Theological Term of the Week

Carmen Christi
The traditional title of the “hymn to Christ” found in Philippians 2:6-11, so named because some believe it was a very early and already existing Christian hymn or poem quoted by Paul in his epistle.

• In scripture:

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of aservant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death,even death on a cross. Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:5-11 ESV)

• From ESV Study Notes:

Philippians 2:6-11 have some clear indications of poetic structure, leading some to believe that this is a pre-Pauline hymn adapted by Paul. It is just as likely, however, that Paul composed the hymn for this setting. In view of the myriad theological questions that arise in these verses, it is critical to keep two things in mind: (1) these verses were written not to spur Christians to theological debate but to encourage greater humility and love; and (2) the summary of Christ’s life and ministry found here is not unique: the same themes are evident throughout the NT.

Learn more:

1. Robert S. Rayburn: Carmen Christi
2. R. C. Sproul: The Form of God
3. James White: Beyond the Veil of Eternity
4. Gordon Fee: Philippians 2:5-11: Hymn or Exalted Pauline Prose? (pdf)
5. R. P. Martin: An Early Christian Confession
6. J. Ligon Duncan: Song of Christ (audio)

Related terms:

• ascension of Jesus
• deity of Christ
• humanity of Christ
• incarnation
• passive obedience of Christ

Filed under Person, Work, and Teaching of Christ

Do you have a term you would like to see featured here as a Theological Term of the Week? If you email it to me, I’ll seriously consider using it, giving you credit for the suggestion and linking back to your blog when I do.

Clicking on the Theological Term graphic at the top of this post will take you to a list of all the previous theological terms in alphabetical order.