Philippians 2:9

KJV

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} God {G2316} also {G2532} hath highly exalted {G5251} him {G846}, and {G2532} given {G5483} him {G846} a name {G3686} which {G3588} is above {G5228} every {G3956} name {G3686}:

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore God raised him to the highest place
and gave him the name above every name;

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names,

American Standard Version

Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 2:9 serves as the glorious climax of the "Christ Hymn," declaring God the Father's profound response to Jesus Christ's unparalleled humility and sacrificial obedience. Following Christ's self-emptying (kenosis) and redemptive death on the cross, this verse proclaims His supreme exaltation to the highest position in the universe and the bestowal of a name that transcends all other names, signifying His ultimate authority and divine sovereignty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 2:9 stands as the pivotal turning point and glorious culmination of what is widely recognized as the "Christ Hymn" (Philippians 2:5-11). The preceding verses (Philippians 2:5-8) meticulously detail Christ's pre-existent divine glory, His voluntary act of setting aside divine prerogatives (kenosis) to assume human form, and His profound humility in becoming obedient even to the ignominious death on a cross. This verse, therefore, functions as God the Father's divine vindication and supreme reward for Christ's ultimate act of obedience and self-sacrifice, establishing a clear cause-and-effect relationship between Christ's humiliation and His subsequent exaltation. It transitions from Christ's descent to His ascent, setting the stage for the universal worship described in the verses that follow.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The concept of a "name" in ancient Near Eastern and Jewish thought carried far greater significance than merely an identifier; it encapsulated a person's character, authority, reputation, and essence. To be given a "name above every name" was to be granted supreme authority and to be recognized as possessing the highest possible status. Furthermore, the early Christian community, to whom Paul wrote, was familiar with the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), where the divine name YHWH (Yahweh) was often translated as *Kyrios* (Lord). The bestowal of such a name upon Jesus would immediately evoke divine connotations for a Jewish audience and signify unparalleled sovereignty for Gentiles. The Roman world also understood the power of names and titles, particularly those associated with emperors and gods, making the declaration of Christ's supreme name a direct challenge to all earthly and spiritual powers.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Philippians and broader New Testament theology. It highlights the **Divine Exaltation of Christ**, demonstrating that God the Father actively and supremely elevated Jesus in response to His perfect obedience and redemptive work, signifying Christ's unique and supreme position as the resurrected and ascended Lord. It underscores the theme of **Reward for Obedience**, illustrating the profound spiritual principle that ultimate humility and faithful obedience lead to divine vindication and exaltation, a principle Jesus Himself taught when He said, "...whoever humbles himself will be exalted" as recorded in [Luke 14:11](/luke/14-11 "Luke 14:11 - Humility and Exaltation"). Finally, it introduces the critical theme of **Christ's Universal Lordship**, foreshadowing the ultimate acknowledgment of Jesus' supreme authority by every created being, as further elaborated in [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **highly exalted (Greek, _hyperypsóō'_):** From G5251, a compound word formed from *hyper* ("over," "above," intensifying) and *ypsoō* ("to exalt" or "lift up"). This word conveys the idea of being "super-exalted" or "raised to the highest position." It signifies an unparalleled and supreme elevation, far beyond any ordinary promotion, emphasizing the unique and ultimate nature of Christ's glorification by God the Father.
* **given (Greek, _charízomai'_):** From G5483, meaning "to grant as a favor," "gratuitously," or "in kindness." This verb highlights that the bestowal of the name is not something Christ earned in a transactional sense, but rather a gracious, unmerited gift from God the Father, freely granted in response to Christ's perfect obedience and self-sacrificial love. It underscores the Father's benevolent and sovereign act.
* **name (Greek, _ónoma'_):** From G3686, referring to a "name" literally or figuratively, encompassing authority and character. In this context, it signifies far more than a mere label; it represents Christ's very essence, His authority, His character, and His supreme status. The "name above every name" points to His unique identity as the divine Lord, to whom all creation must ultimately submit.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him,"**: This clause establishes the direct consequence of Christ's profound humiliation and obedience unto death, as described in the preceding verses. The term "Wherefore" (G1352, *dió*) explicitly links God's action to Christ's prior suffering. God the Father, in His divine justice and love, actively and supremely elevated Jesus. This exaltation is not merely a restoration to His pre-existent glory but a new, post-resurrection and ascension status as the glorified God-man, positioned at the right hand of the Father, a position of ultimate authority and honor.
* **"and given him a name"**: Following the exaltation, God graciously bestows upon Christ a specific "name." The use of *charízomai* ("given as a favor") emphasizes that this is a divine gift, freely granted by the Father. This "name" is not just any title; it is one that encapsulates Christ's unique identity, authority, and divine essence. It is the recognition of His completed redemptive work and His rightful place as sovereign Lord.
* **"which is above every name:"**: This concluding phrase defines the unparalleled nature of the name given to Jesus. It signifies absolute supremacy and preeminence over all other names, titles, powers, and authorities, whether human or angelic, earthly or heavenly. This declaration asserts Christ's universal sovereignty and His ultimate authority over all creation, setting the stage for the universal confession and worship described in the subsequent verses.

