Philippians 2:6

KJV

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

KJV (with Strong's)

Who {G3739}, being {G5225} in {G1722} the form {G3444} of God {G2316}, thought it {G2233} not {G3756} robbery {G725} to be {G1511} equal {G2470} with God {G2316}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Though he was in the form of God,
he did not regard equality with God
something to be possessed by force.

Berean Standard Bible

Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,

American Standard Version

who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped,

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 2:6 serves as the foundational premise for the "Christ Hymn" (Philippians 2:5-11), profoundly articulating the pre-incarnate Christ's divine nature and inherent equality with God. It asserts that Jesus, possessing the very essence and attributes of the Divine, did not consider His divine prerogatives as something to be selfishly grasped or exploited, but rather as a status from which He willingly emptied Himself, setting the stage for His astonishing act of humility and self-sacrifice for humanity's redemption.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 2:6 is the crucial opening statement of what scholars widely recognize as an early Christian hymn or creed, often referred to as the "Christ Hymn" (verses 5-11). Paul introduces this profound theological declaration with a direct exhortation in [Philippians 2:5](/philippians/2-5 "Philippians 2:5 - Have the Mind of Christ"), urging believers to "have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus." Verse 6 then immediately elaborates on the very "mind" of Christ that believers are to emulate, beginning not with His earthly life, but with His pre-existent divine status. This high Christology provides the necessary backdrop to magnify the depth of His subsequent self-emptying (kenosis) described in [Philippians 2:7-8](/philippians/2-7-8 "Philippians 2:7-8 - Christ's Humiliation") and His ultimate exaltation in [Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation and Lordship"). The hymn's structure beautifully contrasts Christ's divine glory with His profound humility, culminating in His universal Lordship, thereby providing the ultimate example for unity and selfless service within the Philippian church.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul wrote his letter to the Philippians from prison, likely in Rome, around A.D. 60-62. The church in Philippi was Paul's first convert community in Europe, characterized by its deep affection for Paul and its generous support of his ministry. However, internal challenges, possibly stemming from personal rivalries (e.g., [Philippians 4:2](/philippians/4-2 "Philippians 4:2 - Euodia and Syntyche")), or external pressures from false teachers (e.g., [Philippians 3:2](/philippians/3-2 "Philippians 3:2 - Warning Against Judaizers")), threatened the unity and steadfastness of the congregation. In this context, Paul employs the Christ Hymn not merely as a theological treatise but as a powerful ethical appeal. By presenting Christ's unparalleled humility and obedience, he provides a compelling model for the Philippian believers to overcome their divisions, live in harmony, and prioritize the needs of others above their own, reflecting the very character of their Lord. The Roman imperial context, where honor and status were paramount, makes Christ's voluntary humiliation even more counter-cultural and radical.
* **Key Themes:** Philippians 2:6 is central to several profound theological themes within the letter and broader New Testament. Firstly, it unequivocally asserts **The Deity and Pre-existence of Christ**, establishing Him as eternally "in the form of God" and "equal with God" before His incarnation, a concept echoed in [John 1:1-3](/john/1-1-3 "John 1:1-3 - The Eternal Word") and [Colossians 1:15-17](/colossians/1-15-17 "Colossians 1:15-17 - Christ's Supremacy"). Secondly, it introduces the theme of **Kenosis (Self-Emptying)**, though the term itself appears in the subsequent verse. Verse 6 clarifies *what* Christ did not cling to, setting the stage for His voluntary divestment of divine prerogatives in [Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ Empties Himself"). Thirdly, it underpins the theme of **Humility and Self-Sacrifice**, presenting Christ's divine status as the ultimate benchmark against which all human humility is measured. His willingness to forgo His rightful position for the sake of others provides the supreme example for believers, calling them to a life of selfless service and unity, as exhorted throughout [Philippians 2](/philippians/2 "Philippians 2 - Humility and Exaltation").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **form (Greek, _morphḗ'_):** From the base of μέρος (meros), suggesting adjustment of parts. This word denotes the essential and unchangeable nature or intrinsic character of a thing, not merely an outward appearance or a temporary guise. When applied to God, "form of God" signifies that Jesus possessed the very essence, attributes, and divine nature of God, indicating His co-equality and co-eternality with the Father. It is not about an external shape, but the very being.
* **thought it (Greek, _hēgéomai'_):** Middle voice of a presumed strengthened form of ἄγω (agō); to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider. In this context, it means "considered" or "regarded." It implies a deliberate, reasoned judgment or evaluation. Christ made a conscious decision about His divine equality.
* **robbery (Greek, _harpagmós'_):** From ἁρπάζω (harpazō), meaning to seize or snatch. This noun refers to something seized, plundered, or something to be grasped and held onto tenaciously. The phrase "not robbery" (οὐχ ἁρπαγμὸν) implies that Christ did not view His equality with God as something He needed to seize, gain, or cling to selfishly for His own advantage, because it was inherently His by nature. Rather, He possessed it by right and chose not to exploit it.
* **equal (Greek, _ísos'_):** Probably from εἴδω (eidō), through the idea of seeming; similar (in amount and kind). This word signifies being identical in nature, rank, or status. Coupled with "form of God," it powerfully affirms Jesus' full and intrinsic equality with God the Father, not merely a resemblance or a delegated authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Who, being in the form of God,"**: This opening clause establishes the pre-existent state and divine nature of Jesus Christ. The Greek word for "being" (ὑπάρχων, _hypárchōn_) implies an existing state that is continuous and inherent, not something acquired or temporary. Coupled with "in the form of God" (_morphē Theou_), it asserts that Jesus possessed the very essence, attributes, and intrinsic nature of God from eternity. He was not merely God-like, but truly God in His essential being.
* **"thought it not robbery"**: This pivotal phrase clarifies Christ's disposition towards His divine status. The word "robbery" (_harpagmós_) refers to something that is seized, plundered, or clung to selfishly. The negation "not robbery" means that Christ did not consider His divine equality as something to be grasped, exploited for personal gain, or held onto at all costs. It was not something He needed to acquire, nor something He needed to defend or leverage for His own benefit.
* **"to be equal with God:"**: This final clause explicitly states the nature of what Christ did not consider "robbery"—His inherent equality with God. This reinforces the assertion of His divine nature, confirming that He was indeed on par with God the Father in every respect. The implication is that despite possessing this supreme equality by nature and right, Christ willingly chose not to insist on the prerogatives or privileges of that equality, but rather embarked on a path of profound self-humiliation.

