Abstract
This article re-evaluates the nature of Phil 2:6–11, challenging the consensus that it constitutes a seamless pre-Pauline hymn. While scholars often struggle to agree on its strophic structure, this study proposes that the original pre-existent material is limited to verses 8b–9. By analysing early Christian confessions and the Roman liturgical tradition—specifically the Christus factus est—the author argues that Paul framed a brief paschal confession within his elevated prose. Consequently, the high Christological themes in verses 6–8a and the cosmic adoration in 10–11 are identified as Pauline compositions and glosses rather than inherited tradition. This hypothesis resolves long-noted structural irregularities and clarifies how the apostle integrated an ancient confession into his immediate exhortation to the Philippians.