What Does Philippians 2:9 Mean in the King James?

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

Philippians 2:9 · KJV

The analysis reads the King James wording.

King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.

THE KEY

God raises Jesus into the highest place and gives him a name that reveals the nature and authority standing above every rival.

THE MEANING

God raises Jesus to the highest place and grants him the name that stands above every other name. In Scripture, a name carries the nature and authority of the one named, so this gift reveals who Jesus is and the reach of his rule. Every competing title or power is measured beneath him.

WHAT THIS UNDOES

The claim that Jesus is only one authority among equals cannot stand beside this verse: his name is above every name.

THE ROOT

ὄνομα

onoma

GROWS FROM

ὀνομ-

onom-

Name or designation; by extension, the standing and character disclosed through the one named.

Here, the name is more than a label: it carries the nature and authority of Jesus. God gives him the name above every name, revealing who he is and placing every other claim beneath him.

ALSO GROWS

onomazō: To name or designate

ὀνομάζω

Naming makes an identity known; here, the name discloses Jesus’ standing.

onomastos: Named, notable, renowned

ὀνομαστός

This branch connects a name with the recognition or standing attached to the one who bears it.

ἐχαρίσατο

echarisato

GROWS FROM

⁨χαρίζομαι⁩ (charizomai), from ⁨χάρις⁩ (charis)

To grant as a favor; to bestow freely.

“given” in this verse is echarisato. The name is bestowed by God as favor. Its authority is conferred, not seized or self-created.

ALSO GROWS

charis: Favor

χάρις

The name is given through an act of favor.

charisma: A gift granted through favor

χάρισμα

This related word makes clear that what is granted can be understood as a gift.

ὑπερύψωσεν

hyperypsōsen

GROWS FROM

⁨ὑψόω⁩ (hypsoō), with ⁨ὑπερ-⁩ (hyper-)

To raise high or exalt; the prefix adds the sense of above or beyond.

“highly exalted” in this verse is hyperypsōsen. The verb makes God the one doing the raising, and its intensified form echoes the name placed above every name. The exaltation and the name work together: God raises Jesus and makes his supremacy known.

ALSO GROWS

hypsistos: Highest

ὕψιστος

This related form expresses the height of the position to which Jesus is raised.

hypsēlos: High, elevated

ὑψηλός

This branch shares the language of elevation that shapes the verse’s claim.

THE PATTERN

Exaltation is conferred by God, while self-exaltation cannot command it.

But God is the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.

Psalm 75:7 · KJVGod holds the authority to lower and raise; exaltation comes from his judgment.

For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.

Luke 14:11 · KJVThe verse distinguishes self-exaltation from the raising that is given.

Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

James 4:10 · KJVThe lifting comes from the Lord, matching the source of exaltation in Philippians.

THE THREAD

And what soever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

Colossians 3:17 · KJV

The same Greek word, ⁨ὄνομα⁩ (onoma, “name”), appears in both verses. Philippians gives the name its supreme standing; Colossians shows that name as the nature under which words and actions take shape.

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