Devine Scripture

Philippians 2:7

What does Philippians 2:7 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 2:7 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 2:7 means

Christ “emptied himself” not by losing deity, but by adding humanity and choosing the low place. He took the form of a servant and was made like us. The emptying is His voluntary refusal to use divine privileges to avoid suffering and service. He embraced real human limitations, entering our condition to redeem it from within. By becoming a servant, He identified with the lowly and met our deepest need. This is the heart of the incarnation: God the Son truly with us, not pretending to be human, but genuinely sharing our nature. His downward movement transforms our view of greatness and calls us to serve without clinging to rank.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But he made himself as nothing, taking the form of a servant, being made like men;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

but did empty himself, the form of a servant having taken, in the likeness of men having been made,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men, and in habit found as a man.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

but emptied himself, taking a bondman's form, taking his place in [the] likeness of men;

Context

Following Christ’s equality with God (v. 6), Paul explains the manner of His humility: self-emptying through incarnation and servanthood (v. 7). The next verse will press the humility even further—to obedience unto death on a cross (v. 8). Then comes God’s resounding “Yes” to this path in the exaltation of Jesus (vv. 9–11). For the Philippians, tempted by rivalry and pride, this picture exposes selfish ambition and offers a better way: the greatness of serving. The narrative moves steadily downward before it turns upward, teaching the church how God values humble love.

v.6who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped,

v.7This passage

v.8and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Galatians 4:4

    but when the fulness of the time came, God sent forth his Son, born of a woman, born under the law,

  • Romans 1:3

    concerning his Son, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh,

  • Ezekiel 34:23

    And I will set up one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them, even my servant David; he shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd.

  • Romans 15:3

    For Christ also pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell upon me.

  • Isaiah 50:5

    The Lord Jehovah hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away backward.

  • Isaiah 49:3

    and he said unto me, Thou art my servant; Israel, in whom I will be glorified.

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