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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Philippians 2:7 but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/philippians/2-7.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/50_Php_02_07.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Philippians 2:7 - The Attitude of Christ" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/philippians/2-7.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/philippians/2-7.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/philippians/">Philippians</a> > <a href="/philippians/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 7</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad7.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/philippians/2-6.htm" title="Philippians 2:6">◄</a> Philippians 2:7 <a href="/philippians/2-8.htm" title="Philippians 2:8">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/philippians/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/philippians/2.htm">New International Version</a> rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. <a href="/nlt/philippians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form, <a href="/esv/philippians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. <a href="/bsb/philippians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. <a href="/blb/philippians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men. <a href="/kjv/philippians/2.htm">King James Bible</a> But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: <a href="/nkjv/philippians/2.htm">New King James Version</a> but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. <a href="/nasb_/philippians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men. <a href="/nasb/philippians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. <a href="/nasb77/philippians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. <a href="/lsb/philippians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> but emptied Himself, by taking the form of a slave, by being made in the likeness of men. <a href="/amp/philippians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man]. <a href="/csb/philippians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man, <a href="/hcsb/philippians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Instead He emptied Himself by assuming the form of a slave, taking on the likeness of men. And when He had come as a man in His external form, <a href="/asv/philippians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; <a href="/cev/philippians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Instead he gave up everything and became a slave, when he became like one of us. <a href="/erv/philippians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; <a href="/gwt/philippians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Instead, he emptied himself by taking on the form of a servant, by becoming like other humans, by having a human appearance. <a href="/gnt/philippians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> Instead of this, of his own free will he gave up all he had, and took the nature of a servant. He became like a human being and appeared in human likeness. <a href="/isv/philippians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Instead, poured out in emptiness, a servant's form did he possess, a mortal man becoming. In human form he chose to be, <a href="/msb/philippians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. <a href="/net/philippians/2.htm">NET Bible</a> but emptied himself by taking on the form of a slave, by looking like other men, and by sharing in human nature. <a href="/nheb/philippians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. <a href="/wbt/philippians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: <a href="/wey/philippians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Nay, He stripped Himself of His glory, and took on Him the nature of a bondservant by becoming a man like other men. <a href="/web/philippians/2.htm">World English Bible</a> but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/philippians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men, <a href="/blb/philippians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> but emptied Himself, having taken the form of a servant, having been made in the likeness of men. <a href="/ylt/philippians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> but did empty himself, the form of a servant having taken, in the likeness of men having been made, <a href="/slt/philippians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, born in the likeness of men:<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/philippians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man. <a href="/cpdv/philippians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Instead, he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and accepting the state of a man. <a href="/nabre/philippians/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, <a href="/nrsvce/philippians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form,<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/philippians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> But made himself of no reputation and took upon himself the form of a servant, and was in the likeness of men: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philippians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But he stripped himself and took the form of a Servant and was in the form of the children of men, and was found in fashion as a man.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/philippians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> but he divested himself by taking the form of a servant, and being made in the likeness of men: <a href="/godbey/philippians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> but he humbled himself, having taken the form of a servant, being in the likeness of men; and having been found in fashion like a man; <a href="/haweis/philippians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> but emptied himself, assuming the form of a servant, made after the similitude of mortal men; <a href="/mace/philippians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> by assuming the form of a servant: being made in the likeness of men, <a href="/wey/philippians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Nay, He stripped Himself of His glory, and took on Him the nature of a bondservant by becoming a man like other men. <a href="/worrell/philippians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> but emptied Himself, taking a slave's form, coming to be in the likeness of men; <a href="/worsley/philippians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Yet He emptied himself, assuming the form of a servant, when made in the likeness of men: <a href="/parallel/philippians/2-7.