Bible Dictionary
GRASP
In Philippians 2:6, “a thing to be grasped” expresses the sense that Christ did not regard equality with God as something to seize for advantage. Instead, He humbled Himself and accepted the form of a servant.
Definition
Grasp refers to seizing something or treating it as a prize to be held. In the relevant passage, the expression concerns what is regarded as an advantage or prize.
Biblical Usage
Philippians 2:6 says that Christ did not regard equality with God as a prize to exploit or retain for Himself, but laid it aside in amazing self-sacrifice for others.
Historical Background
The Greek term may denote either the act of seizing or the aim or result of that action. English versions render it robbery, a prize, or a thing to be grasped.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>grasp: The word harpagmos (Php 2:6), is rendered by the King James Version "robbery," by the Revised Version (British and American) "a prize," and by the American Standard Revised Version "a thing to be grasped." By derivation the term may denote either an act of seizing or the aim or result of the action. In the context Paul is discussing, not Christ's opinion of His equality with God, but His amazing self-sacrifice in laying aside His equally for our sakes. He but laid it aside for us. It is better to render with the Revised Version (British and American) "a prize."</p>