Philippians 2:6 — Does "The Form of God" Mean Jesus Is Almighty God?
A Biblical Examination of Philippians 2:6
By Simon Brown
Part 1 – Quick Facts
One of the most frequently quoted passages used to support the belief that Jesus is Almighty God is Philippians 2:6.
Paul writes:
"Who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped." (Philippians 2:6)
Many Christians read this verse and immediately conclude that Paul was teaching Jesus is God Himself.
But is that really what Paul meant?
Or is Paul teaching something entirely different?
Before reaching a conclusion, let us carefully examine the biblical evidence.
Quick Facts
Paul does not say, "Jesus was God."
Instead, Paul says Jesus was "in the form of God."
The Greek word translated "form" is μορφή (morphē), which refers to outward form, appearance, nature expressed, or visible manifestation. It does not automatically mean that someone is the very same person as another.
Throughout his letters, Paul consistently distinguishes between God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul writes:
"Yet for us there is one God, the Father... and one Lord, Jesus Christ."
(1 Corinthians 8:6)
Paul never contradicts this statement anywhere else in his writings.
Paul also describes Jesus as:
the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15),
the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4),
the radiance of God's glory (Hebrews 1:3),
the exact representation of His nature (Hebrews 1:3).
An image is not the same person as the one it represents.
A representation is not the original person.
Jesus perfectly reveals His Father's character, glory, holiness, and authority because He is God's only begotten Son.
Paul goes on to explain that Jesus humbled Himself, became obedient to death, and therefore God highly exalted Him (Philippians 2:8–9). The One who exalts Jesus is clearly distinguished from Jesus Himself.
The Question We Must Answer
When Paul wrote that Jesus was:
"In the form of God,"
was he teaching that Jesus is Almighty God?
Or was he teaching that Jesus perfectly reflected the image, character, glory, and nature of His Father while remaining the Son whom God sent into the world?
This is the question we shall examine.
Rather than relying upon tradition, we will carefully study:
the Greek word μορφή (morphē),
the immediate context of Philippians 2,
Paul's teaching elsewhere,
and the testimony of the whole Bible.
Like the Bereans, we should always examine the Scriptures carefully to see whether these things are so (Acts 17:11).
Part 1 – What Does Paul Actually Say?
Philippians 2:6 is one of the most frequently quoted passages used to support the belief that Jesus is Almighty God.
Paul writes:
"Who, being in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped."
(Philippians 2:6)
Many Christians immediately conclude that Paul is teaching Jesus is Almighty God Himself.
But before reaching that conclusion, we should ask a very simple question.
Is that actually what Paul wrote?
The answer is no.
Notice carefully what Paul did say.
He wrote that Jesus was:
"In the form of God."
Now notice what Paul did not say.
Paul does not write:
Jesus was God.
Jesus is Almighty God.
Jesus is the Father.
Jesus shares the same identity as the one God, the Father.
Instead, Paul deliberately chose the words:
"In the form of God."
Those words immediately raise an important question.
Why did Paul choose the expression "the form of God" instead of simply saying "Jesus was God"?
The answer is found by allowing Paul to explain his own words.
One of the safest principles of Bible study is:
Scripture explains Scripture.
Rather than beginning with later theological traditions, we should first examine how Paul describes Jesus throughout his own letters.
Remarkably, Paul repeatedly uses very similar language.
He writes that Jesus is:
the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15),
the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4),
the radiance of God's glory (Hebrews 1:3),
the exact representation of God's nature (Hebrews 1:3).
Notice the consistent pattern.
Paul does not describe Jesus as the Father.
Instead, he presents Jesus as the perfect image and exact representation of His Father's character, glory, and nature.
Just as an image reflects the one it represents, Jesus perfectly reveals the invisible God to mankind.
A perfect representation is not the same person as the one being represented.
This agrees perfectly with Jesus' own teaching.
Jesus said:
"Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father."
(John 14:9)
But He immediately explained why:
"The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own authority, but the Father who dwells in Me does His works."
(John 14:10)
Jesus was not saying He was the Father.
He was explaining that the Father was living and working through Him.
Paul's description in Philippians 2:6 fits perfectly with this same truth.
The Son perfectly reveals His Father because He is the Father's unique and only begotten Son.
The next question therefore becomes:
What did Paul mean by the Greek word translated "form"?
That single word is the key to understanding Philippians 2:6.
Part 2 – What Does "The Form of God" Mean?
The key to understanding Philippians 2:6 is the expression:
"Who, being in the form of God..."
(Philippians 2:6)
What did Paul mean by "the form of God"?
The Greek word translated "form" is μορφή (morphē).
According to Strong's Concordance, morphē means:
"Form, shape, outward appearance."
It describes the visible expression of what someone is.
Notice again what Paul wrote.
