Chapter
1 2 3 4
Verse

Philippians 2:6

ESV who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
NIV Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;
NASB who, as He already existed in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
CSB who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God as something to be exploited.
NLT Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.
KJV Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

What does Philippians 2:6 mean?

Many Bible translations offset verses 6–11, since they follow a poetic structure used in early hymns in the church. The beginning of this verse refers to Jesus as being "in the form of God." In other words, Jesus and God are equal. Contrary to skeptics who claim the divinity of Jesus was "invented" later in church history, Paul frequently addressed Jesus as divine in his letters.

The second part of this verse notes the stark contrast between how Jesus could have behaved, and how He actually lived. He could have come to earth to demand every person grovel in front of Him. Instead of treating others as His servants, He became a servant to the people He had created. Again, the emphasis on "equality with God" clearly shows Paul's belief that Jesus is equal with God the Father. Yet Jesus did not "grasp" or hold on to His positional authority. He instead came humbly as a servant, giving His life to serve others.
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