Philippians 2 5

Philippians 2:5 kjv

Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:5 nkjv

Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus,

Philippians 2:5 niv

In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:

Philippians 2:5 esv

Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,

Philippians 2:5 nlt

You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.

Philippians 2 verses

Philippians 2 5 Meaning

Philippians 2:5 commands believers to adopt the same humble, self-sacrificing disposition, attitude, and mindset that characterized Jesus Christ. It is a profound call for Christians to align their inner thoughts, intentions, and entire orientation toward life and others with the example perfectly embodied by Christ Himself, particularly His willingness to empty Himself and serve rather than seek self-promotion.

Philippians 2 5 Context

Philippians is a letter written by the Apostle Paul, likely from prison in Rome, to the church in Philippi. Chapter 2 opens with an earnest plea for unity among believers, immediately following an exhortation to "live a life worthy of the gospel" (1:27). Paul describes genuine fellowship (2:1) as characterized by shared love, a united spirit, and a common purpose. Verses 3-4 specifically denounce selfish ambition, conceit, and self-focus, instead urging believers to consider others better than themselves and to look out for others' interests. Verse 5 serves as the hinge and foundational principle for these preceding ethical commands. It introduces the profound "Christ Hymn" (2:6-11), which beautifully elaborates on Jesus' example of humility and self-emptying (kenosis), culminating in His exaltation. Therefore, this verse establishes Christ as the ultimate model for the selflessness and humility that should define the Christian community. The Philippian church, while generally steadfast, was dealing with some internal disagreements and external pressures, making Paul's call to Christ-like humility critically relevant for their cohesion and witness in a status-conscious Roman society.

Philippians 2 5 Word analysis

• "Let this mind" (τοῦτο φρονεῖτε): The Greek verb phroneite (φρονεῖτε) is a present active imperative, functioning as a direct command. It signifies a continuous attitude or disposition, not merely an intellectual thought process. Phroneō involves more than thinking; it encompasses one's affections, intentions, and moral judgments—the entire orientation of one's inner being. "This" (τοῦτο, touto) directly refers forward to the example of Christ detailed in the subsequent verses (2:6-11), highlighting that this specific kind of mindset is in view. It is an active appropriation and embrace of Christ's character.
• "be in you" (ἐν ὑμῖν): The Greek preposition en (ἐν) combined with the plural pronoun hymin (ὑμῖν, "you all") emphasizes an internal, indwelling principle. It is to reside within the collective body of believers at Philippi, but also individually, guiding their motivations and actions. It signifies a profound inner transformation and shared spiritual reality among them.
• "which was also" (ὃ καὶ): Ho kai (ὃ καὶ) serves as a connective phrase. Ho (which) explicitly links back to "this mind," while kai (also or even) emphasizes the direct parallel. It means that the specific quality of "mind" Paul just described must be the exact same one that characterizes Christ.
• "in Christ Jesus" (ἐν Χριστῷ Ἰησοῦ): This phrase names the divine standard and perfect blueprint. "Christ Jesus" encapsulates His messianic identity (Christ, the Anointed One) and His humanity (Jesus, the Savior), indicating that this profound example applies to both His divine prerogative and His incarnate experience. This is not merely an external role model but the very disposition of the incarnate Son of God.

Words-group analysis:

• "Let this mind be in you": This is a powerful ethical command, calling for a radical shift from any self-centered or divisive tendencies to an active and sustained orientation of the inner person towards humility and other-regard. It signifies a deliberate adoption of a specific worldview and set of values.
• "which was also in Christ Jesus": This clause provides the divine imperative with its ultimate justification and accessible model. The very mindset that led Jesus Christ to surrender His divine prerogatives, take on human form, and ultimately die on a cross, is to be the animating principle for every believer and for the church's collective life. It anchors Christian ethics directly to profound Christological truth.

Philippians 2 5 Bonus section

The profound importance of Philippians 2:5 lies in its direct link to the subsequent "Carmen Christi" or Christ Hymn (2:6-11). It makes it clear that the preceding ethical injunctions (2:1-4) are not just arbitrary commands but are rooted in the very character and actions of the divine Son. The practical humility and selflessness called for in believers find their perfect theological and practical model in Christ's kenosis (self-emptying). The "mind" Paul refers to is holistic, involving intellect, emotions, and will. It demands a spiritual formation that aligns a believer's inner life and outward conduct with Christ's selfless love and obedience to the Father's will. This corporate command for the Philippian church underlines that unity and genuine fellowship among believers are impossible without a shared, Christ-like attitude of humility and servanthood. It transforms our understanding of leadership and Christian interaction from a worldly paradigm of status to a kingdom paradigm of service.

Philippians 2 5 Commentary

Philippians 2:5 is a pivot point in Paul's epistle, transitioning from ethical exhortations about unity to the profound theological foundation of Christ's humility. It urges believers to proactively cultivate the internal disposition of Jesus Christ – a mind of profound humility, self-sacrifice, and loving service, prioritizing the good of others over personal gain or status. This "mind" (phroneō) is not mere intellectual agreement but a deep-seated attitude and intentional way of living that shapes one's values and directs all actions. Paul sets Christ's voluntary self-emptying and obedient death (Phil 2:6-8) as the supreme pattern, making the ultimate example of humility the very Son of God. This call directly counters the human inclination towards pride and self-exaltation, offering the divine paradox where true greatness and unity in the community are found through self-abasement in imitation of Christ. For instance, instead of asserting one's rights or preferences in a disagreement, one adopts Christ's mindset by listening patiently and seeking reconciliation. In situations of seeking recognition, Christ's mind leads one to quietly serve without needing applause.