Philippians 2:9-11
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)
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While it says God "highly exalted" Jesus, the original Greek word emphasizes an extraordinary elevation, a super-exaltation, beyond what might be expected, directly contrasting with His profound self-emptying. This isn't just a reward, but a divine declaration that the One who stooped the lowest is now raised to the highest possible position.
Following Christ's example of humbling himself and taking on the form of a servant, God now supremely exalts Him. This exaltation is a direct reward for Jesus' obedience, leading to Him being given a unique and supreme position above all things. In the verses that follow, this divine recognition is shown by the universal acknowledgment of His authority.
Why would God elevate Jesus to such an incredible position? It wasn't arbitrary, but a direct consequence of His actions.
Paul uses the word 'Therefore' (dio) to link this exaltation directly to Jesus' willing obedience and self-humiliation described in the verses before.
The Pattern of Humiliation and Exaltation
This isn't just about Jesus receiving a reward; it's a profound theological truth. His obedience wasn't just a good deed; it was the very act that reconciled humanity to God. This reward signifies the immense value God places on Christ's sacrifice and the completion of His redemptive work.
What does it mean to be given 'the name that is above every name'? It's far more than a simple title.
When the text says God 'bestowed on him the name that is above every name,' it's not just about a label. It encompasses:
Authority, Dignity, and Identity
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.
The exaltation of Christ mentioned in Philippians 2:9 is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecies and culminates in His ascension to God's right hand, a reward for His willing humility and obedience. This divine act sets a powerful example for believers.
c. 1500 BC
Exodus and Covenant
God delivers Israel from slavery in Egypt, establishes His covenant with them, and reveals His name and authority. This event sets the stage for understanding divine names and authority within Israelite theology.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Prophecy of the Suffering Servant
The prophet Isaiah foretells a suffering servant who will be exalted and given a name above all nations, anticipating the future work and glorification of the Messiah.
c. 30-33 AD— this verse
Jesus' Crucifixion and Resurrection
Jesus Christ, the Son of God, is crucified, dies, and is resurrected, completing His mission of salvation. This event is the central act of humility and obedience preceding His exaltation.
c. 40-50 AD
Jesus Ascends to Heaven
Following His resurrection, Jesus ascends into heaven, taking His place at the right hand of God. This ascension marks the beginning of His mediatorial reign and exaltation.
This passage speaks of the Suffering Servant being 'exalted and lifted up, and set high,' which directly parallels the exaltation of Christ described in Philippians 2:9 as a reward for His suffering.
Daniel 7:13-14The vision of the 'Son of Man' receiving 'dominion and glory and a kingdom' that will not pass away directly foreshadows the supreme authority and status granted to Jesus after His exaltation.
Matthew 28:18Jesus Himself declares that 'all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me,' echoing the idea in Philippians 2:9 that He has received a name and authority above all others.
John 17:5In His prayer, Jesus asks the Father to 'glorify me in your own presence with the glory that I had with you before the world was,' pointing to a restored and even greater glory that aligns with His exaltation.
Hebrews 1:3-4This passage highlights Christ's superior position after His ascension, stating He 'sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high' and was made so much 'better than the angels' as he has 'inherited a name that is above theirs,' directly supporting the concept of His uniquely exalted name.
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…
While it says God "highly exalted" Jesus, the original Greek word emphasizes an extraordinary elevation, a super-exaltation, beyond what might be expected, directly contrasting with His profound self-emptying. This isn't just a reward, but a divine declaration that the One who stooped the lowest is now raised to the highest possible position.
Following Christ's example of humbling himself and taking on the form of a servant, God now supremely exalts Him. This exaltation is a direct reward for Jesus' obedience, leading to Him being given a unique and supreme position above all things. In the verses that follow, this divine recognition is shown by the universal acknowledgment of His authority.
Following Christ's example of humbling himself and taking on the form of a servant, God now supremely exalts Him. This exaltation is a direct reward for Jesus' obedience, leading to Him being given a unique and supreme position above all things. In the verses that follow, this divine recognition is shown by the universal acknowledgment of His authority.
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This bestowal isn't just symbolic; it's a declaration of His rightful place as the supreme ruler and the ultimate object of worship.
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.
c. 60-62 AD
Paul Writes Philippians
The Apostle Paul, likely imprisoned, writes his letter to the church in Philippi. He uses Christ's exaltation to encourage believers to live humbly and obediently.
"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,…" — While it says God "highly exalted" Jesus, the original Greek word emphasizes an extraordinary elevation, a super-exaltation, beyond what might be expected, directly contrasting with His profound se…
