The "forms" of Christ

• Philippians 2:6 (ESV)

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In Philippians 2:5-11, Paul refers to Christ being a "form" three times.

in the form of God (v 6)
taking the form of a servant (v 7)
the likeness of men (v 7)
found in human form (v 8)

In the first two, he uses the word μορφή - this is a permanent state of being, a condition of existence. Jesus shared the essence of being God, and yet he also "took" the same type of existence as a servant.

He then was born sharing the likeness (ὁμὀιωμα - from the root ὁμος meaning "the same") of men.

The stunning statement, however, is that he took on the σχῆμα of human beings. This word is something transitory and changing. It is shape that is an expression of being, but an impermanent one. We might say Jesus was found the temporary form we recognize as human.

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