Exegetical Study of Philippians 2:6

 

Text:

"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage." (NIV)

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1. Contextual Background

Philippians 2:6 is part of a larger passage (Philippians 2:5–11) often referred to as the "Christ Hymn." This passage emphasizes Christ's humility and self-emptying (kenosis) as a model for believers. Paul uses this hymn to exhort the Philippians toward unity, humility, and selflessness in their relationships with one another (Philippians 2:1–4).

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2. Lexical and Grammatical Analysis

1. ὃς (hos) – "Who":

   • Refers back to Christ (verse 5). The relative pronoun connects the description of Christ’s nature and actions with the exhortation to adopt His mindset.

2. ἐν μορφῇ θεοῦ (en morphē theou) – "in very nature God":

   • The term morphē (form) denotes the essential nature or attributes of something. In this context, it affirms Christ's divinity, implying that He possesses the same essence as God.

3. οὐχ ἁρπαγμὸν (ouch harpagmon) – "did not consider...something to be grasped":

   • Harpagmos can mean either “a thing to be seized” or “something to exploit.” The choice of interpretation impacts the understanding of the verse. Most scholars lean toward the idea that Christ did not exploit His divine status for personal gain.

4. εἶναι ἴσα θεῷ (einai isa theō) – "equality with God":

   • Isa means "equal." This phrase confirms Christ’s pre-existent equality with God, highlighting the profundity of His humility in not clinging to it.

5. οὐκ ἡγήσατο (ouk hēgēsato) – "did not consider":

   • This verb indicates deliberate thought or decision, showing that Christ’s humility was a conscious choice.

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3. Theological Themes

1. Christ's Pre-existence and Divinity:

   • Paul affirms that Jesus existed in the form of God, underscoring His divine nature before His incarnation.

2. Kenosis (Self-Emptying):

   • The verse introduces the concept of kenosis (further elaborated in verse 7). Christ willingly refrained from asserting His divine privileges, choosing humility over self-exaltation.

3. Contrast Between Divine and Human Power:

   • Unlike typical human behavior that clings to power and status, Christ exemplified the surrender of divine privilege for the sake of others.

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4. Application for Believers

1. Humility as a Mindset:

   • Just as Christ chose not to exploit His divine status, believers are called to forgo selfish ambition and embrace humility (Philippians 2:3-4).

2. Unity Through Selflessness:

   • Paul uses Christ's example to encourage unity within the church. The willingness to prioritize others over oneself fosters harmony.

3. Imitation of Christ:

   • This verse challenges believers to adopt Christ's attitude, focusing on serving others rather than asserting personal rights.

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5. Interpretive Challenges

1. Meaning of Harpagmos:

   • The term’s precise meaning has been debated. Whether it implies "something to be exploited" or "something to be retained" slightly nuances the understanding of Christ's action.

2. The Relationship Between Morphē and Essence:

   • Does morphē signify external appearance or intrinsic essence? Most evidence points to the latter in this context.

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6. Conclusion

Philippians 2:6 is a profound statement of Christ's divine identity and His voluntary humility. By not exploiting His equality with God, Christ set a paradigm of selflessness and servanthood. This verse serves as a cornerstone for understanding both the nature of Christ and the ethical implications for Christian living.

Believers are called to reflect Christ’s mindset, prioritizing humility and unity in their relationships and the broader Christian community.