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXomUhcrPbg?start=319" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/philippians/2.htm">The Attitude of Christ</a> …6Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, 7<a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: alla (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">but</a> <a href="/greek/2758.htm" title="2758: ekenōsen (V-AIA-3S) -- (a) I empty, (b) I deprive of content, make unreal. From kenos; to make empty, i.e. to abase, neutralize, falsify.">emptied</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heauton (RefPro-AM3S) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">Himself,</a> <a href="/greek/2983.htm" title="2983: labōn (V-APA-NMS) -- (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. ">taking</a> <a href="/greek/3444.htm" title="3444: morphēn (N-AFS) -- Form, shape, outward appearance. Perhaps from the base of meros; shape; figuratively, nature.">the form</a> <a href="/greek/1401.htm" title="1401: doulou (N-GMS) -- (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave.">of a servant,</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: genomenos (V-APM-NMS) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">being made</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/3667.htm" title="3667: homoiōmati (N-DNS) -- From homoioo; a form; abstractly, resemblance.">human likeness.</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpōn (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being."></a> 8And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a> The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory, the glory of the one and only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. <a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm">2 Corinthians 8:9</a> For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. <a href="/isaiah/53-3.htm">Isaiah 53:3</a> He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. <a href="/matthew/20-28.htm">Matthew 20:28</a> just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” <a href="/mark/10-45.htm">Mark 10:45</a> For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” <a href="/hebrews/2-14.htm">Hebrews 2:14-17</a> Now since the children have flesh and blood, He too shared in their humanity, so that by His death He might destroy him who holds the power of death, that is, the devil, / and free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death. / For surely it is not the angels He helps, but the descendants of Abraham. ... <a href="/romans/8-3.htm">Romans 8:3</a> For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful man, as an offering for sin. He thus condemned sin in the flesh, <a href="/galatians/4-4.htm">Galatians 4:4</a> But when the time had fully come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, <a href="/john/13-4.htm">John 13:4-5</a> So He got up from the supper, laid aside His outer garments, and wrapped a towel around His waist. / After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and dry them with the towel that was around Him. <a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Isaiah 42:1</a> “Here is My Servant, whom I uphold, My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He will bring justice to the nations. <a href="/john/17-5.htm">John 17:5</a> And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed. <a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15-16</a> The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. / For in Him all things were created, things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities. All things were created through Him and for Him. <a href="/1_peter/2-24.htm">1 Peter 2:24</a> He Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. “By His stripes you are healed.” <a href="/isaiah/52-13.htm">Isaiah 52:13-14</a> Behold, My Servant will prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted. / Just as many were appalled at Him—His appearance was disfigured beyond that of any man, and His form was marred beyond human likeness— <a href="/luke/22-27.htm">Luke 22:27</a> For who is greater, the one who reclines at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines? But I am among you as one who serves.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But made himself of no reputation, and took on him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:made.<a href="/psalms/22-6.htm">Psalm 22:6</a> But I am a worm, and no man; a reproach of men, and despised of the people.<a href="/isaiah/49-7.htm">Isaiah 49:7</a> Thus saith the LORD, the Redeemer of Israel, and his Holy One, to him whom man despiseth, to him whom the nation abhorreth, to a servant of rulers, Kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the LORD that is faithful, and the Holy One of Israel, and he shall choose thee.<a href="/isaiah/50-5.htm">Isaiah 50:5,6</a> The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back… the form.<a href="/isaiah/42-1.htm">Isaiah 42:1</a> Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.<a href="/isaiah/49-3.htm">Isaiah 49:3,6</a> And said unto me, Thou art my servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified… <a href="/isaiah/52-13.htm">Isaiah 52:13</a> Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.in the.<a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6</a> Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:<a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a> And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.<a href="/romans/1-3.htm">Romans 1:3</a> Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, which was made of the seed of David according to the flesh;likeness.