King James Version

What Does Philippians 2:4 Mean?

Philippians 2:4 in the King James Version says “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” — study this verse from Philippians chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

Philippians 2:4 · KJV

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:

Read Philippians 2 full chapter

Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others (μὴ τὰ ἑαυτῶν ἕκαστος σκοποῦντες, ἀλλὰ [καὶ] τὰ ἑτέρων ἕκαστοι, mē ta heautōn hekastos skopountes, alla [kai] ta heterōn hekastoi)—Skopountes ("looking at, considering, being concerned for") suggests focused attention. The prohibition isn't absolute—Paul doesn't forbid self-care (the kai, "also," allows for legitimate self-interest). Rather, he forbids exclusive self-focus.

The call: also consider the things of others (τὰ ἑτέρων, ta heterōn). Heterōn ("of others") is genitive of interest—their concerns, needs, welfare. Verses 3-4 transition from wrong motivations (v. 3a) to right attitudes (v. 3b) to concrete behaviors (v. 4). This grounds the Christ-hymn (vv. 5-11), which models self-emptying for others' salvation. Christ is the supreme example of looking to others' things (our redemption).

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Historical & Cultural Context

Ancient Greco-Roman ethics (especially Stoicism) emphasized self-sufficiency and pursuing one's own good. Aristotle defined friendship as mutual advantage. Paul's ethic—prioritizing others' interests—was revolutionary. Only the incarnation and cross could ground such radical other-centeredness. This verse previews Christ's kenosis (self-emptying, v. 7) as the theological foundation for Christian ethics.

Reflection Questions

  1. How do you balance legitimate self-care with the call to 'look to the things of others'?
  2. What practical steps can you take this week to consider others' interests, not just your own?
  3. How does Christ's example (vv. 5-11) transform 'looking to others' from duty to delight?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 10 words
μὴ1 of 10

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

τὰ2 of 10

“on the things”

G3588

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

ἑαυτῶν3 of 10

“on his own things”

G1438

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

ἕκαστος4 of 10

“every man”

G1538

each or every

σκοπεῖτε,5 of 10

“Look”

G4648

to take aim at (spy), i.e., (figuratively) regard

ἀλλὰ6 of 10

“but”

G235

properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)

καὶ7 of 10

“also”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὰ8 of 10

“on the things”

G3588

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

ἑτέρων9 of 10

“of others”

G2087

(an-, the) other or different

ἕκαστος10 of 10

“every man”

G1538

each or every

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 2:4 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 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

1 Corinthians 10:24Romans 15:1James 2:81 Corinthians 13:4-51 Corinthians 10:32-33Romans 12:15

Test Your Knowledge

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

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