Philippians 2:7
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 phrase "likeness of men" is crucial because it doesn't mean Christ was merely a phantom of a human; it emphasizes that while His outward appearance was truly human, this likeness didn't reveal the fullness of His divine nature, which was still present. This subtle distinction highlights that His humility wasn't about pretending to be human, but about truly being human while holding onto His divine equality, choosing service over assertion of divine rights.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to humility and unity by pointing them to the ultimate example: Jesus Christ himself. He begins by describing Jesus' pre-incarnate glory as God, then explains how Christ willingly set aside that divine splendor and status. This verse details the astonishing depth of that self-emptying, showing Christ's choice to take on the humble form of a servant and be born as a true human being.
Jesus didn't just take a lower-paying job. The word used here for 'emptied himself' points to something far more profound. What did Christ set aside, and what did He retain?
The incredible concept of 'kenosis' (emptying) is found in this verse. It doesn't mean Jesus ceased to be God. That was impossible! Instead, He voluntarily set aside the privileges and outward expressions of His divine glory and prerogatives that He shared with the Father. Imagine a king choosing to live as a commoner, not because he lost his kingship, but because he chose to set aside the royal robes and the deference normally given to him. He didn't give up His divine nature, but He veiled it, choosing not to assert His divine rights or display His full glory.
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The verse uses two key phrases to describe Jesus' new condition: 'form of a servant' and 'likeness of men.' How do these phrases work together to paint a picture of His incredible humility?
These two phrases unpack the meaning of Christ's self-emptying.
Understand the original words
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.
The profound humility of Jesus, described as 'emptying himself' and taking the 'form of a servant' and 'likeness of men,' is not just a theological concept but a lived reality during His earthly ministry, serving as the ultimate example for believers.
c. 4 BC - AD 30/33— this verse
Life of Jesus Christ
Jesus lived a human life, experiencing birth, growth, teaching, suffering, and death.
c. AD 60-62
Paul Writes Philippians
The Apostle Paul, imprisoned, writes this letter to the church in Philippi, encouraging them to live unified lives reflecting Christ's humility.
This prophecy describes the Suffering Servant as 'despised and rejected by men,' echoing the profound humility and self-emptying seen in Christ's taking on the form of a servant.
Luke 22:27Jesus Himself stated, 'For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at the table? But I am among you as one who serves,' directly illustrating the 'form of a servant' He embraced.
John 1:14The declaration that 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us' is a foundational statement of the Incarnation, powerfully paralleling 'being born in the likeness of men' and highlighting the Word's dwelling among humanity.
Colossians 1:15Paul describes Christ as the 'image of the invisible God,' which beautifully complements the idea of 'form of God' mentioned earlier in Philippians 2, showing the visible manifestation of the unseen deity.
Hebrews 2:14This passage explains that Christ 'likewise shared in their humanity' so that through death He might destroy the one who holds the power of death, directly connecting His becoming like humans to His redemptive purpose.
vincentPhilippians 2:7: "But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:"
Made Himself of no reputation (ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν).Lit., emptied Himself. The general sense is that He divested Himself of that peculiar mode of existence which was proper and peculiar to Him as one with God. He laid aside the form of God. In so doing, He did not divest Himself of His divine nature. The change was a change of state: the form of a servant for the f…
barnesPhilippians 2:7: "But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:"
But made himself of no reputation - This translation by no means conveys the sense of the original According to this it would seem that he consented to be without distinction or honor among people; or that he was willing to be despised or disregarded. The Greek is ἑαυτον ἐκένωσεν heauton ekenōsen. The word κενόω kenoō means literally, to empty, "to make emp…
The phrase "likeness of men" is crucial because it doesn't mean Christ was merely a phantom of a human; it emphasizes that while His outward appearance was truly human, this likeness didn't reveal the fullness of His divine nature, which was still present. This subtle distinction highlights that His humility wasn't about pretending to be human, but about truly being human while holding onto His divine equality, choosing service over assertion of divine rights.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to humility and unity by pointing them to the ultimate example: Jesus Christ himself. He begins by describing Jesus' pre-incarnate glory as God, then explains how Christ willingly set aside that divine splendor and status. This verse details the astonishing depth of that self-emptying, showing Christ's choice to take on the humble form of a servant and be born as a true human being.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to humility and unity by pointing them to the ultimate example: Jesus Christ himself. He begins by describing Jesus' pre-incarnate glory as God, then explains how Christ willingly set aside that divine splendor and status. This verse details the astonishing depth of that self-emptying, showing Christ's choice to take on the humble form of a servant and be born as a true human being.
"but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." — The phrase "likeness of men" is crucial because it doesn't mean Christ was merely a phantom of a human; it emphasizes that while His outward appearance was truly human, this likeness didn't reveal th…
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