Philippians 2:4

KJV

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

KJV (with Strong's)

Look {G4648} not {G3361} every man {G1538} on his own things {G1438}, but {G235} every man {G1538} also {G2532} on the things {G3588} of others {G2087}.

Complete Jewish Bible

look out for each other’s interests and not just for your own.

Berean Standard Bible

Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Philippians 2:4 serves as a pivotal ethical instruction within Paul's appeal for Christian unity and humility, urging believers to transcend self-interest and actively consider the welfare of others. This verse provides a practical blueprint for how the community in Philippi, and by extension all believers, can embody the selfless mindset exemplified by Christ, fostering genuine love, mutual esteem, and harmonious fellowship within the body of believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Philippians 2:4 is an integral part of Paul’s profound exhortation to unity and humility within the Christian community at Philippi. The preceding verses, [Philippians 2:1-2](/philippians/2-1-2 "Philippians 2:1-2 - Paul's Appeal for Unity"), lay the theological groundwork by appealing to the Philippians' experience of encouragement in Christ, comfort from love, and fellowship in the Spirit, urging them to be "of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind." [Philippians 2:3](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3 - Humility and Esteeming Others") then provides the negative and positive commands: "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." Philippians 2:4 directly follows and expands upon this, offering a practical, actionable instruction for how to live out the humility and other-centeredness described in [Philippians 2:3](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3 - Esteeming Others Better"). Critically, this verse immediately precedes and sets the stage for the profound Christ Hymn in [Philippians 2:5-11](/philippians/2-5-11 "Philippians 2:5-11 - The Humility and Exaltation of Christ"), where Christ's ultimate act of self-emptying (kenosis) is presented as the supreme example of the very attitude Paul is commanding. The flow is from appeal, to principle, to practical instruction, to divine example.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Philippi was a Roman colony, enjoying special privileges and populated by many Roman citizens who were proud of their status and often competitive. This cultural backdrop of honor, status, and individual achievement could easily foster self-interest and division, even within the nascent Christian community. Paul, writing from prison (likely Rome), understood the challenges of maintaining unity in such a diverse and status-conscious environment. His appeal for humility and other-centeredness directly countered the prevailing societal norms that often prioritized personal gain, reputation, and self-promotion. The early church, composed of both Jewish and Gentile converts, also faced internal tensions. Paul's instruction to "look... on the things of others" was a radical call to adopt a counter-cultural ethos, one that prioritized the communal good and the well-being of fellow believers over individual ambition, thereby strengthening the church's witness in a pagan world.
* **Key Themes:** Philippians 2:4 articulates several core themes central to Paul's theology and Christian living. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Selflessness vs. Selfishness**, directly challenging the natural human inclination towards self-preservation and self-promotion. It advocates for an outward focus, not neglecting personal responsibilities but actively extending concern to others. Secondly, it is a powerful call to **Humility**, echoing the directive in [Philippians 2:3](/philippians/2-3 "Philippians 2:3 - Esteeming Others Better Than Yourselves") to "esteem others better than yourselves." This verse promotes a humble spirit that values and respects the needs and perspectives of fellow believers. Thirdly, it is foundational for **Unity in the Body of Christ**. When individuals within a community are attentive to each other's needs, it naturally fosters harmony, strengthens bonds, and builds a more cohesive and loving church body, essential for the church's mission and fellowship. This mutual consideration is vital for Christian fellowship and mission, fulfilling the desire for [likemindedness](/philippians/2-2 "Philippians 2:2 - Being of One Mind") expressed earlier in the chapter. Finally, at its heart, this verse is an expression of **Practical Love and Concern for Others**, demonstrating care not just through words but through active consideration and action, aligning with the great commandment to [love your neighbor as yourself](/mark/12-31 "Mark 12:31 - The Second Great Commandment").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Look (Greek, _skopéō'_):** From σκοπός, meaning "to take aim at (spy), i.e. (figuratively) regard." This word implies a deliberate, active, and focused observation, not merely a casual glance. It suggests paying close attention, scrutinizing, and considering. Therefore, the command is not to passively notice, but to actively, intentionally, and carefully observe and consider the interests, welfare, and concerns of others.
* **own things (Greek, _heautoû'_):** From a reflexive pronoun, referring to "him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other persons) my-, thy-, our-, your-) self (selves), etc." In this context, it denotes one's personal interests, concerns, advantages, and possessions. The negative command is to not exclusively or excessively focus on these personal matters.
* **others (Greek, _héteros'_):** Meaning "(an-, the) other or different." This word emphasizes distinct individuals or groups, highlighting the outward focus of the believer's concern beyond their immediate self. It points to the interests and well-being of those who are distinct from oneself, reinforcing the call to altruism.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Look not every man on his own things":** This is a negative imperative, a direct command to avoid self-centeredness. The verb "look" (skopeō) implies a focused, intentional regard. Therefore, believers are commanded not to intensely fix their gaze upon or exclusively pursue their personal interests, desires, or advantages. It's a prohibition against an egocentric worldview that prioritizes one's own affairs above all else. This does not mean neglecting personal responsibilities, but rather avoiding an obsessive or exclusive focus on them.
* **"but every man also on the things of others":** This is the positive counter-command, urging an active, outward focus. The same intensity of "looking" or considering is to be applied to the interests, welfare, and concerns of fellow believers and, by extension, all people. It calls for empathetic engagement and practical consideration of others' needs, demonstrating a selfless attitude that seeks to understand and meet the needs of those around them. This is the practical outworking of the humility called for in the preceding verse.

