What Does Philippians 2:6-11 Mean?
Philippians 2:6-11 reveals the amazing humility of Jesus. Though He was truly God, He didn’t cling to His divine rights, but became a servant, even dying on a cross. As Scripture says, 'being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.'
Philippians 2:6-11
who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
Key Facts
Book
Author
Paul
Genre
Epistle
Date
Approximately 60-62 AD
Key People
- Jesus Christ
- Paul
Key Themes
- The divinity and humility of Christ
- Christ's exaltation through obedience
- The call to Christian humility and unity
Key Takeaways
- Jesus, though divine, chose to serve and die for us.
- True greatness comes through humble obedience, not status or power.
- Every knee will bow and confess Jesus as Lord.
The Heart of Humility in a Divided Church
To fully grasp the power of Philippians 2:6-11, we need to see it within Paul’s urgent call to unity in the Philippian church, where believers were struggling with division and pride.
Paul had founded this church with joy and deep partnership, but now he writes from prison to urge them to be of one mind and one spirit, warning against selfish ambition and pride in Philippians 2:1-4. He sets up a radical challenge: instead of pushing for status, they should value others above themselves. When he introduces the hymn of Christ in verse 6, he teaches theology and provides a concrete example to follow.
This passage is a beautiful poem about Jesus. It also forms the foundation for how Christians should live - humbly, selflessly, and united - because Jesus, though equal with God, gave everything to serve and die for us.
The Divine Humility of Christ
At the heart of Philippians 2:6-11 is a stunning truth: Jesus, who existed in the very nature of God, chose not to hold onto His divine privileges, but let go of them to become a servant.
The phrase 'in the form of God' doesn’t mean Jesus only looked like God - 'form' here means His true, essential nature. When it says He did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, it means He didn’t cling to His status like a prize to exploit. Instead, He emptied Himself - 'ekenosen' in Greek - letting go of His divine glory not by losing His divinity, but by choosing not to use it for His own comfort. This act of self-emptying wasn’t a loss of power but a voluntary act of love, showing that true greatness isn’t about holding on, but letting go.
Some have misunderstood 'emptied Himself' to mean Jesus gave up His divine attributes, but that view - called kenotic theology - can distort who Jesus is. The Bible never says He stopped being God; instead, He added humanity to His divinity, living fully as a man while remaining fully God. This is the mystery of the incarnation: not a downgrade, but a descent in purpose - to walk among us, suffer, and die.
His obedience went all the way to death on a cross, the most shameful and painful death of that time, reserved for criminals and rebels. Because of this radical humility, God lifted Him up and gave Him the name above every name - so that every knee will bow and every tongue confess Jesus Christ is Lord, echoing Isaiah 45:23 where only God was to receive such worship. Now that worship belongs to Jesus, not because He seized it, but because He surrendered everything. This is the glory of the gospel: the God who rules the universe ruled by serving.
Following the Example of a Servant Leader
The truth of Christ’s humility is not only for admiration; it serves as a pattern for how believers should live together.
Paul tells the Philippians just before this passage, 'Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus' (Philippians 2:5) - meaning their attitudes should reflect Jesus’ self-giving love. This is not about earning God’s favor. It is about living the humility that defined Jesus, even when it is difficult. We see this clearly in John 13:1-17, where Jesus, knowing He came from God and was returning to God, still got up, took off His robe, wrapped a towel around His waist, and washed His disciples’ feet - a job only the lowest servant would do.
After washing their feet, Jesus said, 'I have given you an example; you should do as I have done to you' (John 13:15). This act was not only about clean feet; it showed that the greatest among us should serve, as Jesus did. When we choose humility over status, we reflect the very heart of the gospel - the exalted Lord who ruled not by power, but by love that serves.
The Fulfillment of Prophecy and the Lordship of Christ
Philippians 2:6-11 is a standalone hymn of praise. It also serves as the climax of God’s story woven through the entire Bible, where Jesus fulfills the roles of divine Word, suffering servant, and exalted king.
This passage echoes John 1:1-14, which declares, 'In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God... and the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.' John presents Jesus as the divine Word who entered human weakness; Philippians shows Him emptying Himself, not ceasing to be God, but veiling His glory to walk in our shoes. Isaiah 53 foretold, 'He was pierced for our transgressions... oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth.' Jesus’ obedience to death fulfills the portrait of the Suffering Servant who bears the sins of many.
Daniel 7:13-14 foresees 'one like a son of man' coming before the Ancient of Days to receive everlasting dominion, glory, and sovereign power - worship due only to God. Now in Philippians, that vision is realized: the crucified Jesus is exalted to the highest place, given the name above every name, so that 'at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth.' This directly quotes Isaiah 45:23, where God says, 'To me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear allegiance' - a promise now fulfilled in Christ, declaring that Jesus is not merely a Lord among many, but the one true Lord of all.
When we understand that Jesus fulfills these ancient promises, it changes how we live. We stop chasing recognition and serve quietly. We stop demanding our rights and lay them down, as He did. In our church communities, this means putting others first, not out of duty, but out of awe for the One who ruled by surrender. In our neighborhoods, when Christians live humbly, self‑giving, and united, it becomes a living sign that the kingdom of God has come, and that the name above all names is more than a title; it is a person worth following with our lives.
Application
How This Changes Everything: Real Life Impact
I remember a time when I was so focused on being recognized at work that I resented a coworker getting credit for a project we’d done together. I stewed in bitterness, feeling unseen and undervalued - until I read Philippians 2:6-11 again. Here was Jesus, the Creator of the universe, stepping down not merely to work, but to suffer and die like a criminal, all out of love. It hit me: if He could lay down His glory, how small does my need for a little praise really look? That moment changed how I see every interaction. Now, when I feel the urge to push my way to the top or defend my rights, I think of Jesus kneeling in the dirt, not to be served, but to serve. It doesn’t make me perfect, but it gives me a new compass - humility isn’t weakness, it’s the quiet strength of someone who knows they’re loved enough to let go.
Personal Reflection
- Where in my life am I holding tightly to status, comfort, or recognition the way Jesus did not cling to His divine privileges?
- When have I refused to serve because it felt beneath me, and how can I follow Jesus’ example of becoming a servant?
- How would my relationships change if I truly believed that the path to true honor is through humble obedience, as it was for Christ?
A Challenge For You
This week, look for one practical way to humble yourself in service - something small but meaningful. It could be doing a chore no one notices, apologizing even when you think you’re partly right, or serving someone who can’t repay you. Then, pause and ask God to help you do it not to earn approval, but because Jesus first served you.
A Prayer of Response
Jesus, thank you for not holding onto heaven’s glory but coming down to walk in my shoes, suffer in my place, and die on a cross. Your humility breaks my pride and heals my heart. Help me to live not for myself but for others, as you did. May my life reflect your love, not my ambition, and may every choice I make bring glory to you, the God who rules by serving.
Related Scriptures & Concepts
Immediate Context
Philippians 2:5
Paul calls believers to have the same humble mindset as Christ, setting up the hymn in verses 6 - 11.
Philippians 2:12
Follows the exaltation of Christ with a call to work out salvation in fear and trembling, motivated by His example.
Connections Across Scripture
John 13:1-17
Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, embodying the servant leadership described in Philippians 2:6-11.
Hebrews 2:9
Reveals Jesus was made lower than angels for suffering, then crowned with glory, mirroring His descent and exaltation.
1 Peter 2:21
Calls believers to follow Christ’s example of suffering and obedience, reflecting the path He walked in humility.