Textual evidence favors (cf. p. 10) the reading “the name.” Opinion is divided as to the identity of this “name.” Some hold that it refers to “dignity” or “glory” rather than to a specific title, supporting their opinion from OT references to praising the name of God (Ps. 29:2; 34:3; 54:6; etc.). Others believe that Paul uses “the name” in its Hebrew sense as referring to the ineffable name that reverent Jews would not pronounce, Yahweh (see Vol. I, pp. 170-173), known in the LXX and NT as Kurios, “Lord,” and introduced by Paul in Phil. 2:11. Others take the name to be “Jesus” on the basis of v. 10, believing that this beloved human name (see on Matt. 1:1) gained an honor and significance unthought of before the ascension. Still another interpretation sees in “the name” a reference to a human-divine combination conveyed by “Jesus Christ” and used by the apostle in Phil. 2:11 (see on Matt. 1:1). Dogmatic certainty as to the identity of the name is impossible.

 See on Acts 4:12; Eph. 1:21; Heb. 1:3, 4. Christ can be given no higher title, no higher position. He is acknowledged as Lord of all (cf. Rev. 17:14; 19:16).

 Or, “on which account,” “in consequence of.” Not that Christ received a reward because of His humiliation, but that, in the divine economy, exaltation naturally follows humiliation (Matt. 23:12; Luke 14:11; 18:14). Christ’s experience demonstrates the truth of His words.

To provoke his readers to humility, Paul has concentrated on Christ’s role in redemption. The apostle now introduces the Father into the picture.

 Gr. huperupsoō “to exalt to the highest rank and power,” “to raise to supreme majesty,” from huper, “over,” “above,” or “beyond,” and hupsoō, “to lift up on high,” “to exalt.” Because of Christ’s self-emptying (v. 7) God has been able to raise Him to an even more glorious position than He enjoyed before His incarnation. The Son was all-glorious before, but His voluntary humiliation has added to the glory which He had with the Father before the world was (John 17:5). As God-man He lived a perfect earthly life, overcame the adversary, and won salvation for mankind. Such triumphs surely added an inestimable weight of eternal glory to God’s Son! Paul uses a past tense of the verb to indicate that this exaltation has already taken place. In the fullest sense this occurred at the ascension when the Saviour returned to the heavenly courts and received the adoration that was His due (cf. DA 834). See Vol. V, p. 919.

 Gr. charizomai (see on ch. 1:29). The Father, as the Supreme Ruler, has the right to bestow honor on the Son who so faithfully fulfilled their united plans.