Meaning, commentary and cross references
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.”In other translations
KJV · King James Version
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
NIV · New International Version
Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
WEB · World English Bible
doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself;
What does Philippians 2:3 mean?
John Gill · Exposition of the Entire Bible, on Philippians 2:3
Let nothing be done through strife,.... About words merely; otherwise they were to strive for the faith of the Gospel, the purity of Gospel ordinances, worship and discipline; but the apostle would not have them strive merely to carry a point determined on, without having any regard to reason and truth, or yielding to the infirmities of the weak; which is the case and conduct of contentious persons; than which nothing can be more contrary to the Spirit of the Gospel, or the peace of churches: the apostle adds, or vain glory; for where this is predominant, persons will always be singular in their sentiments, and never relinquish them, let what reason soever be given against them; nor will…
John Gill, Exposition of the Entire Bible (1746–63). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Matthew Henry · Commentary on the Whole Bible, on Philippians 2:1–11
(2.) We must esteem others in lowliness of mind better than ourselves, be severe upon our own faults and charitable in our judgments of others, be quick in observing our own defects and infirmities, but ready to overlook and make favourable allowances for the defects of others. We must esteem the good which is in others above that which is in ourselves; for we best know our own unworthiness and imperfections. (3.)
Matthew Henry, Commentary on the Whole Bible (1706–21; Romans–Revelation completed by Nonconformist ministers). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
John Calvin · Commentaries, on Philippians 2:1–4
3. Nihil per contentionem, aut inanem gloriam, sed per humilitatem alii alios existiment se ipsis excellentiores. 4. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 4. Non considerans quisque quod suum est, sed quisque quod est aliorum. 1 If there is therefore any consolation.
John Calvin, Commentaries (Calvin Translation Society English text). Public domain. Digital text: Free Use Bible API (bible.helloao.org).
Context: Philippians 2:1–6 (WEB)
1If therefore there is any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassion, 2make my joy full by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; 3doing nothing through rivalry or through conceit, but in humility, each counting others better than himself; 4each of you not just looking to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. 5Have this in your mind, which was also in Christ Jesus, 6who, existing in the form of God, didn’t consider equality with God a thing to be grasped,
Cross references
- Romans 12:10
In love of the brothers be tenderly affectionate to one another; in honor prefer one another,
- Galatians 5:26
Let’s not become conceited, provoking one another, and envying one another.
- Ephesians 5:21
subjecting yourselves to one another in the fear of Christ.
- Ephesians 4:2
with all lowliness and humility, with patience, bearing with one another in love,
- 1 Peter 5:5
Likewise, you younger ones, be subject to the elder. Yes, all of you clothe yourselves with humility and subject yourselves to one another; for “God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble.”
- James 3:14–16
But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t boast and don’t lie against the truth.
- James 4:5–6
Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who lives in us yearns jealously”?
- Philippians 2:14
Do all things without complaining and arguing,