Philippians 2:6,7 - But emptied Himself

2:6

Given the momentous nature of what is said in these verses, it is perhaps not surprising that there is much debate about the precise meaning of each of the phrases in the hymn. In this verse the debate focuses largely on the Greek word for “form”, i.e. morphe. ESV uses the word form, whereas NIV uses “very nature”. Whatever the details, it is undoubtedly true that Paul is saying that Christ is in one way or another like God. If these words do come from a hymn we should perhaps be a little careful in pressing too hard on the precise meaning of words. The point that Paul seems to be seeking to get across is that Jesus, who was fully God, did not seek to take advantage of that status (NIV). If we follow the more traditional translation of ESV, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, then that could be interpreted in the same way as the NIV has. Or it could mean that Jesus did not seek to attain “God status” on earth. Jesus, of course, was fully aware of His nature, including His divinity. The point is that He did not act in a proud or self-seeking way. So neither should we.

2:7

Instead of being self-seeking or self-glorifying, Jesus became a servant, He became human (without losing His divinity). Jesus came “from the realms of glory”, as the carol states it, He came to earth as man. And as a man He lived as a servant, He took the form of a servant (probably contrasting “form of God” with “form of a servant”).