ἁρπαγμός (harpagmos)
harpagmos
something to grasp
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun harpagmos refers to something seized or retained as a prize. Its root verb describes the act of snatching or robbery, creating a word that centers on possession and power. In Philippians 2:6, Paul uses it to describe Christ’s relationship with his divine status. The text suggests he did not view equality with God as something to be grasped or held onto aggressively.
Lexical sources highlight a debate between two meanings: the active act of seizing versus the passive object seized. While the word can mean booty or prey, most modern interpreters favor the sense of "something to be clung to." This reading fits the context where Jesus chooses not to exploit his divine rights for personal advantage. He accepts humiliation rather than asserting dominance.
Translators often render this as "equality with God" or "status," though these English terms lack the sharp edge of the Greek. The original word carries the weight of a contested prize. Paul’s point is that Christ did not treat his glory as an asset to be defended by force, but willingly set it aside for the sake of others.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word harpagmos describes something seized or held onto aggressively as a prize. In Philippians 2:6, Paul uses it to show that Jesus did not cling to His divine status for personal advantage. Instead of using His power to dominate, He chose humility. This reveals a God who serves rather than one who exploits.
For your faith, this means Christ’s glory is not a threat but a gift. He set aside His rights to lift you up. You do not need to grasp for security or status because Jesus already gave everything. His willingness to humble Himself invites you to rest in His provision rather than striving for control.
This passage offers deep comfort. It shows that true greatness comes through service, not force. When you feel the pressure to prove yourself, remember that Jesus did not need to hold on tightly to be who He is. You are safe in His love, which requires no defense from you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- something to be grasped1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ἁρπαγμὸν1×
Key Verses
-
Philippians 2:6
who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped,
This verse defines harpagmos as something Jesus did not exploit for personal gain, highlighting His voluntary humility.