Philippians 2:6-8
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)
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The verse highlights that Jesus, existing in God's very "form" – the essential expression of His divine being – didn't cling to this divine equality as something to be grasped or fiercely held onto. Instead, the focus is on His voluntary choice to relinquish that privileged position, emphasizing His humility over His inherent rights.
Paul is calling on the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility, following the example of Jesus Christ. He begins by contrasting Christ's divine nature and glorious status with his willing self-emptying and humiliation, leading into the core of Christ's example of selflessness. The passage describes Jesus' pre-existent divine state and his voluntary choice to set aside that glory for the sake of humanity.
What does it mean to be 'in the form of God'? Is it just an outward show, or something much deeper?
The phrase 'in the form of God' (morphē Theou) doesn't refer to a mere outward appearance or shape. Instead, it points to the very essence and intrinsic nature of God. When applied to Christ, it signifies His true, divine being, sharing in the fundamental nature and character of God from eternity.
This is distinct from a changeable 'fashion' (schēma). Think of it like this: the 'form' of a substance is its fundamental identity, while its 'fashion' might be its temporary appearance. Christ's 'form of God' means His existence was intrinsically divine, not just a temporary divine disguise or a display of power.
If Jesus was already equal with God, why did He 'empty himself'? What does it mean not to 'grasp' this equality?
The phrase 'did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped' (ou harpagmos) is crucial. It doesn't mean Christ wasn't equal to God. Instead, it means He didn't cling to His divine status as a prize to be held onto at all costs.
The word 'harpagmos' suggests something to be seized or clutched. Christ, possessing divine equality by nature, did not view this status as a possession to be fiercely guarded, especially when it came to fulfilling God's plan for humanity. He didn't 'rob' or 'usurp' divinity; He already possessed it. The point is, He didn't treat it as something to be desperately clung to, but rather as something that could be voluntarily set aside for a greater purpose.
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.
This passage echoes the 'form of God' by stating 'the Word was God,' highlighting Christ's divine essence before his earthly existence.
Colossians 1:15-17These verses describe Christ as the 'image of the invisible God' and the creator of all things, emphasizing his divine preeminence before his incarnation.
Hebrews 1:3This passage calls Christ the 'radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being,' directly connecting to the idea of being 'in the form of God'.
Matthew 4:1-11The temptation of Jesus shows him refusing to 'grasp' for power or status offered by the devil, mirroring his refusal to grasp at divine prerogative described in Philippians 2:6.
John 17:5Jesus prays for the glory he had with the Father 'before the world existed,' directly referencing the state of pre-incarnate glory implied in 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 highlights that Jesus, existing in God's very "form" – the essential expression of His divine being – didn't cling to this divine equality as something to be grasped or fiercely held onto. Instead, the focus is on His voluntary choice to relinquish that privileged position, emphasizing His humility over His inherent rights.
Paul is calling on the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility, following the example of Jesus Christ. He begins by contrasting Christ's divine nature and glorious status with his willing self-emptying and humiliation, leading into the core of Christ's example of selflessness. The passage describes Jesus' pre-existent divine state and his voluntary choice to set aside that glory for the sake of humanity.
Paul is calling on the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility, following the example of Jesus Christ. He begins by contrasting Christ's divine nature and glorious status with his willing self-emptying and humiliation, leading into the core of Christ's example of selflessness. The passage describes Jesus' pre-existent divine state and his voluntary choice to set aside that glory for the sake of humanity.
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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.
"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 bec…" — The verse highlights that Jesus, existing in God's very "form" – the essential expression of His divine being – didn't cling to this divine equality as something to be grasped or fiercely held onto.…
