New International VersionAnd being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!
New Living Translationhe humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
English Standard VersionAnd being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Berean Standard BibleAnd being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.
Berean Literal BibleAnd having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
King James BibleAnd being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
New King James VersionAnd being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
New American Standard BibleAnd being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death: death on a cross.
NASB 1995Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
NASB 1977And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Legacy Standard BibleBeing found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Amplified BibleAfter He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a divinely-appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient [to the Father] to the point of death, even death on a cross.
Christian Standard Biblehe humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death — even to death on a cross.
Holman Christian Standard BibleHe humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death— even to death on a cross.
American Standard Versionand being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.
Contemporary English VersionChrist was humble. He obeyed God and even died on a cross.
English Revised Versionand being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationHe humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, death on a cross.
Good News TranslationHe was humble and walked the path of obedience all the way to death--his death on the cross.
International Standard Versionand lived in all humility, death on a cross obeying.
NET BibleHe humbled himself, by becoming obedient to the point of death--even death on a cross!
New Heart English BibleAnd being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, yes, the death of the cross.
Webster's Bible TranslationAnd being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd being recognized as truly human, He humbled Himself and even stooped to die; yes, to die on a cross. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAnd being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death—even death on a cross.
World English BibleAnd being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand having been found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself, having become obedient to death—even death of a cross,
Berean Literal BibleAnd having been found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself, having become obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Young's Literal Translation and in fashion having been found as a man, he humbled himself, having become obedient unto death -- death even of a cross,
Smith's Literal TranslationAnd found in fashion as man, he humbled himself, being obedient until death, and the death of the cross. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleHe humbled himself, becoming obedient unto death, even to the death of the cross.
Catholic Public Domain VersionHe humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, even the death of the Cross.
New American Biblehe humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.
New Revised Standard Versionhe humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death— even death on a cross. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd, being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishAnd he humbled himself and was obedient unto death, even the death of being crucified. NT Translations Anderson New Testamentand being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient even to death, the death, indeed, of the cross.
Godbey New Testamenthe humbled himself, being obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.
Haweis New Testamentand found in fashion as man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even to the death of the cross.
Mace New Testamentand his whole exterior showing nothing more than a meer man, he abased himself, and carried his submission so far as to die, even the death of the cross.
Weymouth New TestamentAnd being recognized as truly human, He humbled Himself and even stooped to die; yes, to die on a cross.
Worrell New Testamentand, being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself, becoming obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Worsley New Testamentand being in the human state, He humbled himself, and was obedient even unto death, and that the death of the cross.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context The Attitude of Christ… 7but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness. 8Andbeing foundin appearanceasa man,He humbledHimselfand becameobedienttodeath—evendeathon a cross.9Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name above all names,…
Cross References Isaiah 53:3-7He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, acquainted with grief. Like one from whom men hide their faces, He was despised, and we esteemed Him not. / Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows; yet we considered Him stricken, struck down by God, and afflicted. / But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed. ...
Hebrews 5:8Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from what He suffered.
Matthew 26:39Going a little farther, He fell facedown and prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Yet not as I will, but as You will.”
Romans 5:19For just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous.
John 10:17-18The reason the Father loves Me is that I lay down My life in order to take it up again. / No one takes it from Me, but I lay it down of My own accord. I have authority to lay it down and authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from My Father.”
1 Peter 2:21-24For to this you were called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in His footsteps: / “He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth.” / When they heaped abuse on Him, He did not retaliate; when He suffered, He made no threats, but entrusted Himself to Him who judges justly. ...
Hebrews 12:2Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Matthew 27:50When Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, He yielded up His spirit.
Mark 15:37But Jesus let out a loud cry and breathed His last.
Luke 23:46Then Jesus called out in a loud voice, “Father, into Your hands I commit My Spirit.” And when He had said this, He breathed His last.
John 19:30When Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished.” And bowing His head, He yielded up His spirit.
