Bible Strands
Philippians 2:6
Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the church in Philippi, a Roman colony, urging them to adopt the mindset of Christ as the standard for life within the community.
The words — Morphē (μορφή) denotes essential form or nature, not merely outward appearance. Harpagmon (ἁρπαγμός) is a rare term meaning "plunder" or "something seized," implying forceful appropriation.
The thread — Hebrews 1:3 calls the Son "the exact representation of His nature," and John 5:18 records the charge that Jesus made Himself equal with God.
Why it lands — The verse strips any claim to status held as though by right of possession. It asks the reader to examine what they are gripping that they were not meant to grip.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Cross-references
- John 5:18 Because of this, the Jews tried all the harder to kill Him. Not only was He breaking the Sabbath, but He was even calling God His own Father, making Himself equal with God.
- 2 Corinthians 4:4 The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.
- Hebrews 1:3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of His nature, upholding all things by His powerful word. After He had provided purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.
- John 17:5 And now, Father, glorify Me in Your presence with the glory I had with You before the world existed.
- Colossians 1:15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation.
- John 10:30 I and the Father are one.”
- Isaiah 9:6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
- Revelation 21:6 And He told me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the water of life.
- Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
- Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will be with child and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.