Philippians 2:4
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Philippians 2:4
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Chapter Context
Philippians 2 is a friendship epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of love, faith, grace. Written during Paul's Roman imprisonment (c. 60-62 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: The church in this Roman colony maintained partnership with Paul despite his imprisonment.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-30: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Philippians and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Philippians 2:4
4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
Analysis
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).
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.
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?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Matthew 18:6, Romans 12:15, 15:1, 1 Corinthians 10:24, 2 Corinthians 6:3, 11:29