Devine Scripture

Philippians 2:9

What does Philippians 2:9 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 2:9 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 2:9 means

Because Jesus willingly humbled Himself to the point of the cross, God has now highly exalted Him and granted Him the supreme name. The Father’s answer to the Son’s obedience is public vindication and unmatched honor. This exaltation includes resurrection, ascension, and enthronement. The “name” signifies authority and status; Jesus is revealed as Lord. The path to true glory is not self-promotion but faithful obedience. The verse reassures believers that God sees humble service and that the story does not end in humiliation. As Christ has been raised and honored, so those united to Him may trust God’s timing for vindication and reward.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name;

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name;

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For this reason God has put him in the highest place and has given to him the name which is greater than every name;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

wherefore, also, God did highly exalt him, and gave to him a name that <FI>is<Fi> above every name,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For which cause, God also hath exalted him and hath given him a name which is above all names:

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Wherefore alsoGod highly exalted him, and granted him a name, that which is above every name,

Context

After the low point of the cross (v. 8), verse 9 begins the upward movement: God’s exaltation of Jesus. Verses 10–11 will describe the universal acknowledgement of His lordship. This pattern—humility followed by glory—directly supports Paul’s appeal for unity and servanthood (vv. 1–5). It also provides the theological center that fuels the obedience called for in verses 12–18. The flow shows that the Christian life is cruciform, and that God Himself delights to honor what the world despises when it is done in faithfulness to Him.

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

v.9This passage

v.10that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth,

Cross references

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

  • Revelation 1:5

    and from Jesus Christ, who isthe faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loveth us, and loosed us from our sins by his blood;

  • 1 Peter 3:22

    who is on the right hand of God, having gone into heaven; angels and authorities and powers being made subject unto him.

  • John 17:5

    And now, Father, glorify thou me with thine own self with the glory which I had with thee before the world was.

  • Isaiah 53:12

    Therefore will I divide him a portion with the great, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong; because he poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bare the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

  • Hebrews 12:2

    looking unto Jesus the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

  • John 3:35

    The Father loveth the Son, and hath given all things into his hand.

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore Philippians 2

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on Philippians 2.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to Philippians 2:9.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary