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The Power of Humility: An Exegetical Analysis of Philippians 2:1-11
Exegetical Analysis Assignment
Douglas A Kuhl
NGRK 505 Greek Language Tools
February 23, 2024
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Contents
Introduction....................................................................................................................................3
Exhortation to Unity and Humility 2:1-4....................................................................................3
The Example of Christ's Humility 2:5-8......................................................................................4
Exaltation of Christ and Call to Obedience 2:9-11.....................................................................8
Implications for Believers Today.................................................................................................8
Conclusion......................................................................................................................................9
Bibliography.................................................................................................................................11
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The Power of Humility: An Exegetical Analysis of Philippians 2:1-11
Introduction
In Philippians 2:1-11, Paul exhorts the Philippian believers to embody the humility of
Christ as a model for Christian unity and selfless service, emphasizing that true greatness comes
through humility and obedience to God. This passage stands as a powerful testament to the
transformative nature of humility and the profound impact it can have on Christian unity and
service. In this essay, we will delve into Paul's exhortation to the Philippian believers, exploring
the themes of unity, humility, and the example of Christ's self-emptying love. By carefully
examining the text, we will uncover the deeper meaning behind Paul's words and consider how
this message resonates with believers today.
Exhortation to Unity and Humility 2:1-4
In this passage, Paul begins with a heartfelt plea for unity among the Philippian believers,
urging them to be like-minded, have the same love, be united in spirit, and focus on one purpose.
Paul calls them to think alike and be of one soul and mind (Philippians 2:2). In Philippians 2:3,
Paul emphasizes the importance of unity by rooting it in humility, urging them not to act out of
selfish ambition or conceit but to prioritize others over themselves. He emphasizes the
importance of looking not only to one's interests but also to the interests of others (Philippians
2:4).
In Philippians 2:1, Paul uses the Greek word "koinōnia" to emphasize the deep
connection and union he desires for believers in Philippi. He suggests the Spirit creates this
fellowship or this fellowship created in the Spirit. Koinōnia conveys a profound, intimate
connection, highlighting Paul's call for the Philippian church to share in this deep bond with him.
He urges them to be united in spirit, emphasizing that they are to become one family with Christ.
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Despite being a prisoner, bound and chained to a Roman guard, Paul focuses on the unity of his
beloved church rather than his condition. His deep engagement with the fellowship topic
underscores its importance in the Christian life.
In this introduction to the text, Paul uses the conjunction οὖν, "therefore," to call the
readers back to the previous section of scripture. There, Paul states his one wish is that the
readers' conduct be worthy of the gospel so that they can stand firm against the world, united in
the work of their faith. This steadfastness has powerful effects: it convinces and convicts the
world, confirming the church. Therefore, Paul says it makes me joyful to be united with you, the
readers, in mind and spirit. He calls them to live in humility while remaining in fellowship with
one another.
The Example of Christ's Humility 2:5-8
Gerald Hawthorne declares, " This is the most important section in the letter and surely
the most difficult to interpret.”1 To illustrate the humility he calls for, Paul points to the ultimate
example: Jesus Christ. In an infinitive clause, Paul captures in a hymn-like confession that Jesus
“did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped.” (Philippians 2:6, LSB). Pastor Gene
Getz asserts that this presents us with a portrayal of Christ's mindset while assuming human form
and dwelling among us.2 Instead, he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, and being
found in human likeness, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even
death on a cross (Philippians 2:7-8).
In Philippians 2:6-7, the Greek word "morphē" is a crucial term, translated as "form" in
the KJV and NASB. The Greek word "morphē," according to BDAG, denotes the form, outward
1 Gerald F. Hawthorne, Philippians, vol. 43, Word Biblical Commentary (Dallas: Word, Incorporated, 2004), 99.
2 Gene A. Getz, Life Essentials Study Bible: Biblical Principles to Live By (B&H, 2011), Php 2:1–8.
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appearance, or shape of something.3 In the context of Philippians 2:7, it refers to Christ taking on
the figurative nature or form of a slave.4 This act of assuming the form of a slave expresses
servility, highlighting Christ's humility and willingness to serve others. Despite being preexistent
in His divinity as the Christ, Jesus humbled Himself and took on the role of a servant,
demonstrating His love and obedience to God's will.
