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 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Philippians 2:3 | Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem... | Sets the preceding negative context |
| Romans 15:1 | We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. | Principle of bearing others' infirmities |
| 1 Corinthians 10:24 | Let no one seek his own, but each his neighbor's good. | Echoes the "not pleasing ourselves" |
| Galatians 5:13 | For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. | Freedom in Christ used for service |
| Ephesians 5:21 | Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. | Mutual submission as a demonstration of Christ's love |
| Colossians 3:12 | Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. | Virtues that enable selfless concern |
| 1 Peter 5:5 | Likewise, you younger people, be subject to your elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." | Humility as a foundational virtue |
| Matthew 18:3-4 | and said, "Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. | Childlike humility leads to greatness |
| Luke 10:29-37 | The Parable of the Good Samaritan | Example of selfless love for neighbor |
| John 13:34-35 | A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. | The mark of true discipleship |
| John 15:12 | This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. | Reiterates Christ's example of love |
| 1 John 3:16 | By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. | Christ's sacrificial love as the model |
| Acts 4:32 | Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one claimed that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. | Early church’s community of selfless sharing |
| 1 Corinthians 13:5 | does not insist on its own way, is not irritable, does not brood over injury. | Love does not seek its own advantage |
| Romans 12:10 | Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. | Active, prioritizing honor for others |
| Hebrews 13:16 | Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. | Sharing and doing good as pleasing to God |
| Proverbs 14:21 | Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor. | Generosity linked with blessings |
| Ephesians 4:2 | with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love. | The practice of bearing with each other |
| Colossians 2:18 | Let no one disqualify you, insisting on humility and worship of angels, [ | Warning against false humility |
| Romans 2:8 | but for those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and fury. | Warning against selfishness |
Philippians 2 verses
Philippians 2 4 Meaning
This verse, found in Philippians 2:4, is a powerful exhortation for believers to prioritize the well-being and interests of others above their own. It encourages a self-giving, others-focused attitude, mirroring the selfless love and example of Jesus Christ. The core of this instruction is to seek what benefits others, rather than solely focusing on personal gain or advantage.
Philippians 2 4 Context
Philippians chapter 2 centers on the theme of unity within the church, particularly advocating for humility and selfless service as a demonstration of Christ-like character. The Apostle Paul is writing to the church in Philippi, encouraging them to maintain a unified spirit and avoid division stemming from pride or competition. This specific verse, 2:4, directly follows the imperative in verse 3, which warns against "selfish ambition or conceit." Therefore, verse 4 presents the positive counterpart: the attitude believers should adopt—looking to the interests of others. The historical context involves the fledgling Christian communities facing internal strife and external persecution, making internal unity and selfless love paramount for their witness and endurance.
Philippians 2 4 Word Analysis
- σκόπω (skopō): From
skopeō(skop-eh-o), meaning "to look at," "to aim at," "to regard," "to consider." In this context, it conveys a deliberate and careful attention, an intentional focus or looking with a purpose. It's not a passive glance but an active observation and consideration. - ἀλλήλων (allēlōn): This is the genitive plural of
allos(allos), meaning "other." It signifies "one another" or "each other." It emphasizes a reciprocal relationship among the members of the community. - τὰ ἑαυτῶν (ta heautōn): This phrase translates to "their own things" or "their own interests."
Heautōnis the reflexive pronoun, "themselves," referring back to the subject of the sentence, andtais the neuter plural article, indicating "things" or "matters." It encompasses personal concerns, welfare, needs, and goals. - σύμφορον (symphoron): Derived from
symphoros(soom-for-os), meaning "profitable," "advantageous," "beneficial," "useful." It signifies that which is for the common good or brings benefit.
Group Analysis:
- "μὴ ἕκαστος τὰ ἑαυτῶν σκοπῶν, ἀλλὰ καὶ ἕκαστος τὰ τῶν ἀλλήλων" (mē hekastos ta heautōn skopōn, alla kai hekastos ta tōn allēlōn): This entire phrase constructs the core exhortation. It literally means, "not each one looking to his own things, but also each one looking to the things of others." The contrast established between focusing on "one's own things" and "the things of others" highlights a significant shift in perspective from self-centeredness to other-centeredness. The repetition of
heksatos("each one") underscores the personal responsibility of every individual believer in fostering this attitude.
Philippians 2 4 Bonus Section
The concept of "looking to the interests of others" is a cornerstone of Christian ethics, deeply rooted in the character and actions of Jesus Christ, as further elaborated in the preceding verses of Philippians chapter 2 (particularly verses 5-8). His entire life was a demonstration of self-emptying for the sake of humanity. This verse, therefore, isn't just a suggestion but a command reflecting the transformed life expected of believers, who are called to be imitators of Christ. It's about exercising Christian liberty not for personal indulgence, but as an avenue for serving others with love. The phrase "looking to" implies a proactive and considerate assessment of situations and people, identifying needs and acting to meet them without waiting to be asked or expecting personal recognition. This selfless perspective fosters community and guards against the disunity that pride and self-interest can breed.
Philippians 2 4 Commentary
Philippians 2:4 calls believers to actively and deliberately prioritize the welfare of others, not just in occasional acts of kindness but as a foundational attitude of the heart. This means consciously setting aside personal preferences and perceived advantages when the needs of fellow believers (or even others) are at stake. It's about cultivating empathy and making others' flourishing a genuine concern, a practical outworking of the love for Christ that should unite the church. This principle counters self-serving motives and fosters a spirit of unity and mutual care, essential for Christian fellowship and effective witness.
- Practical Example 1: In a church meeting, instead of advocating strongly for your preferred program or idea that benefits you most, consider if another proposal might better serve the overall spiritual growth or practical needs of a larger group.
- Practical Example 2: If a fellow Christian is struggling financially, looking to their interests might mean sharing resources you were planning to use for a personal luxury, rather than considering only your own budget.