Philippians 2:7
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 2:7
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Chapter Context
Philippians 2 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of love, wisdom, worship. 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 reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. 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 2:7
7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
Analysis
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men (ἀλλὰ ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσεν μορφὴν δούλου λαβών, ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων γενόμενος, alla heauton ekenōsen morphēn doulou labōn, en homoiōmati anthrōpōn genomenos)—Heauton ekenōsen ("he emptied himself")—the verb kenoō ("to empty, make void") gives us kenosis theology. What did Christ empty? Not deity (impossible) but divine prerogatives, glory's visible manifestation, independent exercise of attributes. He veiled glory, accepted limitations, embraced vulnerability.
Morphēn doulou labōn ("taking the form of a slave")—morphēn ("form") again means essential nature. Christ took slave-essence, not mere appearance. Doulou ("slave, bondservant") was society's lowest status. En homoiōmati anthrōpōn genomenos ("being made in the likeness of men")—homoiōmati ("likeness") affirms real humanity while distinguishing from sinful humanity (Rom 8:3). Genomenos ("becoming") marks incarnation's moment—eternal Son entered time, took flesh, became what He wasn't (human) while remaining what He was (divine).
Historical Context
The kenosis (self-emptying) has sparked theological debate. Orthodox Christology (Chalcedon): Christ is fully God and fully man, two natures in one person, without mixture, confusion, separation, or division. Kenosis involved assuming humanity and its limitations, not divesting deity. Isaiah 53 (Suffering Servant) forms OT background—the Servant takes slave-form to redeem. Greco-Roman culture despised slaves; Christ's slave-form was radical reversal.
Reflection
- What did Christ 'empty' in the kenosis—and what did He retain?
- How does Christ taking 'the form of a slave' challenge cultural values of status and honor?
- In what ways are you called to kenosis—self-emptying for others' sake?
Cross-References
- Creation: John 1:14, Galatians 4:4
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 53:11, Matthew 20:28, Luke 22:27, Romans 8:3, 15:3, 2 Corinthians 8:9