Philippians 2:7
ESV
but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
NIV
rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness.
NASB
but emptied Himself by taking the form of a bond-servant and being born in the likeness of men.
CSB
Instead he emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant, taking on the likeness of humanity. And when he had come as a man,
NLT
Instead, he gave up his divine privileges ; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form,
KJV
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
NKJV
but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.
What does Philippians 2:7 mean?
Rather than coming to earth to demand others serve Him, Jesus "emptied himself." This does not mean Jesus stopped being God. Rather than coming the first time as a king, Jesus chose not to exhibit His unlimited powers. He came to serve rather than to be served (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45). He chose the "form" of a servant rather than the "form" of God (Philippians 2:6).One way Jesus came as a servant was taking on the limitations of a human body. Though eternal, Jesus entered earth as an infant. He was born to His mother Mary, who remained a virgin until His birth (Matthew 1:25). He was born in a humble situation, coming into this world among the animals in a stable, and sleeping in a feed trough (Luke 2:1–7). The first people to visit Him were not kings, but shepherds (Luke 2:8–20). His birth was common, yet His life was anything but common. His humility is emphasized in this verse as the example believers are to follow.
