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“The Mind of Christ”· Philippians 2:5–11
Translation
King James Version
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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KJV (with Strong's)
And G2532 that every G3956 tongue G1100 should confess G1843 that G3754 Jesus G2424 Christ G5547 is Lord G2962, to G1519 the glory G1391 of God G2316 the Father G3962.
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Complete Jewish Bible
and every tongue will acknowledge
that Yeshua the Messiah is Adonai —
to the glory of God the Father.
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Berean Standard Bible
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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American Standard Version
and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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World English Bible Messianic
and that every tongue should confess that Yeshua the Messiah is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
And that euery tongue shoulde confesse that Iesus Christ is the Lord, vnto the glory of God the Father.
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Young's Literal Translation
and every tongue may confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
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In the KJVVerse 29,403 of 31,102 · 94.5%

Study This Verse

Summary

Philippians 2:11 serves as the climactic declaration within the profound "Christ Hymn" (Philippians 2:5-11), articulating the ultimate and universal outcome of God's redemptive plan: the global acknowledgment of Jesus Christ's supreme Lordship, all consummating in the magnificent glory of God the Father. This verse powerfully encapsulates the eschatological triumph of Christ's humility and obedience, foretelling a future where every created being will publicly affirm His divine authority.

Context

Literary Context

This verse is the triumphant culmination of the "Christ Hymn" (Philippians 2:5-11), a passage widely considered one of the most significant Christological texts in the New Testament. Paul introduces this hymn as an example of Christ's humility and obedience, urging the Philippian believers to adopt a similar selfless mindset (Philippians 2:3-4). The hymn begins by describing Christ's pre-existent equality with God (Philippians 2:6), His voluntary self-emptying (κένωσις) by taking on human form as a servant (Philippians 2:7), and His ultimate obedience to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:8). Because of this unparalleled humiliation, God the Father supremely exalted Him (Philippians 2:9), bestowing upon Him the "name above every name" – a clear reference to the divine name Yahweh. Verse 10 then describes the universal consequence of this exaltation: "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth" (Philippians 2:10). Philippians 2:11 completes this picture by detailing the accompanying action: the universal confession of Jesus's Lordship, thereby bringing glory to the Father.

Historical & Cultural Context

The confession "Jesus Christ is Lord" held profound implications in the Greco-Roman world of the first century. The title "Lord" (κύριος, kyrios) was commonly used for Roman emperors, who demanded worship and allegiance as divine figures. To declare "Caesar is Lord" was a standard expression of political and religious loyalty. Therefore, for early Christians to confess "Jesus Christ is Lord" was not merely a theological statement but a subversive political act, directly challenging the imperial cult and often leading to persecution. Furthermore, within a Jewish context, kyrios was the Greek translation used in the Septuagint (LXX) for the divine name YHWH (Yahweh). Thus, confessing Jesus as Lord was an explicit affirmation of His divine identity and co-equality with God the Father, a radical claim for monotheistic Jews and a stumbling block for many. This confession also echoes Old Testament prophecies, particularly Isaiah 45:23, which speaks of every knee bowing and every tongue swearing allegiance to Yahweh, thereby applying this divine prerogative directly to Jesus.

Key Themes

Philippians 2:11 powerfully underscores several core theological themes. Foremost is the absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ, asserting His supreme authority and divine sovereignty over all creation. This theme is inextricably linked to the humiliation and exaltation of Christ, demonstrating that His voluntary self-abasement was the pathway to His ultimate glorification by the Father. The verse also highlights universal acknowledgment, indicating that a time will come when every being, whether willingly or by divine compulsion, will confess Jesus's rightful place as Lord. This universal confession, however, is not an end in itself; its ultimate purpose is the glory of God the Father. This Trinitarian emphasis reveals that the Son's honor and reign are intrinsically tied to the Father's sovereign will and ultimate praise, ensuring that all glory redounds to God the Father, as seen in passages like John 5:23. The passage thus paints a comprehensive picture of divine purpose, Christ's supreme identity, and the ultimate destiny of all creation.

Exposition and Analysis

Key Word Analysis

tongue glōssa' G1100

This word refers to the physical organ of speech, but by implication, it signifies language itself or, as used here, the act of speaking or confessing. In the context of "every tongue," it emphasizes the universal nature of the confession, encompassing all peoples and languages.

confess exomologéō' G1843

Derived from ek (out) and homologéō (to speak the same thing, to agree), this verb means "to acknowledge or agree fully," "to confess openly and publicly," or "to profess." It implies a full, public, and often formal declaration of assent, not merely a private thought or belief. The prefix ek intensifies the act, suggesting a full and complete outward expression.

