Philippians 2:9-11
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
The verse emphasizes that God bestowed this supreme name, highlighting that even Christ’s ultimate glory is a gracious gift from the Father in response to His selfless obedience. This isn't just about Christ earning power, but about God freely granting Him the highest honor as a testament to His obedient love.
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, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is reminding the Philippians of Christ's radical humility, contrasting it with the pride that was creeping into their church. He's urging them to follow Jesus' example of selfless service and obedience, even to the point of death, by showing respect and humility toward one another. This verse marks the turning point where Paul reveals the incredible reward for Christ's obedience: God's supreme exaltation of Him, bestowing a name and authority far beyond anything else.
Why would God elevate Jesus to the highest place? It wasn't out of the blue, but a direct response to His incredible humility. This verse shows us that God honors those who honor Him.
The Principle of Recompense
The verse begins with "Therefore" (or "Wherefore"), signaling that what follows is a direct consequence of Christ's actions described in the preceding verses (Philippians 2:5-8). Jesus, in His perfect obedience, voluntarily emptied Himself, taking on the form of a servant and becoming human, even to the point of death on a cross.
God's response is not just a reward, but a necessary affirmation of Christ's perfect obedience and self-giving love. He didn't have to be exalted, but His humility made it the fitting and glorious outcome. It's a divine principle: self-humiliation in service to God leads to exaltation.
God didn't just give Jesus a name; He gave Him the Name, a title that dwarfs all others. What does it mean to be 'super-exalted' and to hold such a supreme name?
The Height of Christ's Authority
The Greek word for 'highly exalted' (hyperupsosen) literally means 'to exalt above' or 'super-exalt.' This isn't just a promotion; it's an elevation to a unique and supreme position.
God bestowed upon Jesus 'the name which is above every name.' This refers not just to a title, but to the ultimate authority, dignity, and reverence due to Him. It signifies His unique role as Mediator, Savior, and Lord over all creation. This name encapsulates His divine identity and His accomplished work of redemption.
Ask a follow-up
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.
exomologeō · Greek Verb
The act of publicly acknowledging, declaring, or agreeing with a truth. Biblically, it involves a sincere heart confession of Jesus as Lord that leads to salvation.
kyrios · Greek Noun
A title denoting supreme authority, ownership, and sovereignty. In the New Testament, it is specifically applied to Jesus, signifying His divine nature and position as the ruler over all creation.
Paul's words point to Jesus' exaltation as the ultimate reward for his selfless humility, a concept deeply resonant for the Philippian believers facing their own challenges.
c. 4 BC
Birth of Jesus
Jesus is born in Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecies about the coming Messiah. His name, Jesus, meaning 'Yahweh saves,' is given to him by divine direction, signifying his redemptive role.
c. AD 30-33
Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus is crucified, dies, and is resurrected, completing his mission of atonement. This act of ultimate humility and obedience lays the foundation for his exaltation.
c. AD 33
Jesus' Ascension
Following his resurrection, Jesus ascends into heaven, taking his human nature to the right hand of God. This marks the beginning of his mediatorial reign.
c. AD 62— this verse
Paul writes Philippians
The Apostle Paul writes this letter from prison, likely in Rome, to the church in Philippi. He urges them to live in unity and humility, following Christ's example.
This passage describes the suffering servant being exalted and having a portion assigned with the 'great ones' because he poured out his soul unto death. This parallels Christ's humiliation leading to His exaltation and bestowal of a supreme name.
Daniel 7:13-14The vision of the 'Son of Man' receiving 'dominion, glory, and a kingdom' that will not pass away directly foreshadows the universal authority and supreme status given to Christ after His exaltation.
John 13:31-32Jesus speaks of His own glorification shortly before His passion, stating that God will glorify Him in Himself. This points to the intimate connection between His suffering and the glory He would receive.
Acts 2:33Peter proclaims that Jesus, after being exalted to the right hand of God, poured out the Holy Spirit. This shows the immediate consequence of His exaltation was the bestowal of divine power and authority.
Hebrews 1:3-4This passage explicitly states that Jesus sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much more excellent than the angels as he has inherited a name that is more excellent than theirs. This directly supports the idea of Christ's supreme name above all created beings.
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, highlighting that even Christ’s ultimate glory is a gracious gift from the Father in response to His selfless obedience. This isn't just about Christ earning power, but about God freely granting Him the highest honor as a testament to His obedient love.
Paul is reminding the Philippians of Christ's radical humility, contrasting it with the pride that was creeping into their church. He's urging them to follow Jesus' example of selfless service and obedience, even to the point of death, by showing respect and humility toward one another. This verse marks the turning point where Paul reveals the incredible reward for Christ's obedience: God's supreme exaltation of Him, bestowing a name and authority far beyond anything else.
Paul is reminding the Philippians of Christ's radical humility, contrasting it with the pride that was creeping into their church. He's urging them to follow Jesus' example of selfless service and obedience, even to the point of death, by showing respect and humility toward one another. This verse marks the turning point where Paul reveals the incredible reward for Christ's obedience: God's supreme exaltation of Him, bestowing a name and authority far beyond anything else.
"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, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,…" — The verse emphasizes that God bestowed this supreme name, highlighting that even Christ’s ultimate glory is a gracious gift from the Father in response to His selfless obedience. This isn't just ab…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
