Philippians 2:9
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 2:9
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Chapter Context
Philippians 2 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of salvation, truth, love. 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 demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. 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 2:9
9 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Analysis
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name (διὸ καὶ ὁ θεὸς αὐτὸν ὑπερύψωσεν καὶ ἐχαρίσατο αὐτῷ τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ὑπὲρ πᾶν ὄνομα, dio kai ho theos auton hyperypsōsen kai echarisato autō to onoma to hyper pan onoma)—Dio ("wherefore, for this reason") links exaltation to humiliation: because Christ humbled Himself, God exalted Him. Kai ho theos ("God also") highlights Father's response to Son's obedience. Hyperypsōsen ("highly exalted, super-exalted") is compound: hyper ("above") + hypsoō ("lift up")—exalted to the highest place.
Echarisato ("graciously gave," from charis, "grace") shows exaltation as gift, though earned by obedience. A name which is above every name (τὸ ὄνομα τὸ ὑπὲρ πᾶν ὄνομα, to onoma to hyper pan onoma)—the name is "Lord" (Κύριος, Kyrios, v. 11), the LXX translation of YHWH. God gives Jesus the divine name, signaling full divine status post-resurrection/ascension. The pattern: humiliation → exaltation establishes gospel paradox and Christian hope.
Historical Context
Ancient honor-shame cultures valued exaltation. But Christian exaltation comes through humiliation, not around it. This inverts worldly wisdom: the way up is down. Resurrection and ascension vindicated Christ's obedience. 'Name above every name' alludes to Isaiah 45:23 (every knee shall bow to YHWH), applied to Jesus (v. 10-11). Early Christians saw this as Jesus's deity-affirmation.
Reflection
- How does God's exaltation of Christ 'because' of His humiliation shape your understanding of suffering?
- What is the 'name above every name,' and what does it mean that God 'gave' it to Jesus?
- How does the humiliation → exaltation pattern give hope in your current trials or obscurity?
Word Studies
- God: Θεός (Theos) G2316 - God
Cross-References
- References God: Hebrews 2:9, 12:2, 1 Peter 3:22
- Parallel theme: Psalms 89:27, Isaiah 52:13, Daniel 7:14, Matthew 28:18, Hebrews 1:4, Revelation 5:12