Keraia
Philippians 2

Philippians 2:7

The Mind of Christ · Philippians 2:5–11
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Translations

Modern
…but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.
Traditional
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Literal
…but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men.
Latin
…sed semetipsum exinanivit, formam servi accipiens, in similitudinem hominum factus, et habitu inventus ut homo.

Original

Greek
English
…but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Notes

Philippians 2:7

  • he emptied himself: He gave up his divine privileges and chose to live as a human. The rest of verses 7–8 explains this ultimate act of godly self-giving love (compare 2 Corinthians 8:9).

  • taking the form of a servant: Paul might have been thinking of Isaiah 52:13–53:12.

  • being made in human likeness: Jesus became truly human while still being God (see John 1:14; 1 Timothy 3:16).

Philippians 2:6–11

This early Christian hymn is about:

  • Christ’s divine nature and existence before the world began,

  • Christ's coming to earth as a human and dying, and

  • Christ's exaltation and role as Lord over all.

Philippians 2:1–11

During their persecution, Paul urges the Philippians to be united and live a humble life like Christ.

Parallels

Isaiah 52:13–15

Glossary

Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Biblical Concept of Law Christology Glory Gospel Humility Incarnation Letter to the Colossians Messiah Music Obedience Paul the Apostle Philippians, Letter to the Poetry, Biblical Praise Servant of the Lord Son of God Son of Man

Topics

Commandments: Precepts of Paul--Explicitly Stated or Implied in Didactic Epistles Example: Christ, Our Humility: Christ an Example of Humility: General Scriptures Concerning Jesus, the Christ: Example, An Jesus, the Christ: Humanity of Jesus, the Christ: Humility of Jesus, the Christ: Incarnation of Jesus, the Christ: Meekness of Jesus, the Christ: Preexistence of Jesus, the Christ: Sufferings of Jesus' Sacrifice Man: Christ: Made in the Image of Obedience to God: Christ, an Example of Sacrifices: Martyrdom Self-Denial: Christ Set an Example of Selfishness Servants: Bond of Christ Servants: Christ Condescended to the office of The Example of Christ: Conformity To, Required in Humility The Human Nature of Christ was Like Our own in all Things Except Sin The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Becoming a Servant The Humility of Christ: Exhibited in His: Taking Our Nature The Humility of Christ: Saints should Imitate