Philippians 2:7 Commentary

Philippians 2:7 from the King James Version presents a profound theological truth about our Lord Jesus Christ, a truth central to the Christian faith. It reveals a pivotal moment in divine history: Christ's pre-incarnate glory, His willing condescension, and His entry into human experience. The Apostle Paul, writing from prison, exhorts the Philippian believers to emulate this divine example of humility and self-sacrifice. This verse, embedded within a larger Christological hymn, does not merely describe an event; it prescribes a pattern for Christian living. It challenges us to look beyond our own interests and to adopt the mind of Christ, who, though God, "made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men." This passage is a cornerstone for understanding the incarnation and the very heart of the Gospel, paving the way for His atoning work and triumphant resurrection. We will explore how this act of profound humility, leading to His death, is inextricably linked to the glory of His resurrection, a glory that God the Father bestowed upon Him.

To fully appreciate Philippians 2:7, we must understand the expectations and values of the Greco-Roman world, contrasting them with Christ's radical example. In that era, one's reputation, social status, and honor were paramount. To "make oneself of no reputation" (the Greek 'ekenosen' often translated as 'kenosis') was utterly counter-cultural. It was a scandal to the Jew, foolishness to the Greek, and certainly perplexing to an imperial Roman. Yet, Paul presents this as Christ's ultimate virtue and the model for the Philippian church. The Philippian context also involves internal strife and disunity within the church, which Paul addresses by pointing to Christ's humility as the antidote. He calls them to a unity of spirit, mirroring the unity within the Godhead, manifested in Christ's selfless act. This profound self-emptying was not a loss of divinity but a voluntary laying aside of divine prerogatives and privileges for the sake of humanity's salvation, culminating in the cross and paving the way for the glory of His resurrection. This foundational act of love remains the ultimate model for all believers in all ages.

The Greek phrase translated as "made himself of no reputation" is 'heauton ekenosen' (ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν), from which we derive the theological term "kenosis." This does not mean Christ divested Himself of divinity, but rather He voluntarily emptied Himself of the external manifestations and prerogatives of His divine glory, choosing instead to restrict the independent use of His divine attributes. He did not cease to be God; He merely veiled His glory. He "took upon him the form of a servant" ('morphēn doulou labōn'). The word 'morphē' signifies not merely an outward appearance but the very essence or intrinsic nature. Thus, Christ truly took on the nature of a servant, embracing the full reality of servanthood, a stark contrast to His divine 'morphē' (form) in verse 6. Finally, "and was made in the likeness of men" ('en homoiōmati anthrōpōn genomenos') emphasizes His full identification with humanity, sharing in our physical and experiential realties, though without sin. This profound incarnation, this complete identification with humanity in our weakness, sets the stage for His ultimate sacrifice on the cross and His glorious resurrection, demonstrating the depth of divine love and humility.

Philippians 2:7 is foundational to Christian theology, particularly in understanding the person and work of Christ. It speaks to the doctrine of the incarnation, where God the Son, without ceasing to be God, became man. This verse underscores the infinite 'humility' of Christ, who willingly descended from eternal glory to assume a mortal, humble, and even shameful existence for our redemption. The 'kenosis' described here is not a demotion or a loss of divinity, but a voluntary self-limitation for a redemptive purpose, a profound act of love. He was fully God and fully man, simultaneously. The act of becoming a "servant" highlights His obedience to the Father's will, even unto the death of the cross. This humility is inextricably linked to His exaltation; without the self-emptying, there could be no resurrection and no supreme name given to Him. Christ's 'no reputation' and 'servant' status were essential steps in His salvific mission, culminating in the cross, breaking the power of sin and death, and leading directly to His victorious resurrection, securing eternal life for all who believe. This glorious truth provides the substance for our faith and the hope of our future resurrection.

The profound truths of Philippians 2:7 are not merely historical or theological facts; they serve as a powerful call to action for every believer and for the church today. Just as Christ "made himself of no reputation" and took the "form of a servant," we are called to embody such 'humility' in our daily lives. This means prioritizing the needs of others above our own, serving those around us, and seeking to uplift others rather than elevate ourselves. In a world obsessed with self-promotion and personal gain, Christ's example of 'kenosis' stands in stark contrast, providing a radical alternative. It challenges us to embrace true 'servant' leadership in our homes, workplaces, and communities. It bids us to lay aside our pride, our desires for worldly recognition, and our self-centered ambitions, echoing the radical 'incarnation' of our Lord. By cultivating a spirit of genuine service and self-sacrifice, and by embracing the humility characteristic of Christ, we not only reflect His image but also participate in His ongoing work of transforming the world. This path of humility, modeled by Christ unto death, leads to the resurrection power that indwells us and enables us to serve meaningfully.