Lord kýrios' G2962

This is a crucial title, meaning "supreme in authority" or "controller." As a respectful title, it translates to "Master" or "Sir." Most significantly, in the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), kýrios was consistently used to translate the Hebrew divine name YHWH (Yahweh). Therefore, to confess Jesus as Kyrios is to declare His divine nature, His co-equality with God the Father, and His absolute sovereignty over all creation.

Verse Breakdown

"And that every tongue should confess"

This clause emphasizes the universal scope of the future acknowledgment of Jesus's Lordship. "Every tongue" signifies all rational beings, regardless of their earthly origin, language, or previous allegiance. The verb "confess" (exomologéō) implies a public, open, and full acknowledgment, suggesting a compelled or willing declaration of truth. This is not merely an internal thought but an outward, verbal affirmation.

"that Jesus Christ is Lord"

This is the core content of the confession. "Jesus Christ" identifies the specific person being exalted – the historical Jesus of Nazareth, who is also the Messiah (Christ). The declaration "is Lord" (Kyrios) is the central theological assertion, equating Jesus with the divine YHWH of the Old Testament. It proclaims His absolute sovereignty, authority, and divine nature, placing Him in the highest possible position of power and dominion over all things.

"to the glory of God the Father"

This final phrase reveals the ultimate purpose and beneficiary of this universal confession. Christ's exaltation and the universal acknowledgment of His Lordship are not for His own independent glory, but rather to bring ultimate praise, honor, and renown to God the Father. This highlights the Trinitarian unity in God's redemptive plan, where the Son's honor perfectly reflects and magnifies the Father's majesty and sovereign will.

Literary Devices

Philippians 2:11 employs several powerful literary devices. The verse functions as the Climax of the "Christ Hymn," bringing the narrative of Christ's humiliation and exaltation to its grand, triumphant conclusion. The phrase "every tongue" utilizes Hyperbole to emphasize the absolute and universal nature of the future confession, implying that no being in all creation will be exempt from this acknowledgment. This hyperbole underscores the Theological Statement of Christ's ultimate and undeniable sovereignty. Furthermore, the entire hymn, culminating in this verse, serves as a profound Exemplum or Paradigm for the Philippian believers, illustrating the profound spiritual principle that humility and obedience lead to exaltation and glory, both for Christ and, by extension, for those who follow His example.

Theological and Thematic Connections

Philippians 2:11 is a cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming the deity and universal sovereignty of Jesus Christ. It connects the Old Testament prophecies of Yahweh's ultimate dominion with the person of Jesus, unequivocally declaring Him to be the divine Lord. This confession is not merely a future event but also a present reality for believers, forming the bedrock of salvation and worship. The verse powerfully demonstrates the Trinitarian harmony in God's plan, where the Son's exaltation perfectly glorifies the Father, revealing the unified purpose of the Godhead in redemption and cosmic rule. It assures believers of Christ's ultimate victory and the certainty of His reign, providing both comfort and a call to present-day allegiance.

Reflection and Application

Philippians 2:11 calls believers to a profound and active response. Knowing that every tongue will one day confess Jesus Christ as Lord compels us to live out that confession now, willingly and joyfully. This truth should ignite our worship, deepen our obedience, and fuel our evangelistic fervor. If Christ's ultimate triumph is assured, then our present struggles and sacrifices in His name are not in vain. This verse challenges us to align our lives, priorities, and desires with the sovereign will of the one who will ultimately be acknowledged by all. It reminds us that our ultimate purpose, like Christ's, is to live "to the glory of God the Father," ensuring that our words and deeds reflect the majesty of His divine plan. This future reality should inspire us to boldly proclaim His Lordship in a world that often denies it, living as a foretaste of the universal confession to come.

Questions for Reflection

  1. How does the universal confession of Jesus's Lordship in Philippians 2:11 impact your understanding of His authority in your daily life?
  2. In what practical ways can you "confess" Jesus as Lord with your "tongue" and your actions today, in anticipation of this future reality?
  3. How does the knowledge that Christ's exaltation brings "glory to God the Father" shape your worship and your understanding of God's ultimate purpose?

FAQ

What does it mean for "every tongue to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord"?

