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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><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"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/philippians/2.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/philippians/2.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/philippians/2.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/philippians/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philippians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Who, existing in <i>the</i> form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/philippians/2.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/philippians/2.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/philippians/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />who, as He <i>already</i> existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/philippians/2.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/philippians/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/philippians/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />who, although existing in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/philippians/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />who, although He existed in the form <i>and</i> unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped <i>or</i> asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it];<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/philippians/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/philippians/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be used for His own advantage. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/philippians/2.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/philippians/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Christ was truly God. But he did not try to remain equal with God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/philippians/2.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />who, being in the form of God, counted it not a prize to be on an equality with God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/philippians/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Although he was in the form of God and equal with God, he did not take advantage of this equality.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/philippians/2.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />He always had the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to remain equal with God. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/philippians/2.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />In God's own form existed he, and shared with God equality, deemed nothing needed grasping.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/philippians/2.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />who though he existed in the form of God did not regard equality with God as something to be grasped, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/philippians/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God a thing to be grasped,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/philippians/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philippians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Although from the beginning He had the nature of God He did not reckon His equality with God a treasure to be tightly grasped.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/philippians/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/philippians/2.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/philippians/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />who, being in the form of God, thought [it] not something to be seized to be equal to God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/philippians/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />Who, existing in <i>the</i> form of God, did not consider to be equal with God something to be grasped,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/philippians/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal to God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/philippians/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />Who, being in the form of God, thought not robbery to be equal to God.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/philippians/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />Who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/philippians/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />who, though he was in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be seized.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/philippians/2.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God something to be grasped. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/philippians/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited,<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/philippians/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/philippians/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />He who, while he was in the form of God, did not esteem this as a prize, that he was the equal of God,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/philippians/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />who, being in the form of God, did not think it an act of robbery to be equal with God;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/philippians/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />who, being in the form of God, thought it not usurpation to be equal with God,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/philippians/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />who being in the form of God counted it no usurpation to claim equality with God:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/philippians/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />who tho' he was the image of God, did not affect to appear with divine majesty, but divested himself thereof,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/philippians/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />Although from the beginning He had the nature of God He did not reckon His equality with God a treasure to be tightly grasped.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/philippians/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Who, existing originally in the form of God, accounted it not a prize to he equal with God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/philippians/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />who being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be as God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/philippians/2-6.