#### Literary Devices
Philippians 2:9 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its profound theological truth. The most prominent is **Climax**, as this verse represents the apex and glorious resolution of the "Christ Hymn" (Philippians 2:5-11). After detailing Christ's descent into humility and death, this verse dramatically reverses the trajectory, presenting His ultimate ascent and glorification. This creates a powerful emotional and theological impact, emphasizing the divine reward for perfect obedience. Additionally, the phrase "a name which is above every name" utilizes **Hyperbole** to underscore the absolute and unparalleled supremacy of Christ's authority and identity. While literally no name can be "above" all names in a purely hierarchical sense, the exaggeration effectively conveys His unique and ultimate sovereignty. The entire passage also functions as a profound **Antithesis**, contrasting Christ's self-emptying (kenosis) with God's ultimate exaltation (hyper-exaltation), highlighting the divine principle that humility precedes glory.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 2:9 is a cornerstone for understanding Christology, affirming the post-resurrection and ascension glory of Jesus Christ. It unequivocally declares God the Father's active role in exalting His Son, not merely restoring Him to His pre-incarnate status, but granting Him a new, glorified position as the God-man, Lord over all creation. This exaltation is the divine response to Christ's perfect obedience and redemptive work, underscoring the profound justice and love within the Trinity. The "name above every name" is widely understood to refer to the title "Lord" (*Kyrios*), which in the Septuagint was used to translate the divine name YHWH. By bestowing this name upon Jesus, God the Father affirms Christ's full deity, supreme authority, and universal sovereignty, establishing Him as the ultimate ruler and the sole object of worship, to whom every knee will one day bow.

* [Ephesians 1:20-21](/ephesians/1-20-21 "Ephesians 1:20-21 - Christ Seated at God's Right Hand")
* [Hebrews 1:4](/hebrews/1-4 "Hebrews 1:4 - Christ's Superior Name")
* [Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 2:9 offers profound encouragement and a powerful call to worship for believers. Christ's supreme exaltation assures us of His absolute authority and power over all things, including sin, death, and every opposing force. This truth provides immense hope and security, knowing that the One who humbled Himself to save us is now enthroned in glory, actively interceding for us and holding all authority in heaven and on earth. His exaltation is the guarantee of our own future hope and resurrection. Furthermore, while we cannot replicate Christ's divine kenosis, His example of humility leading to ultimate exaltation serves as a profound inspiration. It encourages us to embrace a life of humble service, self-sacrifice, and obedience to God, trusting that in His perfect timing, God will honor and exalt those who faithfully follow Christ's path, knowing that "He who humbles himself will be exalted," as Jesus taught in [Luke 18:14](/luke/18-14 "Luke 18:14 - Humility Leads to Exaltation"). Our worship, obedience, and hope are firmly rooted in the glorious truth of Christ's unparalleled exaltation.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding Christ's supreme exaltation impact your daily worship and reverence for Him?**
* **In what ways can you practically embody Christ's humility in your own life, trusting God for the outcome?**
* **How does the truth of Jesus having "a name which is above every name" strengthen your faith in His power over all circumstances and challenges?**

### FAQ
**What is the "name which is above every name" in Philippians 2:9?**

Answer: While some interpretations suggest it refers to the name "Jesus" itself, the overwhelming scholarly consensus, supported by the broader context of the "Christ Hymn" (Philippians 2:5-11) and Old Testament allusions, identifies the "name which is above every name" as the title "Lord" (Greek: *Kyrios*). In the Septuagint (the Greek translation of the Old Testament), *Kyrios* was consistently used to translate the divine name YHWH (Yahweh). By bestowing this name upon Jesus, God the Father is affirming Christ's full deity, His supreme authority, and His universal sovereignty. This is powerfully reinforced by the subsequent verses, [Philippians 2:10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Philippians 2:10-11 - Every Knee Shall Bow"), which declare that "at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." This declaration elevates Jesus to the very highest position, a position of divine worship and ultimate dominion over all creation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 2:9 finds its profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the ultimate vindication and glorification of Jesus Christ as the triumphant Lord. Having fully accomplished His redemptive mission through perfect obedience and sacrificial death, Christ is not merely restored but supremely exalted by God the Father. This verse points directly to the resurrection and ascension of Jesus, where He was "declared to be the Son of God with power... by the resurrection from the dead," as stated in [Romans 1:4](/romans/1-4 "Romans 1:4 - Jesus Declared Son of God"). His exaltation to the "right hand of God" (as seen in [Acts 2:33](/acts/2-33 "Acts 2:33 - Christ Exalted to God's Right Hand")) signifies His enthronement as sovereign King and High Priest, possessing all authority in heaven and on earth. The "name above every name" is the divine title "Lord," a direct echo of Old Testament declarations of Yahweh's sovereignty, now fully vested in Jesus. This ultimate authority ensures that Christ's redemptive work is eternally secured, and that He will indeed return as the "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), to whom every knee will bow and every tongue confess, fulfilling the Father's eternal plan for His Son.

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

Revelation 19:16

And he hath on [his] vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Matthew 28:18

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.

1 Peter 3:22

Who is gone into heaven, and is on the right hand of God; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

Hebrews 2:9

But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honour; that he by the grace of God should taste death for every man.

Isaiah 52:13

¶ Behold, my servant shall deal prudently, he shall be exalted and extolled, and be very high.

Revelation 5:12

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

Ephesians 1:20

Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set [him] at his own right hand in the heavenly [places],