This act of humility starkly contrasts the expression of Jesus' divinity, which is inherent
in His being the Christ. While Christ's divinity is an essential part of His being, His choice to
take on the form of a slave illustrates His willingness to set aside His divine rights and privileges
for the sake of humanity. This shows the depth of Christ's love and desire to serve others,
providing a powerful example for believers to follow.
This term emphasizes the inner essence or reality of something, highlighting Christ's
essential deity and perfect humanity. While Christ is of the very essence of God, He embraced
perfect humanity in His incarnation. Despite possessing full deity, Christ did not cling to His
rights as God but willingly set them aside to become a man. This act of humility, surrendering
His right to manifest His full glory, exemplifies Christ's obedience and selflessness. Francis
Foulkes writes, "Jesus was truly God before he became a human person. Then, without ceasing
to be God, he was willing to lay aside the glory of being equal with God."5
Expanding on this idea, Christ's claim to deity incited opposition from Jewish leaders,
who accused Him of blasphemy. Despite His divine nature, Christ humbled Himself and took on
3 William Arndt et al., A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature
(Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000), 659.
4 James Strong, A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew
Bible (Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009), 49
5 Francis Foulkes, “Philippians,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed.
(Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1253.
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the form of a servant, setting aside His divine rights for the sake of humanity. This act of self-
emptying shows Christ's profound love and obedience to the Father's will. As believers, we are
called to emulate Christ's humility and obedience, recognizing that true greatness comes through
selfless service and obedience to God's will.
The interpretation of Philippians 2:6, where it says, "he did not consider equality with
God something to be grasped," has been a topic of much discussion. There are two prime views:
one is that equality with God means having the exact nature as God, indicating that Jesus was
inherently divine. Max Anders states “He has always been God”.6 The other view refers to the
glory and honor of a position alongside God the Father, with the title of lordship over the
universe. According to this interpretation, Jesus did not seek to claim this position for Himself
but accepted it through the Father's appointment.
Suppose we understand equality with God as having the exact nature as God. In that case,
we can interpret the phrase "he did not consider equality with God something to be grasped" to
mean that Jesus did not hold on to His divine prerogatives, did not need to seize them, or did not
exploit His divine status. The overall message of the passage is that Jesus' way was one of
giving, sacrifice, and humility, not of seizing advantages or asserting His divine status. The
passage portrays this as the path Jesus took and believers are called to follow. 7
Using the Greek term "kenoō" to describe Christ's emptying of Himself is significant
because it emphasizes the radical nature of His humility. The question arises: what did Jesus
empty Himself of? Did He relinquish His glory or His ability to exercise authority independent
6 Max Anders, Galatians-Colossians, vol. 8, Holman New Testament Commentary (Nashville, TN: Broadman &
Holman Publishers, 1999), 225.
7 Francis Foulkes, “Philippians,” in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed.
(Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1254.
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of the Father? Did He give up His attributes of deity, such as omniscience, omnipresence, and
omnipotence?
The concept of "kenoō" does not imply that Jesus emptied Himself of His divine
attributes. Instead, it suggests a self-limitation or veiling of His divine glory. While on earth,
Jesus voluntarily restricted the use of His divine prerogatives and lived in complete dependence
on the Father. He did not cease to be divine but chose to set aside the whole exercise of His
divine attributes for a time to fulfill His mission of redemption. Thus, Jesus' emptying of Himself
was not a loss of deity but a voluntary restriction of the independent use of His divine attributes.
Robert Lightner states “in His incarnation He was fully God and fully man at the same time. He
was God manifest in human flesh (John 1:14).”8
This self-emptying was not just a symbolic gesture but a complete abandonment of self-
interest and a total surrender to the will of God. According to BDAG, this term describes the
process of emptying oneself and willingly renouncing prestige or privileges. Christ's obedience
unto death demonstrates the depth of his humility and his unwavering commitment to fulfilling
God's plan of salvation for humanity.
