Introduction

Philippians 2:9 stands as one of the most profound declarations of Christ's exaltation in the New Testament. This verse, part of the great Christological hymn (Philippians 2:5-11), declares that God the Father has highly exalted Jesus Christ and given Him a name above every name. This name represents supreme authority, universal lordship, and eternal glory.

This comprehensive study explores the context of Philippians 2, the meaning of Jesus' name, the theological implications of His exaltation, and practical applications for living under the lordship of Christ.

Context of Philippians 2

The Christ Hymn (Philippians 2:5-11)

Structure: Pre-existence (v. 6 - Christ in divine form), Kenosis/Self-emptying (v. 7 - Taking servant form), Incarnation (v. 7-8 - Becoming human), Humiliation (v. 8 - Death on the cross), Exaltation (v. 9 - God highly exalted Him), Universal Worship (v. 10-11 - Every knee shall bow).

The Pattern of Humility and Exaltation

Christ's Humiliation: He was in the form of God (v. 6), He did not consider equality with God something to be grasped (v. 6), He made Himself nothing (v. 7), He took the form of a servant (v. 7), He was made in human likeness (v. 7), He humbled Himself (v. 8), He became obedient to death (v. 8), Even death on a cross (v. 8).

God's Exaltation: Therefore God exalted Him (v. 9), Gave Him the name above every name (v. 9), At His name every knee will bow (v. 10), Every tongue will confess He is Lord (v. 11), To the glory of God the Father (v. 11).

The Name Above Every Name

What Is the Name?

The Name "Jesus": The name given at circumcision (Luke 2:21), Means "YHWH saves" or "The Lord is salvation", The name announced by the angel (Matthew 1:21), The name above all names.

The Name "Lord" (Kyrios): Used for YHWH in the Septuagint, The title of supreme authority, The title confessed by believers (Romans 10:9), The title of deity.

The Power of the Name

Salvation: Acts 4:12 - "Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved."

Healing: Acts 3:6 - "In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk."

Authority: Matthew 28:18 - "All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth."

Victory: Colossians 2:15 - "He spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it."

Theological Implications

Christ's Deity

Equal with God: Philippians 2:6 - "Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God", John 1:1 - "The Word was God", John 10:30 - "I and my Father are one", Colossians 2:9 - "In him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily".

Christ's Exaltation

Highly Exalted: Greek: ὑπερυψόω (hyperupsoō), Lifted up above all, Given supreme authority, Seated at the right hand of God (Ephesians 1:20-21), Given all authority (Matthew 28:18).

Universal Lordship

Every Knee Shall Bow: In heaven (angels, redeemed saints), On earth (living humans), Under the earth (the dead, demons), Universal acknowledgment.

Every Tongue Shall Confess: Universal confession, Jesus Christ is Lord, To the glory of God the Father, Ultimate recognition of Christ's deity.

Conclusion

Philippians 2:9 declares the supreme exaltation of Jesus Christ. God the Father has highly exalted His Son and given Him a name above every name. At the name of Jesus, every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. May we honor the name of Jesus, live under His lordship, and proclaim His name to all the world.