Philippians 2:4

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does Philippians 2:4 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.
Philippians 2:4 — American Standard Version

Context — Philippians 2

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
4not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Look, not every man on his own things, etc.] Not but that a man should take care of his worldly affairs, and look well unto them, and provide things honest in the sight of all men, for himself and his family, otherwise he would be worse than an infidel; but he is not to seek his own private advantage, and prefer it to a public good; accordingly the Syriac version reads it, “neither let anyone be careful of himself, but also everyone of his neighbour”; and the Arabic version thus, “and let none of you look to that which conduces to himself alone, but let everyone of you look to those things which may conduce to his friend”; but this respects spiritual things, and spiritual gifts: a Christian…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The oldest manuscripts read, "Not looking each of you (plural, Greek) on his own things (that is, not having regard solely to them), but each of you on the things of others" also. Compare Phi 2:21; also Paul's own example (Phi 1:24).”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Look not every man on his own things - That is, be not selfish. Do not let your care and attention be wholly absorbed by your own concerns, or by the concerns of your own family. Evince a tender interest for the happiness of the whole, and let the welfare of others lie near your hearts. This, of course, does not mean that there is to be any improper interference in the business of others, or that we are to have the character of “busy-bodies in other people’s matters” (compare the 2 Thessalonians 3:11, note; 1 Timothy 5:13, note; 1 Peter 4:15, note); but that we are to regard with appropriate solicitude the welfare of others, and to strive to do them good. But every man also on the things of…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Aim not every one at his own things - Only. If so, ye have not bowels of mercies. Philippians 2:6”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“Mat 18:6; Rom 12:15, Rom 14:19-22, Rom 15:1; Co1 8:9-13, Co1 10:24, Co1 10:32, Co1 10:33, Co1 12:22-26; Co1 13:4, Co1 13:5; Co2 6:3, Co2 11:29; Jam 2:8 Philippians 2:5”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification