the name above all names | Philippians ii.10
We’re working through Phil 2.5-11 in this series CLICK
I have written 9 articles on Philippians 2 so far. To review them go to the Word Study or Theology categories in the Archives (or see list below).
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:
And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
That at the name of Jesus . . .
(Phil 2.5-10.a, KJV)
let’s stop here. what does this mean?
and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus . . .
What does this phrase mean in this context?
I have discovered this is a passage that a lot of scholars throughout history have talked about. Any discussion about the names of God is a popular topic. There are many differing views of well-respected Theologians.
However, they all seem to be highlighting different aspects of one great thought. The use of the name in this hymn represents the authority of Christ.
let’s look at the language a little
There is a slight mistranslation in verse 11. Instead of saying, “a name which is above every name,” the Greek should be translated, “the name which is above every name.”
Why is this significant?
Kenneth Wuest points out The Name means this is one of the names for our Lord. He also explains the term is a common Hebrew expression. It shows a Hebrew person’s rank, title, office and dignity.[1]
Many other sources I find point to something similar.[2]
B.C. Caffin reminds us the Psalmists use the title The Name often. In the Psalms how often do we hear the phrase Praise ye the name of the Lord? The Hebrews not only associate it with the dignity of a person. The Hebrews associate it with the splendor of God.[3]
This shows a great level of respect. By saying The Name the Hebrews do not have to speak one of the actual names for God, which are holy words.
why are all of these different views about The Name important?
How many of us quickly end our prayers with the phrase, “in the name of Jesus, Amen”?
What are we really saying?
Do we know we are calling on the glorified and exalted Christ?
Do we know we are calling on the Person of Christ?
All He is, and all the authority of Heaven, is available to us when we call on Him.
Call on The Name above all names!
And this is just what the hymn instructs us to do next . . .
Philippians 2 series:
how to be the church with the mind of Jesus | Philippians ii.1 CLICK
being in the form of God | Philippians ii.2 CLICK
the form of a servant | Philippians ii.3 CLICK
how can man become like God? | Philippians ii.4 CLICK
in fashion as a man | Philippians ii.5 CLICK
the worse death known to man | Philippians ii.6 CLICK
when you suffer, look to the cross | Philippians ii.7 CLICK
why continue a series on a great, early hymn? | Philippians ii.8 CLICK
bearing in mind the exaltation | Philippians ii.9 CLICK
notes:
[1] Kenneth S. Wuest, “Philippians,” in Philippians – Hebrews – The Pastoral Epistles – First Peter in these Last Days, vol. 2 of Wuest’s Word Studies From The Greek New Testament (Grand Rapids: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1973), 70.[2] See also: Vines, Blue Letter Bible, J. Dwight Pentecost, The Joy of Living: A Study of Philippians (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1973), 77.
[3] B.C. Caffin, “Philippians,” in Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, vol. 20 of The Pulpit Commentary, ed. H.D.M. Spence and Joseph S. Exell (Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans, 1962), 61.
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