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/exodus/21-27.htm">Bondman's</a> <a href="/galatians/4-7.htm">Bondservant</a> <a href="/galatians/1-10.htm">Bond-Servant</a> <a href="/galatians/4-29.htm">Born</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/1-17.htm">Emptied</a> <a href="/ephesians/5-6.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Form</a> <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-5.htm">Human</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-24.htm">Likeness</a> <a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/galatians/2-6.htm">Reputation</a> <a href="/ephesians/6-21.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/acts/19-16.htm">Stripped</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/exodus/21-27.htm">Bondman's</a> <a href="/colossians/3-11.htm">Bondservant</a> <a href="/colossians/1-7.htm">Bond-Servant</a> <a href="/philippians/3-5.htm">Born</a> <a href="/genesis/24-20.htm">Emptied</a> <a href="/colossians/2-8.htm">Empty</a> <a href="/philippians/2-8.htm">Form</a> <a href="/philippians/2-11.htm">Glory</a> <a href="/philippians/2-8.htm">Human</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-15.htm">Likeness</a> <a href="/colossians/2-9.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/philippians/2-29.htm">Reputation</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Servant</a> <a href="/colossians/2-15.htm">Stripped</a><div class="vheading2">Philippians 2</div>1. <a href="/philippians/2-1.htm">Paul exhorts them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility;</a> 12. <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation, that they be as lights to a wicked world,</a> 16. <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God.</a> 19. <a href="/philippians/2-19.htm">He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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It signifies Christ's voluntary renunciation of His divine privileges and glory, not His divine nature. This self-emptying is a profound act of humility and love, aligning with the prophecy of the suffering servant in <a href="/isaiah/53.htm">Isaiah 53</a>. It reflects the willingness of Jesus to set aside His heavenly status to fulfill God's redemptive plan. This act is a model of selflessness and obedience, emphasizing the importance of humility in the Christian life.taking the form of a servant Here, "form" translates from the Greek "morphe," indicating the essence or nature. Jesus did not merely appear as a servant; He truly became one. This aligns with the cultural context of servanthood in the ancient world, where servants had no rights or status. Jesus' servanthood is a fulfillment of the messianic prophecy in <a href="/isaiah/42.htm">Isaiah 42:1</a>, where the Messiah is depicted as God's servant. This act of taking on servanthood is a type of Christ's role as the ultimate servant leader, exemplified in His earthly ministry and sacrificial death.being made in human likeness This phrase emphasizes the incarnation, where the eternal Son of God took on human flesh. "Likeness" suggests that while Jesus was fully human, He was also without sin, distinguishing Him from fallen humanity. This concept is central to the doctrine of the hypostatic union, where Jesus is both fully God and fully man. The historical context of the Greco-Roman world, with its pantheon of gods, contrasts sharply with the Christian claim of God becoming man. This incarnation fulfills Old Testament prophecies, such as <a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a>, which speaks of Immanuel, "God with us." Jesus' humanity allowed Him to empathize with human weaknesses and ultimately provide salvation through His death and resurrection.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a> The central figure in this verse, who exemplifies humility and servanthood by emptying Himself and taking on human form. 2. <a href="/topical/p/philippi.htm">Philippi</a> The city where the church to whom Paul is writing is located. It was a Roman colony in Macedonia, known for its diverse population and strategic location. 3. <a href="/topical/a/apostle_paul.htm">Apostle Paul</a> The author of the letter to the Philippians, who writes to encourage and instruct the believers in Philippi. 4. <a href="/topical/r/roman_empire.htm">Roman Empire</a> The broader context in which the Philippian church exists, influencing the social and political environment of the early Christians. 5. <a href="/topical/s/servanthood.htm">Servanthood</a> A key theme in this passage, reflecting the nature and mission of Jesus Christ as He came to serve humanity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_humility_of_christ.htm">The Humility of Christ</a> Jesus' willingness to empty Himself and become human is the ultimate example of humility. Believers are called to emulate this humility in their own lives. <a href="/topical/s/servanthood_as_a_model.htm">Servanthood as a Model</a> Jesus' life as a servant sets a standard for Christians to serve others selflessly, prioritizing the needs of others above their own. <a href="/topical/t/the_incarnation's_significance.htm">The Incarnation's Significance</a> Understanding the depth of Christ's incarnation helps believers appreciate the extent of His love and sacrifice. <a href="/topical/s/self-emptying_in_christian_life.htm">Self-Emptying in Christian Life</a> Just as Christ emptied Himself, Christians are encouraged to let go of pride and selfish ambitions to follow His example. <a href="/topical/u/unity_through_humility.htm">Unity through Humility</a> The context of <a href="/bsb/philippians/2.htm">Philippians 2</a> emphasizes unity in the church, achievable through the humility and servanthood modeled by Christ.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philippians_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philippians 2</a> <a href="/q/how_did_he_humble_himself.htm">How did he make himself of no reputation?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_kenosis_in_christianity.htm">What does kenosis mean in Christian theology?</a> <a href="/q/why_does_paul_depict_jesus_humbly_here.htm">Why does Paul’s account of Jesus’s humility here (Philippians 2:7–8) seem to differ from other biblical passages that describe Jesus’s power and authority? </a> <a href="/q/what_was_the_identity_of_the_nabateans.htm">How did he make himself of no reputation?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/philippians/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(7) But made himself . . .