them together with a shared, humble spirit. He then immediately launches into one of the most profound theological statements in Scripture, presenting Jesus Christ's voluntary descent from divine glory to humble human suffering and death as the ultimate model for their behavior. This powerful example of Christ's self-emptying love is meant to inspire their own humility and selfless love towards one another, paving the way for his subsequent instruction on obedience and exaltation.
Paul urges us to 'have this mind' among believers. But what exactly is this 'mind,' and why does it matter so much?
The Greek word translated as 'mind' here isn't just about intellectual agreement; it encompasses our entire disposition, our inner attitude, and our will. It's about how we orient ourselves and the values that drive us.
A Deep Well of Attitude
When Paul calls for the 'mind of Christ,' he's asking for a profound shift in our core being. It's not just about thinking the right thoughts, but about feeling and acting in alignment with Christ's own character. This means cultivating a disposition that prioritizes others, embraces humility, and reflects the selfless love of God.
Think of it as adopting a whole new operating system for your heart and mind, one designed by Jesus Himself.
Paul doesn't just tell us what to think, but who to imitate. The example of Jesus is presented as the ultimate standard for our relationships.
The core of Paul's exhortation is to look at Jesus and follow His lead. The commentary highlights that Jesus' example is primarily one of humility and self-renunciation.
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From Glory to Service
He 'being in very nature God' (as later verses explain) didn't cling to His divine status but willingly gave it up, taking on the 'form of a servant' and becoming human. He descended into the lowest states, even to death on a cross, not to elevate Himself, but to serve and save us.
This isn't about a performance of humility, but a deep, internal posture that mirrors God's own self-giving love. It's the ultimate demonstration of putting others' needs above your own.
Paul connects this call to humility directly to our identity in Christ. Why is our relationship with Him the foundation for this kind of thinking?
The phrase 'which is yours in Christ Jesus' is crucial. It tells us that this 'mind' isn't something we conjure up on our own power. It flows from our union with Christ.
A Shared Identity
When we are 'in Christ,' we share in His life, His Spirit, and His nature. This indwelling presence empowers and enables us to adopt His selfless way of thinking and living. It's not just an external imitation, but an internal transformation that God works within us because we belong to Him.
Our identity in Christ is the soil in which the seed of His humble mind can be planted and grow. Without this connection, the call to humility would be an impossible burden.
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.
etapeinōsen · Greek Verb
The act of lowering one's status or pride. It is a fundamental Christian virtue characterized by a willing submission to God’s plan and a disregard for self-exaltation.
hypēkoos · Greek Adjective
The quality of being compliant or yielding to the will of another. Christ’s obedience was a perfect, active submission to the Father’s redemptive purpose.
staurou · Greek Noun
The most shameful, painful, and public form of execution in the Roman world, reserved for criminals and rebels. Christ’s submission to it highlights the depths of his sacrifice and rejection by the world.
The instruction to 'have this mind' in Philippians 2:5 isn't just about a feeling; it's deeply rooted in the developing understanding of Jesus' divine and human nature, His voluntary humility in the Incarnation, and His ultimate exaltation—all foundational to early Christian belief and practice.
c. 1st Century AD
Theological Development in the Early Church
During this period, early Christian communities grappled with understanding the nature of Jesus and His teachings. Debates arose concerning His divinity and humanity, laying the groundwork for Christological discussions.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul Writes Philippians
The Apostle Paul, likely while imprisoned, pens his letter to the church in Philippi. He aims to encourage them amidst suffering and division, urging them toward unity and humility.
Post-Apostolic Era
Emergence of Christological Controversies
Following the apostolic age, various interpretations of Christ's identity and work began to solidify and sometimes conflict, leading to formal theological debates and creeds.
This passage powerfully describes the suffering servant who would humble himself for the sins of others, mirroring Christ's voluntary humility and sacrifice for humanity.
Matthew 20:28Jesus directly states His purpose was not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom, which is the core of the 'mind' Paul wants believers to adopt.
John 13:1-17This narrative shows Jesus washing the disciples' feet, a profound act of humility and service that serves as a practical demonstration of the mind he calls believers to emulate.
Romans 15:3Paul explicitly references Christ not pleasing himself as the ultimate example, directly echoing the sentiment in Philippians 2:5 and reinforcing the call to selfless consideration of others.
1 Peter 2:21-23Peter reminds believers that Christ suffered for them, leaving an example for them to follow in His steps, underscoring the pattern of humble suffering for righteousness' sake.
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.
This verse isn't just about Jesus' humility; it's about the source of that humility. Paul points to Jesus' "mind" – His inner disposition and way of thinking – which was inherently divine and equal with God, yet He chose to set that aside. This emphasizes that Jesus' self-emptying wasn't a matter of lacking status, but of willingly relinquishing it out of love.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to set aside their internal conflicts and strive for unity, drawing them together with a shared, humble spirit. He then immediately launches into one of the most profound theological statements in Scripture, presenting Jesus Christ's voluntary descent from divine glory to humble human suffering and death as the ultimate model for their behavior. This powerful example of Christ's self-emptying love is meant to inspire their own humility and selfless love towards one another, paving the way for his subsequent instruction on obedience and exaltation.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to set aside their internal conflicts and strive for unity, drawing them together with a shared, humble spirit. He then immediately launches into one of the most profound theological statements in Scripture, presenting Jesus Christ's voluntary descent from divine glory to humble human suffering and death as the ultimate model for their behavior. This powerful example of Christ's self-emptying love is meant to inspire their own humility and selfless love towards one another, paving the way for his subsequent instruction on obedience 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…" — This verse isn't just about Jesus' humility; it's about the source of that humility. Paul points to Jesus' "mind" – His inner disposition and way of thinking – which was inherently divine and equal…
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Last reviewed October 2026