He did not simply say:
"Who, being God..."
Instead, he carefully chose the words:
"Who, being in the form of God..."
Those additional words are significant.
If Paul's intention had been to teach that Jesus is Almighty God Himself, he could simply have written:
"Who, being God..."
But he did not.
Instead, Paul describes Jesus as being in the form of God.
The question therefore becomes:
Why did Paul choose this expression?
The answer becomes clear when we compare Philippians 2:6 with Paul's other writings.
Paul repeatedly describes Jesus using similar language.
He writes:
"He is the image of the invisible God."
(Colossians 1:15)
Again:
"Christ, who is the image of God."
(2 Corinthians 4:4)
And again:
"He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact representation of His nature."
(Hebrews 1:3)
Notice the remarkable consistency.
Paul speaks of:
form,
image,
radiance,
exact representation.
Each expression points to the same truth.
Jesus perfectly reveals His Father.
A person who is the image of another is not the same person as the one being imaged.
Likewise, an exact representation is not the same person as the one being represented.
Instead, it faithfully reveals the character and nature of the original.
This is exactly how Jesus described Himself.
He said:
"Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father."
(John 14:9)
But He immediately explained why:
"The words that I say to you I do not speak on My own authority, but the Father who dwells in Me does His works."
(John 14:10)
Jesus was not claiming to be His Father.
He was explaining that the Father was living and working through Him.
The same principle helps us understand Paul's words.
Jesus is in the form of God because He perfectly reflects His Father's character, glory, wisdom, holiness, and love.
As God's only begotten Son, He uniquely reveals the invisible God to mankind.
This understanding also fits perfectly with the rest of Paul's writings, where he consistently distinguishes between:
the one God, the Father, and
the one Lord, Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 8:6).
The next statement in Philippians 2:6 is just as important.
Paul says Jesus:
"Did not consider equality with God something to be grasped."
What did Paul mean by that?
Was he saying Jesus was equal with God?
Or was he saying exactly the opposite?
That is the next question we must examine.
"...did not consider equality with God something to be grasped."
Let's carefully examine what Paul actually wrote.
Part 3 – Did Paul Teach That Jesus Was Equal with God?
After describing Jesus as being "in the form of God," Paul continues:
"...did not consider equality with God something to be grasped."
(Philippians 2:6)
This statement has often been interpreted to mean that Jesus already was Almighty God.
But is that really what Paul is saying?
Once again, we should begin by asking:
What does the text actually say?
Notice that Paul does not write:
"Jesus was equal with God."
Instead, Paul says Jesus did not consider equality with God something to be grasped.
The emphasis is not on Jesus declaring Himself equal with God.
The emphasis is on His attitude.
Rather than seeking His own glory or exalting Himself, Jesus chose the path of humility and obedience.
This becomes clear as we continue reading.
Paul writes:
"But emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross."
(Philippians 2:7–8)
Notice the flow of Paul's argument.
He is not explaining who Jesus is in an abstract theological sense.
He is presenting Jesus as the supreme example of humility.
This is the whole purpose of the passage.
In fact, Paul begins the chapter by encouraging believers:
"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves."
(Philippians 2:3)
Then he says:
"Have this mind among yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus."
(Philippians 2:5)
Everything that follows is illustrating Christ's humility.
Jesus did not seek His own honour.
He did not exalt Himself.
He willingly humbled Himself and became obedient to His Father's will.
This perfectly agrees with Jesus' own words throughout John's Gospel.
Jesus repeatedly said:
"I seek not My own glory."
(John 8:50)
Again:
"I can do nothing on My own."
(John 5:30)
And again:
"The Father is greater than I."
(John 14:28)
Throughout His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently pointed away from Himself and gave all glory to His Father.
Paul is describing that same humble attitude in Philippians 2.
Rather than grasping for position, honour, or status, Jesus submitted Himself completely to the will of God.
This is why the next verse begins with one of the most important words in the chapter:
"Therefore..."
(Philippians 2:9)
Because Jesus humbled Himself and remained obedient, therefore God highly exalted Him.
Notice carefully.
Jesus does not exalt Himself.
God exalts Jesus.
The One who exalts is greater than the one who is exalted.
Paul writes:
"Therefore God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name."
(Philippians 2:9)
This is a vital point.
If Jesus already possessed the highest position as Almighty God Himself, why would God need to highly exalt Him?
Why would God need to bestow honour upon Him?
The answer is found in Jesus' perfect obedience.
The Father rewarded His faithful Son by exalting Him above every other human being and giving Him the highest place under Himself.
Far from teaching that Jesus is Almighty God, Paul presents a beautiful picture of the Father's love for His obedient Son.
The next section will examine this exaltation in greater detail and show how it fits perfectly with Paul's consistent teaching that there is:
"One God, the Father... and one Lord, Jesus Christ."
