Devine Scripture

Philippians 2:4

What does Philippians 2:4 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 2:4 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 2:4 means

Paul widens the call to humility by urging each believer to look beyond personal interests to the concerns of others. This is not a ban on caring for one’s own needs—he says “also” to the things of others—but a reordering of priorities. Love pays attention; it notices burdens and opportunities to serve. A church that routinely asks, “How can I advance my brother’s good?” becomes a powerful witness. This other-centered posture resists the self-absorption that fractures fellowship. It imitates the Lord, who took notice of our plight and acted. Such practical care—time, resources, advocacy—turns doctrine into lived grace and weaves true unity among God’s people.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Not looking everyone to his private good, but keeping in mind the things of others.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

each not to your own look ye, but each also to the things of others.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Each one not considering the things that are his own, but those that are other men's.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

regarding not each his own [qualities], but each those of others also.

Context

Having condemned selfish pride (v. 3), Paul describes the positive habit that fosters unity: deliberately attending to others’ needs (v. 4). With this, the apostle has laid the ethical groundwork. He now turns to the theological and Christological foundation (vv. 5–11), commanding them to adopt the mind of Christ and then unfolding Christ’s descent into humility and His subsequent exaltation. The flow moves from relational exhortations to the narrative of Jesus Christ, showing that Christian ethics spring from Christ’s person and work, not merely from human ideals of niceness or compromise.

v.3doing nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself;

v.4This passage

v.5Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:22

    Nay, much rather, those members of the body which seem to be more feeble are necessary:

  • 1 Corinthians 8:9

    But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to the weak.

  • 1 Corinthians 10:32

    Give no occasion of stumbling, either to Jews, or to Greeks, or to the church of God:

  • 2 Corinthians 6:3

    giving no occasion of stumbling in anything, that our ministration be not blamed;

  • 1 Corinthians 13:4

    Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

  • Romans 14:19

    So then let us follow after things which make for peace, and things whereby we may edify one another.

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