Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Philippians 2:8

"and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient [even] unto death, yea, the death of the cross." — Philippians 2:8 (ASV)

The description then moves to Christ’s incarnate state. Two clauses carry the main thoughts: “[he] made himself nothing” and “he humbled himself.” The first clause is literally “but himself he emptied” (GK 3033); the Greek word used here has lent its name to the so-called kenosis theories that probe the nature of Christ’s “emptying” himself. Although the text does not directly state that he emptied himself “of something,” such would be the natural understanding when this verb is used. Furthermore, the context has most assuredly prepared the reader for understanding that Christ divested himself of something.

The one who was existing in the form of God took on the form or “nature of a servant.” The word “taking” does not imply an exchange, but rather an addition. The “form of God” could not be given up, for God cannot cease to be God; but our Lord could and did take on the very form of a lowly servant when he entered human life in his incarnation. This passage emphasizes his condescension and humble station. What an example our Lord provides of the spirit of humility (cf. 2:3–5)! The statement goes on to make it clear that Christ became part of humanity: “being made in human likeness.” The word “likeness” (GK 3930) stresses similarity but leaves room for differences. Thus Paul implies that even though Christ became a genuine man, there were certain respects in which he was not absolutely like the other men. He may have had in mind the unique union of the divine and human natures in Jesus, or the absence of a sinful nature.

In sum, Christ did not empty himself of the form of God (i.e., his deity), but of his manner of existence as equal to God. Christ’s action has been described as the laying aside during the Incarnation of the independent use of his divine attributes. This is consistent with other NT passages that reveal Jesus as using his divine powers and displaying his glories upon occasion (e.g., miracles, the Transfiguration), but always under the direction of the Father and the Spirit (8:28; 14:10).

Externally, therefore, Christ appeared as a mere human being; outwardly considered, he was no different from other people. This was indeed an act of great condescension for one who possessed the form of God. But Christ’s incomparable act did not end here; he further humbled himself by “becoming obedient to death.” He was so committed to the Father’s plan that he obeyed it even as far as death (Hebrews 5:8). Nor was this all, for it was no ordinary death, but the disgraceful death by crucifixion, a death not allowed for Roman citizens, and to Jews indicative of the curse of God (Galatians 3:13).