Philippians 2:21
For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's.
Original Language Analysis
τοῦ
the things which are
G3588
τοῦ
the things which are
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
3 of 11
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τοῦ
the things which are
G3588
τοῦ
the things which are
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτῶν
their own
G1438
ἑαυτῶν
their own
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
5 of 11
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ζητοῦσιν
seek
G2212
ζητοῦσιν
seek
Strong's:
G2212
Word #:
6 of 11
to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by hebraism) to worship (god), or (in a bad sense) to plot (against life)
τοῦ
the things which are
G3588
τοῦ
the things which are
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
the things which are
G3588
τοῦ
the things which are
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
1 Corinthians 10:24Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth.Matthew 16:24Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.Philippians 2:4Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.1 Corinthians 10:33Even as I please all men in all things, not seeking mine own profit, but the profit of many, that they may be saved.1 Corinthians 13:5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;2 Timothy 3:2For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,Isaiah 56:11Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter.Luke 14:26If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.2 Timothy 4:10For Demas hath forsaken me, having loved this present world, and is departed unto Thessalonica; Crescens to Galatia, Titus unto Dalmatia.2 Corinthians 1:5For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also aboundeth by Christ.
Historical 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).
Questions for Reflection
- In what ways do you 'seek your own things' rather than 'the things of Jesus Christ'?
- How can you diagnose whether decisions are self-serving or Christ-serving?
- What would it look like practically to prioritize 'Christ's things' over your own this week?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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.