Philippians 2:8
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Original Language Analysis
καί
And
G2532
καί
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 14
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
σχήματι
in fashion
G4976
σχήματι
in fashion
Strong's:
G4976
Word #:
2 of 14
a figure (as a mode or circumstance), i.e., (by implication) external condition
ὥς
as
G5613
ὥς
as
Strong's:
G5613
Word #:
4 of 14
which how, i.e., in that manner (very variously used, as follows)
ἐταπείνωσεν
he humbled
G5013
ἐταπείνωσεν
he humbled
Strong's:
G5013
Word #:
6 of 14
to depress; figuratively, to humiliate (in condition or heart)
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
7 of 14
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
γενόμενος
and became
G1096
γενόμενος
and became
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
8 of 14
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ὑπήκοος
obedient
G5255
ὑπήκοος
obedient
Strong's:
G5255
Word #:
9 of 14
attentively listening, i.e., (by implication) submissive
μέχρι
unto
G3360
μέχρι
unto
Strong's:
G3360
Word #:
10 of 14
as far as, i.e., up to a certain point (as a preposition, of extent (denoting the terminus, whereas g0891 refers especially to the space of time or pl
θανάτου
death
G2288
θανάτου
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
11 of 14
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
Cross References
John 10:18No 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.Hebrews 12:2Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.Romans 5:19For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.1 Peter 2:24Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed.1 Peter 3:18For Christ also hath once suffered for sins, the just for the unjust, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh, but quickened by the Spirit:2 Corinthians 8:9For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.Acts 8:33In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth.Matthew 26:39And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.Titus 2:14Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.Galatians 3:13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:
Historical Context
Crucifixion was designed for maximum shame and deterrence. Victims were stripped, displayed publicly, mocked, and left for days. Deuteronomy 21:23 declared hanged men cursed by God. Paul emphasizes this shame (Gal 3:13; 1 Cor 1:23). Romans reserved crucifixion for slaves, rebels, and non-citizens. That God incarnate died this death is history's greatest scandal and deepest mystery. The cross was foolishness to Greeks, stumbling to Jews (1 Cor 1:23).
Questions for Reflection
- How does Christ's obedience 'unto death' (mechri thanatou) define true obedience versus half-hearted compliance?
- Why does Paul specify 'even the death of the cross'—what's the theological significance of the method?
- How does meditating on Christ's cross-humility produce the humility Paul commands (v. 3)?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross (καὶ σχήματι εὑρεθεὶς ὡς ἄνθρωπος ἐταπείνωσεν ἑαυτόν, γενόμενος ὑπήκοος μέχρι θανάτου, θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ, kai schēmati heuretheis hōs anthrōpos etapeinōsen heauton, genomenos hypēkoos mechri thanatou, thanatou de staurou)—Schēmati ("appearance, fashion") differs from morphē ("essential form")—Christ appeared outwardly as human. Heuretheis ("being found") suggests others' recognition of His humanity.
Etapeinōsen heauton ("he humbled himself")—tapeinoō ("to humble, lower") answers v. 3's call to tapeinophrosynē ("humility"). Christ's humility wasn't passive circumstance but active choice. Genomenos hypēkoos ("becoming obedient") identifies the essence: obedience to Father's will. Mechri thanatou ("unto death")—obedience extended to death itself. Even the death of the cross (θανάτου δὲ σταυροῦ, thanatou de staurou)—de ("and, even") intensifies: not just death but crucifixion, Rome's most shameful, agonizing execution for slaves and insurrectionists. This is the hymn's nadir—from divine form (v. 6) to slave-form (v. 7) to cursed death (v. 8).