Philippians 2:9

Philippians 2:9 stands as a powerful declaration of God the Father's divine response to the unparalleled humility and obedience of Jesus Christ. Following Christ's self-emptying (kenosis) and sacrificial death on the cross, this verse proclaims His supreme exaltation and the bestowal of a name that transcends all others.

Context

This verse is the climax of what is often called the "Christ Hymn" (Philippians 2:5-11), a passage believed by many scholars to be an early Christian hymn. The verses immediately preceding this one (Philippians 2:5-8) detail Jesus' pre-existent glory, His willingness to lay aside His divine prerogatives, take on human form, and humble Himself even to the point of death on a cross. Verse 9 then presents God's glorious vindication and reward for Christ's ultimate obedience and sacrifice. It’s a profound illustration of the principle that whoever humbles himself will be exalted.

Key Themes

• Divine Exaltation of Christ: God the Father actively "highly exalted" Jesus. This is not merely a recognition of His inherent divinity but a specific act of elevation in response to His perfect obedience and redemptive work. It signifies Christ's supreme position in the universe as the resurrected and ascended Lord.
• The Name Above Every Name: The "name which is above every name" is widely understood to be the title "Lord" (Greek: Kurios). In the Septuagint (the Greek Old Testament), Kurios was used to translate the divine name YHWH (Yahweh). By bestowing this name upon Jesus, God the Father affirms Christ's supreme authority, sovereignty, and divine nature, establishing Him as the ultimate ruler and object of worship. This sets the stage for the universal acknowledgment described in the following verses (Philippians 2:10-11).
• Reward for Obedience: This verse beautifully illustrates the divine principle of reward for faithful obedience and humility. Because Christ emptied Himself and became obedient unto death, God exalted Him beyond measure.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "highly exalted" translates the Greek word hyperypsoō (ὑπερυψόω). The prefix hyper- means "over" or "above," intensifying the verb ypsoō (to exalt or lift up). Thus, it conveys the idea of being "super-exalted" or "exalted above all others," emphasizing the unparalleled nature of Christ's elevation. This is not merely a promotion but a unique and supreme position granted by God.

Practical Application

Philippians 2:9 offers profound implications for believers today:

• Awe and Worship: It calls us to recognize and worship Jesus Christ as the supreme Lord, whose name is above all others. His exaltation assures us of His power and authority over all things.
• Hope and Assurance: Christ's exaltation provides immense hope. The one who humbled Himself to save us is now enthroned in glory, interceding for us and holding all authority.
• Inspiration for Humility: While we cannot replicate Christ's divine kenosis, His example of humility leading to exaltation encourages believers to serve others and trust God to honor their faithful walk, knowing that God will exalt those who humble themselves in due time.