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mXomUhcrPbg?start=311" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/philippians/2.htm">The Attitude of Christ</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5</span>Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: <span class="reftext">6</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: Hos (RelPro-NMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">Who,</a> <a href="/greek/5225.htm" title="5225: hyparchōn (V-PPA-NMS) -- To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb).">existing</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/3444.htm" title="3444: morphē (N-DFS) -- Form, shape, outward appearance. Perhaps from the base of meros; shape; figuratively, nature.">the form</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">of God,</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouch (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">did not</a> <a href="/greek/2233.htm" title="2233: hēgēsato (V-AIM-3S) -- (a) To lead, (b) To think, be of opinion, suppose, consider. ">consider</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/2470.htm" title="2470: isa (Adj-ANP) -- Equal, equivalent, identical. Probably from eido; similar.">equality</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theō (N-DMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">with God</a> <a href="/greek/725.htm" title="725: harpagmon (N-AMS) -- Spoil, an object of eager desire, a prize. From harpazo; plunder.">something to be grasped,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">7</span>but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/1-1.htm">John 1:1-3</a></span><br />In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. / He was with God in the beginning. / Through Him all things were made, and without Him nothing was made that has been made.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15-17</a></span><br />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. / He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">Hebrews 1:3</a></span><br />The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/17-5.htm">John 17:5</a></span><br />And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm">2 Corinthians 8:9</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/10-30.htm">John 10:30</a></span><br />I and the Father are one.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/14-9.htm">John 14:9</a></span><br />Jesus replied, “Philip, I have been with you all this time, and still you do not know Me? Anyone who has seen Me has seen the Father. How can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/5-18.htm">John 5:18</a></span><br />Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a></span><br />For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/micah/5-2.htm">Micah 5:2</a></span><br />But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel—One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/1-26.htm">Genesis 1:26</a></span><br />Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/8-58.htm">John 8:58</a></span><br />“Truly, truly, I tell you,” Jesus declared, “before Abraham was born, I am!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/20-28.htm">John 20:28</a></span><br />Thomas replied, “My Lord and my God!”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/9-5.htm">Romans 9:5</a></span><br />Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them proceeds the human descent of Christ, who is God over all, forever worthy of praise! Amen.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_timothy/3-16.htm">1 Timothy 3:16</a></span><br />By common confession, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in the flesh, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was proclaimed among the nations, was believed in throughout the world, was taken up in glory.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:</p><p class="hdg">in.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/7-14.htm">Isaiah 7:14</a></b></br> Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/8-8.htm">Isaiah 8:8</a></b></br> And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach <i>even</i> to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/9-6.htm">Isaiah 9:6</a></b></br> For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.</p><p class="hdg">thought.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/32-24.htm">Genesis 32:24-30</a></b></br> And Jacob was left alone; and there wrestled a man with him until the breaking of the day… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/48-15.htm">Genesis 48:15,16</a></b></br> And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day, … </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/8-2.htm">Ezekiel 8:2-6</a></b></br> Then I beheld, and lo a likeness as the appearance of fire: from the appearance of his loins even downward, fire; and from his loins even upward, as the appearance of brightness, as the colour of amber… </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/ephesians/3-8.htm">Although</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-9.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-2.htm">Count</a> <a href="/galatians/3-6.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-12.htm">Equal</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-14.htm">Equality</a> <a href="/john/17-5.htm">Existed</a> <a href="/romans/13-1.htm">Existing</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-6.htm">Form</a> <a href="/ephesians/3-18.htm">Grasped</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-24.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/mark/12-33.htm">Oneself</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-5.htm">Reckon</a> <a href="/philippians/2-3.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/luke/11-39.htm">Robbery</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-7.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/philippians/1-7.