Philippians 2:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 2:6
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Chapter Context
Philippians 2 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of redemption, love, sacrifice. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church in this Roman colony maintained partnership with Paul despite his imprisonment.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it addresses timeless questions about faith, suffering, and divine purpose. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Philippians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Philippians 2:6
6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Analysis
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:
- something to cling to jealously, or
- something to grasp after ambitiously.
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.
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.
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?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Isaiah 9:6, John 5:18, 10:33, 2 Corinthians 4:4
- Parallel theme: Micah 5:2, John 10:30, 17:5, Hebrews 1:3, 13:8, Revelation 21:6