Devine Scripture

Philippians 2:5

What does Philippians 2:5 mean?

A plain-English look at Philippians 2:5 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What Philippians 2:5 means

The mindset Paul commands is not abstract; it is the very disposition of Jesus Christ. Believers are to adopt Christ’s way of thinking and valuing—His humble, others-focused heart. This means more than admiring Jesus; it means letting His self-giving love shape our choices and relationships. The verse serves as a hinge: the church’s unity and humility are possible because they mirror Christ’s own mind. To “have this mind” is to bring our attitudes under the lordship of Jesus, letting the gospel reframe status, rights, and service. It points us away from self-promotion and toward the cross-shaped pattern that Christ Himself embraced.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

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

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

For, let this mind be in you that <FI>is<Fi> also in Christ Jesus,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For let this mind be in you which [was] also in Christ Jesus;

Context

Verses 1–4 have urged unity and humility. Now verse 5 links these commands explicitly to Christ’s example and prepares for the profound portrait in verses 6–11. Paul will describe Christ’s preexistence, self-emptying, obedience unto death, and subsequent exaltation. This Christ-hymn provides both the model for believers’ conduct and the assurance that God vindicates humble obedience. After this theological centerpiece, Paul will return to practical exhortations (vv. 12–18) and to travel plans featuring Timothy and Epaphroditus as living examples of the same mind (vv. 19–30).

v.4not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

v.5This passage

v.6who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped,

Cross references

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

  • Acts 10:38

    even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him.

  • John 13:14

    If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

  • Matthew 20:26

    Not so shall it be among you: but whosoever would become great among you shall be your minister;

  • 1 Peter 2:21

    For hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, that ye should follow his steps:

  • Matthew 11:29

    Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.

  • Acts 20:35

    In all things I gave you an example, that so laboring ye ought to help the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that he himself said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

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