This phrase signifies a universal and undeniable acknowledgment of Jesus's supreme authority and divine identity. It means that a time will come when every created being—whether human, angelic, or demonic—will publicly declare that Jesus Christ is the sovereign ruler and God. For believers, this is a willing confession made in faith, leading to salvation (Romans 10:9). For those who have rejected Him, it will be a compelled acknowledgment of His rightful position, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy from Isaiah 45:23). It speaks to the ultimate triumph of Christ's reign over all creation.

Why is it significant that this confession is "to the glory of God the Father"?

This highlights the Trinitarian nature of God's redemptive plan and ultimate purpose. It means that Jesus's exaltation and universal acknowledgment as Lord are not for His own independent glory, but rather serve to magnify and bring ultimate praise to God the Father. It underscores that the Father initiated the plan of salvation, sent the Son, and ultimately receives the glory for the Son's obedience, sacrifice, and supreme reign. This demonstrates the perfect unity and harmonious purpose within the Godhead, where the Son's honor perfectly reflects and reveals the Father's majesty, as Jesus Himself stated in John 5:23).

Christ-Centered Fulfillment

Philippians 2:11 stands as a magnificent Christ-centered declaration, revealing the ultimate destiny of the universe under the sovereign reign of Jesus Christ. It is the New Testament's resounding echo of Old Testament prophecies concerning Yahweh's universal dominion, now explicitly fulfilled in the person of Jesus. The "Christ Hymn" (Philippians 2:5-11) portrays Christ's journey from pre-existence and divine equality (Philippians 2:6), through profound humility and obedience unto death (Philippians 2:7-8), to His ultimate exaltation by the Father (Philippians 2:9). This verse, then, is the glorious culmination, asserting that the very name "Lord" (κύριος), which in the Septuagint was used for YHWH, now belongs to Jesus. This universal confession—where every knee bows and every tongue declares His Lordship—is the eschatological reality toward which all history moves. It foreshadows the final judgment and the establishment of Christ's eternal kingdom, where all authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him (Matthew 28:18), and He will ultimately put all enemies under His feet (1 Corinthians 15:25). Thus, Philippians 2:11 is not merely a theological statement but a prophetic vision of Christ's absolute and undeniable triumph, ensuring that the Father's glory is perfectly manifested through the Son's supreme reign.

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Public-domain commentary

Matthew Henry

From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Philippians 2:1–11. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.

1662–1714 · 11 verses
Passage under commentPhilippians 2:1–11
I. II. Main points1. 2. Sub-points(1.) (2.) Details

The apostle proceeds in this chapter where he left off in the last, with further exhortations to Christian duties. He presses them largely to like-mindedness and lowly-mindedness, in conformity to the example of the Lord Jesus, the great pattern of humility and love. Here we may observe,

I.The great gospel precept passed upon us; that is, to love one another.

This is the law of Christ's kingdom, the lesson of his school, the livery of his family. This he represents (Phi 2:2) by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. We are of a like mind when we have the same love. Christians should be one in affection, whether they can be one in apprehension or no. This is always in their power, and always their duty, and is the likeliest way to bring them nearer in judgment. Having the same love. Observe, The same love that we are required to express to others, others are bound to express to us. Christian love ought to be mutual love. Love, and you shall be loved. Being of one accord, and of one mind; not crossing and thwarting, or driving on separate interests, but unanimously agreeing in the great things of God and keeping the unity of the Spirit in other differences. Here observe,

1.The pathetic pressing of the duty. He is very importunate with them, knowing what an evidence it is of our sincerity, and what a means of the preservation and edification of the body of Christ. The inducements to brotherly love are these: - (1.) "If there is any consolation in Christ. Have you experienced consolation in Christ? Evidence that experience by loving one another." The sweetness we have found in the doctrine of Christ should sweeten our spirits. Do we expect consolation in Christ? If we would not be disappointed, we must love one another. If we have not consolation in Christ, where else can we expect it? Those who have an interest in Christ have consolation in him, strong and everlasting consolation (Heb 6:18; Th2 2:16), and therefore ought to love one another. (2.) "Comfort of love. If there is any comfort in Christian love, in God's love to you, in your love to God, or in your brethren's love to us, in consideration of all this, be you like-minded. If you have ever found that comfort, if you would find it, if you indeed believe that the grace of love is a comfortable grace, abound in it." (3.) "Fellowship of the Spirit. If there is such a thing as communion with God and Christ by the Spirit, such a thing as the communion of saints, by virtue of their being animated and actuated by one and the same Spirit, be you like-minded; for Christian love and like-mindedness will preserve to us our communion with God and with one another." (4.) "Any bowels and mercies, in God and Christ, towards you. If you expect the benefit of God's compassions to yourselves, be you compassionate one to another. If there is such a thing as mercy to be found among the followers of Christ, if all who are sanctified have a disposition to holy pity, make it appear this way." How cogent are these arguments! One would think them enough to tame the most fierce, and mollify the hardest, heart. (5.) Another argument he insinuates is the comfort it would be to him: Fulfil you my joy. It is the joy of ministers to see people like-minded and living in love. He had been instrumental in bringing them to the grace of Christ and the love of God. "Now," says he, "if you have found any benefit by your participation of the gospel of Christ, if you have any comfort in it, or advantage by it, fulfil the joy of your poor minister, who preached the gospel to you."

