Philippians 2:5-11 · Philippians

Christ Hymn (Philippians)

The passage describes the humility and exaltation of Christ Jesus. Jesus, though in the form of God, took on the form of a servant and became obedient to death on the cross. As a result, God exalted him and gave him a name above every name, so that every knee should bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Summary

The Christ Hymn in Philippians 2:5-11 is a passage from a letter written by the Apostle Paul to the Christian community in Philippi. This passage is significant because it outlines the humility and exaltation of Christ, serving as a model for believers. It begins by urging readers to adopt the mindset of Christ Jesus (2:5). Christ is introduced as having the form of God but choosing not to cling to equality with God (2:6).

The passage describes a series of actions taken by Christ. He empties himself, taking the role of a servant and becoming human (2:7). As a man, he humbles himself further by being obedient to the point of death on a cross (2:8). This sequence highlights a downward movement from divine status to human suffering and death.

In response to Christ's humility and obedience, God exalts him to the highest place (2:9). God bestows on him a name above every name, ensuring that at the name of Jesus, every knee will bow in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (2:10-11). The passage concludes by stating that these events bring glory to God the Father (2:11).

Chiastic structure

ⓘ
A

Philippians 2:7-8

“But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant... he humbled himself...”

B

Philippians 2:9

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

A'

Philippians 2:10-11

“That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow... and every tongue should confess...”

The theme of humility in A is mirrored by the theme of exaltation in A'. Both elements emphasize the transformation of Christ's status.

Interpretation and theological stakes

The Christ Hymn in Philippians 2:5-11 establishes a profound theological claim about the nature and actions of Christ. The passage outlines a dramatic movement from divine status to human humility, culminating in exaltation. It emphasizes that Christ, despite having the form of God, chooses a path of self-emptying and obedience, which leads to his ultimate glorification by God. This sequence not only highlights the humility and sacrifice of Christ but also underscores the resultant divine recognition and authority bestowed upon him. The passage concludes by linking Christ's exaltation to the glory of God the Father, suggesting that his actions have cosmic significance, inviting universal acknowledgment of his lordship.

The Catholic interpretation sees the Christ Hymn as affirming the doctrine of the Incarnation. This reading emphasizes that Jesus, while fully divine, willingly becomes fully human. The passage's language in verses 6-8 supports this by describing a voluntary renunciation of divine privileges. This interpretation argues that Jesus's humility and obedience are integral to his human experience, fulfilling the divine plan through his death and subsequent exaltation (2:9-11). Catholics view the exaltation not as a reward but as a return to his rightful divine status, affirming the unity and equality of Jesus with God.

In contrast, Jehovah's Witnesses interpret the passage as highlighting the distinct and subordinate nature of Jesus relative to God. They focus on the idea of Christ's obedience and its role in his exaltation, which they see as a reward for his actions rather than a return to a pre-existing divine status. Verses 9-11 are crucial for this view, as they describe God bestowing honor upon Jesus, which suggests a hierarchy. This reading underscores the idea that Jesus, while exalted, remains separate from God, with his lordship and authority granted by divine favor rather than inherent equality.

When considering both interpretations, the passage underscores a key theological tension about the relationship between Christ's divinity and humanity. The Catholic tradition emphasizes unity and pre-existent divinity, while Jehovah's Witnesses stress distinctness and subordination. Together, these readings highlight the richness of the Christ Hymn in expressing a complex Christology. It invites believers to reflect on the paradox of Christ's nature simultaneously divine and human, humble and exalted. This complexity suggests that the passage serves as a profound meditation on the mystery of Christ, challenging believers to adopt a mindset that embraces both humility and the divine acknowledgment of Christ’s lordship.

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