I’m no Greek scholar, but, from what I do understand, it seems that English translations of Philippians 2:6 often don’t convey the meaning of the text.

For example, the NKJV (one of my favorite Bible translations) renders the verse “who being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God”. In modern English, this sounds as if Jesus did not consider His claim to divinity to be presumptuous, or somehow “ripping-off” God. As the NASB puts it, “who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped”. Some may mistakenly take this to mean that, even though Jesus is godlike, He did not think that equality with God was something that He could attain to.

Meaning no disrespect to the scholars that have done so wonderful a thing to give the Holy Scriptures in my native tongue, allow me to attempt my own rendering of this text: “Who, although He is in very nature God, He did not consider His divine rights and position as things to be tenaciously held onto.” That is, the One Who has been eternally exalted, and in perfect unity with the Godhead, essentially surrendered His position (though not His divinity) to take on the form of an earthly servant; An earthly servant obedient to the point of accepting a humiliating, agonizing and wrongful execution, on behalf of rebels against God, who could not help themselves.

If that was not sobering enough, the Holy Spirit exhorts us through the apostle to “Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5; NASB). I should be willing to lay aside my rights and privileges in order to help those who least deserve it. The King of Glory wrapped Himself with a towel and washed dirty feet. The Exalted One bowed His bloodied body under a heavy beam and carried our burdens to Golgotha.

What are you tenaciously holding onto today?