Philippians 2 4

Philippians 2:4 kjv

Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

Philippians 2:4 nkjv

Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4 niv

not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

Philippians 2:4 esv

Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Philippians 2:4 nlt

Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.

Philippians 2 verses

Philippians 2 4 Meaning

Philippians 2:4 calls believers to actively consider and care for the well-being and needs of others, not solely focusing on their personal concerns. This verse encourages a mindset of altruistic regard, where individual interests are balanced with a deliberate and genuine attention to the welfare of the community members, promoting selflessness, unity, and a spirit of service. It defines Christian love in action, moving beyond mere avoidance of selfishness to a proactive pursuit of others' good.

Philippians 2 4 Context

Philippians 2:4 is an integral part of Paul's impassioned appeal for unity, humility, and Christ-like selflessness within the Philippian church. This verse flows directly from the preceding exhortations in 2:1-3, where Paul urges believers, in light of their common experience in Christ, to "be of the same mind," to "do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit," and to "in humility count others more significant than yourselves." Therefore, verse 4 is the logical and practical extension of this call to humble, unified living, providing a tangible way to manifest the "mind of Christ" Paul will immediately present in 2:5-11. Historically, the Roman society of Paul's time highly valued personal honor, status, and the advancement of one's own family or patron, often at the expense of others. This context highlights the counter-cultural and revolutionary nature of Paul's teaching, which fundamentally challenged these prevailing social norms by calling believers to an ethics rooted in the radical self-giving of Christ, emphasizing mutual care and corporate well-being over individual ambition.

Philippians 2 4 Word analysis

• Let each (Ἕκαστος, hekastos): This term emphasizes individual responsibility and universality. It applies to every single member of the community without exception, highlighting that this is not a collective duty that individuals can shunt off, but a personal calling for each believer.
• of you: Plural, directed at the entire Christian community in Philippi, underscoring the communal impact of individual actions.
• look (σκοπεῖτε, skopeite): From the verb σκοπέω (skopeō). This is more than a casual glance. It means "to look carefully at," "to consider attentively," "to observe with purpose," or "to give close attention to." It implies a deliberate and intentional act of focused mental and visual engagement, actively seeking to understand and address what is observed. It suggests an earnest pursuit rather than a passive observation.
• not only to his own interests (μὴ τὰ ἑαυτῶν ἕκαστος σκοποῦντες): The negative prefix (mē) paired with the term "only" (monos - implicitly here, contrasting with "also"), clarifies that concern for one's self is not entirely forbidden. "His own interests" (τὰ ἑαυτῶν, ta heautōn) refers to one's personal concerns, benefits, or affairs. Paul isn't commanding neglect of oneself but rather a shift in priority and exclusivity. It is permissible to look to one's own, but not only to one's own.
• but also (ἀλλὰ καὶ, alla kai): This strong conjunction "but also" denotes a significant addition and a contrasting, yet complementary, emphasis. It signals a shift from an exclusive focus to an inclusive one, suggesting an expansion of concern rather than an abandonment of the former.
• to the interests of others (τὰ καὶ ἑτέρων): "Others" (ἑτέρων, heterōn) denotes those who are distinct or different from oneself, emphasizing a broad, inclusive concern for the well-being of fellow believers. "Interests" (ta, referring back to τὰ ἑαυτῶν) signifies their welfare, needs, and concerns. This means actively pursuing and valuing the good of fellow believers.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "Let each of you look": An imperative, making this a direct command for active engagement by every individual in the community. It sets a personal and communal standard of vigilance and intentionality.
• "not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others": This phrasing uses a common Greek construction ("not only X, but also Y") which highlights that the command is not to completely disregard oneself but to ensure one's focus is not exclusive to oneself. It calls for an inclusive concern that consciously prioritizes and adds the welfare of others to one's scope of consideration. It’s a call to balance and expansion of vision, shifting from a natural human inclination towards self-preservation and personal gain to a Christ-like pattern of outward-focused, mutual edification.

Philippians 2 4 Bonus section

The injunction in Philippians 2:4 can be seen as a direct challenge to the common ethical philosophies of the Greco-Roman world, which often prioritized personal eudaimonia (human flourishing/happiness) achieved through self-sufficiency, honor, or intellectual virtue. Stoicism, for instance, advocated for tranquility through self-control and detachment from external goods, primarily focusing on one's own inner state. Paul’s instruction, by contrast, directs the Christian's gaze outwardly, emphasizing interconnectedness and active intervention in others' lives. It’s an ethics of radical interdependence rooted in the communal nature of the Body of Christ and exemplified by Jesus’ self-emptying (kenosis). This selfless orientation is not just about avoiding harm, but about actively seeking positive benefits for others. Furthermore, the early Christian community frequently distinguished itself by its fervent and practical care for one another and for outsiders, often attracting attention due to its unique commitment to the poor, sick, and marginalized – a direct application of verses like Philippians 2:4. This also prevents factionalism, a known issue in some early churches, by promoting a communal good over personal advantage or group interest.

Philippians 2 4 Commentary

Philippians 2:4 serves as a practical blueprint for Christ-like humility and unity within the Christian community, immediately following the foundational call to humility and preceding the ultimate example of Christ Himself. The verse actively challenges the inherent human tendency towards self-centeredness by demanding a deliberate and observant care for others. Paul isn't prohibiting self-care entirely, as healthy individuals need to steward their own lives, but rather he reorients the priority and exclusivity of that focus. The call is for a proactive, watchful benevolence ("look carefully") that genuinely seeks and promotes the good of fellow believers. This is the outworking of the "mind of Christ" — an active, rather than passive, love that finds its fulfillment not in personal gain or status, but in sacrificial service. This selflessness is essential for robust fellowship, a powerful witness to the world, and the practical embodiment of the gospel within the church. It reminds us that Christian love is not just a feeling, but a deliberate act of seeking the highest good for others.

Examples:

• A student chooses to help a classmate struggling with an assignment, even if it means less time for their own recreational pursuits.
• A church member volunteers time for a community project, prioritizing the collective need over personal leisure plans.
• An employee supports a colleague on a challenging task, fostering teamwork over individual credit.