What does Philippians 2:9 mean?
Explanation
Philippians 2:9 presents a central theme in Christian theology -- the exaltation of Jesus Christ.
In the preceding verses, Paul describes the humility of Christ, who, "being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men" (Philippians 2:6-7).
The verse in question comes as a climax to this narrative of Christ's humility.
The act of God exalting Jesus is a consequence of Christ's obedience to death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:8).
This exaltation entails giving Jesus the highest honor and the most exalted name, signifying authority and dominion above all others.
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Historical Context
Philippians was written by the Apostle Paul while he was in prison, likely in Rome, between 61-63 AD.
The letter was addressed to the believers in Philippi, a Roman colony in Macedonia.
Philippians is often characterized by its tone of joy and encouragement.
The specific passage, known as the Kenosis Hymn (Philippians 2:5-11), reflects an early Christian understanding of Jesus's incarnation and exaltation.
It demonstrates that the message of Christ's humility and subsequent glory was pivotal in the teachings of the early Church.
Theological Insights
The verse embodies several key theological premises:
- Christ's Exaltation: Contrasts his previous state of humiliation.
- Divine Vindication: Suggests that Jesus's obedient life, culminating in his death and resurrection, is validated by God.
- Sovereignty: The bestowed name signifies Jesus's sovereignty as Lord over all creation.
- Christological Focus: Affirms an essential tenet of Christian faith, that Jesus is not only fully human but also fully divine.
From a Trinitarian perspective, the verse is also viewed as a reflection of the relationship and roles within the Godhead.
Some non-Trinitarian interpretations might emphasize Jesus's exalted status not inherently his own but one granted by God.
Practical Applications
The practical applications include:
- Humility: Believers should emulate Christ’s humility and obedience.
- Worship: The verse calls for the reverence and worship of Jesus due to his exalted status.
- Perspective on Suffering: Just as Christ was exalted after his suffering, Christians can have hope for vindication and reward for faithfulness.
Cross-References
- Ephesians 1:20-21: "Which he wrought in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places,"
- Hebrews 1:3-4: "Who being the brightness of his glory, and the express image of his person, and upholding all things by the word of his power, when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;"
- Revelation 19:16: "And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."
Language Study
The "name" mentioned is not specified in this verse but is widely interpreted as "Lord," translating from the Greek word "Kyrios," which is used for "YHWH" in the Septuagint.
"Above" is from the Greek "huper," suggesting superiority.
"Every name" implies all titles of honor or authority.
Cultural and Religious Comparisons
In the broader Greco-Roman world, the exaltation of a figure had parallels in the deification of emperors.
Religiously, exaltation themes are not unique to Christianity and can be found in various mythologies, where heroes or gods undergo suffering before being honored (e.g., the elevation of Heracles to Olympus).
However, the Christian narrative retains a unique focus on humility as the path to exaltation.
Scientific Perspectives
Scientific perspectives do not directly apply to the theological concepts in this verse.
However, discussions on consciousness, identity, and what constitutes a "name" or "title" have relevance in cognitive science and philosophy.
Commentaries
Renowned biblical scholars offer various perspectives:
- **Ralph P.
Martin**: Sees the hymn as an example of an early Christian worship practice, interpreting Jesus's exaltation as an act that reverberates through the cosmos. 2. Gordon Fee: Emphasizes the Christological and soteriological implications, depicting the verse as a declaration of Christ's ultimate authority. 3. **N.T.
Wright**: Focuses on the confession of Jesus as Lord being both personal and cosmic in its implications, pointing to the restoration of all creation under Christ's lordship.