who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philippians 2:6
What does Philippians 2:6 mean?
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Philippians 2:6
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The verse isn't just stating Jesus was God; it emphasizes His pre-existent state as God, not as a "possession" to be fiercely guarded, but as a reality He was willing to set aside. The Greek word translated "robbery" here doesn't mean a violent crime, but rather something precious one might "grasp" or cling to—a prize. This highlights that Jesus's voluntary humility wasn't a forfeiture of something illicitly gained, but a deliberate choice to relinquish His divine prerogatives for humanity's sake.
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
English Standard Version (ESV)
The passage is part of a larger exhortation by Paul to the Philippian believers, urging them to live in unity and humility. He uses the example of Jesus Christ, specifically his pre-incarnate existence and voluntary descent into humanity, as the ultimate model for their conduct. This verse, therefore, sets the stage for understanding the depth of Christ's sacrifice by highlighting what he was before he became what he became.
Before Jesus took on human form, He existed in the 'form of God.' What does this profound phrase truly mean, and why is it so hard for us to grasp?
The phrase 'in the form of God' (Greek: en morphē Theou) points to Christ's essential, divine nature and being before His incarnation. It's not about a physical shape or external appearance, but about possessing the very essence and character of God.
The verse says Christ 'did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.' What does this mean for His humility and our salvation?
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This phrase is crucial for understanding Christ's self-humiliation. It clarifies that His equality with God was not something He clung to or fought to keep, but an inherent possession He willingly set aside.
Understand the original words
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.
The letter to the Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul during a time of significant Roman imperial power and the early spread of Christianity. Understanding that Paul was writing to a community within the vast Roman Empire, likely during a period of some hardship or persecution, helps us grasp the urgency and depth of his message about Christ's humility and ultimate triumph.
c. 27 BC - AD 14
Augustus Caesar Reigns
Augustus, the first Roman Emperor, consolidated power after decades of civil war, establishing a period of relative peace and stability known as the Pax Romana.
c. AD 29-30
Jesus' Ministry Begins
Jesus begins his public ministry in Galilee, teaching, healing, and gathering disciples, which would eventually lead to his crucifixion and resurrection.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified under Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, and according to Christian belief, is resurrected three days later.
c. AD 40s-50s
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul undertakes extensive missionary journeys throughout the Roman Empire, establishing churches in various cities and spreading the Christian message.
c. AD 50-60— this verse
Paul Writes Letters to Churches
During his imprisonment or travels, Paul writes epistles to churches he founded or knew, including Philippians, offering guidance, encouragement, and theological instruction.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
A devastating fire sweeps through Rome, leading to widespread destruction and the subsequent persecution of Christians, who were blamed by Emperor Nero.
This passage describes the Word (Jesus) as being with God and being God, mirroring the concept of Christ's pre-existence and divine nature before His incarnation as described in Philippians 2:6.
Colossians 1:15-17These verses highlight Christ's supremacy as the image of the invisible God and the creator of all things, underscoring the divine status He held before His earthly existence, as referenced in Philippians 2:6.
Hebrews 1:3This passage calls Jesus the 'radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being,' directly supporting the idea that He shared in God's very nature and glory prior to His incarnation.
John 17:5Jesus prays that the Father would glorify Him with the glory that He had with the Father before the world existed, directly affirming His pre-incarnate divine glory and status.
vincentPhilippians 2:6: "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:"
Being in the form of God (ἐν μορφῇ Θεοῦ ὑπάρχων)Being. Not the simple είναι to be, but stronger, denoting being which is from the beginning. See on James 2:15. It has a backward look into an antecedent condition, which has been protracted into the present. Here appropriate to the preincarnate being of Christ, to which the sentence refers. In itself it does not imply eternal, but only prior exis…
barnesPhilippians 2:6: "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:"
Who, being in the form of God - There is scarcely any passage in the New Testament which has given rise to more discussion than this. The importance of the passage on the question of the divinity of the Saviour will be perceived at once, and no small part of the point of the appeal by the apostle depends, as will be seen, in the fact that Paul regarded the Redeemer as equal with God. If he was truly d…
The verse isn't just stating Jesus was God; it emphasizes His pre-existent state as God, not as a "possession" to be fiercely guarded, but as a reality He was willing to set aside. The Greek word translated "robbery" here doesn't mean a violent crime, but rather something precious one might "grasp" or cling to—a prize. This highlights that Jesus's voluntary humility wasn't a forfeiture of something illicitly gained, but a deliberate choice to relinquish His divine prerogatives for humanity's sake.
The passage is part of a larger exhortation by Paul to the Philippian believers, urging them to live in unity and humility. He uses the example of Jesus Christ, specifically his pre-incarnate existence and voluntary descent into humanity, as the ultimate model for their conduct. This verse, therefore, sets the stage for understanding the depth of Christ's sacrifice by highlighting what he was before he became what he became.
The passage is part of a larger exhortation by Paul to the Philippian believers, urging them to live in unity and humility. He uses the example of Jesus Christ, specifically his pre-incarnate existence and voluntary descent into humanity, as the ultimate model for their conduct. This verse, therefore, sets the stage for understanding the depth of Christ's sacrifice by highlighting what he was before he became what he became.
"who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped," — The verse isn't just stating Jesus was God; it emphasizes His pre-existent state as God, not as a "possession" to be fiercely guarded, but as a reality He was willing to set aside. The Greek word t…
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Last reviewed October 2026