#### Literary Devices
Philippians 2:4 is structured with clear and impactful literary devices that amplify its message. The most prominent device is **Antithesis**, where the verse is built upon a direct contrast between "one's own things" and "the things of others." This sharp opposition highlights the two opposing attitudes Paul addresses: self-centeredness versus other-centeredness, making the choice between them stark and clear. Furthermore, the verb "Look" (σκοπεῖτε, skopeite) is in the **Imperative Mood**, indicating a direct command or exhortation rather than a suggestion. This underscores the non-negotiable and authoritative nature of Paul's instruction, presenting it as a vital aspect of Christian conduct. The parallel structure of the two clauses, "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others," employs a form of **Parallelism**, which enhances the verse's rhythm and memorability, making the command both clear and compelling.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Philippians 2:4 is a profound theological statement on the nature of Christian love and community. It challenges the inherent human tendency towards self-preservation and self-interest, calling believers to embody the radical, self-giving love (agape) that defines the Christian faith. This verse underscores the corporate nature of the church as the Body of Christ, where individual members are interconnected and responsible for one another's well-being. It is a call to practical servanthood, moving beyond mere sentiment to active consideration and intervention on behalf of others. This counter-cultural ethic of other-centeredness is not merely a moral suggestion but a divine imperative, reflecting the very character of God revealed in Christ. It transforms human relationships from competitive and self-serving to compassionate and mutually edifying, essential for genuine fellowship and effective witness.

* [1 Corinthians 10:24](/1_corinthians/10-24 "1 Corinthians 10:24 - Seeking the Good of Others")
* [Romans 15:1-2](/romans/15-1-2 "Romans 15:1-2 - Pleasing Our Neighbor for Good")
* [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bearing One Another's Burdens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Philippians 2:4 presents a timeless and challenging call to reorient our lives from a self-focused existence to one that actively considers and prioritizes the well-being of others. Living out this verse requires intentional effort to overcome our natural inclinations towards self-interest, cultivating a mindset of empathy, compassion, and service in all areas of life. In our relationships, it means actively listening, seeking to understand the needs and perspectives of family members, friends, and colleagues, and prioritizing their welfare where possible. Within the church, it promotes a spirit of corporate responsibility, where members serve one another, bear one another's burdens, and seek to build up the entire body, rather than pursuing individual agendas or preferences. In wider society, this principle extends to how Christians engage with their communities, advocating for justice, helping the marginalized, and contributing to the common good, motivated by a genuine desire to serve others as Christ served us. It is a call to live a life that reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, demonstrating love not just in word, but in active, selfless consideration.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of my life do I tend to focus primarily on my "own things," and how can I intentionally shift my gaze to the "things of others"?**
* **How might a greater focus on the needs and interests of others transform my relationships within my family, church, or workplace?**
* **What practical steps can I take this week to actively "look on the things of others" in a tangible way?**
* **How does the example of Christ's humility (as described in Philippians 2:5-8) motivate me to live out the instruction of Philippians 2:4?**

