Philippians 2:6-8
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The verse isn't just saying Jesus was divine; it highlights that "form of God" refers to His essential, eternal nature, not just an outward appearance or a temporary status. This divine equality wasn't something He clung to or grabbed for, but rather a reality He set aside willingly.
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)
The passage is part of a larger exhortation by Paul for unity and humility within the Philippian church, urging them to imitate Christ. He calls them to put others before themselves, and to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who, despite his divine nature, willingly humbled himself for humanity's sake. This verse sets the stage for Christ's ultimate act of self-emptying, by describing his pre-existent state and his choice not to cling to divine prerogatives.
Before Jesus took on human flesh, what was His eternal reality? The Bible uses a powerful word to describe His divine nature. Let's uncover it.
The phrase 'in the form of God' (morphē Theou) points to something profound about Christ's pre-incarnate existence.
Essential Nature, Not Just Appearance
This highlights that Christ's divinity is not a secondary attribute but foundational to His identity, existing before His earthly life.
The verse says Christ 'did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.' What does this mean for His divine rights and His mission?
This verse unpacks a crucial aspect of Christ's humility: His voluntary choice regarding His divine equality.
The Meaning of 'Not Robbery'
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The emphasis isn't on Christ not being equal to God, but on His deliberate choice not to assert that equality in a grasping or self-serving way. His mission required humility, not self-aggrandizement.
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.
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.
Paul's letter to the Philippians was written during a period of significant political and social change within the Roman Empire, a context that underscores the radical nature of Christ's humility and divine status as presented in this passage.
c. 47 BC
Julius Caesar Appointed Dictator for Life
Julius Caesar's absolute power in Rome set a precedent for autocratic rule, creating an environment where divine claims or absolute authority could be understood, though not necessarily accepted by all.
c. 31 BC
Battle of Actium
Octavian's victory at Actium marked the end of the Roman Republic and the beginning of the Roman Empire under Augustus, establishing a new imperial era with its own political and social dynamics.
c. 27 BC - AD 68
Julio-Claudian Dynasty
The first five Roman emperors, beginning with Augustus, ruled during the time when the New Testament was being written. Their reigns influenced the socio-political landscape of the Roman Empire, including Judea.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33
Life and Ministry of Jesus
The earthly life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the central figure of Christianity. His claims and actions formed the basis for the early Christian message.
c. AD 30s-60s— this verse
Apostolic Ministry of Paul
The Apostle Paul's missionary journeys and epistles, including Philippians, played a crucial role in spreading Christianity and articulating its theology. His writings often addressed the practical and theological challenges faced by early churches.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
The fire devastated Rome and led to the first major persecution of Christians under Emperor Nero. This event heightened the awareness of Christians as a distinct and often targeted group within the Empire.
c. AD 95
Book of Revelation Written
Written during a period of persecution, Revelation offers a symbolic vision of Christ's ultimate triumph and the coming judgment. It reflects the intense spiritual and political pressures faced by early Christians.
This passage directly parallels the idea of Christ's eternal existence and divine nature before his incarnation, establishing His identity as God.
Colossians 1:15-17This passage describes Christ's role as the image of the invisible God and the Creator of all things, emphasizing His pre-existent divine authority and status before His earthly ministry.
Hebrews 1:3This verse describes Christ as the radiance of God's glory and the exact imprint of His nature, further illuminating His divine essence and His relationship with God the Father.
Matthew 20:28This verse directly echoes the theme of humility and service found in Philippians 2, showing Jesus' intention to serve rather than to be served, a reflection of His non-grasping nature.
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 divine; it highlights that "form of God" refers to His essential, eternal nature, not just an outward appearance or a temporary status. This divine equality wasn't something He clung to or grabbed for, but rather a reality He set aside willingly.
The passage is part of a larger exhortation by Paul for unity and humility within the Philippian church, urging them to imitate Christ. He calls them to put others before themselves, and to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who, despite his divine nature, willingly humbled himself for humanity's sake. This verse sets the stage for Christ's ultimate act of self-emptying, by describing his pre-existent state and his choice not to cling to divine prerogatives.
The passage is part of a larger exhortation by Paul for unity and humility within the Philippian church, urging them to imitate Christ. He calls them to put others before themselves, and to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who, despite his divine nature, willingly humbled himself for humanity's sake. This verse sets the stage for Christ's ultimate act of self-emptying, by describing his pre-existent state and his choice not to cling to divine prerogatives.
"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 isn't just saying Jesus was divine; it highlights that "form of God" refers to His essential, eternal nature, not just an outward appearance or a temporary status. This divine equality wa…
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Last reviewed October 2026
