King James Version

What Does Philippians 2:21 Mean?

Philippians 2:21 in the King James Version says “For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Philippians 2:21 · KJV

Context

19

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. But: or, Moreover

20

For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. likeminded: or, so dear unto me

21

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

22

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

23

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

Read Philippians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's (οἱ πάντες γὰρ τὰ ἑαυτῶν ζητοῦσιν, οὐ τὰ Ἰησοῦ Χριστοῦ, hoi pantes gar ta heautōn zētousin, ou ta Iēsou Christou)—Hoi pantes ("all, everyone") is hyperbolic or refers to Paul's Roman associates (excluding Timothy). Ta heautōn zētousin ("seek their own things") violates 2:4's command ("look not...on his own things"). Ou ta Iēsou Christou ("not the things of Jesus Christ") contrasts Christ's interests with self-interest.

This indictment echoes 2:21's context: after the Christ-hymn (2:5-11) modeling self-giving, Paul laments that most don't live this way—even Christians. Timothy is exception. Seeking "Christ's things" means prioritizing His kingdom, glory, and people's welfare over personal comfort or advancement. The diagnosis is universal: self-centeredness is default; other-centeredness requires grace-transformation. Only those indwelt by Christ's mind (2:5) escape self-seeking.

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Historical & Cultural Context

Roman culture prized gloria (glory), dignitas (dignity), and honos (honor)—self-advancement was virtue. Paul's gospel inverted this: seek Christ's glory, not your own. That even believers struggled with self-interest shows sin's persistence. Paul doesn't excuse it but highlights Timothy's exceptionalism. The verse presumes contrast between kingdom values and cultural norms—a recurring Pauline theme (Rom 12:2; Eph 4:17-24).

Reflection Questions

  1. In what ways do you 'seek your own things' rather than 'the things of Jesus Christ'?
  2. How can you diagnose whether decisions are self-serving or Christ-serving?
  3. What would it look like practically to prioritize 'Christ's things' over your own this week?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 11 words
τοῦ1 of 11

“the things which are”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πάντες2 of 11

“all”

G3956

all, any, every, the whole

γὰρ3 of 11

“For”

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τοῦ4 of 11

“the things which are”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἑαυτῶν5 of 11

“their own”

G1438

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

ζητοῦσιν6 of 11

“seek”

G2212

to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)

οὐ7 of 11

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

τοῦ8 of 11

“the things which are”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

τοῦ9 of 11

“the things which are”

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστοῦ10 of 11

“Christ's”

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

Ἰησοῦ11 of 11

“Jesus”

G2424

jesus (i.e., jehoshua), the name of our lord and two (three) other israelites

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Philippians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Philippians 2:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Philippians 2:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:24Philippians 2:41 Corinthians 10:33Matthew 16:241 Corinthians 13:52 Timothy 3:2

Test Your Knowledge

Philippians 2 QuizTest your knowledge of this chapterPhilippians Book QuizComprehensive quiz for the entire book

Continue Your Study

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