Philippians 2:9 Meaning: What Is the Name Above Every Name?
Therefore God also highly exalted him, and gave to him the name which is above every name,
Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:
Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name;
wherefore, also, God did highly exalt him, and gave to him a name that is above every name,
Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and granted him a name, that which is above every name,
Meaning in one sentence
Philippians 2:9 reveals God exalting Christ after His humility. Understand the 'name above every name' and the hope it brings.
Context
This verse comes near the end of one of the most cherished passages in the New Testament, the Christ hymn of Philippians chapter 2. Paul is writing from prison to a church he loves, urging them to live in humble unity. To make his point, he points to Jesus. Verses 6 to 8 describe how Christ, though in the very form of God, did not cling to that status. Instead, He emptied Himself, took the nature of a servant, and humbled Himself to death on a cross. Then verse 9 turns everything around. Because of that willing descent, God the Father responded by lifting Him to the highest place. The word "Therefore" in verse 9 connects directly to Christ’s obedience in the previous verses. The exaltation is not separate from the cross, it is the Father’s answer to it.
Key Words
The Greek text packs three key words that open up the wonder of this verse. First, huperupsoō (highly exalted). This is a rare compound verb, found only here in the New Testament. It means to exalt above and beyond the ordinary. Paul piles the prefix huper (over, beyond) onto the usual word for lifting up. The idea is that Christ was raised to a height that has no rival, not a return to previous glory, but a new, permanent status as the God-man who conquered death.
Second, echarisato (gave, granted). This verb comes from charis, grace. The name is not a payment or a wage, it is a gift of pure favor. The Father does not owe the Son anything, but He delights to bestow this honor. The same word appears in Paul’s greeting, where grace is the foundation of everything.
Third, onoma (name). In the Bible, a name is not just a label. It carries the person’s identity, authority, and character. By giving Christ “the name which is above every name,” the Father declares that Jesus shares the divine name and its power. This is why every knee bows at that name. It is the name of the Lord.
How Christians Read This Verse
Christians across traditions have carefully weighed what this “name” refers to. Many, from the early church fathers onward, read it as the title “Lord” (kyrios), the Greek translation of God’s covenant name YHWH. They point to verse 11, where every tongue confesses Jesus Christ as Lord. Others hold that the name is “Jesus” itself, the personal name given at birth, now lifted to everlasting honor so that the name “Jesus” carries divine weight. Both readings affirm the same truth: Christ now holds a rank that belongs to God alone. Historic Christian teaching has seen in this verse a clear statement that Jesus shares fully in the Father’s glory and that His humanity is exalted forever.
A common misunderstanding
A common mistake is to think that Christ earned this exaltation for Himself because He lacked something before. In fact, the exaltation is the Father’s public vindication of the Son’s saving work. It reveals the worth of His obedience and gives Him the place of honor as our risen Lord and mediator. Christ did not ascend to a higher divine nature, He was already God. The exaltation is about the human nature He took and the glory He now shares as the Redeemer of the world.
Living This Out
This verse frees you from needing to promote yourself. Jesus did not grasp for status, He let go of it. And God lifted Him. In a workplace, a family, or a church where recognition seems scarce, you can stop striving. You can serve without keeping score, trust that the Father sees what is hidden, and leave your vindication to Him. The small act of kindness, the unnoticed task, the forgiveness no one thanks you for, these are your moments of emptying. The Father’s pattern is the same: what is sown in humility will be raised in honor.
Main takeaway: Because Christ humbled Himself to death, God raised Him to the highest place and gave Him a name above every name.
For Families
For ages 5, 8
God made Jesus the most important person in the whole world. This happened because Jesus was kind and obeyed God, even when it was very hard. We can say Jesus’ name with love because it is the greatest name there is.
For ages 9, 12
After Jesus died on the cross, God raised Him up and gave Him a name that is greater than any king or angel. That means Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. When you feel small or ignored, remember that God honors those who serve like Jesus. You can trust Him to lift you up in His perfect time.
Questions People Ask
What is the 'name that is above every name' in Philippians 2:9?
This refers to the supreme authority and identity God gave Jesus after His resurrection. Most Christians understand it as the title 'Lord' (kyrios), which in Greek translates God's covenant name. Others see it as the personal name 'Jesus' itself, now lifted to divine honor. In either case, it means Jesus shares the status and worship that belong to God alone.
How is exaltation connected to humility in this verse?
Verse 9 begins with 'Therefore,' linking directly to Christ's humility and obedience in verses 6-8. Because Jesus emptied Himself and became obedient to death on a cross, God responded by exalting Him to the highest place. This shows that the Father honors a life of humble service. It is not that Christ earned something He lacked, but that His willing descent was answered with divine lifting.
Does Philippians 2:9 mean Jesus was not already exalted before?
As God the Son, Jesus already shared the Father's glory from eternity. But in His humanity, He temporarily set aside that visible glory. After the resurrection and ascension, His human nature was raised to the highest place at God's right hand. So the exaltation is both a restoration and a new honor bestowed on the God-man who accomplished redemption.
What does 'the name which is above every name' teach about Jesus' identity?
It teaches that Jesus holds the highest rank in the universe, far above angels, rulers, or any created being. The confession that 'Jesus Christ is Lord' in verse 11 directly echoes Old Testament passages about the one true God. So this verse is a clear New Testament affirmation of Christ's divinity and His unique role as Lord over all.
How does this verse apply to Christians today?
It reassures believers that humility is the path to honor with God. You do not need to push yourself forward or demand recognition. The Father sees every quiet act of service and every sacrifice made in love. You can trust Him to bring about true exaltation, whether in this life or at the resurrection, in His timing and way.
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