{Being} (huparch(936e)). Rather, "existing," present active
participle of huparch(935c). In the form of God (en morph(8869)
theou). Morph(885c) means the essential attributes as shown in the
form. In his preincarnate state Christ possessed the attributes
of God and so appeared to those in heaven who saw him. Here is a
clear statement by Paul of the deity of Christ. {A prize}
(harpagmon). Predicate accusative with h(8867)(8873)ato. Originally
words in -mos signified the act, not the result (-ma). The
few examples of harpagmos (Plutarch, etc.) allow it to be
understood as equivalent to harpagma, like aptismos and
aptisma. That is to say Paul means a prize to be held on to
rather than something to be won ("robbery"). {To be on an
equality with God} (	o einai isa theoi). Accusative articular
infinitive object of h(8867)(8873)ato, "the being equal with God"
(associative instrumental case 	he(9369) after isa). Isa is
adverbial use of neuter plural with einai as in  Re 21:16 .
{Emptied himself} (heauton eken(9373)e). First aorist active
indicative of keno(935c), old verb from kenos, empty. Of what did
Christ empty himself? Not of his divine nature. That was
impossible. He continued to be the Son of God. There has arisen a
great controversy on this word, a Kenosis doctrine. Undoubtedly
Christ gave up his environment of glory. He took upon himself
limitations of place (space) and of knowledge and of power,
though still on earth retaining more of these than any mere man.
It is here that men should show restraint and modesty, though it
is hard to believe that Jesus limited himself by error of
knowledge and certainly not by error of conduct. He was without
sin, though tempted as we are. "He stripped himself of the
insignia of majesty" (Lightfoot).