Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
English Standard Version (ESV)
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Philippians 2:5
What does Philippians 2:5 mean?
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Philippians 2:5
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The verse doesn't just tell us to have Christ's mind, but that this specific, humble mindset is already ours through our connection with Him. This means we're not being asked to conjure up a new attitude, but to recognize and live out the reality of Christ's character that's been imparted to us.
Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
English Standard Version (ESV)
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to overcome their internal divisions and strive for unity, contrasting their potential selfishness with Christ's selflessness. He then immediately presents the ultimate example of humility and self-sacrifice, which is Jesus Christ's voluntary descent from divine glory into human form and suffering, leading into a profound theological reflection on His nature and mission.
Paul doesn't just ask us to be nice; he points to the ultimate example of selfless love and service. What does that look like in practice?
The core of the "mind" Paul wants us to adopt is humility. He uses Jesus as the prime example, not just for His eventual glory, but for His willing descent.
Is 'having this mind' just about having good thoughts, or is it something that changes how we live?
The Greek word translated as "mind" here (often linked to 'phroneō') isn't just about a fleeting thought or emotion. It speaks to a deep-seated disposition, a way of thinking that shapes our entire being and influences our actions.
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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.
Paul wrote Philippians from prison, a time of hardship and uncertainty. His call for humility, rooted in Christ's own self-emptying, was a vital instruction for a church facing internal divisions and external pressures within the Roman world.
c. 2nd century BC - 1st century AD
Roman Expansion and Influence
The Roman Empire's vast expansion brought diverse cultures and political structures under its rule, influencing local economies, governance, and social norms across its territories, including Greece.
c. 1st century AD
Growth of the Early Christian Church
The nascent Christian movement spread throughout the Roman Empire, establishing communities in various cities like Philippi, often facing internal challenges and external persecution.
c. AD 60-62— this verse
Paul's Imprisonment and Letter Writing
The Apostle Paul, while imprisoned (likely in Rome or Caesarea), penned epistles to various churches, including Philippi, offering guidance, encouragement, and theological instruction.
c. AD 64
Great Fire of Rome
Nero's alleged persecution of Christians following the Great Fire of Rome intensified hardships for believers across the empire, making Paul's message of unity and humility even more critical.
Jesus explicitly states His mission is one of service, directly reflecting the humble mindset Paul urges the Philippians to adopt from Christ's example.
John 13:14-15Jesus' washing of the disciples' feet is a practical demonstration of the self-sacrificing humility Paul calls them to emulate from Christ's own disposition.
Matthew 20:28This verse highlights Jesus' purpose in coming, which was to serve and give His life, underscoring the self-emptying mindset Paul references.
Colossians 3:12-13Paul reiterates the call for believers to 'clothe themselves' with virtues like humility, compassion, and forgiveness, drawing parallels to Christ's own behavior.
1 Peter 2:21Peter directly instructs believers to follow Christ's example of suffering without complaint, reinforcing the pattern of humility established by Jesus.
barnesPhilippians 2:5: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus - The object of this reference to the example of the Saviour is particularly to enforce the duty of humility. This was the highest example which could be furnished, and it would illustrate and confirm all the apostle had said of this virtue. The principle in the case is, that we are to make the Lord Jesus our model, and are in all respects to frame our lives, as fa…
vincentPhilippians 2:5: "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:"
Let this mind be in you (τοῦτο φρονείσθω ἐν ὑμιν)Lit., let this be thought in you. The correct reading, however, is φρονεῖτε, lit., "think this in yourselves." Rev., have this mind in you.
The verse doesn't just tell us to have Christ's mind, but that this specific, humble mindset is already ours through our connection with Him. This means we're not being asked to conjure up a new attitude, but to recognize and live out the reality of Christ's character that's been imparted to us.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to overcome their internal divisions and strive for unity, contrasting their potential selfishness with Christ's selflessness. He then immediately presents the ultimate example of humility and self-sacrifice, which is Jesus Christ's voluntary descent from divine glory into human form and suffering, leading into a profound theological reflection on His nature and mission.
Paul is urging the Philippian believers to overcome their internal divisions and strive for unity, contrasting their potential selfishness with Christ's selflessness. He then immediately presents the ultimate example of humility and self-sacrifice, which is Jesus Christ's voluntary descent from divine glory into human form and suffering, leading into a profound theological reflection on His nature and mission.
"Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus," — The verse doesn't just tell us to have Christ's mind, but that this specific, humble mindset is already ours through our connection with Him. This means we're not being asked to conjure up a new…
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Last reviewed October 2026