Exaltation of Christ and Call to Obedience 2:9-11
The exaltation of Christ, as described in Philippians 2:9-11, stands as a testament to the
divine approval of Christ's sacrificial act of humility and obedience. God highly exalted Jesus
and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, highlighting the supreme honor and
authority that Christ now possesses. This exaltation is a powerful vindication of Christ's obedient
and humble life, contrasting with the humiliation of the cross.
8 Robert P. Lightner, “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F.
Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 654.
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Paul's declaration that in the name of Jesus, every knee should bow, in heaven and on
earth and under the earth, underscores the universal recognition and acknowledgment of Christ's
lordship. This proclamation extends to all heavenly and earthly beings, demonstrating the
unparalleled significance and authority of Jesus Christ. Every tongue confessing that Jesus Christ
is Lord brings glory to God the Father, emphasizing the unity of purpose and the ultimate goal of
all creation—to glorify God through the exaltation of Jesus Christ.
This passage serves as a powerful reminder of the divine plan of redemption and the
exaltation of Christ as the culmination of God's redemptive work. It also serves as a call to
obedience for believers, echoing the example of Christ's humility and obedience. As believers
reflect on the exaltation of Christ, they are called to emulate his humble obedience, recognizing
that true greatness comes through selfless service and obedience to God's will.
Implications for Believers Today
The message of Philippians 2:1-11 remains as relevant today as it was to the Philippian
believers. In a contemporary world often consumed by self-promotion and personal gain, Paul's
words serve as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of humility. Believers are called
to mirror Christ's humility, prioritizing others' needs over their desires.
Moreover, this passage challenges believers to reassess their attitudes toward obedience.
Christ's unwavering obedience, even unto death, serves as a model for all believers, illustrating
the radical obedience required of those who follow him. Following Christ's example of humility
and obedience, believers can foster a more profound sense of unity with one another and draw
closer to God.
In essence, Philippians 2:1-11 calls believers to embody the humility and obedience
exemplified by Christ. In a world where self-interest often prevails, this passage stands as a
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timeless testament to the transformative power of humility and the profound impact it can have
on individuals and communities alike.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Philippians 2:1-11 offers a profound and timeless message on the
transformative power of humility, unity, and obedience. Paul's exhortation to the Philippian
believers to embody the humility of Christ serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of
selflessness and service in the Christian life. By following Christ's example of humility and
obedience, believers are called to emulate the mindset of Christ, considering others as more
important than themselves and looking to the interests of others.
Furthermore, Paul's emphasis on the exaltation of Christ highlights the ultimate outcome
of humility and obedience. Believers can anticipate a similar exaltation for faithfully obeying
God's will, just as God exalted Christ for his obedience. This encourages and motivates believers
to persevere in their Christian walk, as they know that their humble service will be rewarded in
the end.
Ultimately, the message of Philippians 2:1-11 challenges believers to live lives of
humility, unity, and obedience, reflecting the love and grace of Christ in all they do. In a world
that often values self-promotion and personal gain, Paul's words serve as a powerful reminder of
the true source of greatness: humble service and obedience to God. As believers strive to embody
the mindset of Christ, they can experience a more profound unity with one another and a closer
communion with God, fulfilling the call to live lives worthy of the gospel.
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Bibliography
Anders, Max. Galatians-Colossians, vol. 8, Holman New Testament Commentary. Nashville,
TN: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 1999.
Arndt, William, et al. A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian
Literature. Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 2000.
Foulkes, Francis. “Philippians”, in New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition, ed. D. A.
Carson et al., 4th ed. Leicester, England. Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994.
Getz, Gene A. Life Essentials Study Bible: Biblical Principles to Live By. B&H, 2011.
Hawthorne, Gerald F. Philippians, vol. 43, Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word,
Incorporated, 2004.
Lightner, Robert P., “Philippians,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the
Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 2. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985.
Strong, James. A Concise Dictionary of the Words in the Greek Testament and The Hebrew
Bible. Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software, 2009.