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/luke/8-15.htm">Tightly</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/4-7.htm">Treasure</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/philippians/3-4.htm">Although</a> <a href="/philippians/4-15.htm">Beginning</a> <a href="/philippians/3-7.htm">Consider</a> <a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Count</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Counted</a> <a href="/colossians/4-1.htm">Equal</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-13.htm">Equality</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-23.htm">Existed</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-8.htm">Existing</a> <a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Form</a> <a href="/genesis/19-16.htm">Grasped</a> <a href="/philippians/2-7.htm">Nature</a> <a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Oneself</a> <a href="/philippians/3-8.htm">Reckon</a> <a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">Regard</a> <a href="/leviticus/6-2.htm">Robbery</a> <a href="/colossians/2-23.htm">Seem</a> <a href="/philippians/2-25.htm">Thought</a> <a href="/hebrews/4-14.htm">Tightly</a> <a href="/colossians/3-16.htm">Treasure</a><div class="vheading2">Philippians 2</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><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></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><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></span><br><span class="reftext">16. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philippians/2-16.htm">and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/philippians/2-19.htm">He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also.</a></span><br></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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/philippians/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/philippians/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Who, existing in the form of God</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the pre-existence and divine nature of Christ. The term "form" (Greek: "morphē") suggests the essential attributes and nature of God, indicating that Jesus possesses the fullness of deity. This aligns with <a href="/john/1.htm">John 1:1</a>, which states, "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." The concept of Christ's pre-existence is also supported by <a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15-17</a>, where Christ is described as the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all creation. Theologically, this underscores the belief in the Trinity, where Jesus is fully God, co-equal and co-eternal with the Father and the Holy Spirit.<p><b>did not consider equality with God</b><br>Here, the focus is on Christ's attitude towards His divine status. Despite being equal with God, Jesus did not cling to His rights or privileges. This reflects the humility and selflessness of Christ, which is a central theme in the passage. The concept of equality with God is further supported by <a href="/john/5-18.htm">John 5:18</a>, where Jesus' claims to be God's Son were understood by His contemporaries as making Himself equal with God. This equality is not something Jesus needed to strive for; it was inherently His. Theologically, this challenges believers to adopt a similar mindset of humility and self-denial.<p><b>something to be grasped</b><br>The Greek word used here can mean "to seize" or "to hold onto." This suggests that Jesus did not view His divine status as something to exploit for His own advantage. Instead, He willingly relinquished His privileges to fulfill His mission of redemption. This act of self-emptying, or "kenosis," is further elaborated in the subsequent verses, where Jesus takes on human form and becomes obedient to death on a cross. This concept is echoed in <a href="/2_corinthians/8-9.htm">2 Corinthians 8:9</a>, which states, "Though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich." This serves as a model for Christian conduct, emphasizing the importance of humility and service.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/jesus_christ.htm">Jesus Christ</a></b><br>The central figure in this verse, Jesus is described as existing in the form of God, highlighting His divine nature and pre-existence before His incarnation.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/paul_the_apostle.htm">Paul the Apostle</a></b><br>The author of the letter to the Philippians, Paul writes to encourage the church in Philippi, emphasizing humility and unity through the example of Christ.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/philippi.htm">Philippi</a></b><br>A city in Macedonia where the church to whom Paul is writing is located. It was a Roman colony and a significant center for early Christianity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/u/understanding_christ's_divinity.htm">Understanding Christ's Divinity</a></b><br>Recognize that Jesus, existing in the form of God, affirms His divine nature and eternal existence. This understanding is foundational to Christian faith.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_humility_of_christ.htm">The Humility of Christ</a></b><br>Jesus did not cling to His divine status but chose to humble Himself. This sets a profound example for believers to follow in humility and selflessness.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/e/equality_with_god.htm">Equality with God</a></b><br>The phrase "did not consider equality with God something to be grasped" suggests that Jesus did not exploit His divine status for personal gain. Believers are called to emulate this attitude in their own lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/imitating_christ's_attitude.htm">Imitating Christ's Attitude</a></b><br>As followers of Christ, we are encouraged to adopt His mindset of humility and service, prioritizing others above ourselves.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_mystery_of_the_incarnation.htm">The Mystery of the Incarnation</a></b><br>Reflect on the mystery and wonder of the incarnation, where Jesus, fully God, became fully man to accomplish the work of salvation.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_philippians_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Philippians 2</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_does_miaphysitism_differ_from_dyophysitism.htm">What distinguishes Miaphysitism from Dyophysitism?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'equality_with_god'_mean.htm">What does "Equality with God" mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_kenoticism_in_theology.htm">What is Kenoticism in Christian theology?