#### Literary Devices
Philippians 2:6, as the opening of the Christ Hymn, is rich in literary devices that amplify its theological weight. The entire hymn (Philippians 2:6-11) is structured as a **Chiasm**, an inverted parallelism where the first part corresponds to the last, the second to the second-to-last, and so on (A-B-C-C'-B'-A'). In this case, Christ's divine pre-existence (A: v. 6) is mirrored by His ultimate exaltation and universal Lordship (A': v. 9-11), framing His humiliation (B: v. 7) and obedience unto death (C: v. 8). This structure highlights the dramatic contrast between His divine glory and His profound self-abasement. Furthermore, the verse employs **Paradox**, presenting the astonishing truth that One who is inherently "in the form of God" and "equal with God" would *not* cling to that status. This creates a tension that underscores the radical nature of Christ's humility. The phrase "form of God" also functions as a **Metonymy** or **Synecdoche**, where "form" represents the entire divine essence and nature, rather than just an outward appearance, thereby emphasizing Christ's full deity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 2:6 is a cornerstone of Christian Christology, establishing the absolute deity and pre-existence of Jesus Christ before His incarnation. It asserts that Jesus was not merely a highly exalted human, a prophet, or a created being, but God Himself, sharing the very nature and equality with the Father. This profound truth provides the ultimate foundation for understanding the magnitude of His love and sacrifice: His humility is so astonishing precisely because He descended from such an infinitely high position. This verse sets the stage for the entire narrative of redemption, demonstrating that salvation is not achieved by human striving but by the voluntary, self-emptying act of the divine Son.

