Philippians 2:9 Meaning and Explanation
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The Christ who humbled Himself to the lowest place was lifted by God to the highest, and given the name above all names.
The Context of Philippians 2:9
This is the turn in the great hymn of Christ (verses 6 to 11). Verses 6 to 8 trace His descent into humility and death; this verse begins His exaltation, and 'wherefore' makes the one the answer to the other.
What Does Philippians 2:9 Mean?
The whole hymn pivots on the first word: 'Wherefore.' Because Christ went all the way down, emptying Himself, becoming a servant, obeying even to death on a cross, therefore God 'highly exalted him.' The verb is intense, lifting Him to the very heights. And God gave Him 'a name which is above every name,' a place of honor and authority surpassing all others. The next verses say that at this name every knee will bow. The downward path of love led upward; God answered it with the highest possible glory.
This is the deep logic of God's kingdom, where the way up runs through the way down. The Father raised Christ to that height; the exaltation came from God's own hand. And the One now lifted above every name is the same One who stooped to reach us. For anyone walking a humble or hidden road, this verse holds a promise: the God who exalted Jesus sees, and the path of self-giving love leads, in His hands, to glory.
Philippians 2:9 in the Original Language
hyperypsoo (ὑπερυψόω), 'highly exalted' -- to raise to the loftiest height, to exalt above all else.
How to Apply Philippians 2:9 Today
When we walk a low or unseen road of humble obedience, this verse quietly assures us that God notices and that such a path bears lasting fruit. He is the one who lifted Christ from the depths to the highest place. The same God meets self-giving love, in His own time, with honor.
Frequently Asked Questions About Philippians 2:9
What does Philippians 2:9 mean?
The Christ who humbled Himself to the lowest place was lifted by God to the highest, and given the name above all names.
What is the context of Philippians 2:9?
This is the turn in the great hymn of Christ (verses 6 to 11). Verses 6 to 8 trace His descent into humility and death; this verse begins His exaltation, and 'wherefore' makes the one the answer to the other.
How can I apply Philippians 2:9 today?
When we walk a low or unseen road of humble obedience, this verse quietly assures us that God notices and that such a path bears lasting fruit. He is the one who lifted Christ from the depths to the highest place. The same God meets self-giving love, in His own time, with honor.