New Testament
Philippians 2:6
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Who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God:
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Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
What Philippians 2:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, Paul describes Jesus' divine nature and His attitude towards equality with God. Being in the form of God means that Jesus fully embodies God's essence and attributes. However, He did not cling to this status or see it as something to be exploited for personal gain. Instead, He willingly chose humility and servanthood, demonstrating that true greatness comes from selflessness rather than asserting one's rights or privileges. This sets a powerful example for believers, showing that one can possess great authority and still choose to serve others. Jesus' attitude challenges the common human tendency to seek power and recognition, urging us to adopt a mindset of humility and service, reflecting His character in our own lives.
How to apply Philippians 2:6 to your life
As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His humility. This means prioritizing the needs of others over our own desires for recognition or power. In our daily interactions, we should seek to serve rather than dominate, reflecting Jesus' example in our relationships and communities.
Curated for this public verse page. Philippians Summary
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Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002725045). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Nazareth, Israel; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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At a Glance — the Book of Philippians
- Author
- Paul the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 61
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- The church in Philippi
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Philippians 2:6 mean?
Philippians 2:6 explains that Jesus, while fully divine, did not cling to His equality with God. Instead, He chose humility and servanthood, showing that true greatness lies in selflessness.
What is the meaning of 'form of God' in Philippians 2:6?
The phrase 'form of God' in Philippians 2:6 indicates that Jesus fully embodies God's nature and attributes. It emphasizes His divine essence while highlighting His willingness to humble Himself.
How does Philippians 2:6 relate to humility?
Philippians 2:6 relates to humility by showing that Jesus, despite His divine nature, chose not to assert His rights. This serves as a model for believers to prioritize serving others over seeking power.
What can we learn from Philippians 2:6?
From Philippians 2:6, we learn the importance of humility and selflessness. It encourages us to follow Jesus' example by serving others and not seeking personal recognition or authority.
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