Philippians 2:7-11 Exegesis and Christology
Philippians 2:7-11 presents a profound Christological statement, often understood as an early Christian hymn, describing Christ's pre-existence, incarnation, death, exaltation, and ultimate lordship [4]. The passage is embedded within Paul's broader exhortation to the Philippian church for unity, humility, and a Christ-like life [5, 7].
The passage reads in the ESV:
7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
This section follows Paul's appeal for the Philippians to be "like-minded" and "lowly-minded" [5], drawing on the example of Christ's self-emptying [5, 7]. The preceding verses (2:1-6) establish the context, urging believers to have the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who, "though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped" (Phil 2:6 ESV) [4]. These rhetorical questions in verses 1-2 expect positive answers, encouraging harmony and love among those who have experienced Christ [7].
Verse 7 begins with the pivotal phrase "emptied himself" (Greek: ekenōsen), which is often translated as "he gave up his divine privileges" [6]. This concept, known as kenosis, describes Christ's self-denial and willingness to set aside the prerogatives of his divine nature, not his divine nature itself [6]. This emptying is immediately explained by the subsequent actions: "taking the form of a servant" and "being born in the likeness of men" [6]. The idea of Christ taking "the humble position of a slave" may echo Isaiah 52:13–53:12, which describes the Suffering Servant [6]. The incarnation, where God became human, is a central theme here, cross-referencing with passages like John 1:14 and 1 Timothy 3:16 [6]. Other cross-references for this verse include Psalms 22:6, Isaiah 42:1, and Romans 8:3 [2]. The author of Hebrews also notes Christ's identification with humanity, stating he "had to be made like his brothers in every respect" (Hebrews 2:17 ESV), a passage often linked to Philippians 2:7-8 [3].
Verse 8 further elaborates on Christ's humility and obedience, culminating in his death on a cross. This was the ultimate act of self-abasement, as crucifixion was a shameful and agonizing form of execution [6]. This obedience "to the point of death" highlights the depth of his sacrifice.
Verses 9-11 describe God's response to Christ's humility: his exaltation. "Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name" [4]. This exaltation signifies Christ's supreme authority and universal lordship. The "name that is above every name" is understood to be "Lord" (Greek: Kyrios), a title that in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament) was used to translate the divine name Yahweh [1]. This interpretation is supported by the declaration in verse 11 that "every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord."
The confession that "every knee should bow" and "every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord" (Phil 2:10-11 ESV) is a direct allusion to Isaiah 45:23, where Yahweh declares, "To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance" [1]. By applying this Old Testament passage to Jesus, Paul unequivocally asserts Christ's divine status and universal sovereignty [4]. This confession is "to the glory of God the Father," indicating that Christ's lordship does not diminish the Father's glory but rather reveals and magnifies it [1]. Other cross-references for this declaration include Romans 10:9, 1 Corinthians 12:3, and Revelation 3:5 [1].
The Christological significance of Philippians 2:6-11 is immense, presenting a concise yet comprehensive summary of Christ's identity and work, from his pre-existence as God to his incarnation, sacrificial death, and ultimate cosmic authority [4].
Sources
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Philippians 2:11 cross-references: Psalms 18:49, Psalms 110:1, Jeremiah 23:6, Matthew 10:32, Luke 2:11, John 5:23, John 9:22, John 12:42, John 13:13, John 13:31, John 14:13, John 14:23, John 16:14, John 17:1, John 20:28, Acts 2:36, Acts 10:36, Romans 10:9, Romans 14:9, Romans 14:11, Romans 15:9, 1 Corinthians 8:6, 1 Corinthians 12:3, 1 Corinthians 15:47, 1 Peter 1:21, 1 John 4:2, 1 John 4:15, 2 John 1:7, Revelation 3:5”
- Treasury of Scripture Knowledge “Philippians 2:7 cross-references: Psalms 22:6, Isaiah 42:1, Isaiah 49:3, Isaiah 49:6, Isaiah 50:5, Isaiah 52:13, Isaiah 53:2, Isaiah 53:11, Ezekiel 34:23, Daniel 9:26, Zechariah 3:8, Zechariah 9:9, Matthew 12:18, Matthew 20:28, Mark 9:12, Mark 10:44, Luke 22:27, John 1:14, John 13:3, Romans 1:3, Romans 8:3, Romans 15:3, Romans 15:8, 2 Corinthians 8:9, Galatians 4:4, Philippians 2:6, Hebrews 2:9, Hebrews 4:15, Hebrews 12:2, Hebrews 13:3”
- OpenBible.info “Cross-reference: Heb.2.17 → Phil.2.7-Phil.2.8 (confidence: 11 votes)”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 2:6: 2:6-11 This early Christian hymn is about Christ’s preexistence and divine nature, incarnation and death, exaltation and lordship. 2:6 Though he was God: See John 1:1-3; 17:5; Col 1:15.”
- Philippians (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Philippians 2 (introduction): The apostle proceeds to further exhortations to several duties, to be like-minded, and lowly-minded, which he presses from the example of Christ (Phi 2:1-11), to be diligent and serious in the Christian course (Phi 2:12, Phi 2:13), and to adorn their Christian profession by several suitable graces (Phi 2:14-18). He then concludes with particular notice and commendation of two good ministers, Timothy and Epaphroditus, whom he designed to send to them (Phi 2:19-30).”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 2:7: 2:7 he gave up his divine privileges (literally he emptied himself): The rest of 2:7-8 explains this ultimate expression of divine self-denial (cp. 2 Cor 8:9). • the humble position of a slave (or the form of a slave): Paul might have been thinking of Isa 52:13–53:12. • and was born as a human: See John 1:14; 1 Tim 3:16.”
- Philippians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Philippians 2:1: 2:1-11 In the midst of their persecution, Paul encourages the Philippians to be united and to live a humble life like Christ. 2:1-2 Is there . . . ? These rhetorical questions expect positive answers. Those who have a real experience of Christ should live together in harmony and love.”