King James Version
What Does Philippians 2:4 Mean?
“Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.”
Context
2
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded , having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
4
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
5
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:
6
Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God:
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **Look not every man on his own things.**—This verse similarly describes the positive effect of this “being of one mind” as consisting in power of understanding and sympathy towards “the things of others”—not merely the interests, but also the ideas and feelings of others. To “look upon” here is something more than “to seek” (as in Philippians 2:21). It expresses that insight into the thoughts, hopes, aspirations of others, which only a self-forgetting love can give, as well as the care to consider their welfare and happiness. Yet by the word “also” we see that St. Paul does not, in the spirit of some forms of modern transcendentalism, denounce all self-consciousness and self-love, as in a bad sense “selfish.” For man is individual as well as social; he can subordinate “his own things” to “the things of others,” but cannot ignore them.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
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 2:4 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 2:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge