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Philippians 2

If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,

Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

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

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

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

Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:

But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.

Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name:

That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.

For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure.

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Yea, and if I be offered upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I joy, and rejoice with you all.

For the same cause also do ye joy, and rejoice with me.

But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state.

For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.

But ye know the proof of him, that, as a son with the father, he hath served with me in the gospel.

Him therefore I hope to send presently, so soon as I shall see how it will go with me.

But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly.

Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because that ye had heard that he had been sick.

For indeed he was sick nigh unto death: but God had mercy on him; and not on him only, but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.

I sent him therefore the more carefully, that, when ye see him again, ye may rejoice, and that I may be the less sorrowful.

Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness; and hold such in reputation:

Because for the work of Christ he was nigh unto death, not regarding his life, to supply your lack of service toward me.

What does Philippians 2:4 mean?

Explanation

[Philippians 2:4](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Philippians+2%3A4&version=KJV) is a verse from the New Testament that reads, "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." At face value, this verse encourages individuals to have an outward focus, to consider the needs and interests of others in addition to their own.

It suggests a shift from self-centeredness to a more community-oriented and empathetic perspective. Beyond its literal suggestion to pay attention to the needs of others, the verse implies a deeper call to practice humility, selflessness, and sacrificial love.

Top Rated Philippians Books

Historical Context

This verse is from Paul's epistle to the Philippians, a letter written while Paul was in prison, likely in Rome around A.D. 61-62.

It was addressed to the Christian community in Philippi, a city in Macedonia (modern-day Greece).

The Philippian church was experiencing internal strife and conflicts.

Paul's exhortation sought to promote unity and harmony within the community by urging believers to adopt the humble mindset exemplified by Jesus Christ, which is elaborated upon in the following verses (Philippians 2:5-11).

Theological Insights

From a theological perspective, Philippians 2:4 can be seen as an extension of the Christian virtue of agape, or self-giving love.

This verse captures the essence of Christian ethics that prioritize the well-being of the community over individual gain.

It echoes Jesus' teaching of the second greatest commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31).

Understanding the nature of Jesus' servitude and sacrifice is central to appreciating the call for believers to look after the interests of others.

Practical Applications

Practically speaking, this verse can be applied in various ways.

It can inspire acts of service, encouraging voluntary work and efforts to alleviate suffering in communities.

At home and in the workplace, it may influence individuals to consider the implications of their actions on others and encourage teamwork and support.

It can also lead to greater empathy in personal relationships, helping individuals to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of family and friends.

Cross-References

Related verses that reflect similar themes include:

[Galatians 6:2](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Galatians+6%3A2&version=KJV) - "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ."
[1 Corinthians 10:24](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Corinthians+10%3A24&version=KJV) - "Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth."
[Romans 15:1](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Romans+15%3A1&version=KJV) - "We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves."

Language Study

The original Greek text uses the words "τὰ ἑαυτῶν" (ta heautōn) meaning "their own things" and "τὰ ἑτέρων" (ta heterōn) meaning "the things of others." This contrast emphasizes the shift from personal concerns to those of others.

The imperative form "σκοπεῖτε" (skopeite) translated as "look" or "consider" carries the idea of careful attention and thoughtful regard.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

In the broader cultural and religious landscape, this message has parallels in various teachings emphasizing altruism and community.

For example, Confucianism focuses on the importance of social harmony and the role of the individual in contributing to the welfare of the group.

In Buddhism, the concept of compassion (karuna) is fundamental, where one seeks to alleviate the suffering of others.

Scientific Perspectives

From a scientific standpoint, the verse aligns with psychological research on empathy and prosocial behavior.

Studies suggest that compassionate and altruistic acts can increase personal well-being and help build stronger, more cooperative communities.

There is also evidence from neuroscience that engaging in caring behaviors can activate parts of the brain associated with positive emotions.

Commentaries

Commentaries on Philippians 2:4 often highlight the radical call to selflessness that was countercultural in the Roman society of Paul's time, which valued personal honor and status.

Experts like Matthew Henry have commented on the importance of this humility in the Christian life, seeing it as an essential quality for spiritual growth and community health.

Contemporary theologians may point to the relevance of this teaching in today's individualistic societies as a corrective to the pursuit of personal gain at the cost of communal well-being.

Philippians 2

Philippians 2

What does Philippians 2:4 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Philippians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?

What does Philippians 2:4 mean?

Explanation

Top Rated Philippians Books

Historical Context

Theological Insights

Practical Applications

Cross-References

Language Study

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

Scientific Perspectives

Commentaries

Want more context?