Philippians 2:9-10
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This verse highlights that Christ's exaltation isn't just about a promotion, but a divine "bestowal" – a gift freely granted by God. It's crucial to see that "the name above every name" isn't just a title, but represents the unique authority and glory Jesus now possesses, exceeding all others.
Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Following Christ's incredible example of self-emptying and humble obedience, God now supremely elevates Him. This isn't just a reward, but a consequence, bestowing upon Him a unique and unparalleled position and title that surpasses all others.
Why did God exalt Jesus to the highest place? It wasn't random, but a direct response to His incredible humility. Discover the connection between lowering oneself and being lifted up.
The verse starts with 'Therefore' (dio kai), signaling a cause-and-effect relationship. Jesus' supreme act of humility, detailed in the verses before this, led directly to His exaltation.
What exactly is this 'name' above all names? It's more than just a title; it signifies ultimate authority and dominion. Let's uncover its profound meaning.
The phrase 'a name which is above every name' is incredibly significant. It points to Christ's unique and supreme position in the universe.
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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.
kampsē · Greek Verb
A physical posture signifying submission, reverence, worship, and recognition of authority. It is the universal acknowledgment of the supreme Lordship of Jesus Christ.
The exaltation of Christ to a name above all names is the ultimate fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies concerning a divinely appointed King and Savior, and it serves as the foundation for the believers' call to humble service and eventual shared glory.
c. 700-600 BC
Exilic and Post-Exilic Prophecy
Prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah, writing during and after the Babylonian exile, spoke of a future Servant who would be exalted and given authority over nations.
c. 4 BC
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, and his name, 'Jesus,' meaning 'Yahweh saves,' is given by divine instruction, foreshadowing his role.
c. AD 27-30
Jesus' Ministry and Ascension
Jesus teaches, heals, and demonstrates his divine authority, culminating in his crucifixion, resurrection, and ascension into heaven.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul Writes Philippians
The Apostle Paul, imprisoned in Rome, writes this letter to the church in Philippi, likely on his first Roman imprisonment.
This prophecy speaks of the Suffering Servant being highly exalted and placed among the great, directly foreshadowing the exaltation of Christ described here.
Daniel 7:13-14This vision describes one like a 'Son of Man' receiving dominion and glory, which is a clear Old Testament parallel to Jesus being highly exalted and given authority over all peoples.
John 13:31-32Jesus Himself speaks of His glorification by the Father, linking His suffering and obedience to a future exaltation and divine honor.
Hebrews 1:3-4This passage explicitly states that Jesus, after making purification for sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much superior to the angels as to inherit a more excellent name than they.
Revelation 5:12This verse describes the Lamb who was slain as worthy to receive power, riches, wisdom, might, honor, glory, and blessing, echoing the immense honor and 'name above every name' bestowed upon Christ.
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…
This verse highlights that Christ's exaltation isn't just about a promotion, but a divine "bestowal" – a gift freely granted by God. It's crucial to see that "the name above every name" isn't just a title, but represents the unique authority and glory Jesus now possesses, exceeding all others.
Following Christ's incredible example of self-emptying and humble obedience, God now supremely elevates Him. This isn't just a reward, but a consequence, bestowing upon Him a unique and unparalleled position and title that surpasses all others.
Following Christ's incredible example of self-emptying and humble obedience, God now supremely elevates Him. This isn't just a reward, but a consequence, bestowing upon Him a unique and unparalleled position and title that surpasses all others.
"Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth," — This verse highlights that Christ's exaltation isn't just about a promotion, but a divine "bestowal" – a gift freely granted by God. It's crucial to see that "the name above every name" isn't just a…
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Last reviewed October 2026
