Philippians 2:9
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:”
King James Version (KJV)
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This verse marks the turning point in the great passage on Christ (verses 6 through 11), moving from His self-humbling to His exaltation by God the Father.
What Does Philippians 2:9 Mean?
After describing Christ's deep humility and obedience unto death, Paul declares the divine response: God highly exalted Him and gave Him the supreme name. The word "wherefore" links this exaltation directly to the humility that preceded it -- the path downward into servanthood and death is answered by God lifting Christ to the highest place. This is the pattern Scripture repeatedly affirms: the one who humbles himself is exalted. Christ did not grasp at glory; He emptied Himself, and God responded by raising Him.
"Highly exalted" is an intensive expression -- not merely lifted up, but raised to the very summit. The "name which is above every name" signifies supreme authority, honor, and dignity; in Scripture a name expresses one's character and rank, and Christ now bears the name that surpasses all others. This sets the stage for the universal homage described in the following verses, where every knee bows and every tongue confesses. For the reader, this verse offers both worship and hope: the same Lord who entered the lowest place now reigns in the highest, and the way of humble obedience He walked is the way that leads to glory.
In the Original Language
The verb "hyperupsoō" (highly exalted) is an intensive form meaning to raise to the loftiest height; "onoma" (name) conveys character, authority, and rank, not merely a label.
Cross References
“And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.”
- Philippians 2:8
“Far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come:”
- Ephesians 1:21
“Therefore being by the right hand of God exalted, and having received of the Father the promise of the Holy Ghost, he hath shed forth this, which ye now see and hear.”
- Acts 2:33
Application
Take heart that the way of humble obedience leads to exaltation, and worship Christ who, having descended to the lowest place, now reigns above all.