Philippians 2:3-4
“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.”
— Philippians 2:3-4 (KJV)
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What Does Philippians 2:3-4 Mean?
Paul calls believers to reject selfish ambition and empty pride. Instead, true humility considers others' needs and interests as more important than one's own.
How to Apply This Verse
Humility isn't thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less. Practically, this means looking for ways to serve, encourage, and prioritize others in daily interactions.
Historical Context
Paul wrote from Roman imprisonment around AD 61-62. The Philippian church had internal conflicts (Euodia and Syntyche, 4:2). Paul counters selfish ambition by pointing to Christ's self-emptying (vv. 5-8) as the ultimate model of humility. Roman culture valued honor, status, and self-promotion—Paul's call was radically countercultural.
Original Language
'Tapeinophrosynē' means lowliness of mind or humility. In secular Greek, it was a vice—abject servility. Christianity transformed it into a virtue. It combines 'tapeinos' (low, humble) and 'phrēn' (mind)—literally a mind that voluntarily places others' interests first.