2 Corinthians 8:9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
Galatians 3:13Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”
1 John 3:16By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
Isaiah 50:6I offered My back to those who struck Me, and My cheeks to those who tore out My beard. I did not hide My face from scorn and spittle.
Treasury of Scripture And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross. in. Matthew 17:2 And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his raiment was white as the light. Mark 9:2,3 And after six days Jesus takethwith him Peter, and James, and John, and leadeth them up into an high mountain apart by themselves: and he was transfigured before them… Luke 9:29 And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raimentwas whiteand glistering. he. Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORDis the instruction of wisdom; and before honouris humility. Acts 8:33 In his humiliation his judgment was taken away: and who shall declare his generation? for his life is taken from the earth. Hebrews 5:5-7 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee… and became. Psalm 40:6-8 Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire; mine ears hast thou opened: burnt offering and sin offering hast thou not required… Isaiah 50:5,6 The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear, and I was not rebellious, neither turned away back… Matthew 26:39,42 And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thouwilt… the death. Deuteronomy 21:23 His body shall not remain all night upon the tree, but thou shalt in any wise bury him that day; (for he that is hangedis accursed of God;) that thy land be not defiled, which the LORD thy God giveth theefor an inheritance. Psalm 22:16 For dogs have compassed me: the assembly of the wicked have inclosed me: they pierced my hands and my feet. John 10:18 No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. Jump to Previous AppearanceCrossDeathDieFashionFormFoundHumanHumbledLowestObedientPointRecognizedStoopedJump to Next AppearanceCrossDeathDieFashionFormFoundHumanHumbledLowestObedientPointRecognizedStoopedPhilippians 2 1.Paul exhorts them to unity, and to all humbleness of mind, by the example of Christ's humility;12.to a careful proceeding in the way of salvation, that they be as lights to a wicked world,16.and comforts to him their apostle, who is now ready to be offered up to God.19.He hopes to send Timothy to them, and Epaphroditus also.And being found in appearance as a manThis phrase emphasizes the incarnation of Jesus Christ, highlighting His full humanity. The term "appearance" suggests that while Jesus was fully human, He was also fully divine, a mystery central to Christian theology. This aligns with John 1:14, where the Word became flesh. The historical context of the Greco-Roman world often viewed gods as distant, making the concept of a deity taking human form revolutionary. This also fulfills Old Testament prophecies like Isaiah 7:14, which foretold the coming of Immanuel, "God with us." He humbled Himself
This phrase reflects the voluntary nature of Christ's humility. Unlike earthly kings who seek power, Jesus chose the path of humility, aligning with the servant songs in Isaiah, particularlyIsaiah 53, which describes the suffering servant. This humility is countercultural, especially in a Roman society that valued honor and status. Jesus' actions serve as a model for believers, as seen inMatthew 20:28, where He came not to be served but to serve. and became obedient to death
Here, the focus is on Christ's obedience to the Father's will, even unto death. This obedience is a fulfillment of the law and the prophets, as seen inPsalm 40:7-8, where the Messiah delights to do God's will. The historical context of Roman rule, where crucifixion was a common form of execution for criminals, underscores the depth of His obedience. This obedience contrasts with Adam's disobedience in Genesis, making Jesus the second Adam who brings life (Romans 5:19). even death on a cross
Crucifixion was a brutal and shameful form of execution reserved for the worst criminals. The cross, a symbol of curse (Deuteronomy 21:23), becomes a symbol of salvation through Christ's sacrifice. This act fulfills prophecies such asPsalm 22 andIsaiah 53, which describe the suffering and rejection of the Messiah. Theologically, this demonstrates the extent of God's love and the seriousness of sin, as Jesus bore the wrath of God in our place. The cross is central to the Christian faith, as Paul states in1 Corinthians 1:18, where the message of the cross is the power of God to those being saved. Persons / Places / Events 1. Jesus ChristThe central figure of this verse, who exemplifies ultimate humility and obedience. 2. Paul the ApostleThe author of the letter to the Philippians, who writes to encourage and instruct the church in Philippi. 3. PhilippiA city in Macedonia where the church to whom Paul is writing is located. 4. The CrossThe method of execution that Jesus submitted to, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice and humility. 5. Roman EmpireThe ruling authority during the time of Jesus' crucifixion, known for using crucifixion as a form of capital punishment. Teaching Points The Humility of ChristJesus' willingness to become human and die on the cross is the ultimate example of humility. Believers are called to emulate this humility in their own lives. Obedience to God's WillJesus' obedience, even to the point of death, challenges us to consider our own obedience to God's will, regardless of the cost. The Significance of the CrossThe cross, a symbol of shame and suffering, becomes a symbol of victory and salvation through Christ's obedience. Reflect on the transformative power of the cross in your life. The Nature of True SacrificeJesus' sacrifice was not just physical but also spiritual and emotional. Consider what true sacrifice looks like in your own walk with Christ. Living a Christ-Centered LifeAs followers of Christ, we are called to live lives that reflect His humility and obedience, impacting those around us with His love and grace. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of Philippians 2:8?