(1 Corinthians 8:6)
Part 4 – Why Did God Highly Exalt Jesus?
After describing Christ's humility and obedience, Paul reaches the climax of his argument.
He writes:
"Therefore God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name."
(Philippians 2:9)
The very first word is significant:
"Therefore..."
Paul is explaining why Jesus was exalted.
Because Jesus willingly humbled Himself...
Because He became obedient to His Father's will...
Because He endured death, even death on a cross...
Therefore God highly exalted Him.
Notice carefully who is acting.
Paul does not say that Jesus exalted Himself.
Nor does he say that Jesus simply returned to a position He already possessed.
Instead, Paul says:
God highly exalted Him.
This is one of the clearest distinctions between the Father and the Son in the New Testament.
There is:
the One who exalts, and
the One who is exalted.
Paul consistently identifies the Father as the One who acts.
The Father exalts.
The Son is exalted.
The Father gives.
The Son receives.
Paul continues:
"...and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name."
(Philippians 2:9)
Again, notice the wording.
The name was given to Jesus.
It was not something Jesus bestowed upon Himself.
Throughout the New Testament, Jesus repeatedly acknowledges that everything He has comes from His Father.
Jesus Himself said:
"All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me."
(Matthew 28:18)
Likewise, Jesus declared:
"The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand."
(John 3:35)
Again:
"All that the Father gives Me will come to Me."
(John 6:37)
And after His resurrection Jesus still referred to the Father as:
"My God and your God."
(John 20:17)
All of these passages present the same consistent picture.
The Father is the source.
The Son is the faithful recipient.
The Son receives His authority, glory, honour, and exaltation from His Father.
This also agrees perfectly with Peter's preaching.
Peter declared:
"The God of our fathers glorified His servant Jesus."
(Acts 3:13)
Notice once again.
It is God who glorifies Jesus.
Paul's words in Philippians 2 therefore fit beautifully with the rest of the New Testament.
Rather than presenting Jesus as exalting Himself, Paul shows the Father rewarding His obedient Son.
This is precisely why the chapter is such a powerful lesson in humility.
Jesus did not seek His own glory.
He trusted His Father completely.
And in due time, the Father highly exalted Him.
The next question naturally follows.
Does Paul teach this same distinction between God the Father and Jesus Christ elsewhere in his letters?
The answer is yes—and the consistency of Paul's teaching is remarkable.
Part 6 – Conclusion
When Philippians 2:6 is read in its immediate context and alongside the rest of Paul's writings, a clear and consistent picture emerges.
Paul does not simply say that Jesus was God.
Instead, he describes Jesus as being:
"In the form of God."
Throughout his letters, Paul consistently explains what this means.
Jesus is:
the image of the invisible God (Colossians 1:15),
the image of God (2 Corinthians 4:4),
the radiance of God's glory (Hebrews 1:3),
the exact representation of God's nature (Hebrews 1:3).
These descriptions reveal that Jesus perfectly reflects His Father's character, glory, holiness, wisdom, and love.
As the only begotten Son of God, He is the perfect revelation of the invisible God to mankind.
Paul then goes on to show Christ's extraordinary humility.
Rather than seeking His own glory, Jesus willingly humbled Himself, became obedient to His Father's will, and even accepted death on a cross.
Because of His perfect obedience,
"Therefore God highly exalted Him and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name."
(Philippians 2:9)
Notice the beautiful relationship that Paul describes.
The Father exalts.
The Son is exalted.
The Father gives.
The Son receives.
The Father sends.
The Son willingly obeys.
This same pattern appears throughout the New Testament.
Jesus continually gave all honour and glory to His Father.
He said:
"The Father is greater than I." (John 14:28)
He also prayed:
"This is eternal life, that they know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." (John 17:3)
Paul's teaching harmonises perfectly with these words.
He never abandons the distinction between the one God, the Father, and the one Lord, Jesus Christ.
Instead, Philippians 2 presents Jesus as the perfect example of humility, obedience, and faithful service.
Far from grasping at honour for Himself, He humbled Himself completely and entrusted His life to His Father.
For that reason, God highly exalted Him and gave Him the highest place under Himself.
When we allow Paul to explain Paul, Philippians 2:6 fits beautifully with the whole testimony of Scripture.
The passage is not merely about Christ's identity.
It is a powerful call for every believer to imitate His humility, obedience, and complete trust in God.
As Paul himself says at the beginning of this chapter:
"Have this mind among yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus." (Philippians 2:5)
That is the central lesson of Philippians 2.
May we follow the example of our Lord Jesus Christ by humbling ourselves, serving others, and giving all glory to the one true God, the Father.
And like the Bereans, may we continue to examine the Scriptures carefully, allowing God's Word to interpret itself rather than relying upon human tradition (Acts 17:11).
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