Philippians 2:3-4 Text
King James Version (KJV)
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
World English Bible (WEB)
doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
What Philippians 2:3-4 Means
Paul gives two commands about how people should treat one another. First, do nothing out of 'rivalry' or 'conceit'. The KJV's 'vainglory' means empty pride, the kind that wants to win or look impressive. Second, count others as better than yourself. This is not telling anyone to believe they are worthless; the Greek idea is to give others weight and priority, putting their interests ahead of your own image. Verse 4 balances this. The WEB says 'not just looking to his own things', which implies your own needs still count, but they are not the only thing worth watching. A common misreading takes the passage to mean permanent self-erasure or accepting mistreatment. In context, Paul is describing how a community stays united: people who look out for each other rather than compete. He goes on to hold up Christ, who gave up status for others, as the example.
Context of Philippians 2:3-4
Paul wrote Philippians from prison, probably in Rome around 60 to 62 AD, to the church in Philippi. Just before this passage he asks them to be united in mind and love. Right after it, he introduces the famous passage about Christ taking the form of a servant. Some scholars think that passage was an early hymn. The call for humility is Paul's setup for it. To read the whole book, see random verse from Philippians.
How to Apply Philippians 2:3-4
Next time you are in a disagreement, pause before arguing your point and ask what the other person needs or fears. You do not have to ignore your own needs; just widen your attention. Small acts like listening fully, crediting someone else, or doing an unseen favor put this into practice without drama.
Related Verses
- Romans 12:10 – Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
- Galatians 5:13 – For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
- Matthew 20:26-28 – But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
- 1 Peter 5:5 – Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.
Looking for more verses on this theme? Browse Bible Verses About Friendship, each with a short note on its context.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Philippians 2:3-4 mean?
It asks believers to avoid selfish competition and pride, to treat others as worthy of honor, and to pay attention to other people's needs as well as their own. It describes humility as shared care in a community, not self-hatred.
Does Philippians 2:3 mean I should put myself down?
No. Counting others as better is about giving them priority and respect, not thinking you have no value. Verse 4 says look to your own things and also to others', so your needs still matter. The focus is on dropping pride and rivalry.
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