Philippians 2:4

Modern

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

Traditional

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

Literal

…each looking at not the things of yourselves, but each also the things of others.

Latin

…non quæ sua sunt singuli considerantes, sed ea quæ aliorum.

Greek

English

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

Do nothing out of selfish ambition: Thinking only about yourself is the opposite of truly caring for others (compare 2:20–21; 1 Corinthians 10:24; Galatians 5:26).

During their persecution, Paul urges the Philippians to be united and live a humble life like Christ.

Theme notes and profiles

1 Corinthians 10:24
No one should seek his own good, but the good of others.
Romans 15:1
We who are strong ought to bear with the shortcomings of the weak and not to please ourselves.
James 2:8
If you really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.
1 Corinthians 13:4–5
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud.
1 Corinthians 10:32–33
Do not become a stumbling block, whether to Jews or Greeks or the church of God—
Romans 12:15
Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.
1 Corinthians 12:22–26
On the contrary, the parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,
Romans 14:19–22
So then, let us pursue what leads to peace and to mutual edification.
1 Corinthians 8:9–13
Be careful, however, that your freedom does not become a stumbling block to the weak.
2 Corinthians 11:29
Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief?
Matthew 18:6
But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to stumble, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.
2 Corinthians 6:3
We put no obstacle in anyone’s way, so that no one can discredit our ministry.