Back to Today
Philippians 2:5Christ Hymn
Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, who, existing in the form of God, didn't consider equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to the point of death, yes, the death of the cross.
Permalink Verse page
Interpretation

Paul urges a mind of christ that is traced in conflict and celebration. Philippians 2:5: notice "form" and "god". Practice mind of christ through how disagreements are handled—let grace redraw instincts.

Context

The setting is Philippians—epistle/letter, highlighting mind of christ. Within ch. 2, a small unit frames the emphasis. Watch the terms “form” and “god”.

Authorship & Historical Background

Early sources associate Philippians with Paul. Modern scholarship on Philippians sees generally accepted as Pauline (possibly composite).. Date: AD 60–62. Genre and setting: epistle/letter, in the Christ Hymn. This verse leans into apostolic community.

More details
Traditional:Paul
Modern scholarship:Authentic Pauline (possibly composite).
Date:AD 60–62
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
The Greek text is preserved in thousands of manuscripts. Early papyri (P46, P66, P75) from the 2nd-3rd centuries, along with major uncials like Sinaiticus and Vaticanus (4th century), provide strong textual witness. Minor variants exist but do not alter the main meaning.
Sources & witness notes
SinaiticusVaticanusP46