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_would_god_need_to_empty_himself.htm">If Jesus was truly “in very nature God” (Philippians 2:6), why would an omnipotent deity need to empty himself at all? </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>(6) <span class= "bld">Being in the form of God.</span>--(1) The word "being" is here the more emphatic of the two words so translated, which lays stress on the reality of existence (as in <a href="/acts/16-20.htm" title="And brought them to the magistrates, saying, These men, being Jews, do exceedingly trouble our city,">Acts 16:20</a>; <a href="/acts/17-28.htm" title="For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.">Acts 17:28</a>; <a href="/1_corinthians/11-7.htm" title="For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, for as much as he is the image and glory of God: but the woman is the glory of the man.">1Corinthians 11:7</a>; <a href="/galatians/2-14.htm" title="But when I saw that they walked not uprightly according to the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, If you, being a Jew, live after the manner of Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compel you the Gentiles to live as do the Jews?">Galatians 2:14</a>). Hence it calls attention to the essential being of Christ, corresponding to the idea embodied in the name Jehovah, and thus implying what is more fully expressed in <a href="/john/1-1.htm" title="In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.">John 1:1</a>. (2) The word "form" (which, except for a casual use in <a href="/mark/16-12.htm" title="After that he appeared in another form to two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.">Mark 16:12</a>, is found only in this passage of the New Testament) is to be carefully distinguished from "fashion." There can be no doubt that in classical Greek it describes the actual specific character, which (like the structure of a material substance) makes each being what it is; and this same idea is always conveyed in the New Testament by the compound words in which the root "form" is found (<a href="/romans/8-29.htm" title="For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.">Romans 8:29</a>; <a href="/romans/12-2.htm" title="And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.">Romans 12:2</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/3-18.htm" title="But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the LORD.">2Corinthians 3:18</a>; <a href="/galatians/4-19.htm" title="My little children, of whom I travail in birth again until Christ be formed in you,">Galatians 4:19</a>). (3) On the other hand, the word "fashion," as in <a href="/1_corinthians/7-31.htm" title="And they that use this world, as not abusing it: for the fashion of this world passes away.">1Corinthians 7:31</a> ("the fashion of this world passeth away"), denotes the mere outward appearance (which we frequently designate as "form"), as will be seen also in its compounds (<a href="/context/2_corinthians/11-13.htm" title="For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.">2Corinthians 11:13-14</a>; <a href="/1_peter/1-14.htm" title="As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance:">1Peter 1:14</a>). The two words are seen in juxtaposition in <a href="/romans/12-2.htm" title="And be not conformed to this world: but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.">Romans 12:2</a>; <a href="/philippians/3-21.htm" title="Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like to his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things to himself.">Philippians 3:21</a> (where see Notes). Hence, in this passage the "being in the form of God," describes our Lord's essential, and therefore eternal, being in the true nature of God; while the "taking on Him the form of a servant" similarly refers to His voluntary assumption of the true nature of man. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/philippians/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 6.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Who, being in the form of God</span>. The word rendered "being" (<span class="greek">ὑπάρχων</span>) means, as R.V. in margin, being originally. It looks back to the time before the Incarnation, when the Word, the <span class="greek">Λόγος ἄσαρκος</span>, was with God (comp. <a href="/john/8-58.htm">John 8:58</a>; <a href="/john/17-5.htm">John 17:5, 24</a>). What does the word <span class="greek">μορφή</span> form, mean here? It occurs twice in this passage - Ver. 6, "form of God;" and Ver. 7, "form of a servant;" it is contrasted with <span class="greek">σχῆμα</span> fashion, in Ver. 8. In the Aristotelian philosophy (<span class="accented">vide</span> ' De Anima,' 2:1, 2) <span class="greek">μορφή</span>. is used almost in the sense of <span class="greek">εϊδος</span>, or <span class="greek">τὸ τί η΅ν εϊναι</span> as that which makes a thing to be what it is, the sum of its essential attributes: it is the form, as the expression of those essential attributes, the permanent, constant form; not the fleeting, outward <span class="greek">σχῆμα</span>, or fashion. St. Paul seems to make a somewhat similar distinction between the two words. Thus in <a href="/romans/8-29.htm">Romans 8:29</a>; <a href="/galatians/4-19.htm">Galatians 4:19</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/3-18.htm">2 Corinthians 3:18</a>; <a href="/philippians/2-10.htm">Philippians 2:10</a>, <span class="greek">μορφή</span> (or its derivatives) is used of the deep inner change of heart, the change which is described in Holy Scripture as a new creation; while <span class="greek">σχῆμα</span> is used of the changeful fashion of the world and agreement with it (<a href="/1_corinthians/7-31.htm">1 Corinthians 7:31</a>; <a href="/romans/12-2.htm">Romans 12:2</a>). Then, when St. Paul tells us that Christ Jesus, being first in the form of God, took the form of a servant, the meaning must be that he possessed originally the essential attributes of Deity, and assumed in addition the essential attributes of humanity. He was perfect God; he became perfect (comp. <a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15</a>; <a href="/hebrews/1-3.htm">Hebrews 1:3</a>; <a href="/2_corinthians/4-4.htm">2 Corinthians 4:4</a>). For a fuller discussion of the meanings of <span class="greek">μορφή</span> and <span class="greek">σχῆμα</span>, see Bishop Lightfoot's detached note ('Philippians,' p. 127), and Archbishop Trench, 'Synonyms of the New Testament,' sect. 70. Thought it not robbery to be equal with God; R.V. "counted it not a prize [margin, 'a thing to be grasped'] to be on an equality with God." These two renderings represent two conflicting interpretations of this difficult passage. Do the words mean that Christ asserted his essential Godhead ("thought it not robbery to be equal with God," as A.V.), or that he did not cling to the glory of the Divine majesty ("counted it not a prize," as R.V.)