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Book of Philippians - Chapter 2 - Verse 6

2:6
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

Meaning

Philippians 2:6 states, "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God." This verse is a powerful declaration of the deity of Jesus Christ. It reflects the belief that Jesus, as the Son of God, shared in the divine nature of God. By saying that Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped or exploited, the verse emphasizes his humility and willingness to take on the form of a servant for the sake of humanity. This verse highlights the unique relationship between Jesus and God the Father, showcasing their equality and unity in the Godhead. It serves as a foundational truth in Christian theology, affirming the divinity of Jesus and his role in the Trinity. Overall, Philippians 2:6 is a profound statement of the identity and nature of Jesus as the Son of God.

Theological Overview

One theological interpretation of the verse 'Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:' is that it highlights the divinity of Christ. The phrase "being in the form of God" suggests that Jesus possessed the very nature and essence of God himself. This aligns with other verses in the Bible that proclaim Jesus as the Son of God and part of the Trinity. Additionally, the statement "thought it not robbery to be equal with God" emphasizes that Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped or seized, but rather willingly accepted and embraced it. This reflects Jesus' humility and obedience to the Father's will.

Word studies on this verse can also provide deeper insights. For example, the phrase "form of God" can be understood in the context of Greek word meanings. The word "form" (morphe) in Greek denotes the essential attributes or nature of something. Therefore, Jesus being in the form of God indicates his essential nature as divine. Similarly, the phrase "equal with God" can be examined to convey the idea that Jesus shares in the same nature and essence as God, reinforcing the concept of his deity.

In conclusion, the verse 'Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:' reveals profound truths about the nature of Christ as the Son of God and emphasizes his divine status and humble obedience.

American Standard Version

who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped,
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