Philippians 2:9
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The verse emphasizes that God bestowed this supreme name upon Jesus. This highlights that Jesus' unparalleled authority and glory are not something He inherently claimed for Himself, but rather a gift graciously given by the Father in response to His profound humility and obedience. It’s a beautiful picture of divine reward flowing from perfect submission.
Paul is contrasting Christ's ultimate exaltation with his profound self-emptying, which he just described. He's using Jesus' example to encourage the Philippians to humility and unity, showing that God rewards such obedience. This verse marks the turning point from describing Christ's humiliation to detailing his glorious reward.
Jesus willingly poured Himself out, experiencing the lowest depths of suffering. What was God's response to this ultimate act of self-emptying?
The Bible teaches us that God doesn't leave profound acts of obedience unnoticed. In Philippians 2:9, the word 'Wherefore' (or 'Therefore') is key. It signals that Jesus' extreme humility wasn't just a path to suffering, but the very reason for His subsequent, unparalleled exaltation.
A Just Consequence This wasn't a random elevation, but a deserved reward. Because Jesus obediently laid aside His divine privileges and entered into the deepest suffering for humanity, God 'highly exalted' Him. This means God lifted Him up to a position of supreme honor and authority, far beyond what He held before His incarnation in terms of His mediatorial role.
The Pattern for Us This principle isn't just for Jesus. The same passage encourages believers to humble themselves, with the assurance that God will, in His time, exalt them. Jesus' exaltation is both the ultimate demonstration of God's power and a model for our own spiritual journey.
What does it mean for Jesus to receive 'the name that is above every name'? Is it just a title, or something far more profound?
Philippians 2:9 declares that God 'bestowed on him the name that is above every name.' This phrase points to more than just an elevated title; it signifies absolute supremacy and unique authority.
Supremacy Over All This isn't just a name higher than any human name, king, or emperor. It's a name that surpasses the names of all angelic beings, powers, and authorities, both in this age and the age to come. The name Jesus ultimately represents His identity, His role, and the authority delegated to Him by the Father.
The Identity of 'Jesus' Commentators suggest this 'name' most directly refers to the name 'Jesus' itself – a name that means 'Yahweh saves.' This name is so significant because it embodies His unique saving work. It's a name that encapsulates His divine mission and His authority as the sole Redeemer. Every created being, whether they acknowledge it willingly or grudgingly, will ultimately recognize the supreme authority inherent in the name of Jesus.
Understand the original words
hyperypsōsen · Greek Verb
To raise to a high position of honor, power, or authority. It refers to God the Father’s vindication of Christ following his suffering, confirming his supreme status.
onoma · Greek Noun
The designation of a person’s identity, authority, and character. Giving Christ the name "above every name" signifies the unique, supreme sovereignty of Jesus as Lord and God.
This verse highlights Jesus' ultimate reward for His profound self-humiliation. It's not just a theological statement but a powerful reminder that God honors obedience and sacrifice with supreme authority and a name that transcends all others.
c. 27-30 AD— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified, dies, and is resurrected, demonstrating His obedience to God's will.
c. 30-33 AD
Jesus' Ascension
After His resurrection, Jesus ascends into heaven, returning to the Father's right hand.
c. 48-55 AD
Paul's Missionary Journeys
The Apostle Paul travels throughout the Roman Empire, spreading the gospel and establishing churches, including the church in Philippi.
c. 60-62 AD
Paul's Imprisonment in Rome
Paul writes the Epistle to the Philippians from prison, likely in Rome, addressing the church's needs and encouraging them.
This prophecy speaks of the Suffering Servant being 'assigned a place among the great ones,' directly paralleling the exaltation of Christ described here as a reward for His suffering.
Daniel 7:13-14This vision depicts 'one like a son of man' being given 'dominion and glory and a kingdom' over all peoples, directly foreshadowing the universal authority bestowed upon Christ.
Acts 2:33Peter explicitly states that Jesus, after His ascension, was 'exalted to the right hand of God' and received the promised Holy Spirit, connecting the exaltation directly to His divine empowerment.
Hebrews 1:4This passage explicitly declares that Christ has been made so much superior to the angels, emphasizing that God has inherited a 'more excellent name' than theirs, aligning with the idea of His supreme name.
Revelation 19:16The vision of Christ returning as King of Kings and Lord of Lords, with the title 'King of Kings and Lord of Lords' written on His robe, powerfully illustrates the ultimate name and authority He possesses.
vincentPhilippians 2:9: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:"
Wherefore (διό)In consequence of this humiliation.Hath highly exalted (ὑπερύψωσεν)Lit., exalted above. Compare Matthew 23:12.Hath given (ἐχαρίσατο)Freely bestowed, even as Jesus freely offered Himself to humiliation:A nameRev., correctly, the name. This expression is differently explained: either the particular name given to Christ, as Jesus or Lord; or name is taken in the sense…
barnesPhilippians 2:9: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:"
Wherefore - As a reward of this humiliation and these sufferings. The idea is, that there was an appropriate reward for it, and that that was bestowed upon him by his exaltation as Mediator to the right hand of God; compare the notes at Hebrews 2:9 . God also hath highly exalted him - As Mediator. Though he was thus humbled, and appeared in the form of a servant, he is now raised up to…
The verse emphasizes that God bestowed this supreme name upon Jesus. This highlights that Jesus' unparalleled authority and glory are not something He inherently claimed for Himself, but rather a gift graciously given by the Father in response to His profound humility and obedience. It’s a beautiful picture of divine reward flowing from perfect submission.
Paul is contrasting Christ's ultimate exaltation with his profound self-emptying, which he just described. He's using Jesus' example to encourage the Philippians to humility and unity, showing that God rewards such obedience. This verse marks the turning point from describing Christ's humiliation to detailing his glorious reward.
Paul is contrasting Christ's ultimate exaltation with his profound self-emptying, which he just described. He's using Jesus' example to encourage the Philippians to humility and unity, showing that God rewards such obedience. This verse marks the turning point from describing Christ's humiliation to detailing his glorious reward.
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"Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name," — The verse emphasizes that God bestowed this supreme name upon Jesus. This highlights that Jesus' unparalleled authority and glory are not something He inherently claimed for Himself, but rather a g…
