# Commentary on Philippians Word Study – A Thing to Be Grasped > *A Thing to Be Grasped* (Phil 2:6) - *Harpagmos* (Gk.): A rare term that is never used in the Greek OT and is found only here in the NT. Occurrences of the word in secular Greek refer to \"robbery\". Its meaning in Phil 2:6 is a matter of considerable debate. Four interpretations represent the leading views of ancient and modern times. **(1)** Some, like the Latin Fathers, take it to mean \"something seized\". Jesus did not consider equality with God something he had aggressively acquired for himself, since it belonged to him by nature and right. **(2)** Others, like several Greek Fathers, understand it to mean \"something held fast\". On this reading, Jesus did not regard his divine prerogatives as a prize possession to which he needed to cling at all costs. **(3)** Still others prefer the meaning \"something to be seized that is not already possessed\". The point here is that Jesus, as a man, did not see the prerogatives of God as something he should reach for or seek to acquire. **(4)** Lastly, and perhaps most convincingly, some interpret this term as part of a Greek idiom that means \"something to be exploited for personal gain\". This reading would indicate that Jesus, unlike so many ambitious rulers of the ancient world, did not view his divine dignity as something to be used for selfish purposes. Rather, the eternal Son lowered himself into history to come among us as a servant (Lk 22:27; Rom 15:3, 8; Phil 2:7). --- > Scott Hahn and Curtis Mitch, *The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: New Testament*, Revised Standard Version, Second Catholic Edition (San Francisco: Ignatius Press, 2010).