Philippians 2:6
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Original Language Analysis
ὃς
Who
G3739
ὃς
Who
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
1 of 12
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
θεῷ
of God
G2316
θεῷ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 12
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὑπάρχων
being
G5225
ὑπάρχων
being
Strong's:
G5225
Word #:
5 of 12
to begin under (quietly), i.e., come into existence (be present or at hand); expletively, to exist (as copula or subordinate to an adjective, particip
ἡγήσατο
thought it
G2233
ἡγήσατο
thought it
Strong's:
G2233
Word #:
8 of 12
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
Cross References
John 5:18Therefore 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 4:4In 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 1:3Who 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 17:5And now, O Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.Revelation 21:6And 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.Isaiah 9:6For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.John 10:30I and my Father are one.Hebrews 13:8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.John 10:33The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God.Micah 5:2But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
Historical Context
This christological statement is among Scripture's highest. Against Arianism (Christ as created being), it affirms eternal divine nature. Against modalism (Father = Son), it distinguishes persons while affirming equality. Early councils (Nicaea 325, Chalcedon 451) drew on this text for Christology. The context—ethical exhortation—shows high Christology wasn't speculative but grounded practical discipleship. What God in Christ did defines Christian humility.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's pre-existent equality with God (v. 6) magnify the wonder of His incarnation (v. 7)?
- What does it mean that Christ didn't 'exploit' divine equality for self-advantage?
- How should Christ's refusal to grasp at status shape your attitude toward position and recognition?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God (ὃς ἐν μορφῇ θεοῦ ὑπάρχων, οὐχ ἁρπαγμὸν ἡγήσατο τὸ εἶναι ἴσα θεῷ, hos en morphē theou hyparchōn, ouch harpagmon hēgēsato to einai isa theō)—The Christ-hymn begins. Morphē ("form, essential nature") isn't mere appearance but essential reality—Christ exists in God's very nature. Hyparchōn ("being, existing," present participle) emphasizes continuous pre-incarnate existence in divine form. This asserts Christ's full deity.
Ouch harpagmon hēgēsato ("did not consider robbery/something to be grasped") is debated. Harpagmon (from harpazō, "seize, snatch") could mean:
Most likely: Christ didn't regard equality with God as something to exploit for self-advantage. To einai isa theō ("to be equal with God") affirms equality while distinguishing persons—Son equals Father in deity. This verse establishes Christ's pre-existent divine status, making verses 7-8 (humiliation) all the more staggering.