2.How does Philippians 2:8 demonstrate Christ's humility and obedience to God's will?
3.What does "became obedient to death" teach about submission to God's plan?
4.How can we emulate Christ's humility in Philippians 2:8 in daily life?
5.Which Old Testament prophecies align with Christ's obedience in Philippians 2:8?
6.How does Christ's example in Philippians 2:8 inspire our personal spiritual growth?
7.How does Philippians 2:8 define the nature of Jesus' humility and obedience?
8.Why is Jesus' death on a cross significant in Philippians 2:8?
9.What does Philippians 2:8 reveal about the relationship between Jesus' divinity and humanity?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Philippians 2?
11.What did Jesus mean by 'deny yourself'?
12.What defines the Mind of Christ?
13.What is Monothelitism?
14.What does kenosis mean in Christian theology?What Does Philippians 2:8 Mean And being found in appearance as a manPhilippians 2:8 opens by reminding us that Jesus, “being found in appearance as a man,” entered history in true, visible humanity.John 1:14 affirms, “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us,” andHebrews 2:14 adds that He “shared in their humanity.” Nothing about His divinity was lost, yet He chose to live with the limitations of ordinary people—hungry, tired, temptable (Hebrews 4:15).Isaiah 53:2 pictures Him as having “no beauty that we should desire Him,” underscoring how unremarkable He looked on the surface. This verse assures believers that God’s rescue plan is not theoretical; it came wrapped in skin and blood, walking our dusty roads.
He humbled HimselfJesus did not wait for someone else to lower Him; He “humbled Himself.”Matthew 11:29 reveals His own testimony: “I am gentle and humble in heart.” Humility, in His case, meant: • Laying aside visible splendor (2 Corinthians 8:9: “Though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor”). • Serving rather than being served, even to the point of washing feet (John 13:3-5). • Associating with the lowly and marginalized—tax collectors, sinners, children (Luke 5:30-32). His downward movement confronts our upward ambitions and invites us to “clothe ourselves with humility toward one another” (1 Peter 5:5).
and became obedient to death—Humility led to obedience: “not My will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42).Romans 5:19 contrasts Adam’s disobedience with Christ’s: “through the obedience of the One, the many will be made righteous.” Jesus’ whole life was a yes to the Father’s will, and that yes stretched all the way to His final breath.Hebrews 5:8 notes that “He learned obedience from what He suffered,” not meaning He lacked obedience before, but that He walked it out in real time, under real pain, for our sake.
even death on a crossCrucifixion was Rome’s most shameful execution.Deuteronomy 21:23 declares, “anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse,” andGalatians 3:13 explains that Christ “became a curse for us.” The cross combined: • Physical agony—spikes through wrists and feet (John 20:25). • Public humiliation—stripped, mocked, displayed (Matthew 27:28-31). • Spiritual weight—bearing our sin (2 Corinthians 5:21) and absorbing God’s wrath (Isaiah 53:5-6). YetHebrews 12:2 says He endured it “for the joy set before Him.” That joy included a redeemed family—us—standing forgiven and free.
