Philippians 2:6 6who, though he existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
These verses begin one of the most theological passages in the New Testament. Each phrase and clause of these verses contain important ideas. These verses have a poetic quality to them, which has caused interpreters to see them as a hymn. Verses 6-11 have been labeled the “Christ Hymn” because they tell us several important ideas about him. One theory is that Paul is quoting an early Christian hymn although it is possible that he wrote these words himself. They have a timeless quality and speak of the essence of the Trinity. In the context of this letter, these verses give the Philippians a model of the type of self-giving and humble thinking they should have. This would unify their fellowship with one another and strengthen them to face the trials and suffering in their own context. These words also give a good insight into what Paul thought about Jesus Christ.
Verse 6 is a relative clause described essential qualities of Christ Jesus who is mentioned at the end of verse 5. The verse has two contrasting ideas, with the first given with a concessive participle translated as though he existed (hyparchōn). The challenge with the first part of the verse is to understand what Paul means by in the form of God. The word form (morphē ) is rare in the New Testament, occurring only here and Mark 16:12. The word basically means the outward appearance of something or someone. However, since God is spirit and Jesus came as a human, there must be a deeper, non-physical meaning to the word. Hebrews 1:3 states that Jesus as the Son is the exact image of God. To look at Jesus is to see the essential qualities and characteristics of God. This first clause refers to Jesus as the pre-existent Son of God.
The key to the meaning of this word is implied by the contrast in the second phrase. Form of God is contrasted with equality with God. Equality (isa) refers to two things that are equivalent in quality or size. Jesus was accused by Jewish leaders of claiming God as his father, and so “making himself equal with God” (John 5:18). The conclusion that can be drawn is that Jesus had the same divine nature as God. This is the significant claim of Christianity and one of the key supports for the doctrine of the Trinity. There was never a time when the Son did not exist. The Son is the “face” of God that speaks to creation and who came to earth at a specific time and place through what is called the “incarnation” (“enfleshment”).
The key point Paul makes with this opening statement is that Jesus did not hold on to. The verb translated as grasped (harpagmon) gives a strong image of seizing property, grasping as to claim it as one’s own. Jesus was tempted in the desert to claim his divine nature but instead, in humility submitted to the authority of the Father indicated by refusing the devil’s scheme. Jesus did what Adam and Eve failed to do. Both Adam and Jesus represent ways of life in Paul’s thought (see Romans 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 15:21-22). Jesus reverses the curse of Adam by acknowledging the Father instead of seizing “godness” for himself. Where Adam failed in disobedience and self, Jesus triumphed in obedience and humility. He did not consider this. It was not even part of his thinking, although the devil tried to tempt Jesus when he was at his lowest point physically.
The epistle to the Hebrews shows that Jesus’ humility qualified him to be the perfect Savior of the world. We need someone who can identify with us as part of creation but also sinless. Jesus was the perfect human and qualified to be the perfect sacrifice for sin. We also need someone outside of creation who can represent God to us. Jesus is the perfect form of God and shows us the full extent of God’s love and grace for us.
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