2.He proposes some means to promote it.

(1.)Do nothing through strife and vain glory, Phi 2:3. There is no greater enemy to Christian love than pride and passion. If we do things in contradiction to our brethren, this is doing them through strife; if we do them through ostentation of ourselves, this is doing them through vain-glory: both are destructive of Christian love and kindle unchristian heats. Christ came to slay all enmities; therefore let there not be among Christians a spirit of opposition. Christ came to humble us, and therefore let there not be among us a spirit of pride.

(2.)We must esteem others in lowliness of mind better than ourselves, be severe upon our own faults and charitable in our judgments of others, be quick in observing our own defects and infirmities, but ready to overlook and make favourable allowances for the defects of others. We must esteem the good which is in others above that which is in ourselves; for we best know our own unworthiness and imperfections.

(3.)We must interest ourselves in the concerns of others, not in a way of curiosity and censoriousness, or as busy-bodies in other men's matters, but in Christian love and sympathy: Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others, Phi 2:4. A selfish spirit is destructive of Christian love. We must be concerned not only for our own credit, and ease, and safety, but for those of others also; and rejoice in the prosperity of others as truly as in our own. We must love our neighbour as ourselves, and make his case our own.

II.Here is a gospel pattern proposed to our imitation, and that is the example of our Lord Jesus Christ:

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, Phi 2:5. Observe, Christians must be of Christ's mind. We must bear a resemblance to his life, if we would have the benefit of his death. If we have not the Spirit of Christ, we are none of his, Rom 8:9. Now what was the mind of Christ? He was eminently humble, and this is what we are peculiarly to learn of him. Learn of me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, Mat 11:29. If we were lowly-minded, we should be like-minded; and, if we were like Christ, we should be lowly-minded. We must walk in the same spirit and in the same steps with the Lord Jesus, who humbled himself to sufferings and death for us; not only to satisfy God's justice, and pay the price of our redemption, but to set us an example, and that we might follow his steps. Now here we have the two natures and the two states of our Lord Jesus. It is observable that the apostle, having occasion to mention the Lord Jesus, and the mind which was in him, takes the hint to enlarge upon his person, and to give a particular description of him. It is a pleasing subject, and a gospel minister needs not think himself out of the way when he is upon it; any fit occasion should be readily taken.

1.Here are the two natures of Christ: his divine nature and his human nature.

(1.)Here is his divine nature: Who being in the form of God (Phi 2:6), partaking of the divine nature, as the eternal and only begotten Son of God. This agrees with Joh 1:1, In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God: it is of the same import with being the image of the invisible God (Col 1:15), and the brightness of his glory, and express image of his person, Heb 1:3. He thought it no robbery to be equal with God; did not think himself guilty of any invasion of what did not belong to him, or assuming another's right. He said, I and my Father are one, Joh 10:30. It is the highest degree of robbery for any mere man or mere creature to pretend to be equal with God, or profess himself one with the Father. This is for a man to rob God, not in tithes and offerings, but of the rights of his Godhead, Mal 3:8. Some understand being in the form of God - en morphē Theou huparchōn, of his appearance in a divine majestic glory to the patriarchs, and the Jews, under the Old Testament, which was often called the glory, and the Shechinah. The word is used in such a sense by the Septuagint and in the New Testament. He appeared to the two disciples, en hetera morphē - In another form, Mar 16:12. Metemorphōthē - he was transfigured before them, Mat 17:2. And he thought it no robbery to be equal with God; he did not greedily catch at, nor covet and affect to appear in that glory; he laid aside the majesty of his former appearance while he was here on earth, which is supposed to be the sense of the peculiar expression, ouk harpagmon hēgēsato. Vid. Bishop Bull's Def. cap. 2 sect. 4 et alibi, and Whitby in loc.

