Philippians 2:6-7
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 isn't just saying Jesus was God; it highlights that He existed in a divine "form" or expression, which He possessed by nature. The key insight is that Jesus didn't "grasp" at this inherent divine equality, meaning He didn't cling to it possessively or treat it as something to be seized, which emphasizes His voluntary humility rather than a mere renunciation of something He didn't truly own.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live with humility and unity, using Jesus as the ultimate example. He's highlighting how Christ, despite His divine nature and equality with God, willingly set aside His divine privileges to become human and ultimately suffer and die for humanity's sake. This verse sets the stage by describing Christ's pre-incarnate status and His attitude towards it, which is then contrasted with His voluntary self-emptying in the following verses.
What does it mean for Christ to be 'in the form of God'? It’s more than just power or appearance; it speaks to the very essence of His being.
The phrase 'in the form of God' (morphē Theou) describes Christ's essential, divine nature and being before His incarnation. It's not about a physical shape or a temporary outward show. Rather, it points to His intrinsic identity with God, possessing the very essence, character, and glory of the divine nature. This wasn't something He acquired or put on; it was His eternal reality, a truth deeply understood by commentators who note it signifies His intrinsic deity, not merely a role or a temporary manifestation.
Think of it like this: a king's 'form' isn't just his crown and robes, but his inherent nature and authority as king. Christ, in His pre-incarnate state, possessed the essential 'form' of God – His very being was divine.
Christ's equality with God wasn't something He clung to. What does this reveal about His heart and mission?
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The phrase 'did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped' (ou harpagmon hegēato to einai isa Theō) is crucial. It doesn't mean Christ didn't have equality with God – the verse just established that. Instead, it means He didn't view that divine equality as a prize to be selfishly hoarded, desperately held onto, or used for His own advantage. The Greek word 'harpágmos' often implies something seized or plundered, suggesting an object of eager desire or a possession to be fiercely guarded.
Christ's perspective was radically different. He saw His divine equality not as something to grasp, but as something from which He could willingly relinquish for a greater purpose – the salvation of humanity. His humility wasn't a forced act but a deliberate choice, stemming from a heart that valued redemption more than self-preservation of His divine status.
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.
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.
This passage, often called the 'prologue' to John's Gospel, echoes the 'form of God' by stating 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.' It directly supports the idea of Christ's divine pre-existence and equality with God before his incarnation.
Colossians 1:15Paul describes Christ as 'the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.' This mirrors the 'form of God' concept, highlighting Christ's perfect representation of God and his unique position before creation, setting the stage for his subsequent humility.
Hebrews 1:3This verse calls Christ 'the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature,' and states he 'upholds the universe by his word of power.' This strongly parallels the 'form of God' by emphasizing Christ's divine essence and his active role in upholding creation, from which he would later choose to humble himself.
Matthew 4:8-10During Jesus' temptation, Satan offers him all the kingdoms of the world if he will bow down and worship him. Jesus' refusal, quoting Deuteronomy, ('Away with you, Satan! for it is written, “You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.”') demonstrates his refusal to grasp for power or dominion that was not rightfully his, echoing the spirit of Philippians 2:6.
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 saying Jesus was God; it highlights that He existed in a divine "form" or expression, which He possessed by nature. The key insight is that Jesus didn't "grasp" at this inherent divine equality, meaning He didn't cling to it possessively or treat it as something to be seized, which emphasizes His voluntary humility rather than a mere renunciation of something He didn't truly own.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live with humility and unity, using Jesus as the ultimate example. He's highlighting how Christ, despite His divine nature and equality with God, willingly set aside His divine privileges to become human and ultimately suffer and die for humanity's sake. This verse sets the stage by describing Christ's pre-incarnate status and His attitude towards it, which is then contrasted with His voluntary self-emptying in the following verses.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live with humility and unity, using Jesus as the ultimate example. He's highlighting how Christ, despite His divine nature and equality with God, willingly set aside His divine privileges to become human and ultimately suffer and die for humanity's sake. This verse sets the stage by describing Christ's pre-incarnate status and His attitude towards it, which is then contrasted with His voluntary self-emptying in the following verses.
"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." — The verse isn't just saying Jesus was God; it highlights that He existed in a divine "form" or expression, which He possessed by nature. The key insight is that Jesus didn't "grasp" at this inh…
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