### FAQ
**Does Philippians 2:4 mean I should neglect my own needs or responsibilities?**

Answer: No, Philippians 2:4 does not advocate for the neglect of one's own legitimate needs or responsibilities. The Greek word for "look" (skopeō) implies a focused, intense consideration. The verse is a command against an *exclusive* or *obsessive* focus on one's own interests ("Look *not* every man on his own things"), while simultaneously commanding an *active* and *intentional* consideration of others' interests. It's about a shift in priority and attitude: moving from self-centeredness to other-centeredness. A healthy individual, like a healthy member of a body, must maintain their own well-being to effectively serve others. The emphasis is on humility and selfless love, ensuring that personal pursuits do not overshadow or hinder the well-being of the community or the needs of one's neighbor.

**How does this verse relate to the concept of "self-care" or personal boundaries?**

Answer: Philippians 2:4 is not antithetical to healthy self-care or the establishment of appropriate personal boundaries. Rather, it provides a spiritual framework for *why* and *how* we engage with others. Self-care, when understood biblically, is about stewarding the body and mind God has given us so that we can effectively serve Him and others. It's not about selfish indulgence. Likewise, boundaries are necessary for healthy relationships and to prevent burnout, allowing us to serve sustainably. The verse addresses the *attitude* of the heart—whether one is primarily driven by self-interest or by a genuine concern for others. A person who genuinely looks to the things of others will also understand that a healthy self is better equipped to serve, and that setting boundaries can be an act of wisdom that enables more effective and sustainable service, rather than a retreat into selfishness.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Philippians 2:4 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul immediately follows this command with the "Christ Hymn" in [Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - The Kenosis of Christ"), presenting Christ as the supreme example of one who did not look on His "own things" but completely on the "things of others." Though He existed in the form of God, Christ "did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Philippians 2:6-7 - Christ's Self-Emptying")). His entire earthly life, from His incarnation to His crucifixion, was a demonstration of self-emptying love and an unwavering focus on the needs and salvation of humanity. He came "not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Matthew 20:28](/matthew/20-28 "Matthew 20:28 - The Son of Man Came to Serve")). The Son of God, who was rich, "for your sakes became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich" ([2 Corinthians 8:9](/2_corinthians/8-9 "2 Corinthians 8:9 - Christ's Poverty for Our Riches")). His washing of the disciples' feet in [John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "John 13:1-17 - Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet") perfectly illustrates this principle: He, the Lord and Teacher, took on the lowest servant role to demonstrate how His followers should look to the things of others. Thus, Philippians 2:4 is not merely a moral exhortation but a call to imitate the very heart and mission of Christ, who perfectly embodied the principle of selfless, other-centered love.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 10:24

Let no man seek his own, but every man another's [wealth].

Romans 15:1

¶ We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.

James 2:8

¶ If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

1 Corinthians 13:4

¶ Charity suffereth long, [and] is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

1 Corinthians 13:5

Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

1 Corinthians 10:32

Give none offence, neither to the Jews, nor to the Gentiles, nor to the church of God:

1 Corinthians 10:33

Even as I please all [men] in all [things], not seeking mine own profit, but the [profit] of many, that they may be saved.