(2.)His human nature: He was made in the likeness of men, and found in fashion as a man. He was really and truly man, took part of our flesh and blood, appeared in the nature and habit of man. And he voluntarily assumed human nature; it was his own act, and by his own consent. We cannot say that our participation of the human nature is so. Herein he emptied himself, divested himself of the honours and glories of the upper world, and of his former appearance, to clothe himself with the rags of human nature. He was in all things like to us, Heb 2:17.

2.Here are his two estates, of humiliation and exaltation.

(1.)His estate of humiliation. He not only took upon him the likeness and fashion of a man, but the form of a servant, that is, a man of mean estate. He was not only God's servant whom he had chosen, but he came to minister to men, and was among them as one who serveth in a mean and servile state. One would think that the Lord Jesus, if he would be a man, should have been a prince, and appeared in splendour. But quite the contrary: He took upon him the form of a servant. He was brought up meanly, probably working with his supposed father at his trade. His whole life was a life of humiliation, meanness, poverty, and disgrace; he had nowhere to lay his head, lived upon alms, was a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, did not appear with external pomp, or any marks of distinction from other men. This was the humiliation of his life. But the lowest step of his humiliation was his dying the death of the cross. He became obedient to death, even the death of the cross. He not only suffered, but was actually and voluntarily obedient; he obeyed the law which he brought himself under as Mediator, and by which he was obliged to die. I have power to lay down my life, and I have power to take it again: this commandment have I received of my Father, Joh 10:18. And he was made under the law, Gal 4:4. There is an emphasis laid upon the manner of his dying, which had in it all the circumstances possible which are humbling: Even the death of the cross, a cursed, painful, and shameful death, - a death accursed by the law (Cursed is he that hangeth on a tree) - full of pain, the body nailed through the nervous parts (the hands and feet) and hanging with all its weight upon the cross, - and the death of a malefactor and a slave, not of a free-man, - exposed as a public spectacle. Such was the condescension of the blessed Jesus.

(2.)His exaltation: Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him. His exaltation was the reward of his humiliation. Because he humbled himself, God exalted him; and he highly exalted him, huperupsōse, raised him to an exceeding height. He exalted his whole person, the human nature as well as the divine; for he is spoken of as being in the form of God as well as in the fashion of man. As it respects the divine nature, it could only be the recognizing of his rights, or the display and appearance of the glory he had with the Father before the world was (Joh 17:5), not any new acquisition of glory; and so the Father himself is said to be exalted. But the proper exaltation was of his human nature, which alone seems to be capable of it, though in conjunction with the divine. His exaltation here is made to consist in honour and power. In honour; so he had a name above every name, a title of dignity above all the creatures, men and angels. And in power: Every knee must bow to him. The whole creation must be in subjection to him: things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth, the inhabitants of heaven and earth, the living and the dead. At the name of Jesus; not at the sound of the word, but the authority of Jesus; all should pay a solemn homage. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord - every nation and language should publicly own the universal empire of the exalted Redeemer, and that all power in heaven and earth is given to him, Mat 28:18. Observe the vast extent of the kingdom of Christ; it reaches to heaven and earth, and to all the creatures in each, to angels as well as men, and to the dead as well as the living. - To the glory of God the Father. Observe, It is to the glory of God the Father to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord; for it is his will that all men should honour the Son as they honour the Father, Joh 5:23. Whatever respect is paid to Christ redounds to the honour of the Father. He who receiveth me receiveth him who sent me, Mat 10:40.

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Historical interpretation

Two Centuries of Reception

4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.

4 quotes · AD 235–458
Ante-NicenePost-Nicene
300400

Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.

