New Testament

Philippians 2:7

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, Paul describes how Jesus chose to humble himself by giving up his divine status and taking on the role of a servant.

Author
Paul the apostle
Written
Around AD 61
Genre
Letter (epistle)
Original Audience
The church in Philippi
CBTClear Bible Translation

Instead, he made himself nothing, took on the form of a servant, and was made in human likeness.

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, Paul describes how Jesus chose to humble himself by giving up his divine status and taking on the role of a servant. This act of selflessness is significant because it shows that true greatness comes from serving others rather than seeking power or recognition. By becoming human, Jesus fully identified with our struggles and experiences, demonstrating his love and compassion. This verse emphasizes the importance of humility and the willingness to serve, which are central to the Christian faith. It challenges believers to follow Jesus' example by prioritizing the needs of others and embracing a servant-hearted attitude in their daily lives. The contrast between Jesus' divine nature and his choice to become a servant highlights the depth of his love and the radical nature of his mission on earth.

How to apply Philippians 2:7 to your life

To apply this verse, we should strive to embody humility in our interactions with others. This means putting aside our own desires for recognition and instead focusing on serving those around us. By doing so, we reflect Christ's love and make a positive impact in our communities.

Curated for this public verse page. Philippians Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does Philippians 2:7 mean?

Philippians 2:7 means that Jesus chose to humble himself by giving up his divine status and taking on the role of a servant. This highlights the importance of humility and serving others in the Christian faith.

What is the meaning of 'made himself nothing' in Philippians 2:7?

'Made himself nothing' refers to Jesus willingly relinquishing his divine privileges and status to become human. This act demonstrates his selflessness and commitment to serving humanity.

How does Philippians 2:7 relate to servanthood?

Philippians 2:7 illustrates the concept of servanthood by showing Jesus taking on the form of a servant. It encourages believers to adopt a similar attitude of humility and service in their lives.

What themes are present in Philippians 2:7?

The themes in Philippians 2:7 include humility, servanthood, selflessness, love, and compassion. These themes highlight the significance of serving others and the nature of Jesus' mission.

The Book of Philippians
Book Summary

The Book of Philippians

Philippians 1: Thanksgiving, Prayer, and Joy in Suffering

Paul and Timotheus address the saints in Christ Jesus at Philippi, along with the bishops and deacons. Paul thanks God every time he remembers them and says he prays for them with joy because they share in the gospel from the first day until now. He expresses confidence that God will continue the work begun in them until the day of Jesus Christ. He says he longs for them with deep affection and prays that their love grows in knowledge and judgment so they approve what is excellent and remain sincere until Christ's day.

Premium

Unlock the full Philippians summary

Continue reading every chapter — themes, structure, and turning points.

The complete summary of Philippians — a chapter-by-chapter breakdown covering all 4 chapters.

What you get

Every chapter of Philippians summarized in clear, modern English

How each section connects — narrative flow, key themes, and turning points

Permanent access — read anytime, on any device

Best Value

Best value • Save over 90%

or

One-time purchase • Access anytime

ClearBible summaries are proprietary content and may not be copied, republished, or resold.

Checkout works as a guest. After payment, you create an account to claim your unlock.