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The Kenosis Hymn: Philippians 2:5-11 Explained
The Kenosis Hymn: Philippians 2:5-11 Explained
The Apostle Paul, in his epistle to the Philippians, presents one of the most profound and Christ-exalting passages in all of Holy Writ. Known often as the "Kenosis Hymn" or the "Christ Hymn," Philippians 2:5-11 lays bare the astonishing humility and subsequent exaltation of Jesus Christ. This passage is not merely a poetic interlude but a foundational theological statement on the nature of Christ, His incarnation, His suffering, and His ultimate triumph. Paul introduces this hymn not as a dry theological treatise, but as the supreme example for believers to emulate in their own lives, encouraging a spirit of selflessness and unity. To truly grasp the depth of Christian fellowship and service, one must first comprehend the unparalleled condescension of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
The Context for Humility: Philippians 2:1-4
Paul's exhortation in Philippians 2:5-11 is not given in a vacuum; it flows directly from his prior appeal for unity and humility within the church. In the preceding verses, he urges believers to demonstrate a Christlike mind-set, emphasizing mutual love, compassion, and a selfless regard for others. The Apostle writes:
If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
He continues by calling the Philippian believers to "fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind" (Philippians 2:2). This emphasis on unity is immediately followed by a warning against selfish ambition and vainglory, instead promoting humility and a focus on the needs of others.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
The climax of this preparatory section is the command to look not only on one's own things, but also on the things of others (Philippians 2:4). It is precisely this self-emptying perspective that Paul then illustrates through the supreme example of Jesus Christ. The "Kenosis Hymn" therefore serves as the ultimate demonstration of the very attitude Paul desires to see manifest in the Philippian church, and indeed, in all believers.
The Divine Prerogative: Philippians 2:5-6
The hymn begins with a profound theological statement concerning the pre-existent Christ, asserting His absolute deity and equality with God the Father. Paul commands, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus" (Philippians 2:5). This sets the stage for understanding the mind of Christ, which begins with His inherent nature.
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
The phrase "being in the form of God" (Philippians 2:6) signifies that Christ possessed the very nature and essence of God. The Greek word for "form" (morphē) here refers to the essential and unchangeable character of something, not merely its outward appearance. It underscores that Jesus Christ, from eternity past, possessed the divine essence, the divine attributes, and the divine glory. He was, and is, fully God. The subsequent declaration, "thought it not robbery to be equal with God," is a crucial assertion of His co-equality with the Father. He did not consider His divine status something to be grasped or exploited for His own advantage, or something He had gained illicitly. Rather, His equality with God was His inherent right and eternal possession. This verse firmly establishes the starting point of Christ's unparalleled condescension: He did not come from a position of inferiority or need, but from the highest possible position of divine majesty and inherent equality with the Father.
The Act of Kenosis: Philippians 2:7
Having established Christ's absolute deity, Paul then introduces the astonishing act of self-emptying, or kenosis, which is the heart of this hymn.
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
The KJV renders the central phrase as "made himself of no reputation." Other translations often use "emptied himself" (from the Greek "ekenōsen"). It is vital to understand what this emptying does not mean. It does not mean that Christ divested Himself of His deity, or ceased to be God. Such a notion would be a profound theological error, contradicting numerous other scriptures that affirm His unchanging divine nature (Hebrews 13:8, Colossians 2:9). God cannot cease to be God.
Instead, Christ's emptying of Himself refers to a voluntary laying aside of the independent exercise of His divine attributes and prerogatives, and the veiling of His manifest glory, in order to take on human limitations. It was an act of profound self-restraint and humility. He did not empty Himself of deity, but of the external display and use of His divine glory and privilege. He willingly subjected Himself to the conditions of human existence, including vulnerability, weariness, hunger, and dependence upon the Father.
