Philippians 2:4-5
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The Greek word for "look" here suggests a deep, intentional gaze, not just a casual glance. Paul urges believers to fix their attention on others' needs and perspectives with the same focused desire and consideration they would give their own interests. This isn't about ignoring yourself, but about expanding your vision to truly see and value those around you.
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility, reflecting the selfless example of Jesus Christ himself. He's just reminded them of the deep spiritual connections they share, and now he calls them to actively seek the well-being of others, not just their own interests. This principle of outward-focused love is presented as a vital way to embody Christ's humility within their community.
Ever feel like the world is constantly telling you to 'look out for number one'? The Bible offers a radical counter-cultural command.
Paul's instruction in Philippians 2:4 isn't just a suggestion; it's a core principle for Christian living. He's calling us away from a narrow focus on our own needs, desires, and concerns.
The Danger of 'My Things'
This isn't about neglecting our responsibilities or ignoring our well-being entirely. Instead, it's a warning against letting our personal interests become all-consuming. When we are solely focused on 'my things'—my comfort, my reputation, my plans, my goals—we create a barrier that prevents genuine connection with others.
The Power of 'Their Things'
Paul contrasts this with actively looking 'on the things of others.' This means developing a mindful awareness of the people around us—their needs, their joys, their struggles, their perspectives. It’s about cultivating empathy and a genuine desire for their welfare, understanding that we are part of a larger community.
How do we 'look on the things of others' without becoming nosy or intrusive? There's a crucial distinction.
The Greek word translated as 'look' here (skopountes) implies more than a casual glance. It suggests attentive, careful consideration, with a desire to understand and engage.
Insightful Empathy
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This attentive looking is what allows for true empathy – the ability to understand and share the feelings of another. It requires us to 'fix our attention' on their hopes, aspirations, and circumstances, not just out of duty, but with genuine interest and care.
The Balance of Self and Other
It's important to note that Paul isn't advocating for a complete abandonment of self. We are individuals with our own needs and responsibilities. The key is balance: subordinating our own interests when necessary and actively seeking to understand and contribute to the well-being of others, without overstepping boundaries or meddling inappropriately. True care is delicate and seeks to help, not to control or judge.
This selfless consideration isn't just good advice; it's a reflection of the very heart of God.
Paul grounds this entire exhortation in the ultimate example: Jesus Christ himself. The 'mind which was in Christ' (Philippians 2:5) is the foundation for this outward-looking perspective.
Christ's Ultimate Sacrifice
Jesus, though fully God, did not cling to his divine privileges. He 'emptied himself,' taking on human form and humbling himself to the point of death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-8). His entire life was characterized by looking not to his own interests, but to the salvation and welfare of humanity.
Our Response to His Example
When we are called to look to the interests of others, we are being invited to participate in the same self-giving love that Christ demonstrated. This isn't about earning our salvation, but about living out the transformation that his love has already worked within us. It's allowing the Spirit to cultivate Christ-like compassion and action within our own lives, prioritizing the spiritual and practical well-being of our brothers and sisters.
Understand the original words
phroneō · Greek Verb
A mindset, attitude, or disposition that governs one's perspective and actions; in the New Testament, it refers to the transformed way of thinking that characterizes a disciple of Jesus.
The parable of the Good Samaritan directly illustrates the principle of looking to the interests of others, even strangers, by showing selfless compassion and action when someone is in need.
1 Corinthians 12:12-27This passage uses the metaphor of the body to show that each part (member) is essential and interdependent, highlighting how the well-being of one part affects the whole, which mirrors the call to consider others' interests as intertwined with our own.
Romans 15:1-2Paul explicitly urges believers not to seek their own pleasure but to please their neighbor for their good, using Christ as the ultimate example, which directly supports the idea of looking beyond our own interests.
Galatians 5:13-14This passage states that the entire law is fulfilled in one command: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself,' emphasizing that the core of Christian living involves selfless love and concern for others' welfare.
Philippians 2:1-8This entire passage, immediately preceding the verse in question, sets the context by calling believers to humility and to look to the interests of others, all modeled after the self-emptying love of Jesus Christ Himself.
barnesPhilippians 2:4: "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
Look not every man on his own things - That is, be not selfish. Do not let your care and attention be wholly absorbed by your own concerns, or by the concerns of your own family. Evince a tender interest for the happiness of the whole, and let the welfare of others lie near your hearts. This, of course, does not mean that there is to be any improper interference in the business of others, or tha…
ellicottPhilippians 2:4: "Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
(4) Look not every man on his own things. —This verse similarly describes the positive effect of this “being of one mind” as consisting in power of understanding and sympathy towards “the things of others”—not merely the interests, but also the ideas and feelings of others. To “look upon” here is something more than “to seek” (as in Philippians 2:21 ). It expresses that insight into the thoughts…
The Greek word for "look" here suggests a deep, intentional gaze, not just a casual glance. Paul urges believers to fix their attention on others' needs and perspectives with the same focused desire and consideration they would give their own interests. This isn't about ignoring yourself, but about expanding your vision to truly see and value those around you.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility, reflecting the selfless example of Jesus Christ himself. He's just reminded them of the deep spiritual connections they share, and now he calls them to actively seek the well-being of others, not just their own interests. This principle of outward-focused love is presented as a vital way to embody Christ's humility within their community.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to live in unity and humility, reflecting the selfless example of Jesus Christ himself. He's just reminded them of the deep spiritual connections they share, and now he calls them to actively seek the well-being of others, not just their own interests. This principle of outward-focused love is presented as a vital way to embody Christ's humility within their community.
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus," — The Greek word for "look" here suggests a deep, intentional gaze, not just a casual glance. Paul urges believers to fix their attention on others' needs and perspectives with the same focused desire…
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Last reviewed October 2026
