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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Philippians 2:7
What does Philippians 2:7 mean?
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Philippians 2:7
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Instead of just saying Jesus became a man, the verse highlights that he took on the "form of a servant" and the "likeness of men." This means he didn't just assume humanity, but specifically adopted the outward expression and humble condition of a servant, appearing like ordinary people without any outward display of his divine glory.
but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in humility and unity, contrasting their potential for pride with Christ's ultimate humility. This verse describes the astonishing paradox of the divine Son of God willingly setting aside his heavenly glory to become fully human. It's the beginning of Christ's radical descent, which reaches its lowest point in his suffering and death, setting the ultimate example for the Philippians.
What does it truly mean for the eternal Son of God to 'empty Himself'? It wasn't a loss of divinity, but a profound, intentional surrender of divine privileges.
When Paul says Jesus 'emptied Himself' (kenōsis), he's describing a voluntary act of setting aside divine prerogatives, not His divine nature.
What Was Given Up?
What Remained?
Crucially, Jesus did not cease to be God. His divine nature, His power, His essential glory, and His consciousness of deity remained intact. He was 'full' (John 1:14), but He bore Himself as if He were empty of these outward displays of glory, choosing instead a path of humility and service.
Beyond just humility, Jesus took on the 'form of a servant.' What does this 'form' reveal about His mission and His relationship to humanity?
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Taking the 'form of a servant' signifies more than just adopting a humble demeanor; it points to the essential reality and outward expression of Christ's role.
The Reality of Servanthood
Marks of His Servanthood
His life was marked by lowliness, performing acts of service, and a profound dependence on the Father. Even His death, in a way, mirrored the status of a servant, all to redeem us from slavery.
Why 'likeness of men' and not just 'man'? This subtle wording guards the truth of Christ's humanity while hinting at His unique divine identity.
The phrase 'in the likeness of men' is carefully chosen to convey the reality of Christ's human existence without equating Him entirely with fallen humanity.
Real Humanity
Distinction and Identity
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.
This passage describes the suffering Servant who had no beauty or majesty to attract people, highlighting the humble, unassuming nature of the One who would come. It parallels Christ 'emptying himself' and taking on a lowly form, not one of outward glory.
John 1:14This verse states that 'the Word became flesh and dwelt among us,' directly linking to Christ's incarnation and taking on human likeness. It emphasizes the reality of His humanity, not just a semblance, which is foundational to His emptying Himself.
Luke 22:27Jesus says, 'I am among you as one who serves,' directly reflecting the 'form of a servant' He assumed. This shows His voluntary humility and focus on service, aligning with the kenosis described in Philippians 2:7.
Genesis 1:26This verse speaks of humanity being made 'in our image, after our likeness,' a likeness Christ took on when He became human. It underscores the profound reality of His incarnation and the depth of His identification with humanity.
Matthew 20:28Jesus states He 'came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,' which is a direct echo of taking the 'form of a servant.' It reveals the purpose behind His self-emptying: selfless service and sacrifice.
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…
Instead of just saying Jesus became a man, the verse highlights that he took on the "form of a servant" and the "likeness of men." This means he didn't just assume humanity, but specifically adopted the outward expression and humble condition of a servant, appearing like ordinary people without any outward display of his divine glory.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in humility and unity, contrasting their potential for pride with Christ's ultimate humility. This verse describes the astonishing paradox of the divine Son of God willingly setting aside his heavenly glory to become fully human. It's the beginning of Christ's radical descent, which reaches its lowest point in his suffering and death, setting the ultimate example for the Philippians.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in humility and unity, contrasting their potential for pride with Christ's ultimate humility. This verse describes the astonishing paradox of the divine Son of God willingly setting aside his heavenly glory to become fully human. It's the beginning of Christ's radical descent, which reaches its lowest point in his suffering and death, setting the ultimate example for the Philippians.
"but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men." — Instead of just saying Jesus became a man, the verse highlights that he took on the "form of a servant" and the "likeness of men." This means he didn't just assume humanity, but specifically adopted…
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Last reviewed October 2026