Philippians 2:9 (KJV)

What does Philippians 2:9 mean?

Philippians 2:9 says that God has lifted Jesus to the highest place and given him a name that is above every other name. This verse highlights the honor and authority God has given to Jesus after his humility and obedience.

Paul is writing to the Christians in Philippi, explaining how Jesus’ humble attitude led to his exaltation by God. The verse comes right after Paul describes Jesus’ willingness to humble himself, even to the point of dying on a cross. Here, Paul shows that God responded by giving Jesus the highest status and recognition possible.

The Greek behind Philippians 2:9

• "highly exalted" (ὑπερύψωσεν, hyperypsōsen): This word means to raise up beyond measure or to the highest degree. Paul uses it to show that God did not just lift Jesus up, but gave him the greatest possible honor.
• "given" (ἐχαρίσατο, echarisato): This word often carries the sense of giving graciously or as a gift. It emphasizes that the honor and name Jesus received were given freely by God, not earned by force.
• "name" (ὄνομα, onoma): In the ancient world, a "name" often stood for a person’s reputation, authority, or identity. Saying Jesus received a name above every name means he was given unmatched honor and authority.

Why Philippians 2:9 matters

• This verse clarifies that Jesus’ exaltation is directly connected to his humility and obedience, not to power or self-promotion.
• The emphasis on God’s action (“God…hath highly exalted him”) shows that Jesus’ honor comes from God’s decision, not from human recognition.
• In the wider passage, this verse is part of Paul’s call for believers to imitate Jesus’ humility, showing that true greatness comes through humble service.