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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Philippians 2:9
What does Philippians 2:9 mean?
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Philippians 2:9
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The phrase "bestowed on him the name" isn't just about a title; it signifies God granted Christ a unique status and recognition as a reward for His obedience, elevating Him to a place where His authority and identity are supremely honored. This act of granting is presented as a gracious gift, highlighting that even Christ's supreme exaltation stems from God's initiative, flowing from His pleasure.
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Having just described Jesus' profound humility in becoming a human servant who died on a cross, Paul now explains the divine consequence: God the Father responded by elevating Jesus to the highest possible position. This exaltation isn't just a reward; it's the rightful place for the one who so perfectly embodied obedience and selfless love, receiving a name and authority that surpasses all others.
Jesus willingly walked the path of humility, even to death. What was the result of this incredible sacrifice?
Paul uses the word 'wherefore' (or 'therefore') to show that Jesus' exaltation is a direct consequence and reward for His obedient self-humiliation. It wasn't an afterthought; it was the natural, divinely ordained outcome.
The Pattern of Humility and Exaltation
Think of it like this: Jesus first emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant (Philippians 2:5-8). This incredible act of love and obedience, culminating in His death on the cross, wasn't overlooked by God. Instead, it became the very basis for His supreme elevation.
God didn't just raise Him up; the text uses a strong word, 'super-exalted,' emphasizing a level of honor far beyond anything before. It's a divine recognition of His perfect obedience and the immense value of His sacrifice for humanity.
What does it mean for Jesus to have a name 'above every name'? It's more than just a title.
This phrase signifies the supreme authority, dignity, and unique identity conferred upon Jesus by God. It means no other name—whether of angel, human ruler, or any created being—can compare to His.
The Uniqueness of the Name
While 'Jesus' was His earthly name, the 'name above every name' speaks to His ultimate status as Lord and Savior. It encompasses His divine authority and the recognition of His redemptive work.
This isn't just about a label; it's about the reality of who Jesus is and the supreme position God has given Him in the cosmos. Every created being, in heaven and on earth, will ultimately acknowledge His sovereignty.
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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 stands at the triumphant climax of Christ's humiliation described in Philippians 2. His suffering and death were not the end, but the necessary prelude to His unparalleled exaltation by God, making His example of selfless humility profoundly inspiring.
c. 4 BC
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecies about the Messiah's lineage and birthplace.
c. AD 30-33— this verse
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified, dies, and is resurrected, the pivotal event of His humiliation and the foundation for His exaltation.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
Following His resurrection, Jesus ascends into heaven, taking His place at the right hand of God.
c. AD 48-56
Paul's Missionary Journeys
Paul travels extensively, establishing churches and spreading the gospel, including the church in Philippi.
c. AD 60-62
Writing of Philippians
Paul writes the Epistle to the Philippians from prison, likely in Rome, encouraging believers in their faith and unity.
This Old Testament passage prophesies that every knee will bow and every tongue will swear allegiance to God, a declaration that is directly applied to Jesus in Philippians 2:10-11, highlighting His divine authority and the universal recognition of His supremacy.
Daniel 7:14Daniel's vision describes a 'son of man' figure receiving 'dominion and glory and a kingdom' that will never be destroyed. This connects to Jesus' exaltation and the bestowal of a kingdom that is eternal.
Hebrews 1:4-5This passage explains that Jesus has become so superior to the angels that He has inherited a name more excellent than theirs, directly supporting the idea that His name and position are above all created beings.
John 13:3Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, set the example of humility. This verse lays the groundwork for the exaltation described in Philippians 2:9 as a direct result of His divine knowledge and mission.
1 Peter 3:22Peter states that Jesus has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, with angels, authorities, and powers made subject to Him. This reinforces the concept of Christ's supreme authority and exaltation after His earthly ministry.
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 phrase "bestowed on him the name" isn't just about a title; it signifies God granted Christ a unique status and recognition as a reward for His obedience, elevating Him to a place where His authority and identity are supremely honored. This act of granting is presented as a gracious gift, highlighting that even Christ's supreme exaltation stems from God's initiative, flowing from His pleasure.
Having just described Jesus' profound humility in becoming a human servant who died on a cross, Paul now explains the divine consequence: God the Father responded by elevating Jesus to the highest possible position. This exaltation isn't just a reward; it's the rightful place for the one who so perfectly embodied obedience and selfless love, receiving a name and authority that surpasses all others.
Having just described Jesus' profound humility in becoming a human servant who died on a cross, Paul now explains the divine consequence: God the Father responded by elevating Jesus to the highest possible position. This exaltation isn't just a reward; it's the rightful place for the one who so perfectly embodied obedience and selfless love, receiving a name and authority that surpasses all others.
"Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name," — The phrase "bestowed on him the name" isn't just about a title; it signifies God granted Christ a unique status and recognition as a reward for His obedience, elevating Him to a place where His aut…
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Last reviewed October 2026