Philippians 2 3

Philippians 2:3 kjv

Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

Philippians 2:3 nkjv

Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Philippians 2:3 niv

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,

Philippians 2:3 esv

Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.

Philippians 2:3 nlt

Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves.

Philippians 2 verses

Philippians 2 3 Meaning

Philippians 2:3 calls believers to reject motivations rooted in selfish ambition or empty pride. Instead, it instructs them to embody humility, leading them to genuinely value and consider others as superior or more important than themselves. This principle is a cornerstone for unity and self-sacrificing service within the Christian community, contrasting sharply with the natural human inclination towards self-exaltation.

Philippians 2 3 Context

Philippians 2:3 is embedded within a powerful exhortation from Paul to the Philippian church regarding unity, humility, and Christ-like service. The verses immediately preceding (Phil 2:1-2) establish the call for unity, encouraging them to be "of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." Verse 3 then directly provides the ethical framework for achieving such unity, serving as a negative injunction against divisive attitudes ("selfish ambition or conceit") and a positive command for a community-building virtue ("in humility count others more significant"). This sets the stage for the magnificent "Christ Hymn" in Phil 2:5-11, where Jesus' own self-emptying and humbling serves as the supreme paradigm for the very humility Paul demands. Historically, Philippi was a Roman colony, and its citizens would have been steeped in Greco-Roman culture, which highly valued honor, status, and personal glory (doxa), often perceiving humility (tapeinophrosyne) as a vice or servility. Paul's instruction is therefore a radical counter-cultural directive for the believers.

Philippians 2 3 Word analysis

• Do nothing (Μηδὲν - Mēden): A strong, categorical negative command. It emphasizes that this instruction applies universally; no action should stem from the following motivations. It implies a thorough examination of one's inner intentions behind every deed.
• from selfish ambition (κατ᾽ ἐριθείαν - kat' eritheian):
  • ἐριθεία (eritheia): This Greek term originally referred to the work of a hired laborer (eris), implying one who works for pay, later evolving to denote partisanship, rivalry, and seeking personal gain through manipulative means. It's often associated with factionalism, striving for office by questionable tactics, or forming cliques for personal advantage. It's not ambition in a positive sense of diligence or excellence, but a self-serving, competitive spirit that disregards others' welfare for one's own advancement.
• or conceit (μηδὲ κατὰ κενοδοξίαν - mēde kata kenodoxian):
  • κενοδοξία (kenodoxia): From kenos (empty, vain) and doxa (glory, opinion). It means "empty glory" or "vainglory," an inflated, often unjustified, sense of one's own importance or desire for human praise. It highlights an obsession with one's reputation and status, which is ultimately hollow and fleeting. This mindset leads to seeking praise rather than true virtue or service.
• but in humility (ἀλλὰ τῇ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ - alla tē tapeinophrosynē):
  • ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosynē): A compound word meaning "lowliness of mind" or "humility." In classical Greek thought, tapeinophrosyne was often viewed negatively, associated with subservience or debasement. However, for Paul and early Christians, it was elevated to a primary virtue, directly modeled by Christ. It is a humble self-assessment and a genuine willingness to prioritize others.
• count others (ἡγούμενοι ἀλλήλους - hēgoumenoi allēlous):
  • ἡγούμενοι (hēgoumenoi): A participle from hegeomai, meaning "considering," "esteeming," "regarding," "leading," or "thinking." It indicates an internal act of assessment or a deliberate decision to view others in a specific way. It is not merely a feeling but a volitional mental posture.
  • ἀλλήλους (allēlous): "one another" or "each other." This underscores the mutual, communal nature of this command within the church.
• more significant than yourselves (ὑπερέχοντας ἑαυτῶν - hyperëchontas heautōn):
  • ὑπερέχοντας (hyperëchontas): A participle from hyperechō, meaning "to excel," "to be superior," "to be better," "to be more excellent." It conveys the idea of superiority or being above others.
  • ἑαυτῶν (heautōn): "yourselves."
  • Words-group analysis: "count others more significant than yourselves": This phrase doesn't demand self-deprecation or intellectual dishonesty, nor does it mean believing others are intrinsically more capable in all aspects. Instead, it denotes a radical shift in perspective from self-centeredness to other-centeredness. It is about a deliberate choice to defer, to prioritize the needs and interests of fellow believers above one's own, and to treat them with honor, acknowledging their worth in Christ. It's an active humility that seeks to elevate others and place them in positions of respect and service.

Philippians 2 3 Bonus section

The strong injunction against eritheia (selfish ambition/rivalry) and kenodoxia (conceit/empty glory) in this verse directly confronts foundational elements of human fallen nature. These two vices are often intertwined, where a desire for "empty glory" fuels "selfish ambition," leading individuals to strive against others for personal recognition. Paul often groups such attitudes with "works of the flesh" (Gal 5:20-21). This instruction, positioned just before the Christ Hymn, implies that truly grasping and living out Christ's humble sacrifice (Phil 2:5-11) is the ultimate antidote to these self-exalting tendencies. It highlights a critical distinction: authentic Christian humility isn't about diminishing one's God-given worth, but rather about acknowledging that one's true value and purpose are found not in self-promotion but in serving others in imitation of Christ. This radical shift in mindset directly challenged the honor-shame culture prevalent in the Roman world.

Philippians 2 3 Commentary

Philippians 2:3 lays bare the heart of Christian community life, emphasizing selflessness over selfish ambition and pride. Paul urges believers to actively purge divisive attitudes, such as eritheia (self-seeking rivalry) and kenodoxia (empty boasts), which shatter unity. In their place, he commands tapeinophrosynē—a profound humility of mind—that stands in stark contrast to the surrounding cultural values. This humility manifests as an intentional choice to esteem and regard others as truly "more significant" or "better" than oneself. It's not a call to feign inferiority but to adopt Christ's own self-effacing posture, prioritizing others' welfare, interests, and honor above one's own. This disposition safeguards unity, fosters mutual edification, and mirrors the servant-heart of Jesus Himself.

Examples:

• A church member volunteers for a less visible, messy task instead of always seeking leadership roles.
• In a discussion, genuinely listening and valuing a differing opinion, rather than immediately formulating a counter-argument to assert dominance.
• Prioritizing another's burden or need, even when it costs time or resources.