6 Who, being in very nature[1] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage;

Other Translations of Philippians 2:6

King James Version

6 Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

English Standard Version

6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,

The Message

6 He had equal status with God but didn't think so much of himself that he had to cling to the advantages of that status no matter what.

New King James Version

6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God,

New Living Translation

6 Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philippians 2:6

Commentary on Philippians 2:5-11

(Read Philippians 2:5-11)

The example of our Lord Jesus Christ is set before us. We must resemble him in his life, if we would have the benefit of his death. Notice the two natures of Christ; his Divine nature, and human nature. Who being in the form of God, partaking the Divine nature, as the eternal and only-begotten Son of God, John 5:23. Here we see such motives to self-denying love as nothing else can supply. Do we thus love and obey the Son of God?

7 rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature[2] of a servant, being made in human likeness.

Other Translations of Philippians 2:7

King James Version

7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

English Standard Version

7 but made himself nothing, taking the form of a servant,Greek bondservant being born in the likeness of men.

The Message

7 Not at all. When the time came, he set aside the privileges of deity and took on the status of a slave, became human!

New King James Version

7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.

New Living Translation

7 Instead, he gave up his divine privileges ; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being. When he appeared in human form,

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Philippians 2:7

Commentary on Philippians 2:5-11

(Read Philippians 2:5-11)

The example of our Lord Jesus Christ is set before us. We must resemble him in his life, if we would have the benefit of his death. Notice the two natures of Christ; his Divine nature, and human nature. Who being in the form of God, partaking the Divine nature, as the eternal and only-begotten Son of God, John 5:23. Here we see such motives to self-denying love as nothing else can supply. Do we thus love and obey the Son of God?