What Does Philippians 2:3-4 Mean?
Philippians 2:3-4 meaning explained verse-by-verse: "Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than th..." Original language, context & application.
"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)
The Plain Meaning
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.
Word Study
'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.
Living It Out
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.
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