* [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God")
* [Colossians 1:15](/colossians/1-15 "Colossians 1:15 - Image of the Invisible God")
* [Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - The Radiance of God's Glory")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 2:6 presents us with the most profound example of humility and self-giving love in the history of the universe. If the Son of God, who possessed inherent equality with the Father, considered His divine prerogatives not as something to be selfishly grasped but as something to be willingly laid aside for the sake of others, how much more should we, as His followers, adopt a similar posture? This verse challenges us to radically re-evaluate our own desires for status, recognition, and personal gain. It calls us to relinquish our grip on perceived rights and privileges, and instead, to embrace a mindset of service, empathy, and sacrificial love towards one another. In a world driven by ambition and self-promotion, Christ's example in Philippians 2:6 invites us to find true greatness not in ascending, but in descending; not in accumulating, but in emptying; not in demanding, but in giving. It is a call to live out the very character of Christ, fostering unity and genuine care within the body of believers and extending compassion to the world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life do I tend to "grasp" or cling to my own rights, preferences, or status?**
* **How does understanding Christ's inherent equality with God deepen my appreciation for His act of humility?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to prioritize the needs and interests of others above my own, following Christ's example?**
* **How might a "mindset of Christ" (Philippians 2:5) transform my relationships within my family, church, or workplace?**

### FAQ

**What does "being in the form of God" truly mean for Jesus?**

Answer: The phrase "being in the form of God" (Greek: _morphē Theou_) means that Jesus possesses the very essential nature and attributes of God. It's not about an external appearance or a temporary state, but about His intrinsic, unchangeable divine essence. Just as a human being has the "form of humanity" (possessing all the essential characteristics of a human), Jesus, from eternity, possessed all the essential characteristics and nature of God. This affirms His full deity and co-equality with God the Father, as also seen in passages like [John 1:1](/john/1-1 "John 1:1 - The Word Was God") and [Colossians 2:9](/colossians/2-9 "Colossians 2:9 - Fullness of Deity in Christ").

**What does "thought it not robbery to be equal with God" signify?**

Answer: This crucial phrase indicates Christ's attitude toward His divine equality. The Greek word _harpagmós_ ("robbery") refers to something seized or snatched, or something to be clung to selfishly. By saying He "thought it not robbery," Paul means that Jesus, though inherently equal with God, did not consider His divine status and prerogatives as something to be selfishly grasped, exploited for His own advantage, or clung to at all costs. Instead, He possessed this equality by right and nature, yet willingly chose not to insist on its outward manifestations or privileges for His own benefit, but to humble Himself for humanity's salvation. It highlights His voluntary self-emptying, not a relinquishing of deity itself, but of the glory and privileges associated with it.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 2:6 is the profound theological bedrock upon which the entire narrative of Christ's redemptive work is built. It declares that the one who became flesh and dwelt among us was no less than God Himself, eternally "in the form of God" and inherently "equal with God." This truth magnifies the astonishing depth of His love and sacrifice, for it was from this infinite height of divine glory that He willingly descended. His refusal to cling to His divine prerogatives foreshadows His incarnation, where the eternal Word "became flesh and dwelt among us" ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). It sets the stage for His profound act of kenosis, where He "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant" ([Philippians 2:7](/philippians/2-7 "Philippians 2:7 - Christ's Self-Emptying")), ultimately leading to His obedient death on the cross ([Philippians 2:8](/philippians/2-8 "Philippians 2:8 - Christ's Obedience to Death")). Thus, Philippians 2:6 reveals the pre-existent Christ as the divine actor whose voluntary humility makes possible the reconciliation of humanity with God, culminating in His exaltation as Lord of all, to the glory of God the Father ([Philippians 2:9-11](/philippians/2-9-11 "Philippians 2:9-11 - Christ's Exaltation")). This verse is not merely a statement about Christ's identity, but the very heart of the gospel, demonstrating that salvation flows from the unparalleled, self-sacrificial love of God incarnate.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

John 5:18

Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

2 Corinthians 4:4

In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.

Hebrews 1:3

Who being the brightness of [his] glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

John 17:5

And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

Colossians 1:15

Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:

Colossians 1:16

For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether [they be] thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him:

Revelation 21:6

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.