Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Original Language Analysis
κατὰ
be done through
G2596
κατὰ
be done through
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
2 of 12
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
6 of 12
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ταπεινοφροσύνῃ
in lowliness of mind
G5012
ταπεινοφροσύνῃ
in lowliness of mind
Strong's:
G5012
Word #:
8 of 12
humiliation of mind, i.e., modesty
ἡγούμενοι
esteem
G2233
ἡγούμενοι
esteem
Strong's:
G2233
Word #:
10 of 12
to lead, i.e., command (with official authority); figuratively, to deem, i.e., consider
Cross References
Romans 12:10Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;Galatians 5:26Let us not be desirous of vain glory, provoking one another, envying one another.Ephesians 4:2With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;Ephesians 5:21Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.1 Peter 5:5Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.Philippians 2:14Do all things without murmurings and disputings:1 Timothy 6:4He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings,Luke 18:14I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other: for every one that exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.Galatians 5:15But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.Proverbs 13:10Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.
Historical Context
Roman society was fiercely hierarchical and honor-obsessed. Citizens competed for status, honor, and public recognition. Tapeinophrosynē (humility) was considered shameful weakness. Paul's call to esteem others as superior reversed cultural values, grounded in Christ's own humility (vv. 6-8). The Christ-hymn (vv. 5-11) will illustrate this radical ethic.
Questions for Reflection
- How do 'selfish ambition' and 'vain glory' (eritheia, kenodoxia) manifest in Christian communities today?
- What's the difference between humility (tapeinophrosynē) and unhealthy self-deprecation or low self-esteem?
- How can you practically 'esteem others better than yourself' this week without false humility?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves (μηδὲν κατ' ἐριθείαν μηδὲ κατὰ κενοδοξίαν, ἀλλὰ τῇ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ ἀλλήλους ἡγούμενοι ὑπερέχοντας ἑαυτῶν, mēden kat' eritheian mēde kata kenodoxian, alla tē tapeinophrosynē allēlous hēgoumenoi hyperechontas heautōn)—Eritheian ("selfish ambition, rivalry," see 1:16) and kenodoxian ("empty glory, vain conceit"—from kenos, "empty," + doxa, "glory") name unity's enemies: self-promotion and empty honor-seeking.
The antidote: tapeinophrosynē ("humility, lowliness of mind")—compound of tapeinos ("low, humble") + phronēsis ("thinking, mindset"). In Greco-Roman culture, tapeinophrosynē was negative (servility, weakness); Christianity transformed it into virtue. Hēgoumenoi ("considering, regarding") is mental judgment: esteem other better than themselves (ἀλλήλους ὑπερέχοντας ἑαυτῶν, allēlous hyperechontas heautōn). Hyperechontas ("surpassing, superior") doesn't mean false self-deprecation but recognizing others' worth and prioritizing their good.