Philippians 2:21 kjv
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
Philippians 2:21 nkjv
For all seek their own, not the things which are of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2:21 niv
For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:21 esv
For they all seek their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2:21 nlt
All the others care only for themselves and not for what matters to Jesus Christ.
Philippians 2 21 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Philippians 2:20 | For I have no one like him, who will so genuinely care for your welfare. | Complementary thought on genuine care |
| Romans 15:2 | Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. | Principle of pleasing others for good |
| 1 Corinthians 10:24 | Let no one seek his own good, but each the good of the other. | Apostolic command against self-interest |
| 1 Corinthians 10:33 | just as I also please everyone in all things, not seeking my own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved. | Paul's example of selfless pursuit of others' good |
| 1 Corinthians 13:5 | it does not is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. | Self-seeking as contrary to love |
| Galatians 6:2 | Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. | Bearing burdens exemplifies Christ-like concern |
| Galatians 5:13 | For you were called to freedom, brethren; only do not use freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. | Freedom misused for selfish gain |
| Matthew 6:24 | No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon. | The conflict between serving God and self/riches |
| Matthew 16:24 | Then Jesus said to His disciples, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. | The requirement of self-denial in following Christ |
| Mark 8:34 | When He had called the people to Him, with His disciples also, He said to them, "Whoever desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. | The cost of discipleship and self-denial |
| Luke 9:23 | Then He said to them all, "If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. | Daily self-denial for Christ |
| John 12:25 | He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. | Sacrificing self-interest for eternal life |
| John 13:34 | A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. | The new commandment to love each other |
| 1 Peter 4:8 | And above all things have fervent love for one another, for "love will cover a multitude of sins." | Love for one another as paramount |
| 1 Peter 5:2 | Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly. | Avoiding selfish motives in leadership |
| Proverbs 18:1 | He who separates himself seeks his own desire, And rages against all wise judgment. | The danger of isolating oneself for selfish reasons |
| Ephesians 5:15-16 | See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. | Living wisely and not foolishly (selfishly) |
| 2 Timothy 4:10 | for Demas has deserted me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica; Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. | Example of those who prioritize the world/self |
| Colossians 3:12 | Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering. | Qualities that oppose self-interest |
| Colossians 3:23 | And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men. | Diligence in service to the Lord, not for reward |
| 1 Thessalonians 2:4 | But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. | Pleasing God, not men |
| Titus 2:11-12 | For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age. | Grace teaches denial of worldly lusts |
Philippians 2 verses
Philippians 2 21 Meaning
This verse describes a situation where everyone is looking out for their own interests, not for the interests of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 2 21 Context
Philippians chapter 2 extols Christ's humility and obedience, contrasting it with the self-seeking that can arise within the church. Paul encourages the Philippian believers to unity and selfless service, following Christ's example. He specifically praises Timothy for his genuine care and likeness to Christ, setting him apart. Verse 21, therefore, serves as a stark warning against the prevailing attitude of self-interest that hinders this kind of Christ-like unity and service within the community. The immediate context emphasizes looking out for the interests of others, as Christ did, rather than personal gain. Historically, self-advancement and personal comfort were common motivations in the Greco-Roman world, which Paul is countering.
Philippians 2 21 Word Analysis
- πάντες (pantes): "All." This emphasizes the pervasiveness of the problem being described; it is a general characteristic of people.
- ζητοῦσιν (zētousin): "Seek" or "look for." It implies a diligent and continuous pursuit.
- τὰ ἑαυτῶν (ta heautōn): "Their own." This is a possessive pronoun, clearly indicating a focus on personal benefit.
- σύμφορον (symphoron): "Advantageous," "profitable," "beneficial." It refers to what is considered good or useful for oneself.
- οὐχὶ (ouchi): A strong negative, meaning "not" or "not at all."
- τὰ Ἰησοῦ (ta Iēsou): "The things of Jesus" or "the interests of Jesus." This refers to the purposes, will, and mission of Christ.
- Χριστοῦ (Christou): "Christ." Refers to Jesus as the Messiah and divine Savior.
Words Group Analysis:
- "πάντες ζητοῦσιν τὰ ἑαυτῶν σύμφορον": This entire phrase captures the essence of self-centeredness, where personal advantage dictates actions and priorities. It signifies a society or community driven by individual ambition and welfare.
- "οὐχὶ τὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ": This highlights the absence of Christ-likeness in the self-seeking behavior. It means that the pursuit of personal gain actively excludes or disregards the interests of Christ, which are typically expressed through love, humility, and service to others.
Philippians 2 21 Bonus Section
The sentiment expressed here echoes themes found in the Old Testament, particularly concerning the self-serving actions of various leaders and people who deviated from God's path due to prioritizing their own comfort or advancement (e.g., the Israelites in the wilderness often complained due to their self-focus). Paul, through the Holy Spirit, identifies this tendency as a significant impediment to spiritual maturity and effective Christian witness. It’s a universal human failing that requires the transforming power of the Gospel and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit to overcome, replacing self-interest with the mind of Christ, characterized by humility, love, and a willingness to serve.
Philippians 2 21 Commentary
The verse presents a critical observation about human nature's inclination towards self-interest. Paul is lamenting the common spiritual condition where individuals prioritize their own welfare and gain above all else. This self-centeredness stands in direct opposition to the mind of Christ, who emptied Himself and served, ultimately laying down His life. The contrast underscores the Philippian believers' calling: to manifest Christ's self-sacrificing love and to live in unity, not divided by personal ambitions. This attitude is not just a social problem but a spiritual one, demonstrating a lack of alignment with God's will and Christ's example. True Christian life requires a conscious redirection of focus from "my own" to "Christ's."
- Practical Application: When faced with decisions, ask: "Is this decision primarily driven by my own benefit, or by what best serves Christ's purposes and honors Him?" This can apply to church leadership, relationships, work, and personal finances.