And why should we add many words concerning those who are sisted before the bar? Then the righteous shall shine forth like the sun, while the wicked shall be shown to be mute and gloomy. For both the righteous and the wicked shall be raised incorruptible: the righteous, to be honoured eternally, and to taste immortal joys; and the wicked, to be punished in judgment eternally. Each ponders the question as to what answer he shall give to the righteous Judge for his deeds, whether good or bad. With all men each one's actions shall environ him, whether he be good or evil. For the powers of the heavens shall be shaken, and fear and trembling shall consume all things, both heaven and earth and things under the earth. And every tongue shall confess Him openly, and shall confess Him who comes to judge righteous judgment, the mighty God and Maker of all things. Then with fear and astonishment shall come angels, thrones, powers, principalities, dominions, and the cherubim and seraphim with their many eyes and six wings, all crying aloud with a mighty voice, "Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, omnipotent; the heaven and the earth are full of Thy glory." And the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Judge who accepts no man's person, and the Jurist who distributes justice to every man, shall be revealed upon His dread and lofty throne; and all the flesh of mortals shall see His face with great fear and trembling, both the righteous and the sinner.
AD 373Athanasius of AlexandriaPost-NiceneSourceagreeing to assume our bodily condition “even to death.”AGAINST THE ARIANS 1.42
The glory of the Father is that the human race not only was created but was re-created when lost. It was given life once again when dead, so as to become a renewed temple of God. For the powers in heaven also, the angels and the archangels, worship him and now worship the Lord “in the name of Jesus.” This joy and exaltation belongs to human beings, because the Son of God, having himself become a human being, is now worshiped. The heavenly powers are not offended when they behold all of us being led into our heavenly abode as we share in his body. This could not have happened in any other way. It happened only because, “being in the form of God and taking the form of a slave, he humbled himself,”
"Wherefore also God highly exalted Him, and gave Him the Name which is above every name: that in the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Let us say against the heretics, If this is spoken of one who was not incarnate, if of God the Word, how did He highly exalt Him? Was it as if He gave Him something more than He had before? He would then have been imperfect in this point, and would have been made perfect for our sakes. For if He had not done good deeds to us, He would not have obtained that honor! "And gave Him the Name." See, He had not even a name, as you say! But how, if He received it as His due, is He found here to have received it by grace, and as a gift? And that "the Name which is above every name": and of what kind, let us see, is the Name? "That at the Name of Jesus," saith He, "every knee should bow." They (the heretics) explain name by glory. This glory then is above all glory, and this glory is in short that all worship Him! But ye hold yourselves far off from the greatness of God, who think that ye know God, as He knoweth Himself, and from this it is plain, how far off ye are from right thoughts of God. And this is plain from hence. Is this, tell me, glory? Therefore before men were created, before the angels or the archangels, He was not in glory. If this be the glory which is above every glory, for this is the name that is "above every name," though He were in glory before, yet was He in glory inferior to this. It was for this then that He made the things that are, that He might be raised to glory, not from His own goodness, but because He required glory from us! See ye not their folly? see ye not their impiety?

Now if they had said this of Him that was incarnate, there had been reason, for God the Word allows that this be said of His flesh. It touches not His divine nature, but has to do altogether with the dispensation. What means "of things in heaven, and things in the earth, and things under the earth"? It means the whole world, and angels, and men, and demons; or that both the just and the living and sinners.

"And every tongue," should "confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." That is, that all should say so; and this is glory to the Father. Seest thou how wherever the Son is glorified, the Father is also glorified? Thus too when the Son is dishonored, the Father is dishonored also. If this be so with us, where the difference is great between fathers and sons, much more in respect of God, where there is no difference, doth honor and insult pass on to Him. If the world be subjected to the Son, this is glory to the Father. And so when we say that He is perfect, wanting nothing, and not inferior to the Father, this is glory to the Father, that he begat such a one. This is a great proof of His power also, and goodness, and wisdom, that He begat one no whit inferior, neither in wisdom nor in goodness. When I say that He is wise as the Father, and no whit inferior, this is a proof of the great wisdom of the Father; when I say that He is powerful as the Father, this is a proof of the Father's power. When I say that He is good as the Father, this is the greatest evidence of His goodness, that He begat such (a Son), in no whit less or inferior to Himself. When I say that He begat Him not inferior in substance but equal, and not of another substance, in this I again wonder at God, His power, and goodness, and wisdom, that He hath manifested to us another, of Himself, such as Himself, except in His not being the Father. Thus whatsoever great things I say of the Son, pass on to the Father. Now if this small and light matter (for it is but a light thing to God's glory that the world should worship Him) is to the glory of God, how much more so are all those other things?
AD 458Theodoret of CyrusPost-NiceneSourceEPISTLE TO THE PHILIPPIANS 2.11
Every tongue stands for every people. But if the confession of Christ as Lord is a glorification of the Father, it is clear that those who call him a creature and a slave deface the glory of the Father also. In these few words, however, the divine apostle has subdued every heresy, among those who blaspheme the divinity of the Only Begotten, and those who deny his humanity and those who misconstrue the hypostatic union of the two natures.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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