Philippians 2:6
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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The verse highlights that Christ, existing in divine "form," did not consider his equality with God as something to be clung to or a prize to be seized. Instead, this inherent equality was something He willingly set aside in His journey toward humanity, emphasizing His humility and sacrificial intent.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility by following Christ's example. He begins this section by describing Christ's pre-existence, emphasizing that though He was equal with God, He willingly set aside that status to become human. This sets the stage for the radical act of self-emptying that Paul is about to detail, which should inspire the Philippians to humble themselves for the sake of others.
What does it mean for Jesus to be 'in the form of God' before he even came to earth? It's more than just a temporary disguise.
The phrase 'in the form of God' (morphē Theou) speaks to Christ's essential, divine nature. It's not about an outward shape or temporary appearance, but his very being, his divine essence, sharing the same nature as the Father.
Think of it like this:
If Jesus was truly equal with God, why didn't he cling to that status? This verse reveals a profound choice.
The phrase 'did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped' (ou harpagmon hegēsato to einai isa Theō) is crucial. It doesn't mean Jesus wasn't equal with God, but rather how he viewed that equality.
Here's the breakdown:
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.
This passage echoes the idea of Christ's pre-existent divine nature by stating, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.'
John 17:5Jesus prays, 'And now, Father, glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world was created,' directly referencing His pre-incarnate glory and status, which is the backdrop for His humility.
Colossians 1:17This verse speaks to Christ's foundational role in all of creation, stating 'And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together,' underscoring His inherent divine authority that He willingly set aside.
Hebrews 1:3Describing Christ as 'the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature,' this verse highlights His divine essence and appearance before His earthly mission.
2 Corinthians 8:9This verse directly parallels Philippians 2:6-7 by saying, 'For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, he became poor for your sake, that you by his poverty might become rich,' showing the contrast between His divine wealth and His chosen poverty.
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 highlights that Christ, existing in divine "form," did not consider his equality with God as something to be clung to or a prize to be seized. Instead, this inherent equality was something He willingly set aside in His journey toward humanity, emphasizing His humility and sacrificial intent.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility by following Christ's example. He begins this section by describing Christ's pre-existence, emphasizing that though He was equal with God, He willingly set aside that status to become human. This sets the stage for the radical act of self-emptying that Paul is about to detail, which should inspire the Philippians to humble themselves for the sake of others.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility by following Christ's example. He begins this section by describing Christ's pre-existence, emphasizing that though He was equal with God, He willingly set aside that status to become human. This sets the stage for the radical act of self-emptying that Paul is about to detail, which should inspire the Philippians to humble themselves for the sake of others.
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"who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped," — The verse highlights that Christ, existing in divine "form," did not consider his equality with God as something to be clung to or a prize to be seized. Instead, this inherent equality was something…
