Biblical Answer

Kenosis in Philippians 2:5-11

The concept of kenosis in Philippians 2:5-11 is a central aspect of the passage's Christology. Kenosis refers to the idea that Christ emptied himself of his divine attributes while on earth as a man. This theory suggests that Jesus gave up some of his divine attributes, perhaps even his deity itself, in order to become human. However, this view has been questioned by modern scholarship, and many interpreters now see the passage as a liturgical hymn that celebrates Christ's humility and obedience.

A more nuanced understanding of kenosis can be seen in the idea that Jesus did not empty himself of his divine attributes, but rather took on a servant-like attitude, as seen in Philippians 2:7. The phrase "he made himself nothing" (or "he emptied himself") is often understood as a circumstantial explanation of the kenosis, rather than a description of what Jesus did. This means that Jesus' attitude as a servant was a result of his taking on human form, rather than a subtraction from his divine nature.

The incarnation is more accurately seen as an addition of human attributes to Christ's divine nature, rather than a loss of divine attributes. This is supported by the idea that Jesus did not give up his divine attributes, but rather took on a servant-like attitude, as seen in Philippians 2:7. The passage emphasizes Christ's humility and obedience, rather than his giving up of divine attributes. This understanding of kenosis highlights the importance of Christ's humility and obedience, and emphasizes the idea that Jesus' incarnation was a voluntary act of submission to the Father's will. This understanding of kenosis is more in line with the traditional understanding of Philippians 2:7, and highlights the importance of Christ's humility and obedience in his incarnation.