--This verse needs more exact translation. It should be, But emptied (or, stripped) Himself of His glory by having taken on Him the form of a slave and having been made (or, born) in likeness of men. The "glory" is the "glory which He had with the Father before the world was" (<a href="/john/17-5.htm" title="And now, O Father, glorify you me with your own self with the glory which I had with you before the world was.">John 17:5</a>; comp. <a href="/philippians/1-14.htm" title="And many of the brothers in the Lord, waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.">Philippians 1:14</a>), clearly corresponding to the Shechinah of the Divine Presence. Of this He stripped Himself in the Incarnation, taking on Him the "form (or, nature) of a servant" of God. He resumed it for a moment in the Transfiguration; He was crowned with it anew at the Ascension.Made in the likeness of man.--This clause, at first sight, seems to weaken the previous clause, for it does not distinctly express our Lord's true humanity. But we note that the phrase is "the likeness of men," i.e., of men in general, men as they actually are. Hence the key to the meaning is to be found in such passages as <a href="/romans/8-3.htm" title="For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:">Romans 8:3</a>, God sent His own Son in "the likeness of sinful flesh;" or <a href="/hebrews/2-17.htm" title="Why in all things it behooved him to be made like to his brothers, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people.">Hebrews 2:17</a>; <a href="/hebrews/4-15.htm" title="For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.">Hebrews 4:15</a>, "It behoved Him to be made like unto His brethren," "in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin." It would have been an infinite humiliation to have assumed humanity, even in unique and visible glory; but our Lord went beyond this, by deigning to seem like other men in all things, one only of the multitude, and that, too, in a station, which confused Him with the commoner types of mankind. The truth of His humanity is expressed in the phrase "form of a servant;" its unique and ideal character is glanced at when it is said to have worn only the "likeness of men." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 7. - But made himself of no reputation; rather, as R.V., but emptied himself; not, he indeed, of the Godhead, which could not be, but of its manifestation, its glory. This he did once for all, as the aorist implies, at the Incarnation. The word "emptied' involves a previous fullness, "a precedent plenitude" (Pearson on the Creed, 2:25). The Divine majesty of which he emptied himself was his own, his own rightful prerogative; and his humiliation was his own voluntary act - he emptied himself. "He used his equality with God as an opportunity, not for self-exaltation, but for self-abasement" (Alford). "Manebat plenus, <a href="/john/1-14.htm">John 1:14</a>, et tureen perinde se gessit ac si esset" (Bengel). And took upon him the form of a servant; rather, as R.V., taking the form. The two clauses refer to the same act of self-humiliation regarded from its two sides. He emptied himself of his glory, taking at the same time the form (μορφήν as in Ver. 6, the essential attributes) of a servant, literally, of a slave. Observe, he was originally (ὑπάρχων) in the form of God; he took (λαβών) the form of a slave. The Godhead was his by right, the manhood by his own voluntary act: both are equally real; he is perfect God and perfect Man. Isaiah prophesied of Christ (<a href="/isaiah/49.htm">Isaiah 49</a> and Isaiah 52; comp. <a href="/acts/2-33.htm">Acts 2:33</a>, in the Greek or R.V.) as the Servant of Jehovah; he came to do the Father's will, submitting his own will in all things: "Not as I will, but as thou wilt" (comp. <a href="/matthew/20-27.htm">Matthew 20:27, 28</a>; <a href="/mark/10-44.htm">Mark 10:44, 45</a>). And was made in the likeness of men; translate, becoming, or, as R.V., being made (aorist participle). This clause is another description of the one act of the Incarnation he was God, he became man. Form (μορφή) asserts the reality of our Lord's human nature. Likeness (ὁμοίωμα) refers only to external appearance: this word, of course, does not imply that our Lord was not truly man, but, as Chrysostom says ('Hom.,' 8:247), he was more. than man; "We are soul and body, but he is God and soul and body." The likeness of men; because Christ is the Representative of humanity: he took upon him, not a human person, but human nature. He is one person in two natures. As Bishop Lightfoot says, "Christ, as the second Adam, represents, not the individual man, but the human race." <a href="/commentaries/philippians/2-7.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>but ἀλλὰ (alla) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. emptied ἐκένωσεν (ekenōsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2758.htm">Strong's 2758: </a> (a) I empty, (b) I deprive of content, make unreal. From kenos; to make empty, i.e. to abase, neutralize, falsify. Himself, ἑαυτὸν (heauton) Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> Himself, herself, itself. taking λαβών (labōn) Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2983.htm">Strong's 2983: </a> (a) I receive, get, (b) I take, lay hold of. [the] form μορφὴν (morphēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3444.htm">Strong's 3444: </a> Form, shape, outward appearance. Perhaps from the base of meros; shape; figuratively, nature. of a servant, δούλου (doulou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1401.htm">Strong's 1401: </a> (a) (as adj.) enslaved, (b) (as noun) a (male) slave. From deo; a slave. being made γενόμενος (genomenos) Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. in ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. human likeness. ὁμοιώματι (homoiōmati) Noun - Dative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3667.htm">Strong's 3667: </a> From homoioo; a form; abstractly, resemblance. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/philippians/2-7.htm">Philippians 2:7 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">NT Letters: Philippians 2:7 But emptied himself taking the form (Philipp. Phil. 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