summaryPhilippians 2:8 traces the breathtaking descent of the Son of God: real humanity, self-chosen humility, wholehearted obedience, and the most disgraceful death imaginable. Each step was voluntary, purposeful, and loving. The verse means that our salvation rests on Christ’s perfect submission and sacrifice, and it calls us to mirror His mindset—joyfully lowering ourselves, obeying the Father, and serving others with cross-shaped love. (8) And being found . . .--This should be, And after having been found (or, recognised) in fashion as a man, He[ then] humbled Himself, having become obedient even to death. "After having been found," &c., clearly refers to the manifestation of Himself to the world in all the weakness of humanity: the "outward fashion" was all that men could see; and in it they found "no form or comeliness," or "beauty, that they should desire Him" ( Isaiah 53:2-3). From this St. Paul proceeds to the last act of His self-humiliation in death: "He became obedient," that is, to God's will, "even up to death." His death is not here regarded as an atonement, for in that light it could be no pattern to us; but as the completion of the obedience of His life. (See Romans 5:19.) Of that life as a whole He said, "I came down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him that sent Me" ( John 6:38); and the doing that will (see Hebrews 10:9-10) ended in "the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all." In this light His death is the perfection of the suffering which, in consequence of the power of sin in the world, must be faced in doing the will of God (see 2Timothy 3:12); in this light we can follow it, and even "fill up what is lacking of the sufferings of Christ" ( Colossians 1:24). . . . Verse 8. - And being found in fashion as a man. He humbled himself in the Incarnation; but this was not all. The apostle has hitherto spoken of our Lord's Godhead which he had from the beginning, and of his assumption of our human nature. He now speaks of him as he appeared in the sight of men. The aorist participle, "being found ( εὑρεθείς)," refers to the time of his earthly life when he appeared as a man among men. Fashion ( σχῆμα), as opposed to form ( μορφή), implies the outward and transitory. In outward appearance he was as a man; he was more, for he was God. He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death; translate, as R.V., obedient. The participle implies that the supreme act of self-humiliation consisted in the Lord's voluntary submission to death. the obedience of his perfect life extended even unto death. "He taketh away [literally, 'beareth,' αἴρει] the sin of the world;" "The wages of sin is death;" therefore he suffered death for the sin which, himself sinless, he vouchsafed to bear. Here we may remark in passing that this connection of death with sin must have made death all the more awful to our sinless Lord. Even the death of the cross. No ordinary death, but of all forms of death the most torturing, the most full of shame - a death reserved by the Romans for slaves, a death accursed in the eyes of the Jews ( Deuteronomy 21:23).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Andκαὶ(kai)Conjunction
Strong's 2532:And, even, also, namely.being foundεὑρεθεὶς(heuretheis)Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2147:A prolonged form of a primary heuro, which heureo is used for it in all the tenses except the present and imperfect to find.in appearanceσχήματι(schēmati)Noun - Dative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4976:Fashion, habit, form, appearance. From the alternate of echo; a figure, i.e. external condition.asὡς(hōs)Adverb
Strong's 5613:Probably adverb of comparative from hos; which how, i.e. In that manner.a man,ἄνθρωπος(anthrōpos)Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444:A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.He humbledἐταπείνωσεν(etapeinōsen)Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5013:To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate.Himselfἑαυτὸν(heauton)Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1438:Himself, herself, itself.[and] becameγενόμενος(genomenos)Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1096:A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.obedientὑπήκοος(hypēkoos)Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5255:Listening to, obedient, submissive. From hupakouo; attentively listening, i.e. submissive.toμέχρι(mechri)Preposition
Strong's 3360:As far as, until, even to.death—θανάτου(thanatou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2288:Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.evenδὲ(de)Conjunction
Strong's 1161:A primary particle; but, and, etc.deathθανάτου(thanatou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2288:Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.on [a] cross.σταυροῦ(staurou)Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 4716:A cross.
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NT Letters: Philippians 2:8 And being found in human form he (Philipp. Phil. Php.) |
