Philippians 2:4
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Original Language Analysis
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
τὰ
on the things
G3588
τὰ
on the things
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἑαυτῶν
on his own things
G1438
ἑαυτῶν
on his own things
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
3 of 10
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
6 of 10
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
on the things
G3588
τὰ
on the things
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 10
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.Romans 15:1We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.James 2:8If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:Romans 12:15Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.Matthew 18:6But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea.2 Corinthians 11:29Who is weak, and I am not weak? who is offended, and I burn not?2 Corinthians 6:3Giving no offence in any thing, that the ministry be not blamed:
Historical 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.
Questions for Reflection
- How do you balance legitimate self-care with the call to 'look to the things of others'?
- What practical steps can you take this week to consider others' interests, not just your own?
- How does Christ's example (vv. 5-11) transform 'looking to others' from duty to delight?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & 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).