The Kenosis: Christ's Emptying of Himself (Philippians 2)

The profound truth of God’s redemptive plan is nowhere more clearly illuminated than in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Central to understanding His mission and character is the concept of the "kenosis," a theological term derived from the Greek word `kenoo`, meaning "to empty." This divine self-emptying, meticulously described in Philippians 2:5-8, reveals the astonishing depth of Christ's love, humility, and obedience. It is a cornerstone of Christian doctrine, showcasing not only the nature of the Son of God but also providing the ultimate example for all who claim His name. This article will explore the meaning and implications of Christ's kenosis, drawing exclusively from the King James Version of the Bible, to apprehend the majesty of His condescension and the glory of His exaltation.

Understanding the Kenosis: More Than a Buzzword

The term "kenosis" refers specifically to Christ's voluntary act of setting aside His divine prerogatives and glory, not His divine nature or attributes. It is crucial to understand what Christ did not empty Himself of. He did not cease to be God; He merely veiled the independent, unrestricted exercise of His deity and its outward manifestation. He remained omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent, but chose to operate within the confines of human limitations, subject to the will of the Father and the power of the Holy Spirit. His divine essence was unchanged. What Christ did empty Himself of, or "made himself of no reputation" as the KJV translates it in Philippians 2:7, was His outward glory, His pre-incarnate heavenly state, and the independent exercise of His divine attributes in a way that would have been incompatible with His mission as a servant. This self-emptying was a deliberate act of humility, a laying aside of the privileges and outward form of deity to fully embrace humanity and the role of a servant. It was not a subtraction of deity but an addition of humanity, coupled with a voluntary restraint of His divine power for the sake of His redemptive work.

Philippians 2:5-8 - The Kenotic Passage

The apostle Paul presents the kenosis as the supreme example of humility for believers, urging them to adopt the same mindset that was in Christ Jesus. This powerful exhortation begins in Philippians 2:5:

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:5

He then details the astonishing trajectory of Christ's condescension:

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

Philippians 2:6

This verse affirms Christ's pre-existence and His inherent equality with God the Father. "Being in the form of God" indicates His true, essential nature as God. "Thought it not robbery to be equal with God" means He did not consider His equality with God something to be grasped or held onto for His own advantage, but rather something to be shared and, in a sense, temporarily set aside.

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

Philippians 2:7

Here is the heart of the kenosis. "Made himself of no reputation" is the KJV's translation of `ekenosen` (emptied). He divested Himself of the outward glory and the independent exercise of His divine prerogatives. This emptying was immediately followed by His taking "the form of a servant." This signifies His incarnation, His coming to earth not as a conquering king (though He is King of kings), but as a bondservant. He "was made in the likeness of men," fully human, experiencing all the sinless limitations of humanity.

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Philippians 2:8

The kenosis did not end with His incarnation but continued through His entire earthly life, culminating in the ultimate act of humiliation: His death on the cross. He "humbled himself" by submitting to the Father's will, even to the point of a shameful, excruciating death reserved for criminals. This obedience unto death was the ultimate expression of His self-emptying love.

The Nature of Christ's Humiliation

Christ's humiliation was entirely voluntary and purposeful. It was not a demotion forced upon Him, but a willing act of condescension. John 10:18 records Him saying, "No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father." His kenosis meant embracing the full spectrum of human experience, apart from sin: The pinnacle of His humiliation was His death on the cross. This was not merely physical death but a spiritual separation from the Father as He bore the sins of the world (2 Corinthians 5:21). The cross, a symbol of shame and curse (Galatians 3:13), became the very means of our salvation, demonstrating the immeasurable cost of His obedience and love.

The Purpose and Implications of the Kenosis

The purpose of Christ's kenosis was multifaceted and foundational to God's redemptive plan:
  • Atonement for Sin: By taking on human flesh and humbling Himself unto death, Christ became the perfect sacrifice for sin, reconciling fallen humanity to a holy God (Romans 5:8).
  • Revelation of God: Through His human life, Christ perfectly revealed the character of God – His love, holiness, justice, and mercy (John 14:9).
  • Our Example: The kenosis provides the supreme pattern for Christian living. Paul presents it as the ultimate illustration of humility, selflessness, and service. As believers, we are called to have the "mind of Christ" (Philippians 2:5), putting others before ourselves.
    • The implications for believers are profound, as outlined in the preceding verses of Philippians 2:
    • Unity and Love: If there be "any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies" (Philippians 2:1), then believers should be "likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" (Philippians 2:2).
    • Humility and Selflessness: We are to do "nothing through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves" (Philippians 2:3). This is the direct application of Christ's self-emptying.
    • Concern for Others: We are not to look "every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others" (Philippians 2:4). Christ's kenosis was entirely for our benefit.

    The Exaltation of Christ

    The narrative of Christ's kenosis does not end in humiliation but culminates in glorious exaltation. The Father's response to the Son's perfect obedience is immediate and absolute:

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

    Philippians 2:9

    That 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

    And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

    Philippians 2:11

    The kenosis was not a permanent state of diminished deity but a temporary, strategic condescension for redemptive purposes. Following His earthly mission, resurrection, and ascension, Christ was supremely exalted, resuming the full, visible manifestation of His divine glory. The name "Jesus" now signifies His universal Lordship, before whom all creation will ultimately bow in worship. This exaltation is a testament to the Father's vindication of the Son and His finished work.

    Conclusion

    The kenosis of Christ, His profound emptying of Himself, stands as the central act of divine love and humility. From eternal equality with God, He condescended to take on the form of a servant, to live a human life, and to die a criminal's death. This was not a loss of deity but a voluntary veiling of glory for the express purpose of redeeming mankind. The message of Philippians 2 is not merely a theological discourse but a powerful call to discipleship. Just as Christ emptied Himself for us, so are we called to empty ourselves of pride, selfishness, and personal ambition, to live lives of humility, obedience, and service to God and to one another. The kenosis is the ultimate example of truly living out the command to "love thy neighbour as thyself" (Matthew 22:39), embodying the very heart of the Gospel and paving the way for His glorious exaltation, to which all creation will one day bear witness.