The Self-Emptying: Greek Grammar in the Descent of Christ

Philippians 2:7 stands at the center of the famous “Christ Hymn” (Philippians 2:6–11), portraying Jesus’ voluntary humility. The verse — ἀλλ’ ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσε μορφὴν δούλου λαβών, ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων γενόμενος — contains two aorist participles that unpack the main verb ἐκένωσε (“emptied himself”). The grammar intensifies the mystery: the eternal Son of God empties himself not by subtraction, but by taking — taking the form of a servant, becoming like us.

The Greek Text in Focus

ἀλλ’ ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσε μορφὴν δούλου λαβών, ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων γενόμενος (Philippians 2:7)

“But he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men.”

Grammatical Highlights

  • ἀλλ’ — adversative conjunction; “but,” marking contrast with the previous verse.
  • ἑαυτὸν — accusative reflexive pronoun; “himself,” direct object of ἐκένωσε.
  • ἐκένωσε — aorist indicative active, 3rd singular; “he emptied.”
  • μορφὴν δούλου — accusative noun + genitive noun; “form of a servant.”
  • λαβών — aorist participle active, nominative masculine singular; “having taken.”
  • ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων — preposition + dative noun + genitive plural; “in the likeness of men.”
  • γενόμενος — aorist participle middle (deponent), nominative masculine singular; “having become / being made.”

Main Verb: ἐκένωσε

The verb ἐκένωσε (from κενόω) means “to empty, make void.” It is the central theological action in this verse. The direct object ἑαυτὸν (“himself”) stresses that the self-emptying is voluntary. This aorist indicative presents the action as a decisive past act — a single, definitive self-humbling moment in the incarnation.

Aorist Participles: λαβών… γενόμενος

The two participles — λαβών (“having taken”) and γενόμενος (“having become”) — explain how the self-emptying took place. These are modal participles, showing means: Christ emptied himself by taking the form of a servant and by being made in human likeness. The paradox is profound: he empties by taking, and descends by assuming.

μορφὴν δούλου and ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων

μορφὴν (“form”) parallels μορφῇ θεοῦ in verse 6. Now it is the “form of a servant” — an intentional descent from divine status to servanthood. ἐν ὁμοιώματι (“in the likeness”) expresses external appearance or condition. ἀνθρώπων (“of men”) is plural and generic: he became like us all. The preposition ἐν suggests real participation, not mere appearance.

Phrase Form Function Meaning
ἑαυτὸν ἐκένωσε Reflexive Pronoun + Aorist Indicative Main verb He emptied himself
μορφὴν δούλου Accusative + Genitive Object of participle The form of a servant
λαβών Aorist Participle Active Means / manner By taking
ἐν ὁμοιώματι ἀνθρώπων Preposition + Dative + Genitive Locative phrase In the likeness of men
γενόμενος Aorist Participle Middle Means / manner By becoming / being made

The Grammar of Descent and Glory

Philippians 2:7 is a masterclass in theological grammar. The participles deepen the main verb, not dilute it. The self-emptying of Christ is not subtraction of deity, but addition of humanity. Grammar shows the paradox: he empties by taking, humbles by becoming. Syntax here does more than describe — it worships.

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