? Both statements are true in fact. The grammatical form of the word <span class="greek">ἁρπαγμός</span>, which properly implies an action or process, favors the first view, which seems to be adopted by most of the ancient versions and by most of the Latin Fathers. On the other hand, the form of the word does not exclude the passive interpretation; many words of the same termination have a passive meaning, and <span class="greek">ἁρπαγμός</span> itself is used in the sense of <span class="greek">ἅρπαγμα</span> by Eusebius, Cyril of Alexandria, and a writer in the 'Catena Possini' on <a href="/mark/10-42.htm">Mark 10:42</a> (the three passages are quoted by Bishop Lightfoot, <span class="accented">in</span> <span class="accented">loco</span>). The Greek Fathers (as Chrysostom <span class="greek">Ὁ τοῦ Θεοῦ υἱὸς οὐκ ἐφοβήθη καταβῆναι ἀπὸ τοῦ ἀξιώματος</span>, etc.) generally adopt this interpretation. And the context seems to require it. The aorist <span class="greek">ἡγήσατο</span> points to an act, the act of abnegation; not to a state, the continued assertion. The conjunction "but" (<span class="greek">ἀλλὰ</span>) implies that the two sentences are opposed to one another. He did not grasp, but, on the contrary, he emptied himself. The first interpretation involves the tacit insertion of "nevertheless;" he asserted his equality, but nevertheless, etc. And the whole stress is laid on the Lord's humility and unselfishness. It is true that this second interpretation does not so distinctly assert the divinity of our Lord, already sufficiently asserted in the first clause, "being in the form of God." But it implies it. Not to grasp at equality with God would not be an instance of humility, but merely the absence of mad impiety, in one who was not himself Divine. On the whole, then, we prefer the second interpretation. Though he was born the beginning in the form of God, he did not regard equality with God as a thing to be grasped, a prize to be tenaciously retained. Not so good is the view of Meyer and others: "Jesus Christ, when he found himself in the heavenly mode of existence of Divine glory, did not permit himself the thought of using his equality with God for the purpose of seizing possessions and honor for himself on earth." The R.V. rendering of the last words of the clause," to be on an equality," is nearer to the Greek and better than the A.V., "to be equal with God." Christ was equal with God (<a href="/john/5-18.htm">John 5:18</a>; <a href="/john/10-30.htm">John 10:30</a>). He did not cling to the outward manifestation of that equality. The adverbial form <span class="greek">ἴσα</span> implies the state or mode of equality rather than the equality itself. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/philippians/2-6.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">Who,</span><br /><span class="grk">Ὃς</span> <span class="translit">(Hos)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Relative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> </span><span class="str2">Who, which, what, that. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">existing</span><br /><span class="grk">ὑπάρχων</span> <span class="translit">(hyparchōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5225.htm">Strong's 5225: </a> </span><span class="str2">To begin, am, exist, be in possession. From hupo and archomai; to begin under, i.e. Come into existence; expletively, to exist (verb).</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">ἐν</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] form</span><br /><span class="grk">μορφῇ</span> <span class="translit">(morphē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3444.htm">Strong's 3444: </a> </span><span class="str2">Form, shape, outward appearance. Perhaps from the base of meros; shape; figuratively, nature.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of God,</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(Theou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">{did} not</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐχ</span> <span class="translit">(ouch)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> </span><span class="str2">No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">consider</span><br /><span class="grk">ἡγήσατο</span> <span class="translit">(hēgēsato)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2233.htm">Strong's 2233: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) To lead, (b) To think, be of opinion, suppose, consider. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">equality</span><br /><span class="grk">ἴσα</span> <span class="translit">(isa)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2470.htm">Strong's 2470: </a> </span><span class="str2">Equal, equivalent, identical. Probably from eido; similar.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with God</span><br /><span class="grk">Θεῷ</span> <span class="translit">(Theō)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> </span><span class="str2">A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">something to be grasped,</span><br /><span class="grk">ἁρπαγμὸν</span> <span class="translit">(harpagmon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_725.htm">Strong's 725: </a> </span><span class="str2">Spoil, an object of eager desire, a prize. From harpazo; plunder.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/philippians/2-6.htm">Philippians 2:6 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/philippians/2-6.htm">NT Letters: Philippians 2:6 Who existing in the form of God (Philipp. Phil. Php.) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/philippians/2-5.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Philippians 2:5"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Philippians 2:5" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/philippians/2-7.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Philippians 2:7"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Philippians 2:7" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>