Philippians 2:7 describes how Jesus, though fully God, chose to set aside the visible glory and privileges that were rightfully his and take on the humble role of a servant by becoming a human being. Paul wrote these words in a letter to the church at Philippi, a Greek city where the believers were facing pressure and quarrels within their own fellowship. He uses Christ’s example to encourage them to look out for one another rather than only for themselves.
But emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men.
Philippians 2:7 (WEB)
What Philippians 2:7 Means
The verse begins with the idea of “emptying” oneself. The Greek word behind it is often translated as “emptied,” and it does not mean that Jesus stopped being God or gave up his divine nature. Instead, it points to a voluntary choice to lay aside the outward display of majesty and rank that he could have claimed. The emphasis falls on what he gave up for others, not on what he lost in his essence.
Next, the verse says he took “the form of a servant.” A servant in the ancient world was someone who had no status and served at the will of others. Paul is saying that Christ willingly stepped into that lowly position. The phrase “being made in the likeness of men” then tells us that he became truly human, sharing in ordinary human life, with all its limits and needs.
The verse does not promise that followers of Christ will automatically be honored or spared hardship. What it does show is the character of God, who is willing to come close and take the lowest place in order to bring others into life. It describes a pattern of self-giving love that believers are called to imitate.
The Context of Philippians 2:7
Paul wrote Philippians from prison, likely in the early 60s AD, and the letter is marked by joy despite difficult circumstances. The church at Philippi had been founded during Paul’s earlier visit recorded in Acts 16, and the believers there had supported him generously. In chapter 2, Paul urges unity and humility among them, warning against selfish ambition and vain conceit.
Just before verse 7, Paul tells the Philippians to have the same mindset that was in Christ Jesus. Verses 8 through 10 then follow the path from humiliation to exaltation: Jesus humbled himself to the point of death on a cross, and God therefore raised him to the highest honor. Reading verse 7 as the middle step in this movement shows that its humility is not a defeat but the way God chose to accomplish redemption and glory.
Key Phrases in Philippians 2:7
Mark 10:45
For the Son of Man also came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
(WEB)
This verse states that the Son of Man came to serve and to give his life as a ransom, which echoes the servant theme of Philippians 2:7. Reading the two together shows that Christ’s service was not incidental but central to his mission.
2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.
(WEB)
Paul writes here that though Christ was rich, he became poor for the sake of others. This parallels the self-emptying movement of Philippians 2:7 and offers the same pattern of generosity drawn from the example of Jesus.
A Short Prayer From Philippians 2:7
Lord Jesus, you did not hold on to your glory but chose to come among us as one who serves. Teach me to set aside my pride and my need to be noticed, and to look with care on the needs of those around me. Help me to see the small tasks in my home, my work, and my church as places where your love can be shown. Shape my heart to be more like yours, humble and generous and ready to give. Amen.