This act of kenosis immediately led to two specific outcomes mentioned in the latter part of the verse: He "took upon him the form of a servant" and "was made in the likeness of men." The "form of a servant" (morphē doulou) parallels "the form of God" from the previous verse, indicating that just as truly as He possessed the nature of God, He now truly possessed the nature of a servant. He embraced the humble, dependent, and obedient role of a bondservant, precisely the opposite of His divine prerogative. Furthermore, He "was made in the likeness of men," signifying His full and complete humanity. He became truly man, sharing in every aspect of human experience, apart from sin (Hebrews 4:15).
The Incarnation and Humiliation: Philippians 2:8
The condescension of Christ reached its apex in His obedience unto death, specifically the ignominious death on the cross.
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Having taken on human form, Christ's humility was further evidenced by His complete obedience. This obedience was not merely theoretical but practical, leading Him to the ultimate act of self-sacrifice. The phrase "became obedient unto death" highlights the voluntary nature of His submission to the Father's will, even when that will led to the most painful and shameful form of execution known in the ancient world. The "death of the cross" was reserved for the vilest criminals and slaves. It was a death of public humiliation, excruciating pain, and divine curse (Galatians 3:13). For the eternal Son of God to humble Himself to such an extent, to embrace the form of a servant and then to suffer the death of a criminal, is the profound mystery and glory of the incarnation and atonement. His obedience was perfect, His sacrifice complete, and His love boundless.
The Exaltation: Philippians 2:9-11
The Kenosis Hymn does not end with Christ's humiliation and death; it culminates in His glorious exaltation by God the Father. This is God's divine response to Christ's unparalleled humility and obedience.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Because Christ humbled Himself so completely, God the Father "hath highly exalted him." This exaltation is not merely a return to His former glory, but a new, divinely conferred glory as the God-man, the resurrected and ascended Lord. He is given "a name which is above every name," which is the name of "Lord" (Kurios), signifying His absolute sovereignty and authority over all creation. This name points directly to His divine identity, echoing the Old Testament name for God, Yahweh.
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;
The exaltation of Christ demands universal homage. "Every knee should bow" signifies total submission and worship. This includes "things in heaven" (angels, heavenly beings), "things in earth" (humanity), and "things under the earth" (the deceased, demons, and the powers of darkness). This echoes Isaiah 45:23, where the bowing of every knee is due to the Lord (Yahweh) Himself, unequivocally demonstrating Christ's divine identity and supreme authority. There will be no creature in all of creation, living or dead, visible or invisible, that will not ultimately acknowledge the supreme lordship of Jesus Christ.
And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The universal bowing of knees is accompanied by a universal confession: "that Jesus Christ is Lord." This confession is not merely an intellectual acknowledgment but a public declaration of His divine sovereignty and rightful dominion. This ultimate confession brings glory to God the Father, for the exaltation of the Son is the supreme manifestation of the Father's righteous judgment and perfect plan of redemption. The Father is glorified as His beloved Son, who perfectly fulfilled His will, is now universally acknowledged as Lord of all.
Conclusion: The Mind of Christ for Believers
The Kenosis Hymn in Philippians 2:5-11 is more than a theological exposition; it is a profound call to discipleship. Paul's initial command, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus," serves as the guiding principle for all believers. Christ's example of self-emptying, humility, and obedience unto death provides the pattern for our own lives. We are called to:
- Embrace humility: To esteem others better than ourselves, putting their needs and interests before our own.
- Practice selflessness: To willingly lay aside personal rights and preferences for the sake of unity and service within the body of Christ.
- Cultivate obedience: To submit to God's will, even when it involves personal sacrifice or discomfort.
The path of Christ was one of condescension leading to exaltation. For believers, the path of humility and service is likewise the path to true spiritual growth and God's blessing. As we meditate on the profound truth of Christ's kenosis, our hearts should be filled with awe for His boundless love and unparalleled sacrifice. It is this mind of Christ, characterized by humility and self-giving love, that transforms us, unites us, and ultimately brings glory to God the Father.
May we, therefore, with every fiber of our being, strive to walk in the footsteps of Him who, being in the form of God, made Himself of no reputation, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross, for our redemption. To Him be all glory, honour, and praise, for ever and ever. Amen.
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