Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

PHILIPPIANS 2:6KJV
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Philippians 2:6 (KJV)

What does Philippians 2:6 mean?

Philippians 2:6 says that Jesus, even though he existed in the very form of God, did not consider it something to be seized or held onto to be equal with God. Instead, he did not cling to his divine status or privileges.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Philippi, encouraging them to have the same humble mindset as Jesus. In this verse, Paul points out that Jesus truly shared God’s nature but chose not to use that equality for his own advantage. This sets up the example of humility and self-giving that Paul wants his readers to follow.

The Greek behind Philippians 2:6

  • μορφῇ (morphē; "form"): This word means the true and essential nature or outward appearance. Here, it emphasizes that Jesus really possessed the nature of God, not just an appearance.
  • ἴσα (isa; "equal"): This word means "equal" or "on the same level." The verse highlights that Jesus had equality with God but did not insist on keeping it for himself.
  • ἁρπαγμὸν (harpagmon; "robbery"): This word is often understood as "something to be grasped" or "held onto." It suggests that Jesus did not see his equality with God as something to exploit or cling to for his own benefit.

Why Philippians 2:6 matters

  • This verse clarifies that Jesus’ divinity was real and not just a claim or appearance, which is important for understanding who Jesus is in Christian belief.
  • The verse sets the stage for the following verses, where Paul describes Jesus’ humility and willingness to give up his privileges for others.
  • It helps prevent misunderstandings that Jesus was trying to become equal with God or take something that wasn’t his; instead, he already had that status but chose humility.

Where else these words appear

“form” Greek G3444 · used in 3 verses

  • Mark 16:12 After that he appeared in another form unto two of them, as they walked, and went into the country.
  • Philippians 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

“equal” Greek G2470 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 20:12 Saying, These last have wrought but one hour, and thou hast made them equal unto us, which have borne the burden and heat of the day.
  • Mark 14:59 But neither so did their witness agree together.
  • John 5:18 Therefore the Jews sought the more to kill him, because he not only had broken the sabbath, but said also that God was his Father, making himself equal with God.

“it” Greek G2233 · used in 27 verses

  • Matthew 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.
  • Philippians 2:25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.
  • Hebrews 11:26 Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

“being” Greek G5225 · used in 47 verses

  • Luke 7:25 But what went ye out for to see? A man clothed in soft raiment? Behold, they which are gorgeously apparelled, and live delicately, are in kings' courts.
  • Acts 10:12 Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air.
  • Acts 28:7 In the same quarters were possessions of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius; who received us, and lodged us three days courteously.