New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition), “Study notes on Philippians 2:6”
“The Greek noun used here (har·pag·mosʹ; lit., “a thing to be seized”) is derived from the verb har·paʹzo, which has the basic meaning “to seize; to snatch.” Some have suggested that this term refers to retaining something already possessed. However, the Scriptures never use the Greek term to mean the holding on to something already in one’s possession. … If Jesus “did not even consider the idea of trying to be equal to God,” it must be that he was never equal to God.”
The organisation's argument, and its conclusion, drawn explicitly from its own rendering. The note also gives 'did not regard equality with God as something to be seized (grasped)' as an alternative rendering.
Official source (opens in new tab)
Provenance and verification note for New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition), Study notes on Philippians 2:6
Confidence note. Study notes read in full on the nwtsty Philippians chapter 2 page on wol.jw.org, 19 September 2026.
Accessed. 19 September 2026 · Source ID. src-nwtv-nwtsty-note-phil-2-6