Philippians 2:3

Philippians 2:3 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
• New International Version (NIV)Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
• English Standard Version (ESV)Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.
• New King James Version (NKJV)Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.

Context of Philippians 2:3

1Therefore if there is any encouragement and comfort in Christ [as there certainly is in abundance], if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship [that we share] in the Spirit, if [there is] any [great depth of] affection and compassion, 2make my joy complete by being of the same mind, having the same love [toward one another], knit together in spirit, intent on one purpose [and living a life that reflects your faith and spreads the gospel—the good news regarding salvation through faith in Christ]. Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit [through factional motives, or strife], but with [an attitude of] humility [being neither arrogant nor self-righteous], regard others as more important than yourselves. 4Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility],

Philippians 2:3 word by word

μηδὲν κατ᾽ ἐριθείαν μηδὲ κατὰ κενοδοξίαν ἀλλὰ τῇ ταπεινοφροσύνῃ ἀλλήλους ἡγούμενοι ὑπερέχοντας ἑαυτῶν·Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• nothingμηδείςmēdeis mēdemia mēden · nothingG3367
• throughκατάkata · according toG2596
• strifeἐριθείαeritheia · rivalryG2052
• orἤē · orG2228
• vaingloryκενοδοξίαkenodoxia · empty conceitG2754
• butἀλλάalla · butG235
• in lowliness of mindὁho hē to · the/this/whoG3588
• in lowliness of mindταπεινοφροσύνηtapeinophrosunē · humilityG5012
• letἡγέομαιhēgeomai · to governG2233
• eachἀλλήλωνallēlōn · one anotherG240
• betterὑπερέχωhuperechō · be higherG5242
• than themselvesἑαυτοῦheautou · themselfG1438

Cross-references for Philippians 2:3

• Philippians 2:14Do everything without murmuring or questioning [the providence of God],
• Philippians 1:15Some, it is true, are [actually] preaching Christ out of envy and rivalry [toward me—for no better reason than a competitive spirit or misguided ambition], but others out of goodwill and a loyal spirit [toward me].
• Proverbs 13:10Through pride and presumption come nothing but strife, But [skillful and godly] wisdom is with those who welcome [well-advised] counsel.
• Romans 13:13Let us conduct ourselves properly and honorably as in the [light of] day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and irresponsibility, not in quarreling and jealousy.
• 1 Corinthians 3:3You are still worldly [controlled by ordinary impulses, the sinful capacity]. For as long as there is jealousy and strife and discord among you, are you not unspiritual, and are you not walking like ordinary men [unchanged by faith]?
• 2 Corinthians 12:20For I am afraid that perhaps when I come I may find you not to be as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be strife, jealousy, angry tempers, disputes, slander, gossip, arrogance and disorder;
• Galatians 5:15But if you bite and devour one another [in bickering and strife], watch out that you [along with your entire fellowship] are not consumed by one another.
• Colossians 3:8But now rid yourselves [completely] of all these things: anger, rage, malice, slander, and obscene (abusive, filthy, vulgar) language from your mouth.
• 1 Timothy 6:4he is conceited and woefully ignorant [understanding nothing]. He has a morbid interest in controversial questions and disputes about words, which produces envy, quarrels, verbal abuse, evil suspicions,
• James 3:14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not be arrogant, and [as a result] be in defiance of the truth.
• James 4:5Or do you think that the Scripture says to no purpose that the [human] spirit which He has made to dwell in us lusts with envy?
• 1 Peter 2:1So put aside every trace of malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander and hateful speech;
• Luke 14:7Now Jesus began telling a parable to the invited guests when He noticed how they had been selecting the places of honor at the table, saying to them,
• Luke 18:14I tell you, this man went to his home justified [forgiven of the guilt of sin and placed in right standing with God] rather than the other man; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but he who humbles himself [forsaking self-righteous pride] will be exalted.”
• Romans 12:10Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor;
• 1 Corinthians 15:9For I am the least [worthy] of the apostles, and not fit to be called an apostle, because I [at one time] fiercely oppressed and violently persecuted the church of God.

Commentaries on Philippians 2:3

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 3Let nothing be done through strife - Never be opposed to each other; never act from separate interests; ye are all brethren, and of one body; therefore let every member feel and labor for the welfare of the whole. And, in the exercise of your different functions, and in the use of your various gifts, do nothing so as to promote your own reputation, separately considered from the comfort, honor, and advantage of all. But in lowliness of mind - Have always…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 3Let nothing be done through strife - With a spirit of contention. This command forbids us to do anything, or attempt anything as the mere result of strife. This is not the principle from which we are to act, or by which we are to be governed. We are to form no plan, and aim at no object which is to be secured in this way. The command prohibits all attempts to secure anything over others by mere physical strength, or by superiority of intellect or numbers…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 3-4Do nothing out of selfish ambition: Thinking only about yourself is the opposite of truly caring for others (compare 2:20–21; 1 Corinthians 10:24; Galatians 5:26).Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 33. Let nothing be done--The italicized words are not in the Greek. Perhaps the ellipsis had better be supplied from the Greek (Php 2:2), "Thinking nothing in the way of strife" (or rather, "factious intrigue," "self-seeking," see on Php 1:16). It is the thought which characterizes the action as good or bad before God. lowliness of mind--The direct relation of this grace is to God alone; it is the sense of dependence of the creature on the Creator as such…Read the comment

Topics related to Philippians 2:3

• Commandments
• Humility
• Pride
• Respect
• Strife
• Unselfishness

In the dictionaries

• Apostle
• Companion
• Disputing
• Lowliness
• Nigh
• Presently
• Vainglory
• Esteem
• Fashion
• Hope

Commentaries on Philippians 2

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Luther’s Commentary on Selected Bible Passages
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings